Budapest City Guide 2016

We recently spent the weekend in Hungary’s capital Budapest (2 a half days to be exact) which is more than enough time to explore the wonders of this city. Here are some of the must–sees and highlights that the beautiful city of Budapest has to offer.

Try Out Traditional Hungarian Food

Budapest is renowned for its amazing bakery’s and meaty stews. On our first night we ate in a restaurant called Menza which had already been recommended to us and it most certainly lived up to expectations. Very reasonably priced, we tried Hungary’s classic dishes of goulash soup and beef stew as well as an interesting starter of strawberry soup served with ice cream (yes it was definitely a starter!) We also visited Budapest’s first running bakery which can be found next to Buda Castle called Ruszwurm – amazing pastries, good coffee and a lovely location.

Relax in the Szechenyi Baths

No trip to Budapest would be complete without a visit one of the city’s thermal spas. There are a number of ones you can visit but the Szechenyi baths are the most popular. They are over 100 years old and you can spend the day relaxing, drinking and eating within the old building walls. There are also treatment rooms available around the baths where you can grab a massage or use the sauna rooms.

Get Boozy in Buda’s Ruin Pubs

One of the coolest parts of Budapest in my opinion – the city has a number of ruin buildings which have been built on inside into pubs and bars where tourists and locals can go to drink. We visited the Szimpla Kert which is probably the most well – known. As you walk in the building it has lots of different rooms where you can sit and drink, all decorated with random bits and bobs. It also has an outdoor area as well as a balcony floor – a must do for all visitors – and the drinks are very cheap!

Discover the Amazing Architecture

Budapest is a very walkable city and more than anything we would suggest to wander around and check out the amazing buildings and settings it has to offer. The parliament building situated on Pest side next to the river Danube is incredible to look at and can be viewed perfectly either from taking a river cruise down the Danube or heading over to Buda Castle over the chain bridge. The palace is also very impressive and gives you a great over look at the whole city.

Phoebe Brannick