Budapest has a breathtaking view, whether it’s day or night. Whether you’re a history buff like me or not, you’ll definitely enjoy it. The architecture is magnificent, the Christmas market is worth visiting, and Budapest is one of the most affordable cities in Europe that I’ve ever visited.
When people think about traveling to Budapest, they usually imagine a grand European city formed by three towns: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. But long before Buda, Pest, and Óbuda merged into one large city, Buda had been the seat of the Hungarian Kingdom’s government since 1361. King Béla IV of Hungary (founded in the year 1000) felt the need to build a capital on a hill to protect it from enemy attacks.
In the 16th century, Hungary was conquered by the Ottomans (Turkish Ottoman Empire) and remained under Ottoman rule for over 150 years. Even though the Ottomans ruled Hungary for quite some time, there are only a few remnants of Ottoman heritage in this Central European country today. Wars, religious conflict, and the need for building materials caused almost all Ottoman remnants to disappear. Of the hundreds of mosques in Hungary, fewer than 10 remain today, one of which is Pasha Qasim Mosque in the city of Pécs. Of the 16 hammams (Turkish baths) built by the Ottomans, only 3 remain (Rudas, Király, and Veli Bej). Another Ottoman relic you can find when traveling to Budapest is the tomb of the 16th-century Ottoman Sufi, Gül Baba.
At the end of the 17th century, a coalition of Catholic European countries worked together to repel Ottoman forces. Buda was successfully reclaimed from the Ottomans, and by 1718, the entire Kingdom of Hungary was free from Ottoman occupation. After that, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy was formed, and Buda was merged with Pest and Óbuda in 1873 to become Budapest, one of the capitals of Austria-Hungary alongside Vienna. After World War I, Austria-Hungary dissolved, and the country of Hungary was established. At the end of World War II, Budapest suffered significant damage from American and British air raids. After Germany’s defeat, Hungary fell under Soviet influence and became part of the Eastern Bloc. In 1989, when communism collapsed, Hungary transformed into a democratic country as it is today.
Traveling to Budapest, Hungary: How to Get There
When I traveled to Budapest, I took a bit of a detour. If you look at a map of Central Europe, after visiting Vienna, Austria, I should have continued to Bratislava, Slovakia, and then gone north to Prague, Czech Republic. But instead of heading directly to Prague, I went from Bratislava to Budapest, which made the trip from Budapest to Prague longer.
I took a RegioJet bus from Bratislava, which took about 3 hours. In the afternoon, I arrived at Kelenföld Railway Station in Budapest. I bought my bus ticket on Omio, an app I always use during my European trips. Meanwhile, the journey from Budapest to Prague took 8 hours by RegioJet bus. If you want to visit Prague after traveling to Budapest, besides taking the bus as I did, you can also fly. However, the travel time isn’t much shorter than the bus due to the transit, and the price is much higher. So, if you ask me, I’d suggest taking the bus.
Traveling in Budapest: Getting Around
As always, during my time in Europe, including when traveling in Budapest, I mostly walked to explore the city. Besides, I stayed in Pest, which is the economic and cultural center of Budapest, so it wasn’t hard to get around. But when my feet were tired or when I needed to cross over to Buda, I took the tram.
Almost all the tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and thermal baths are located in the city center, so it’s best to walk to these places when traveling in Budapest. Even the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which is a bit further from downtown, can be reached by a 40-minute walk along Andrássy Avenue. When I crossed over to Buda by foot via the Chain Bridge (375 meters), the view was simply stunning, especially at night with all the city lights. Unfortunately, the next day when I hiked up Gellért Hill, the weather was cloudy, and the city view was covered in fog.
Budapest actually has a good public transport system, so don’t forget to use it, especially if your feet are sore from too much walking. You can take the subway, tram, or bus depending on your destination by checking the schedules and routes on Google Maps. One of Budapest’s metro lines, The Millennium Underground (1896), is the oldest subway line in Europe and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Subway tickets can be purchased at subway stations, vending machines at bus stops, or through apps. A single ticket costs 1 Euro (HUF 350). There are also daily, 3-day, and weekly tickets available.
To reach the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle, you can take tram no. 2, while bus no. 16 will take you from the city center to Castle Hill. Other public transport options you can try while traveling in Budapest include cycling and electric scooters. To get from Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the city center, you can take the airport shuttle bus (100E) with a ticket price of 3 Euros (HUF 900), which takes about 30 minutes.
Things to See & Do in Budapest
1. Hungarian Parliament Building
This iconic building is a must-see when traveling to Budapest. The Gothic-style Hungarian Parliament Building is awe-inspiring during the day and even more so at night when it’s illuminated with golden lights! The best place to admire it is from across the Danube River.
Built over 17 years, the Parliament is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Don’t miss seeing the Holy Crown of Hungary housed in the Dome Hall since 2000.
2. Buda Castle
Located on Castle Hill, this castle complex was the residence of Hungarian kings throughout the ages. The architecture ranges from Gothic, Baroque, to Neoclassical, making it a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. You can also visit the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest Castle Museum.
3. Fisherman’s Bastion
One of the most beautiful spots in Budapest. It’s a viewing terrace with seven towers symbolizing the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. Built between 1895 and 1902, it offers incredible views of the city.
4. Matthias Church
Located near Fisherman’s Bastion, this Roman Catholic Church, restored in Gothic style in the 14th century, is stunning. Two Hungarian kings were crowned here. The entrance fee is 2000 HUF (5.72 Euros).
5. Gellért Hill
For the best panoramic view of Budapest, hike up Gellért Hill. The hill, named after Hungary’s first missionary, offers a view of both Buda and Pest, as well as the Danube River. Attractions here include the Citadel, Liberty Monument, and Cave Church.
6. Shoes on the Danube Bank
This memorial commemorates the Holocaust victims killed by the Nazis during World War II. 60 pairs of iron shoes along the riverbank symbolize the victims forced to remove their shoes before being shot.
7. Margaret Island
Budapest’s “Central Park” in the middle of the Danube River. You can enjoy walks, cycling, visit the Rose Garden or Japanese Garden, and relax at the Palatinus thermal baths.
8. Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt and remains one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks. Note: The bridge is under renovation until 2023.
9. Thermal Baths
Budapest has 120 thermal springs, earning it the nickname “City of Baths.” Széchenyi Baths, the largest in the city, offers pools with varying temperatures, saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools. The Gellért Baths, near Gellért Hill, is renowned for its beauty and varied temperature pools.
There are so many attractions in Budapest that I couldn’t visit them all during my trip. Maybe next time, when the borders reopen, I’ll visit Hungary again.