Often described as the “Little Paris of Middle Europe”, Budapest has two sides stretching along the banks of the Danube, representing two different characters of the city: the ancient and noble Buda and the modern innovative hearth Pest.
As a center for receiving and disseminating cultural influences, you are able to find in every corner a mixture of cultures that makes this city so unique and special, without losing the elegance.
Elegant and sumptuous Budapest has been dominated by the Huns, the Turks and the Habsburgs, but has managed to retain different influences and cultures despite the bombings of World War II.
Getting lost and wandering among the baroque buildings along the streets of downtown is the best way to breathe – in every sense – the real Budapest.
My favorite place in this city is the view from the Buda Castle hill, admiring the Parliament, isn’t too damn beautiful? I could spend hours there just watching the world goes by.
Where to eat:
Budapest is really full of beautiful places where to eat, so it wasn’t easy to select these…
Szimply, best place to have brunch, you can’t miss this, fresh and decorated plates to start your day in the city, acas bowls and avocado toast were so gnuuummy.
Zoska Breakfast Cafe, if you want feeling home and eat in cute Chinese pottery.
Café Smúz, for the most creative and amazing red cappuccinos.
Bluebird coffee, for an explosion of colours and cultures.
Vintage Garden, as you probably know, hidden gardens are one of my favorite spots, I accidentally found this place while visiting the Jewish Quarter. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Hungary. Good breakfast, and the atmosphere is so romantic, so why don’t try it for dinner? (try the mango soup)
The Donut Library, if you visit Budapest during winter, coffee and tasty donuts (I choose the Cookie Monster one) could be a good idea to color your gloomy day.
If you want to discover more you con can shop with locals or try some traditional Hungarian food at Central Market Hall.
360 Bar, to enjoy a cocktail with a breathtaking view of the city.
The most famous Patisserie are Gerbeaud e Ruszwurm, there were also the two favorite of the princess Sissi.
What to see and do:
The Hungarian Parliament (also known as the House of the Nation) is the third largest parliament building in the entire world. The impressive architecture of this building make the Parliament like something out of a Harry Potter filmset.
You will love the vistas of Pest from Fisherman’s bastion. Walking along the Bastion, with Pest (and the Parliament) on the opposite side of the Danube is an unforgettable experience. This is also a fabulous place to see the sun setting.
If you take a bike, which is my favorite way to explore the town, you can relax yourself along Margaret Island. The island is mostly covered by landscape parks, and is a popular recreational area especially during summer. Best thing here is the dancing fountain, first thing you see when you cross the bridge from the city.
Some beautiful panoramic views are also on the top of Gellért Hill. Here you will be able to see all city at your feet.
To escape in a fairy tale, you won’t be disappointed visiting the Vajdahunyad Castle. What makes this castle so unusual is its combination of architectural styles. You can from one place even see Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture, all in one glance. The most picturesque wing of the castle is modeled after the Hunyad Castle in Transylvania, hence its name.
Don’t forget to walk along the Danube during the “blue hour”, the fascinating night lights reflecting on the river make the city even more magical. You can also book a cruise trip along the river. The chain bridge and Hungarian Parliament illuminated in the evening are particularly spectacular.
Then take a dip and relax in one of the city pools. The most famous are those of the Gellert baths because it seems to be in a church, but also those of Széchenyi deserve since it is the largest plant in Europe with 18 pools.
Where hang out:
Budapest is famous not only for the monuments reflecting its own 1,000-year-old culture, but also for pubs and nightlife, especially Ruin Bars
Szimpla Kert, you can’t leave Budapest without visited this place. A concentration of objects make this place so special, so take a seat and enjoy your drink listening some good music.
