Budapest
Visited in 2011 and 2025
At a glance
- Country
- Hungary
- Region
- Hungary
- Population
- 1.7 million
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International (BUD)
- Coordinates
- 47.50°N, 19.06°E
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Overview
The Danube splits Budapest in two: hilly Buda, with its castle and old streets, and flat Pest, with grand boulevards, cafés and nightlife. The bridges between them, especially at night, are one of Europe's great city views.
Add thermal baths fed by natural hot springs, a fine coffee-house tradition and bars in crumbling courtyards, and it's easy to see why a weekend rarely feels long enough.
Things to see
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Photo: Kilyann Le Hen, CC BY 4.0 Hungarian Parliament Building
A vast neo-Gothic landmark on the riverbank; guided tours show the grand interiors and the Holy Crown.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Varius, CC BY-SA 3.0 Buda Castle
The royal palace on Castle Hill, now home to the National Gallery and the city history museum.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Brian Adamson, CC BY 2.0 Fisherman's Bastion
White fairytale turrets beside Matthias Church, with views across the river to Parliament.
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Photo: Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ), CC BY 3.0 St Stephen's Basilica
The city's largest church, with a dome you can climb for a panorama over Pest.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: The original uploader was OsvátA at Hungarian Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 3.0 Dohány Street Synagogue
Europe's largest synagogue, with a moving memorial garden to the victims of the Holocaust.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ), CC BY 3.0 Soak in the Széchenyi Baths
Steaming outdoor pools in a yellow neo-baroque palace in City Park, at their best on a cold morning.
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Photo: JoshuaCrawford, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ruin bars
Drink in the Jewish Quarter's derelict courtyards turned bars, starting with Szimpla Kert.
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Photo: Thaler Tamas, CC BY-SA 4.0 Great Market Hall
Paprika, salami and lángos under a soaring iron roof at the end of Váci utca.
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Photo: SNRTZ Minden kép saját, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Szentendre
A riverside artists' town of painted houses and galleries, under an hour north by suburban train.
Where to stay
Belváros-Lipótváros (District V)
Central, elegant and walkable to most sights; ideal for a first visit.
Hotels in Belváros-Lipótváros (District V)Erzsébetváros (District VII)
The old Jewish Quarter, with ruin bars and restaurants; lively and sometimes noisy.
Hotels in Erzsébetváros (District VII)Castle District
Quiet cobbled streets and romantic views, though fewer places to eat late.
Hotels in Castle District
Getting around
Metro, trams and buses cover the city; trams 2, 4 and 6 are especially useful. Buy passes from the BKK app or machines, and validate paper tickets.
The 100E airport bus runs to Deák Ferenc tér in the centre in about 35 to 40 minutes; a taxi takes around half an hour.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are mild and ideal for walking. Summer is hot, with the Sziget Festival in August, while winter is cold but brings Christmas markets and steaming baths.
Plan your trip to Budapest
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.