Hungary is a stunning country in Eastern Europe with a rich history dating back to the 9th century, when the Magyars settled in the Carpathian Basin. The county has experienced a lot of historical events, including periods under the Ottoman and Habsburg rule, and more recently, communist governance. Today, Hungary has a population of approximately 9.9 million people, with Budapest as its capital and largest city. The city got its name in 1873 when the cities of Buda and Óbuda on the right side of the Danube River and the city of Pest on the left were unified.
I was captivated by Budapest during my solo Europe tour back in May of 2022. The city’s breathtaking murals, exquisite architecture, and delicious cuisine left a lasting impression. I knew I had to return and share this experience with Oscar.
There are so many places to visit, sights to see, and eateries to try. During our visit this May, we spent two days in Budapest and experienced 13 incredible activities. We hope you get to explore a few, if not all, of these places on your visit.
This itinerary is organized by attractions on both sides of the Danube River, beginning with those nearest to the Chain Bridge. On the Buda side, the Castle Hill area, which includes Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church is grouped together. Next, we move to the Parliament Building and nearby attractions, followed by the Jewish Quarter and other sights on the Pest side. Finally, Margaret Island and Pozsonyi út are listed, as they are slightly farther from the central area.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the first permanent bridge to connect Buda and Pest, opened in 1849 and has since undergone several renovations. Today, it stands as one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, including the Parliament Building and Buda Castle.
Address: Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary
Castle Hill Funicular
Sightseeing just got easier with the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular. Hop on the historical cable car and enjoy the scenic ride up to Buda Castle Hill. The funicular operates from 7:30 AM to 10 PM. A roundtrip ticket costs 4,000 Ft (US$ 11) for adults and 2,000 Ft (US$ 5.50) for children.
Address: Clark Ádám tér, 1013 Budapest
Buda Castle
The castle was built in the 1300s following the Mongol invasion and has undergone numerous sieges and reconstructions, evolving from a medieval fortress into the grand palace we know today. You can enjoy the gardens, main courtyards, and surroundings of Buda Castle for free, as they are open 24/7. However, to explore the three wings of the main building, you will need to purchase an entry ticket. Several tours are available at various price points. Buda Castle is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Note: The museums inside the Buda Castle Royal Palace are closed on Mondays.
Address: Szent György tér 2-1014 Budapest, 1014 Hungary
Fisherman’s Bastion
Without a doubt, Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya in Hungarian) is one of Budapest’s most visited landmarks. Built in the 19th century to celebrate Hungary’s 1000th birthday, the bastion features seven high-pitched stone towers symbolizing the seven Hungarian chieftains who founded the country in 895. The terrace offers spectacular views of Budapest and the Danube River. It is open all year round, with free access to the lower terraces, while the upper towers require a ticket during daytime hours.
The bastion is part of Budapest’s World Heritage Site, along with the Buda Castle District.
Pro Tip: To take photos and avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or at night, as it is open 24/7.
Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary
Matthias Church
You don’t have to go far for this next sight. Matthias Church is adjacent to Fisherman’s Bastion, just about a minute away. For more information, visit the church’s website.
Address: Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Budapest
Hungarian Parliament Building
Visit the number one top attraction in Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament Building, where visitors are free to roam the grounds and take photos outside. To see the inside, you will need to book a tour. Tickets can be purchased online or on the same day at the Visitor Center. We recommend booking your ticket in advance, as same day tickets, especially for English tours, may be limited and sell out quickly.
Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
만나식당 (Manna Korean Restaurant)
Korean food is one of our favorite cuisines, so we always seek it out in different countries to compare. In Budapest, we decided to check out Manna Korean Restaurant. I ordered the spicy seafood kimchi jjigae which came with white rice, while Oscar had the Suwon Wangalbi Chicken (fried chicken wings with homemade soy sauce). We also shared a bottle of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine). The food was amazing, with a wonderful menu selection offering a great variety of authentic Korean dishes and generous serving portions. The banchan (Korean complimentary side dishes) were delicious. The atmosphere was pleasant, with a great music playlist and super friendly staff.
Address: Budapest, Akácfa u. 7, 1072 Hungary
Jewish Quarter
Located in District 7, the Jewish Quarter, or Erzsébetváros, was the center of Jewish life in Budapest from the late 18th century until World War II. Today, the area still houses three major synagogues, including the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world, seating 3,000 people. Despite the terrible past, the Jewish Quarter is now a lively area known for its excellent food and vibrant nightlife.
Visit the Hungarian Jewish Museum, located within the Dohány Street Synagogue complex, where you can also find the Tree of Life Memorial, the WWII victims’ graveyards, and the Heroes Temple. Click here to buy your tickets and for more information.
Stroll down Sip Street to admire the beautiful architecture and creative street art. Try some street food, enjoy a drink at Szimpla Kert (the first ruin bar in Budapest), or visit one of the many other bars in the area.
Address: Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary
The Great Market Hall/Nagycsarnok
Built in 1897, The Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, located on the Pest side of the Liberty Bridge. The market has three floors: the ground floor offers fresh produce, meats, pastries, spices, and local specialties like paprika and sausages; the upper floor has eateries and souvenir shops; and the basement contains fishmongers and pickle vendors. The market is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. It is popular with both locals and tourists.
Pro Tip: While the Central Market is a great place to browse and sample local foods, exercise caution when eating at food stalls, as tourist traps and overpricing are common.
Address: Budapest, 1093 Hungary
Liberty Bridge
Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) connects Buda and Pest across the Danube River, linking Gellért Square on the Buda side with Fővám Square on the Pest side. Take a stroll, snap some photos, and enjoy the cityscape while people watching.
Address: Szabadság híd, 1093 Budapest
Pozsonyi út
Pozsonyi út is a trendy street in újlipótváros, a neighborhood in Budapest. Escape the city’s touristy areas and opt for this vibrant avenue in District 13 a haven for foodies, boasting an array of bakeries, cafes, and specialty shops. Coffee lovers should not miss My Green Cup and PIKNIK, a few of the many cafés lining the street.The area is also rich in history, featuring Art Deco buildings and plaques marking Jewish safehouses from 1944. For a truly local experience, visitors can enjoy pastries from places like Három Tarka Macska bakery or explore the diverse culinary scene, including Middle Eastern inspired dishes at Babka.
Address: Pozsonyi út, 1137 Budapest (it’s a street, no specific number)
PIKNIK Address: Pozsonyi út 43, 1137 Budapest, Hungary
Margaret Island
Margaret Island, known as Margit-sziget in Hungarian, is a 1.5 mile long island located in the Danube River in central Budapest. It’s a popular recreational area, mostly covered by landscape parks and named after Saint Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV. The island has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with ruins of medieval churches and convents still visible today. Visitors can enjoy various attractions, including beautiful gardens, thermal baths, a water tower with panoramic views, and recreational activities like cycling and walking.
Margaret Island is conveniently accessible by car, on foot, or via public transportation, with Bus 26 providing a direct route from one end of the island to the other.
Consider renting a bike and packing some snacks to fully explore the island. With limited car access, the island serves as a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, preserving a calm and tranquil atmosphere.
Address: 1138 Budapest (it’s an island, no specific street address)
FAT MAMA
After searching Google for a good breakfast spot on our last day in Budapest, Oscar chose Fat Mama due to its overwhelming positive reviews, and we weren’t disappointed. The ambiance, staff, food, and drinks were simply superb! However, the highlight for us was the croissant. It smelled wonderful and was soft, light, layered, and puffy, with a crispy and crunchy exterior. Paired with butter and raspberry ragout, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, it was truly exceptional.
Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 24, 1075 Hungary
Useful Hungary Facts
Capital: Budapest
Location: Eastern Europe, landlocked country bordered by Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Language: The official language is Hungarian, however English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Official Dish: Goulash (gulyás), a hearty meat and vegetable soup/stew seasoned with paprika.
Known For: Hungary is known for iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Thermal baths and Paprika, a signature spice in Hungarian cuisine.
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