City trip Budapest | The sights

The capital of Hungary which is known for the separation of the Danube and is worth seeing for a city ​​trip. There are several options from the Netherlands to go to Budapest. The plane is most commonly used, but from various places there are also good train connections that take you to Budapest in 12 hours via Germany en Austria.

Tip:: Click here for train travel to Budapest.

The city has a rich history of which there is still much to see. Due to the separation of the river Danube the city can be divided into the Pest and Buda sides, which are connected by several bridges, but public transport also runs both over and under the river. Furthermore, the city is very famous for it Island Festival that takes place here every year.

The Pest side of the city

This is the eastern side of the city where many sights are located. Furthermore, this is a good place to spend the night, because there are good public transport connections from here to different parts of the city. This is where the business part of the city is located, where most of the industry takes place. On the Pest side there are no mountains and it is almost flat.

Ruin bars

These bars are unique to Budapest and consist of old and abandoned buildings that have been converted into a bar, retaining as many old parts as possible. It is therefore a colorful affair of many different and sometimes strange things together. Budapest is known for its nightlife and a visit to a Ruin Bar is a must do during your city trip to Budapest.

The most famous Ruin Bars is Szimpla Kert (Location here) located in the heart of the city and it is a sight in itself. If you are not into nightlife, it is also possible (and worthwhile) to visit the bar during the day. There are many others in the city.

Great Synagogue of Budapest

From where the ruin bars are located, it is about a 5 minute walk to the Great Synagogue of Budapest. It's called in Hungarian Dohány utcai Zsinagoga. It is the largest synagogue in Europe and is the second largest in the world. It can accommodate as many as three thousand visitors. It was built in 1854 and is located in the former Jewish quarter. It is open to visitors and it is worth entering.

The Ferris Wheel and Elizabeth Square

Located in the park Elizabeth Square (Location here) lies the large Ferris wheel of Budapest which is part of the city's skyline. The park is worth a visit for a lovely bar under the fountain and the other bars, which are the perfect location for a drink on a summer evening. Around the park you will find a large number of shopping streets, where you can walk for hours.

St. Stephen's Basilica

Together with the parliament building, the St. Stephen's Basilica (Location here) the tallest building in the city of Budapest and it is therefore impressive to see. The basilica can be visited from the inside and this is free. If you want to go up the dome for the beautiful view, you pay a ticket of about €3. The basilica is just as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside and is therefore beautiful to see. There are also several restaurants around the basilica where you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Chain bridge

When you think of Budapest, you first see this bridge (location here) for you. It is therefore an icon of the city and connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. This was the first connection between the two parts of the city. The bridge will be renovated in 2023 and will therefore be covered in scaffolding.

Hungarian Parliament Building and shoes on the Danube Quay

It is next to the Chain Bridge Hungarian Parliament Building (Location here) and the shoes that stand on the Danube Quay, the most visited sights in the city. These should certainly not be missed on a city trip to Budapest. As a visitor you can visit the parliament building and you need a ticket for this.

The shoes are located on the Danube Quay next to the parliament building. This monument (location here) with 60 metal shoes in memory of the Jews who died here.

Heroes Square and Vajdahunyad Castle

The Heroes Square (Location here) is a large square in the middle of the city that was built for the 1000th anniversary of the country of Hungary. It Millennium monument is the big eye-catcher. Directly behind the monument is a large park in which it is located Vadjahunyad castle (Location here) is located. It seems straight out of a fairy tale, with a large pond surrounding it. There is also a large ice rink here in winter that is well attended.

Szechenyi bathhouse

In the park behind the heroes' square, City Park, is also the most famous bathhouse in Budapest, the Szechenyi baths (Location here). One of the things Budapest has become known for. It is a very large complex with many options to enjoy the hot springs. It can be very busy. Therefore, try to visit it at a quiet time, such as in the morning or evening. Bring swimwear and sunscreen if the sun is shining. But the most important thing is to buy a ticket in advance!

The Buda side of the city

This is located on the western side of the Danube and is also called the city's museum. It is easily recognized by the many hills, which the other side of the city does not have. There are fewer accommodation options here, but there are many sights on this side of the Danube.

Fisherman's Bastion

A very popular place for tourists (location here). From here you have a beautiful view of the city, where the sunset is especially beautiful.

Matthias Church

Right next to the Fisherman's Bastion is the Matthias Church (Location here) which is beautifully situated. You have to pay an entrance fee to visit the church. It is therefore an option to climb the tower, after which an even better view of the city is visible.

Buda castle & castle hill

This is also a very busy point in the city and here you also have a beautiful view over the plague side of the city, especially at sunset. The Royal Palace (location here) used to be the home of the royal family, today it is a museum.

Gellért Hill and bathhouse with Liberty statue

South of the castle district is a hill called the Gellért Hill (Location here). You can walk up this hill via various hiking trails. From the hill you have a beautiful view of the city and the castle district fishing bastion. It's on top Liberty statue (Location here). Furthermore, next to the hill is the well-known Gellért bathhouse (Location here), where you can enjoy wonderful hot springs.

Accommodation

There are many options to stay close to the city. There are very expensive hotels, but there is also no shortage of hostels. The best location of your accommodation is close to the Jewish quarter where there is plenty of public transport and you are close to everything on foot.

I stayed at Maverick City Lodge Budapest (click here). This hostel is located in the main nightlife street of Budapest with many restaurants and one in the hostel. Travelers from all over the world stay here because of its excellent location.

There are many options and there is something to stay for every price budget.

Activities

There is a lot to do in a big city like Budapest. This includes a boat trip on the Danube where you see both sides of the city, but also walking tours where guides show you the city. You can also cycle through the city and see a lot.