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Holidays to Budapest strike the perfect balance between old and new. Hilly Buda has history on tap, while Pest brings the buzzing nightlife.
The Paris of the East
Budapest gets nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’ because both cities share that 19th-century grandness, with their café culture, gorg buildings and riverside scenes. So, if you like Paris, you’ll love Budapest – it’s also much cheaper, making it a great destination dupe. Hungary’s capital is a city of two halves – both in name and geography. It’s split by the Danube River, with Buda to the west and Pest to the east. The former’s crowned by a hilltop castle and a fortress, which offer up some of the best panoramas around. Then, the latter’s home to the Jewish Quarter and the city’s grand-and-Gothic parliament building.
Historic sights
Reminders of the past are everywhere you turn in Budapest – from the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial to the charming Castle District and the enlightening House of Terror Museum. Then, there are the open-air ruin bars, found in the Jewish Quarter’s abandoned buildings. The most famous one – Szimplakert – has become a Budapest institution. Here, you can sip your drinks in a cut-open car or bathtub, surrounded by graffiti-covered walls and junkyard-chic furniture.
Thermal baths
As well as a scene-stealing riverside setting, Budapest’s blessed with a collection of thermal springs. The mineral-rich waters supply the city’s popular bathhouses, hence its nickname – the City of Spas. They count for some of the city’s best architecture, too, from the Art Deco Gellert Baths to the Ottoman-era Kiraly Baths and the canary-coloured Szechenyi.
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Budapest FAQs
The best time to visit Budapest is April-June and September-October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. December is also a great time to visit if you want to experience the Christmas markets.
2-3 full days is the perfect amount of time to see Budapest for the highlights and a thermal bath visit. Add an extra day if you want to include a daytrip to Szentendre or Lake Balaton.
Yes – compared to many European capitals, Budapest offers excellent value as a city break. Mid-range meals cost €10-15, public transport is inexpensive, and ruin bars and street food are ideal for budget nights out.
Ruin bars are quirky pubs built inside abandoned buildings and courtyards, decorated with mismatched furniture, street art and antiques.
Definitely – a Danube River cruise is one of the best ways to see both Buda and Pest from the water. Evening cruises are especially beautiful when the bridges and historic buildings are illuminated.
Yes – Budapest has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants (like Napfényes, Kozmosz and Las Vegans), and many cafés offer meat-free options.
The Fisherman’s Bastion and St Stephen’s Basilica dome offer fantastic views, but for a truly panoramic spot, hike up to Gellért Hill (Citadella).
Outdoor drinking is prohibited in most public areas (including streets and parks) and can result in a fine. Stick to bars, terraces and designated beer gardens.
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Budapest travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Hungary but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Hungary using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary/health
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