Wonderguide by

Viktor Grasztity

The Ultimate Guide to Budapest

This ultimate guide to Budapest breaks down the things to see and do into neighborhoods, so it's easier for you to plan your trip. Each neighborhood has the best selection of sights, museums, eateries, bar and clubs. Enjoy!

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Buda Castle

Introduction to Budapest 101

Place

Buda Castle

Viktor:Buda Castle is the number 1 tourist attraction in Budapest. If you're not really into traditional sightseeing, but you do want to see a little bit of history, you should come here.

Place

Matthias Church

Viktor:One of the oldest Gothic churches in Budapest located in the castle

Place

Fisherman's Bastion

Viktor:Next to Matthias Church, the Fisherman's Bastion offers some great views of the river Danube and the Pest side of town

Place

Savoy terrace

Viktor:In the southern part of the castle, this terrace is home to the equestrian statue of Eugene of Savoy located in front of the National Gallery. And of course beautiful views...

Place

Hungarian National Gallery

Viktor:Collection of international and Hungarian art from the 19th century to the present day and temporary international exhibitions

Place

ZONA

Viktor:After a long walk in the castle, have something to eat in this contemporary restaurant serving modern cuisine overlooking the river and the Chain Bridge.

Place

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Viktor:Stroll across to Pest on the oldest bridge in Budapest built in the 19th century.

Place

PONTOON

Viktor:Finish your tour of the castle with some drinks next to the river with picturesque views of Buda.

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Gift from Viktor. Get a discount off all experiences!

Gellért Hill

Climb up a hill, and then go to one of the world-famous baths of Budapest

Place

Gellért Hill

Viktor:Right next to the city center, walk up for a panoramic view of the city.

Place

Citadella

Viktor:On top of Gellért Hill, it is worth coming up here at night too, when the whole city including the castle and all the bridges are lit up.

Place

Rudas Baths

Viktor:After climbing Gellért, relax in this traditional Turkish bath at the foot of the hill. On weekdays, there are separate men's days and women's days, so check before you go.

Place

Gellért Thermal Bath

Viktor:Alternatively, you could go to this elegant Art Nouveau style thermal bath also next to the hill.

Place

Liberty Bridge

Viktor:Walk across Liberty Bridge to Pest.

Place

Great Market Hall

Viktor:The historic building of the Great Market Hall is a beautiful sight in itself. However, if you want to buy some Hungarian produce, this is one of the best places to do it. This is also one of the few places where you can find fresh fish delivered 2 times a week. Look for the fishmongers in the basement after the pickles.

Place

Szegedi Halászcsárda

Viktor:One of the lesser know stars of Hungarian cuisine is fish soup. Try this delicious dish at this unpretentious specialty restaurant located on a stationery boat next to Liberty Bridge.

Place

Limo Café

Viktor:Next to the river, this closed-down café hosts underground raves at irregular intervals. If you see a crowd outside, or you hear music, just go inside confidently and pay the cover. The historic riverside building has an ironically tacky 90s interior. There's a 50-50 chance that the music is good, but even if it's not, take the stairs up to the rooftop bar, and you'll get to see Budapest at night or even at dawn.

Danube

The Danube is the river of Budapest with one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the world. The public transport system operates 3 boat lines along the river, and this is the cheapest way to see the city from the water.

Place

Margaret Island

Viktor:Margitsziget is an island in the middle of the Danube between Pest and Buda. It's a verdant park with a musical fountain, an open-air theater, swimming pools, and a running track, among others. You can lie down on the grass and have a picnic if the weather is good.

Place

Margitsziget, Centenáriumi emlékmű

Viktor:From this boat stop, take the D12 boat line towards Kopaszi-gát, and you get to see both waterfronts from the river.

Place

Hungarian Parliament Building

Viktor:On the way, experience the best view of the Parliament.

Place

Ludwig Museum

Viktor:Get off the boat at Müpa, and visit the Ludwig Museum inside the Palace of Arts. The Ludwig in Budapest is one of the best contemporary art museums in the world with exciting exhibitions on several floors.

Place

Müpa Budapest

Viktor:The Palace of Arts is a modern architectural wonder with two world-class concert halls hosting classical and contemporary classical performances, and even popular concerts.

Place

Petőfi Bridge

Viktor:From the Palace of Arts, take a walk along the Danube to Petőfi Bridge, and cross to Buda.

Place

A38

Viktor:Next to Petőfi Bridge stands the A38 stationery boat, which is a former Ukrainian ship turned cultural center with a restaurant, two outdoor bars, an exhibition space, and in the bottom of the ship, the best concert venue in town offering seasoned artists and upcoming newbies in every genre, from indie pop to hard techno to death metal, literally everything.

Jewish Quarter

The inner part of the 7th district is currently the hippest part of the city. Historically the Jewish Quarter, then during communism a lot of people were rehoused here from the countryside, in the early 2000s a favorite of university students, and now the it place mainly for young travelers.

Place

Dohány Street Synagogue

Viktor:The largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. There is always a line in front, so it's better to buy your ticket in advance.

Place

Rumbach Street Synagogue

Viktor:Moorish style synagogue

Place

Kazinczy Street Synagogue

Viktor:Late Art Nouveau synagogue

Place

Gettó Gulyás

Viktor:Traditional Hungarian cuisine served in a contemporary ambiance

Place

Fricska Gastropub

Viktor:Don't let the name fool you, Fricska is nothing like a gastropub, it is currently the best fine dining restaurant in the neighborhood serving a daily menu of the freshest ingredients at affordable prices. There is also a cheaper lunch service, but if you want to go in the evening, you have to make a reservation at least a few days in advance.

Viktor:Creole food

Viktor:Hipster ramen restaurant

Place

Sáo food&bar

Viktor:The best Asian restaurant in Budapest with a tastefully beautiful interior serving Vietnamese-Chinese fusion. Closed on Sundays

Place

Szimpla Kert

Viktor:If you are in Budapest, you have to see at least one ruin bar. Szimpla is the first and most famous one, which started the whole trend that contributed to the revitalization of the Jewish district. Because this is the original ruin bar, it is usually overrun by tourists, so go during the day for a coffee or a drink, and they even serve decent burgers. Walk around the whole space, and if the weather is nice, sit in the courtyard to take in the unique atmosphere of this run-down residential building.

Place

Telep-Art Galéria

Viktor:Hip bar with a small art gallery on top. Urban legend has it that the hottest people can be found here during the night.

Place

Kisüzem

Viktor:The ultimate hipster bar of Budapest with an unbelievable selection of hard liquors. At night, it's always full of people, but during the day this is a great place to work. They even have a cheap and tasty lunch offer, which rarely leaves you unsatisfied.

Place

Fogas Ház és Kert

Viktor:LÄRM! Fogas Kert is another ruin bar, which is pleasant at daytime. Unfortunately, at night it turns into the biggest tourist trap of Budapest playing the worst music to a basic target audience at several stages. However, hidden in this complex of mediocrity, there is the best techno club in town, Lärm. There are several entrances with face control from the street. Don't stand at the end of the line sometimes stretching to the corner of the street, but go to the front, and find the queue-less entrance to Lärm. The bouncer will ask you questions like do you know where you're going, what party it is, or who's playing. Just check online before, and you'll get in. Inside it's dark and all about the music! At Lärm you can always feel at home, even if it is your first time.

Heroes' Square

Spend a day in the City Park

Place

Heroes' Square

Viktor:The largest and most impressive square of Budapest serving as one of the entrance points to Városliget (City Park)

Place

City Park

Viktor:Take a walk, and discover some of its hidden gems.

Place

Vajdahunyad Castle

Viktor:Located in City Park, Vajdahunyad is a fake castle built at the end of the 19th century.

Place

Museum of Fine Arts

Viktor:If you don't like the weather, take in some high culture at the Museum of Fine Arts housing collections of international and Hungarian art from ancient times to the end of the 18th century. Located on Heroes' Square

Place

Kunsthalle

Viktor:Also located on Heroes' Square, the Kunsthalle has been exhibiting contemporary art since its foundation at the end of the 19th century.

Place

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

Viktor:If you're not into historic sightseeing, or you want to spend a fun day with the family, visit the Budapest Zoo on the edge of City Park. There are so many animals to be seen that you can literally spend the entire day there, and they also have a petting zoo for the children.

Place

Robinson Étterem

Viktor:If you've worked up an appetite from all the walking around City Park, have a tasty meal at this restaurant with a two-storey terrace overlooking an artificial lake.

Place

Kertem

Viktor:Have a drink at this outdoor bar in the middle of City Park. Family-friendly

Place

Pántlika Bistro

Viktor:Originally an information pavillion built for the Budapest International Fair in 1964, this nostalgic communist building has been transformed into a hip bar located at the furthest end of City Park.

Children's Railway

The Children's Railway is truly unique. You get to experience a cute form of communism in the beautiful natural environment of the Buda Hills with outdoor activities along the way.

Place

Hűvösvölgy, Children's Railway

Viktor:The Children's Railway is not a train line for children, but one operated by children (with some adult supervision). Don't worry, the train driver is a grown up. This communist era railway line travels through the Buda Hills, and has 9 stops with something to see and do at almost every station. Family-friendly

Place

Kaán Károly kilátó

Viktor:The first stop is Hárshegy. Here you can go for an easy hike up Hárs Hill to this watch tower to experience some spectacular views of the nature surrounding Budapest.

Place

Budaszentlőrinc Pauline Monastery

Viktor:The second station is Szépjuhászné. Here you can see the remains of an old monastery.

Place

Budakeszi Wildlife Park

Viktor:The third stop is Vadaspark. Here you can visit this wildlife park in the middle of the forest. Family-friendly

Place

Elizabeth Lookout

Viktor:The fourth station is János-hegy with the Elizabeth Lookout Tower.

Place

Annaréti Szent Anna-kápolna

Viktor:The fifth stop is Virágvölgy. Here you can go for a walk in the Annarét Meadow.

Place

Normafa

Viktor:The next station is Normafa, one of the most popular outdoor destinations of locals.

Place

Budapest Cog-wheel Railway

Viktor:From the last stop of the Children's Railway, Széchenyi-hegy, take the Cog-wheel Railway (seems like Hungarians are obsessed with trains). The Cog-wheel takes you down from the Buda Hills to Városmajor, a park in Buda.