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Budapest Travel Guide: Top 8 Things to Do in Hungary’s Capital

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Budapest Travel Guide: Hungary’s capital city, Budapest, is a vibrant metropolis filled with beautiful sights to be seen, hearty food to be consumed, and a wealth of history worth being discovered. The name Budapest comes from the two sides of the city, Buda and Pest, which officially merged together in 1873 but are still physically separated by the beautiful Danube River. Budapest is Hungary’s largest city, and with a population nearing 1.8 million people, there is always something going on. Check out some of the best places to visit in our ultimate Budapest travel guide:

1. Ruin Bars

The ruin bars are once-abandoned buildings have been transformed into vibrant pubs adorned with creative graffiti art, colorful lights, and a unique atmosphere. There are several ruin bars around the city and they are all uniquely different and worth exploring. Even if drinking alcohol isn’t your cup of tea, the ruin bars are still worth checking out and strolling through

2. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

After a night out at the Ruin Bars or after strolling around the city all day, there is no better way to relax and revive your body than by visiting the most popular thermal bathhouse in Budapest. The bright yellow Széchenyi Thermal Bathhouse radiates beauty before you even set foot inside and once you are inside it gets even more beautiful. There are several indoor and outdoor thermal pools to choose from, all varying in temperature. A hot soak in a thermal pool is a rejuvenating experience (especially if you are visiting in the wintertime). Be sure to make reservations in advance, as sometimes they can sell out. There are also other thermal bathhouses around the city, but the Széchenyi Thermal Bathhouse is the most famous.

3. Thermal Beer Spa Budapest

This is just as cool as it sounds. Connected to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is Thermal Beer Spa Budapest. After you change into your bathing suit, the friendly staff at the Thermal Beer Spa draw up a bath tub filled with natural thermal water and beer ingredients (hops, malt, yeast, and beer salt). Beer baths have a lot of benefits both your skin and your hair because of it large amount of nutrients in the ingredients. Next to each bath tub is a tap with ice-cold beer. You have 30 minutes to soak in the tub and drink as much beer as you can – yes, it is unlimited beer. It is a unique experience and is also surprisingly refreshing. Never let anyone tell you beer is bad for you again! Reservations are required and can be made here: https://thermalbeerspa.com/en/.

If you are interested in doing both the beer spa and the Széchenyi thermal bath, you can book a combination ticket for both activities, which I highly recommend!

4. Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks. Perched on Castle Hill, it overlooks the famous Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest’s vast skyline, and the Danube River below. Its architecture is stunning and is made up of white stone walls, elegant staircases, and beautiful balconies, which offer visitors multiple viewing terraces. The viewing terraces are adorned with decorative parapets, columns, and statues, which make for unforgettable photos. This iconic landmark is free for visitors to enter. Due to its location on Castle Hill, there are also a lot of things to do and places to explore nearby.

5. Bridges

There are 8 bridges in Budapest that connect the Buda side of the city to the Pest side of the city over the Danube River. All of these bridges are beautifully built and each has its own character. The most famous of the bridges are probably the Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge. All of the bridges offer great vantage points of the surrounding city, the Dunube River, and amazing photo opportunities.

6. Hungarian Parliament Building

Situated on the Danube riverbank on the Pest side of Budapest is the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building. If you have looked at any photos of Budapest, you’re sure to have seen it, because it is simply iconic. Completed in 1904, it is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. Its design includes intricate detail, gargoyles, arches, and spires. Visitors can tour through the building with a tour guide. As is with most other activities in Budapest, it is advisable to book your tour ahead of time. Check out Get Your Guide to book a tour for the Parliament Building or any other tours you are interested in while visiting Budapest.

7. Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

Whether or not you are an avid reader, this library is sure to wow you with its beautiful interior. For a small fee (1500 HUF, which equals just under €4) visitors are welcomed to quietly tour the library’s multiple floors. This library is probably one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever laid eyes on and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

8. Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and can seat approximately 3,000 people. It is situated at the edge of the Jewish Quarter and is famous for its two huge domed towers, tall windows, imposing niches, and simply beautiful high altar. The synagogue complex also houses the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Park, and Heroes’ Temple. Visitors can enter the beautiful synagogue for 5000HUF (about €13).

There is no shortage of fun things to do in the vibrant city of Budapest and there are so many other things that could be added to this list. Whether you are on a getaway with friends looking to blow off steam, are visiting to learn about the historical significance that Budapest holds, or are just looking to wander around the city to see the sights, you are sure to find something that intrigues you. Where are your favorite places to visit in Budapest? Let me know in the comments below!

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