Like many of Europe’s most photogenic capitals, Budapest’s beauty lies in its contrasts. The luscious River Danube splits the city down the middle into quiet, hilly, historic Buda, on one side, and Pest, all grand boulevards and first-rate art museums, on the other. There’s no shortage of brilliant things to see and do in both, but the Hungarian capital is much more than its magnificent monuments. After all, some of the best attractions in Budapest are its world-famous thermal baths, the thriving, oh-so alluring ‘ruin bars, and some very plush parks that must rank among Europe’s finest. Ready to get out there? These are the 10 experiences you simply must have in Budapest.
• Buda Castle
• Hungarian Parliament
• Széchenyi Baths
• St Stephen’s Basilica
• Children’s Railway
• Heroes’ Square
• Memento Park
• Central Market Hall
• Margaret Island
• Dohány Street Synagogue
-Local Delicacies-
Goulash
Chicken Paprikash
Jokai Bean Soup
Lecsó
Túrós Csusza
Palacsinta
Rakott Krumpli
Kolbász
Somlói Galuska
Lángos
Kürtőskalács
-Things to buy-
Hungarian traditional hand crafted porcelain
Ajka Crystal
Painted Eggs
Traditional Hungarian Dolls
Tokaji Wine
The Hungarian Secret Box
Traditional Hungarian Shirts
When to visit Budapest
The best times to visit Budapest are from March to May and September through November. These shoulder seasons are when the weather is idyllic and the city isn't overcrowded with tourists. However, the climate is always relatively mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding bearable levels.
Budapest may not be as renowned for its museums as nearby Vienna, but culture vultures shouldn’t despair: you’ll find plenty of excellent galleries and museums in the Hungarian capital. From the former secret police HQ to an array of world-beating art institutions, there’s no shortage of cultural mooching to be done here.
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