A city break in Budapest feels like discovering a hidden gem that somehow everyone else already knew about. With grand boulevards, hilltop castles, steamy thermal baths, and more layers of history than you can unpack in a single visit, this city swept us off our feet in just a few days – and it didn’t break the bank!
Hungarian Parliament View From Cruise © Simran Kabotra
Why Budapest?
My friend and I chose Budapest because it was affordable, highly recommended, and offered the perfect mix of beauty, history, and a sense of adventure. With its walkable streets, vibrant neighbourhoods, and breathtaking views at every turn, it feels surprisingly intimate for a capital city. Neither of us had travelled to Central or Eastern Europe before, so this felt like a great introduction – accessible, welcoming, and full of pleasant surprises.
- Who went: 2 adults
- When we travelled: 2nd to 5th May 2025
- Where we travelled from: London Stansted Airport
Where We Stayed in Budapest
We stayed at Vagabond Grand’Or, an apartment right in the heart of the city. Just minutes from Deák Ferenc tér – the main square and transport hub. It was the perfect base for exploring both the buzzing Pest side and the quieter, more scenic Buda hills. The apartment itself was clean, modern, and cozy – ideal for recharging after long days on our feet.
Matthias Church © Simran Kabotra
Things To Do In Budapest
Gellért Thermal Baths
We started our trip with a visit to Gellért Baths, one of the most famous thermal spas in the city. Arriving right when it opened at 9am was a great shout – the pools were quiet, the water was steaming, and the atmosphere was dreamily tranquil. Soaking in art nouveau surroundings while steam curled around us felt like a scene from a vintage film.
Pest Walking Tour
If it’s your first time in Budapest, a walking tour is a must. Our guide, István from GuruWalk, was incredibly knowledgeable and full of fun facts, offering a brilliant overview of the Pest side of the city. From the tragic history of Hungary’s past to the architectural styles layered across centuries, he helped us connect the dots behind what we were seeing.
The Buda Side: Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church
Crossing the Chain Bridge to the Buda side was a highlight. It’s greener, quieter, and filled with winding streets and grand views. While we explored on our own, I definitely wish we had taken a guided tour here, too.Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are absolutely magical – like walking through a storybook. Walking up to Matthias Church, we both joked that it looked like a set from The Truman Show – pristine, surreal, and almost too perfect to be real.
House of Terror Museum
This museum isn’t light-hearted, but it’s essential. Housed in the former headquarters of the Nazi and Communist regimes, the House of Terror is a powerful and chilling experience that offers a sobering insight into Hungary’s 20th-century trauma. It left us shaken, thoughtful, and deeply moved.
Evening River Cruise
One of the most beautiful experiences we had was a Danube river cruise at night, booked via GetYourGuide. As the sun set and the city lit up, Budapest transformed into something straight out of a fairy tale. The glowing Parliament building reflected on the water is a sight that stays with you.
Ruin Bars
We couldn’t leave without diving into Budapest’s famous ruin bar scene. These quirky bars, like the iconic Szimpla Kert, are full of mismatched furniture, wild décor (think wires, keyboards, old TVs, graffiti, and plants growing from bathtubs), and buzzing energy. Fun, chaotic, and utterly unique – you can’t miss them.
Ruin Bar © Simran Kabotra
What We Ate In Budapest
Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
This sweet, sugary treat was a personal favourite. The best one we found was here – crispy outside, soft and warm inside, and incredibly satisfying.
Bors Gastro Bar
Tiny, creative, and full of flavour. Their soups and sandwiches are inventive and delicious, especially the spicy tomato soup and the baguette-style subs. It’s street food with serious style.
Pizzabar Pomodoro
Surprisingly, we found some of the best pizza we’ve ever had here. Warm, thin-crusted, and generously topped – it’s ideal if you want a break from heavier local fare.
Fat Mama
Fat Mama served up one of the best brunches we had on the trip – delicious, satisfying, and full of flavour. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft music playing in the background that made the whole place feel cosy. It was the perfect spot to relax and wait out the rain, and we ended up lingering longer than planned just because it felt so calm and comfortable.
Brunch at Fat Mama © Simran Kabotra
What to Love (And Not to Love) About Budapest
What to love
One of the best things about Budapest is its rich history and the striking contrast between the Buda and Pest sides, each offering a distinct charm and character. The city is also very walkable, making it easy to explore major sights either on foot or with a short tram ride. There’s a wonderful variety of experiences to enjoy – from grand thermal baths and thought-provoking museums to lively nightlife and scenic river views.
What not to love
However, not everything was to our taste. We found traditional Hungarian food to be quite heavy, particularly dishes like lángos (fried dough), which didn’t sit well with us. That said, we’re open to trying more local cuisine on a future visit.
Would I Go To Budapest Again?
Absolutely. Budapest feels like a city you could return to again and again, peeling back another layer each time. Next time, I’d love to explore Margaret Island, try a different thermal bath, and do a walking tour on the Buda side to really understand that half of the city. It’s romantic, complex, and filled with surprises – a city that leaves you thinking long after you’ve returned home.
Travel Writer Bio
Simran Kabotra is a writer, avid reader & crocheter who loves travel. She has travelled across Southeast Asia and is currently searching high and low for new adventures, beautiful landscapes and rich history.
© Simran Kabotra
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