Budapest is one of my favourite cities.  It has some fabulous architecture, artistic attraction and some of the best secondhand clothing shops I’ve seen anywhere! Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time in them an got some great bargains!

With its magnificent backdrop of architecture and the Danube, the city can be inspirational to creatives. I’ve written of short stories while sitting on a café on the bank of the River Danube, which is at its most magnificent in this city, and even vowed to write my memoir in a cafe on the promenade one day!.The view from the Buda side of the river creates a backdrop of the parliament building on the Pest side. There are plenty of cafes to visit, excellent restaurants and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Of course, there are also guided tours available to many of the most interest parts of the city.

Transport is cheap and easy to get to, with trams going to the bus station and also straight to the airport. I’ve travelled to Budapest by bus, train and plane, and all are good and easy ways to get there to and from many European and Middle Eastern destinations.

Women’s Safety

Although some parts of the city have a seedy undertone at times, it is easy to avoid and is not so in-your-face that it affects you all that much. However, did see a woman being assaulted in a back alley on my first visit there, which, as it was on my first day – made me feel quite uneasy.  Nevertheless, I would say Budapest is a safe city for women, just use your common sense when you walk alone in the most isolated areas.  

With that being said, Budapest is still one of the most culturally fascinating cities I’ve visited, and still revisit. Here are some places you should try to get to while in the city.

1. Buda Castle and the Castle District

Perched atop Castle Hill, Buda Castle is a testament to Hungary’s regal past. This historic palace complex has witnessed numerous reconstructions, blending medieval, Baroque, and modern architectural elements. Within its walls, visitors can explore the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Both offer a deep dive into the nation’s art and history. As you wander the Castle district – with its cobblestoned streets –  you can get a great vantage point to view the city.  ​

2. Fisherman’s Bastion

Adjacent to Matthias Church in the Castle District, the Fisherman’s Bastion is renowned for its fairy-tale turrets and terraces. Constructed in the early 20th century, it was designed to celebrate the 1,000th birthday of the Hungarian state. The bastion provides some of the most breathtaking views of Budapest, especially the Parliament building across the Danube.

3. Hungarian Parliament Building

Dominating the Pest side of the city, the Hungarian Parliament Building is an architectural masterpiece. As one of the largest parliament buildings globally.  Its neo-Gothic design, intricate detailing, and majestic dome make it a must-visit. Guided tours offer insights into Hungary’s political history and the grandeur of its interiors. ​

Take a walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (with thousands of other visitors) to reach to the Parliament building from the Buda side.

4. St. Stephen’s Basilica

This monumental basilica, is named after Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen. It is not only a place of worship but also a repository of art and history. Visitors can admire its stunning interior, go up into the dome for a panoramic city view, and attend concerts showcasing its magnificent acoustics. ​Like many churches in the region, the seating is cordoned off, so, unless you’re attending a worship service, you will not be able to sit and soak up esoteric atmosphere.

5. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Budapest’s moniker “City of Spas” epitomizes the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Located in City Park, it is one of Europe’s largest medicinal baths. With its neo-Baroque architecture and an array of indoor and outdoor pools, it’s a haven for relaxation and a quintessential Budapest experience.

6. Andrássy Avenue

They sometimes refer to this street as Budapest’s Champs-Élysées. Andrássy Avenue is a boulevard of grand neo-Renaissance mansions, high-end boutiques, and theaters. A stroll along this avenue leads to Heroes’ Square and provides a glimpse into the city’s affluent past and vibrant present. ​

7. Heroes’ Square

At the terminus of Andrássy Avenue lies Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Dominated by the Millennium Monument, it honors the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary. Flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle, it’s a cultural and historical focal point. ​

8. Margaret Island

Nestled in the Danube between Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle. This green oasis boasts landscaped gardens, medieval ruins, a musical fountain, and recreational facilities, making it ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, or cycling. ​

9. Great Market Hall

For a sensory delight, the Great Market Hall offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with local produce, traditional Hungarian foods, and handcrafted souvenirs. Housed in a striking neo-Gothic building, it’s a perfect spot to immerse oneself in local culture and cuisine. ​

10. Danube Promenade

Stretching between the Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth Bridge, the Danube Promenade offers scenic views of the river, Buda Castle, and Gellért Hill. Along the promenade, the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank”, is a memorial which pays tribute to the Jews who were executed along the river during World War II. ​

11. Gellért Hill and the Citadella

For panoramic vistas of Budapest, a hike up Gellért Hill is rewarding. Atop the hill stands the Citadella, a fortress with a complex history, and the Liberty Statue, symbolizing freedom and commemorating those who sacrificed their lives for Hungary’s independence. ​

12. Jewish Quarter and Dohány Street Synagogue

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is rich in history and culture. The Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe, showcases stunning Moorish Revival architecture. As you walk through the areas you’ll also find the Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Memorial, and a vibrant scene of ruin pubs, street art, and kosher eateries.

13. House of Terror Museum

This museum exhibits the horrors of both the Nazi and Communist secret police. Needless to say, the House of Terror Museum offers a sobering insight into Hungary’s oppressive regimes. Through exhibitions and installations, visitors can reflect on the nation’s turbulent 20th-century history. ​

14. City Park (Városliget)

Beyond the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, City Park is home to attractions like the Budapest Zoo, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Municipal Circus. It’s a cultural hub.

15. Cafes and Restaurants

The good in Budapest is a treat, and typical of the hearty Eastern European fare.  Try a true Budapest Goulash Soup, from one of the many excellent restaurants on the Buda side.

Budapest really is a city not to be missed on your next trip to Europe.