Europe's Hidden Treasure - Budapest

In 2019, more than 62,000 travelers voted Budapest the best destination in Europe, leaving London, Paris, and even Barcelona in the dust. 

The European Best Destinations (EBD) contest is a reflection of the magic of Budapest in the Old Continent. 

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Explore The Best Of Budapest On A Budget

Audio Guides

Audio guides is an excellent tool to learn about the history and culture of beautiful Budapest.

  • Nine out of ten times you will discover hidden gems and secrets you would have missed without an audio guide!
  • Without the cost of a private tour guide or a group tour, you get to explore Budapest at your own pace and on your schedule.
  • Plus, you can replay any information you missed or want to hear again, without holding up fellow travelers.

Transport & Attractions

Budapest Card, Public transport, 30+ Top attractions and tours
Get Your Budapest Card: Public transport, 30+ Top attractions and tours

🎒 Travel Tip: With your Budapest Card, you qualify for a discounted entry. Please verify the discount’s validity at the time of card purchase to ensure it remains valid.

Eat and Drink

Connecting with others: Food is good, but food with friends is better!

Where To Stay In Budapest

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  • Two ways to wake up in Budapest: one wrapped in Art Nouveau splendor, the other with riverboats gliding past your window. Tap to explore the stays that made me fall in love with this city.
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honest objective review from real traveler, Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, city break, best hotels min

What to Do and See When

According to scientific studies, water has a positive impact on mental well-being and the river Danube does it for me.  Combine a dinner cruise and music, and I’m happy. However, there’s MUCH more to Budapest than the Danube. 

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Budapest Architecture, #travelandhome
Book now and pay later to tour Budapest's architectural gems,
Budapest Street Art & Sculptures, #travelandhome
Explore the city's street art, and multitude of interesting sculptures.
Hungary Nature
Click & scroll our most recommended Budapest hiking.
Budapest Széchenyi Spa Full Day with Optional Tasting
Relax at Széchenyi, the most famous spa in Budapest
Budapest Heroes Square travel and home best holiday destination 2019

Heroes’ Square (Hungarian: Hősök ter).

The square honors the seven founding figures of the country, as well as a few other noteworthy national leaders.

  • Nearby is the Museum of Fine Art with the Kunsthalle art museum next door.
  • Behind Heroes’ Square is the vast City Park with plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the view of Heroes’ Square.
 
 

St. Stephen’s Basilica can hold a whopping 8,500 people.

Impressive, right? But here’s the real magic — head up to the observation deck. It’s 65 meters high and gives you breathtaking panoramic views of Budapest. You can take the elevator or climb the stairs if you’re up for a bit of exercise.

Inside, it’s just as captivating. To the right of the main altar, tucked in a chapel, you’ll find something extraordinary — the mummified right hand of St. Stephen. Yes, really! It’s displayed in a glass case, quietly telling centuries of history.

Love music? Then you’re in for a treat. The basilica houses a giant pipe organ built by József Angster. It has over 6,500 pipes and ranks among the largest in Europe. When it plays, the sound fills the space with goosebump-worthy echoes.

Look up. You’ll see frescoes, stained glass, and polished marble everywhere. The main altar is a showstopper, featuring a stunning painting of St. Stephen.

And don’t forget the bells! They’re Hungary’s heaviest, ringing every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — adding a majestic soundtrack to your visit.

This basilica isn’t just a church. It’s a living piece of history. Big names like Franz Liszt and Pope John Paul II have graced its halls.

House of terror Budapest Hungary
House of Terror Guided Tour

Visit the building of the central office of AVO, the Communist secret police. Find out about the shocking atrocities carried out by the secret police.  Duration: 1.5 hours

Lake Heviz near Lake Balaton Hungary things to do beautiful destinations
Godollo Hungary near Budapest things to do travel and home
Székesfehérvárfor Hungary sightseeing town near Budapest day trip from Budapest castle

Frequently Asked Questions About Budapest

Best Time to Visit Budapest

Budapest truly shines in summer. June through August is peak season — full of open-air concerts, river cruises, and thermal bath dips under the sun. Yes, it’s busier then, but the city wears it well. Budapest’s sights are nicely spread out, so it never feels overwhelmingly packed.

That said, for the perfect balance of great weather and smaller crowds, aim for late May or early September. The baths are still dreamy, the vibe is festive, and you can explore without constantly dodging tour groups.

October is already cool with temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Celsius. Dress in layers to stay warm outside, but be able to dress down inside, where the temperature is controlled.

While Budapest does get snow in winter, it’s not a ski town. The city is mostly flat, so don’t pack your skis. But if you’re craving a snowy day trip, head to Siarena Eplény in Veszprém County. It’s one of Hungary’s small ski resorts — ideal for families and beginners. Think gentle slopes and hot cocoa, not alpine adrenaline.

You can fill a long weekend easily with Budapest’s must-sees. But if you really want to relax in the thermal baths, wander through museums, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife at your own pace, go for a week-long stay.

That way, you can dip into the Szechenyi Baths at sunrise, linger over goulash lunches, and still have time for an evening river cruise or ruin bar adventure.

Budapest’s public transport is easy, affordable, and kind of historic. Fun fact: the Millennium Underground (M1) is the second-oldest subway line in the world, right after London’s!

Just remember — you’ll need to buy your ticket before boarding. Pick one up at metro stations, newsstands, or ticket machines. A heads-up though: the standard single ticket doesn’t allow transfers between lines. So, if your route needs a line change, ask for a transfer ticket or go for a 24-hour or travelcard option. It’ll save you time and confusion.

Budapest Is A City Full of Surprises

From its breathtaking architecture to its thermal baths and vibrant ruin bars. What was your most memorable experience in Budapest, or if you haven’t visited yet, what’s the first thing you’d love to explore?

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Comments

🛒🛍️ Shop Hungarian Vibes from Amazon

Be there at least 45 minutes before the event. Although you’ve booked a ticket, the seating is self-seating. So to get the best seat in your block, get there early. The tickets usually require arrival 30 minutes before the concert.

  • There are different blocks/categories/groups of tickets, depending on where you buy the tickets from. For the best seating, choose the VIP tickets, sometimes called Category I tickets.  That’s the very first section in the front of the church.  If you want to see a bit more, this will be the best you’ll get.  The church has a flat floor inside, so the further back you are, the less you see. It’s worth paying that extra bit and getting the most enjoyment.
  • Don’t buy a combination ticket  (concert + cruise dinner) because the cruise is on a different level and you’ll sure be disappointed. The walk to the boat is about 15 minutes as usually advertised, and the food is buffet-style. Thus, while you’re in line for your food, you’re sure to miss out on viewing the Danube. Therefore, I recommend you book a cruise separately. 
  • The dress code is your personal choice. I saw people in jeans and running shoes, and others more formally dressed. I felt comfortable in smart-casual attire, and I suggest you do the same to play it safe.