Budapest

Why Budapest

Budapest is two cities joined by bridges over the Danube — hilly Buda with its castle and panoramic views, and flat Pest with its grand boulevards, ruin bars, and relentless nightlife. The thermal bath culture is unique in Europe: Szechenyi Baths feel like swimming in a Baroque palace, while Rudas offers Ottoman-era pools with rooftop views. The ruin bar scene (Szimpla Kert being the original) turned abandoned buildings into some of Europe's most creative nightlife spaces. And the food — langos, chimney cake, goulash in the Central Market Hall — is hearty and cheap.

Top Experiences

• Szechenyi Thermal Bath Entry — Europe's largest medicinal bath complex. Skip-the-line tickets save you from the queue that wraps around the building on weekends.
• Ruin Bar District Night Tour — Hit 3-4 ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter with a local guide who knows the history behind the graffiti and the best cocktails at each stop.
• Evening Danube River Cruise — See the Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle illuminated at night. The one-hour cruise with a glass of prosecco is the best $25 you'll spend in Budapest.

Where to Stay

District VII (Jewish Quarter) is the action — ruin bars, restaurants, and nightlife at your doorstep. Hotels run $50-100/night. District V is more polished and walkable to the Parliament and Danube promenades. Buda side is quieter with better views and thermal bath proximity. Budget travelers should look at District VIII — gentrifying, cheap, and 10 minutes by tram to center.

Flight Tips

Fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport (BUD). Limited US direct routes — most connect through London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. Budget airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair offer incredibly cheap intra-European fares to BUD. Book 4-6 weeks out. March through May and September through November offer the best value and weather balance.