Budapest Hotels

Whether you’re getting lost in the Buda Castle Labyrinthor watching a host of international and local acts at the National Dance Theatre, Budapest has so much to offer. Adrenaline-junkies will dive head first into the Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi cave system (good luck pronouncing it!), while those looking for a more relaxing aquatic experience (we’re talking poolside cocktails) should visit the Danubius Grand Hotel for a taste of true luxury.

Budapest is a city that maintains the romance and adventure that old Europe used to inspire, with the convenience and innovation that modern Europe makes possible. The best of both worlds, in other words.

Budapest Top 10

Budapest History

• Buda Castle – This castle complex built in 1265 was once home to the Hungarian kings.
• Aquincum – The ruins of this ancient settlement were once home to Roman inhabitants, including gladiators.
• Országház – The Parliament building is Hungary’s legislative centre and a symbol of the union of the three original cities as one.
• Memento Park – Hungary’s Communist history is on display through various statues in this open-air museum.
• Timewheel – This monumental hourglass commemorates the admittance of Hungary into the European Union.

Budapest Art & Culture

• Hungarian National Museum – Shows the history of Hungary from its founding to the present.
• Szent István Bazilika – Hungary’s largest church and home to St Stephen’s mummified hand, which is paraded through Budapest annually on 20 August.
• Rudas Baths – One of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest, dating from the 16th century.
• Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) – This building is one of the most celebrated performance halls in all of Hungary.
• Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) – This museum features exhibits spanning Egyptian, Greek, Roman and other cultures.

Budapest Shopping

• Chinese Market (ozsefvarosi Piac) – A bargain place to buy cheap Asian goods, with the food stalls being the biggest draw.
• Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok) – Built in the late 1800s, this must-see market offers goods that are popular with both tourists and locals.
• Mammut I & II – These shopping centers boast amusements, eateries and other attractions.
• West End City Center – Located next to the train station, this 400-store shopping mall sells everything from books to spices. Kind of like a treasure hunt, the Bav shops offer secondhand and antique goods, mostly in the fine to decorative categories.
• Ecseri Piac Flea Market – This large flea market is all about finding just about anything, and shoppers should be prepared to haggle.

Budapest Gay & Lesbian

• Action Bar – A gay basement bar that pulls out all the stops with a striptease show nightly.
• Why Not Café & Bar – This gay-friendly café is located by the river and turns into a bar at night.
• CoXx – This attractive-looking nightclub gets busy on the weekends and may be more appropriate for gays looking for action.
• Gay Pride Budapest – Typically occurring in mid-June, the gay pride festival and parade takes place in the streets of Budapest.
• Club Alterego – One of the most popular dance clubs, with nightly drag shows and DJs.
• Capella Café – The first gay bar in Budapest boasts a popular, sweaty dance floor and many intimate rooms

Budapest Outdoor

• Széchenyi Chain Bridge – The city’s oldest and most famous bridge.
• Széchenyi Hill – Take the train or tram to this area, where many enjoy picnicking and other outdoor activities.
• Margaret Island – Located in the middle of the Danube, this island is a must-see for nature and history lovers.
• City Park (Városliget) – Near Heroes’ Square, this park contains a botanical garden, medicinal bath, museums, zoo and amusement park.
• Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) – An early 20th-century terrace offers stunning views of the Danube and several parts of Budapest.

Budapest Events

March’s Budapest Opera Ball has been wowing audiences since the late 19th century (with breaks in between, obviously). The best in Hungarian and international opera talent comes to perform.

Showcasing the best of Hungarian art, dance and music, the Spring Festival in March and April is a great source of pride for Budapest.

With thousands of concerts spanning all musical genres August’s Sziget Festival is the largest of its kind in central Europe.

The International Wine and Champagne Festival comes to town in September.Taste your way through the best in Hungarian and international wine in the beautiful Castle District.

When To Go

• Not surprisingly, July and August are the hottest, most humid and busiest months.
• January and February are by far the coldest months. Expect below-zero temperatures, with a little snow and rain thrown in for good measure.
• Autumn is the best time to visit, with cool breezes making the days pleasant.

Getting Around

• Many of Budapest’s leading attractions are only accessible on foot, so make sure to pack your walking shoes.
• Public transport is reliable and safe, and covers most of the city.
• Travel via tram has become a travellers’ favourite because it’s quick enough to get you to where you need to be but slow enough for you to catch more than just a passing glimpse of the city around you.

General Information

Attractions

Events

Climate

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