Hi friends, Happy New Year and welcome back!
Raul and I said goodbye to 2022 and kicked off the New Year by celebrating in Budapest, Hungary! We spent a three-day weekend there but dedicated 1 full day for recovery/post new year festivities 🥳
We spent the majority of our time in the Christmas markets, which are unfortunately no longer running. So, I will be writing about all the non-holiday things you must do and see in Budapest (a 2-day mini itinerary included at the bottom). If you are looking for things to do on your next weekend in Budapest adventure, you landed on the right page! In this blog post, I go over general facts, transportation, and tips, and share a 2-day itinerary in Budapest, Hungary. Let’s get started!
Fun Fact: Did you know Budapest was actually TWO cities? Buda and Pest. The cities are split up by the Danube River. It’s said that Buda is the more residential area and Pest is more touristy with more hustle and bustle. The two cities were united into a single city in 1873.
Population: 1.7 million as of 2022
Currency: The local currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Although most places do accept Euro, it’s cheaper and recommended to pay in HUF. Card/ApplePay are accepted almost everywhere.
Airport: The main airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located about 16 km outside of Budapest city center. It is one of Hungary’s largest airports but famed to be one of the most efficient airports in Europe. And I can attest to that! If traveling from Spain, Ryanair flys directly to BUD from Sevilla and it will take roughly 3hrs.
Transportation to/from Airport: It’s super easy to travel to Budapest city center from the airport and back via bus line E100. The bus is right outside the airport arrivals terminal and tickets can either be bought via ticket booth/machine or online. *I recommend downloading the BudapestGO app and setting up your account prior to landing* You can easily purchase bus tickets via the app. The app also has bus schedules and routes and makes traveling easy. The price for two tickets one way was 7 USD.
*Pro Tip* If purchasing a bus ticket to and from the City center to the airport, make sure you select the ticket option that says *Airport*. Careful not to select the option that says “single ride” or “one day pass” as it will not be accepted on the E100 line.
Taxis are also available at the airport and almost all take cards.
The best way to see Budapest is on foot so with this in mind:
- Start the day at Always FKN Double Cafe: with a hearty breakfast. They have a variety of coffee and breakfast options. I had their eggs Benedict and it did not disappoint.
- Head over to Vaci Utica (Street): it is one of Budapest’s most attractive shopping streets. You can also opt to start your day here as there are many cafes and restaurants.
- In the winter, there is a beautiful Christmas Market here where you can shop around and eat local food.
- Walk through the iconic Fashion Street
- Visit St. Peter’s Basilica: Named after the first King of Hungary, it is the biggest church in Budapest and definitely worth seeing. Make sure to climb up to the lookout to get a 360 view of the city!
- * If your trip is during the holiday season, there is a cute Christmas market right outside of the basilica where you can sip on mulled wine and walk around. Don’t forget to try their famous chimney cake while you’re there!
- Next head over to Fisherman’s Bastion: This was the highlight our weekend in Budapest. Fisherman’s Bastion is such an amazing monument! It looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale. There are so many lookouts, and picturesque corners that you can seriously spend hours just admiring it’s beauty! We went there for sunset and definitely recommend it! There is also a cafe at the top of the main tower where you can sip of coffee while you watch the sunset over the Danube River.
- After you’re done admiring the Fisherman’s Bastion and its many lookouts, head over to Matthias Church. The church is basically in the same location, so you can’t miss it. Matthias Church dates back to the middles ages and was used as a Coronation Church by the Hungarian Kings. It is unlike any church I’ve ever seen from its unique and colorful rooftop tiles to its breathtaking interior.
- Ride the Buda Castle Funicular
- After so much walking you will probably be hungry! If you like to try traditional local food, I would recommend trying the following dishes:
- 1. Goulash – a traditional Hungarian stew of meat, vegetables, and potatoes- SO tasty!
- 2. Langos – a classic Hungarian fried bread, typically served with sour cream and cheese. It’s so delicious!
- After walking around all day, head over to your hotel/Airbnb to relax for a bit, charge your phone, and re-change before heading out for the night. We love finding speakeasies, unique bars, and exploring the nightlife.
- Some of my favorite nightlife locations:
- 1. zSimpla Kert: The most known ruin bar in Budapest! This ruin bar has multiple rooms/bars within the venue, each room has its own music/vibe. There is something for everybody and it definitely lives up to the hype! Simpla Kert also serves brunch so if you don’t get to experience it at night, definitely recommend making reservations for brunch!
- 2. Boutiq Bar: Not exactly a speakeasy but it’s definitely hidden and has the vibe of one! If you care about delicious, creative perfectly crafted cocktails this is your place. The bartenders here, create magical concoctions before your eyes. I am not sure if they change their theme every month but we got to experience their Harry Potter theme and it did not disappoint! This bar is also ranked amongst the best bars in Budapest!
- 3. Gozsdu courtyard: During World War II, this place was part of the Budapest ghetto. Today, it is a popular entertainment courtyard where you will find restaurants, bars, and clubs. I recommend hitting up:
- Blue Bird Karaoke: If you love Karaoke (who doesn’t)!
- High Five Budapest: A cool venue with multiple dance floors! Go and see what you discover!
- 4. Havana Salsa Bar: if you love a good Latin vibe, live music, and dancing!
And that my friends, brings us to the end of Day 1
Day 2 we decided to sleep in. Woke up around 9, got ready, and headed out for the day!
- Breakfast at: Central Grand Cafe and Bar
- Walk to the Liberty Bridge and spend some time admiring its beauty. Maybe take some pictures too!
- Head to Széchenyi Thermal Bath via taxi: Budapest’s most famous bath!
- Spend a few hours here. We easily spent 2-4 hours relaxing and jumping around the different baths, whirlpools, and saunas. Make sure you check out the human whirlpool located in the furthest outdoor pool. It is so much fun!
We spent the majority of the day relaxing in the baths and left pretty late.
On our way back to our hotel, we stumbled upon and ate dinner at Lucky 7 which is a burger place. After dinner, we headed back to our hotel to pack up for our early morning flight back home!
Let me know in the comments below if you found this helpful! Thanks for reading!