Budapest Hungary

Budapest is a very interesting city located in Hungary. Most Americans consider Hungary Eastern Europe. But as I said in the article, “Announcing! New Site Name! And Central Europe,” I’d consider it more as “Central Europe.”

I didn’t know anything about Hungary before visiting. In fact, I only included it at the last minute on the backend of a trip to Zagreb Croatia.

I had no idea that Hungary went through so much drama during the mid-1900s.

As a result of its rich history, there are many incredible buildings and sights to see.

It has a fairytale-like feel similar to Prague, Czech Republic.

Where to Stay

The first thing you need to know is that Budapest is split in half by the Danube River that runs North-South through Budapest.

On the westside is “Buda,” and on the eastside is “Pest.”

Tip: Stay on the “Pest” side and specifically “District 5.”

This is where all the life is, and in particular, Vica Street. Vica street is a pedestrian walkway street that is closed to cars and very touristy. You can buy souvenirs here, and the restaurant menus are in English.

If you’re looking for a nice hotel, I stayed in the Kempinski Hotel located about 1/2 mile from Vica street.

Things to Do Budapest

I was only in Budapest for 5 days. I think you probably need about two weeks to do everything in this amazing city. 

With that said, there are 7 sites you must see for your Instagram.

In order based on my personal preferences;

First: The Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is the iconic building you often see when you hear about Hungary.

You can take tours of it during the day, but as far as photos, at night across the river is the best spot.

Tip: go to the Fisherman’s Bastion building across the river and take photos. This is where you see all of the Instagram photos. It’s this one:

The Parliament building is one of the best sights I’ve ever seen in my life. Partly, because it’s so surprising. If you take the metro as I did, you exit the metro (Batthyany Ter stop) you walk up the steps and immediately you’ll see this incredible breathtaking sight in front of you.

This view reminded me of the view of the Eiffel Tower if you go with a local tour guide. They take you through a back alley, and you come out, and the Eifel Tower is right in front of you.

So if you go to Budapest, Hungary, the Parliament building at night should be your first stop.

Second: Buda Castle

Although all of the fun and life of Budapest is on the Pest side of the river, you should get over to the Buda side and see the Castle. You can walk in the old town on the narrow cobbled streets and take in the historic architecture.

Make sure you check out the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.

Third: Heroes’ Square

This spot is an area dedicated to Hungarian history. There is a tomb of the unknown soldier surrounded by various Hungarian heroes. You can read the inscriptions under many of the influential heroes to Hungarian history. 

I can’t remember where I saw something about Heroes Square in Budapest. Probably on the best resource out there on Budapest called Offbeat Budapest.

If you’re heading to Budapest, check out that website.

Anyway, Heroes Square is about 7 metro stops from the main part of Budapest (Vica Street). But it’s worth the ride out there. Moreover, I think it is at the end of the famous Andrassy Avenue.

Andrassy Avenue is known as the Champs Elysées of Budapest.

Fourth: St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. It commemorates the founding of Hungary and the first Christian King. 

Although I passed by the church every day, I didn’t get a chance to go inside. 

Tip: If you want to go in, remember, most churches prohibit men wearing shorts inside.

Fifth: Szechenyi Chain Bridge

Similar to everything else in Budapest, some of the best photos of the bridge are at night.

Sixth: Liberty Statue at The Citadella

For the best views of Budapest, take the 30-minute hike up to Liberty Statue.

This is known as the highest point in Budapest. Apparently, it was an old bunker used in WWII. Now there is the Liberation Monument that stands atop the mountain.

As you can see in the video above, after taking photos, you can walk behind the monument and get coffee and souvenirs.

Seventh: House of Terror Museum

The House of Terror is probably the most famous museum in Budapest. The building itself was the headquarters for the Arrow Cross Party, and then the Communist party after that.

Now its a museum dedicated to the horrors that happened to people, especially Jewish people in that part of the world during the WWII era.

It’s a depressing museum, but not as bad as the Holocaust museum in Washington D.C.

Tip: Like most museums in Europe, this one is closed on Mondays. Also, (in 2019) it costs about $40 to get in. And, yes, they take credit cards.

Summary: Like many cities in Central and Eastern Europe, Budapest gets ignored by American travelers. If you visit Croatia, Serbia, or you’re anywhere close by, go check out Budapest, Hungary. 

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.