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Budapest parliament and bridge in twilight

City Lights

Budapest comes to life as night falls and the city lights sparkle

Budapest | Hungary

Discover the magic of Budapest's highlights in this city guide.

The birthplace of the Rubik’s cube, ballpoint pen, holography and several Nobel Prize winners, Budapest boasts an innovative culture, as well as classical composers such as Bartok, Kodaly and Liszt. Hungary's magnificent capital spans both sides of the Danube River, as it was once two cities, Buda and Pest, united (along with Obuda) to become a single city in 1873. Famous landmarks, including the Parliament building, medieval Castle Hill and the historic Chain Bridge, have withstood the test of time and numerous invasions. Many sites are UNESCO World Heritage-listed and they add to the city’s distinguished skyline and persuasive old-world charm.

Must-Sees

Fishernan's Bastion Matthias Church at Morning, Hungary Budapest

Fisherman's Bastion

Nestled in the heart of Budapest, Fisherman’s Bastion is an architectural wonder and offers spectacular panoramic views of Hungary’s capital city. With ample charm, the structure’s seven turreted towers and intricate design is reminiscent of a fairy-tale setting.
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ch a eu hungary budapest central market 12 5

Great Market Hall Culinary Tour

Moments from the Danube, lies Budapest's Great Market Hall, designed by Hungarian architect Samu Pecz in 1896. Visitors browse handicrafts and culinary tours are a great way to explore this indoor market, where local chefs buy fresh produce.
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Budapest's, Heroes Square statue

Heroes Square

Step back in time with a visit to historic Heroes Square, a monument built in 1896 to honour the Magyar Conquest of Hungary. Delve deep into Hungary’s rich cultural tapestry and witness this awe-inspiring symbol of national pride for yourself. Marvel at the centrepiece, a towering 36-metre-high pillar crowned by a golden Archangel Gabriel.
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Local Recommendations

When it comes to local knowledge there's no one better to show you the way than our on-the-ground team. Read on to find out their favourite dining venues, places of interest, customs or secrets, gained through living in these cities or returning to them time and again.

Meet Local Expert – Emese Balizs

Living in Budapest, APT Tour Director Emese Balisz loves to show guests her hometown. Emese shares some of her personal favourites to experience Hungary's capital like a local. Ways to make the most of Budapest's highlights, as well as cultural, dining or everyday experiences you'll only come across if you know the ins and outs of this city.

ch a eu budapest eseme balizs 12 5
budapest ruin bar hungary 16 9

Ruin Bars

"Discover the city’s old Jewish Quarter, which besides the synagogues, newly refurbished buildings and street-kitchen restaurants, has a number of once-abandoned buildings, home to reimagined 'romkocsma' or ruin bars – popular city bars with eclectic socialist-era decor. Sitting with a coffee or drink really takes you back to what life could have been like here decades ago."

 

Budapest Parliament House, Hungry

Margaret Island

"One of my favourite activities is definitely walking on Margaret Island, Budapest's answer to New York's Central Park, found right in the heart of the city. I enjoy the extended green parks, the colourful flowers in the summer, and the zoo there. Enjoy a picnic or just cycle around the island and marvel at the amazing city view from right in the centre of the river. The island is a great venue for concerts too."

Tourists enjoying a deluxe spa experience in Budapest, Hungary.

Soak it Up

"Try the hot baths, this is what us locals do! It’s amazing to just sit out in the fresh air or in a quiet space and soak in thermal water. It’s the perfect way to relax and really a national pastime."

 

General Information

Country: Hungary

 

Currency: The Hungarian forint (HUF)


International dialling code: +36

Local time: GMT +1 

 

Parliament house and bridge with sunset reflected on facade, Budapest
Population: Budapest's population is approximately 1.7 million. Hungary's is estimated at over 9.6 million.

Language: Hungarian or ‘Magyar’ is the official language of Hungary, spoken by over 98% of the population. Minority languages include German, Croatian, Romani, Serbian and Romanian.

 

Useful phrases: Jo napot (hello); Koszonom (thank you); Szia (goodbye); Jo reggelt (good morning); Jo ejszakat (good evening).

Folk shows: Hungary is world-renowned for its folk shows with colourful costumes and ensembles performing folk dances, including Budapest's Festival of Folk Arts in mid-August.

Hearty food: Paprika; chicken paprikash with buttered egg noodles; goulash (gulyas); langos which is a deep-fried doughy flatbread eaten warm with sour cream and grated cheese spread on the top or with garlicky butter; chicken paprikash with buttered egg noodles.

Thermal baths: Budapest is known for its hot baths and people soaking in the city's therapeutic thermal waters. Szechenyi Baths are Budapest's best-known baths with 18 pools open to the public, while Palatinus Baths on Margaret Island are popular too.