While roaming through Eastern and Central Europe, dedicate several days to the Hungarian capital, and you will not regret your choice. Even though Budapest is not an obvious destination for most of the travelers who are new to “the old land”, it has everything to offer even to the most exquisite tastes. It is not a coincidence that many lucky travelers who already had a chance to visit this city compare Budapest to the most renowned landmarks like Paris or Berlin.
They say that people start going to foreign countries with an ultimate purpose – “to see Paris and die”. In this article, we will tell you why it is better to see Budapest and live long enough to keep visiting it again and again.
Breathtaking views
The one thing you can be sure about when going to Budapest – it will stay in your memory as one of the most beautiful places you’ve visited. The city, as its name suggests, is divided into two parts – the vibrant and eternally busy Pest and the peaceful, mountainous Buda. However, have no fear – you won’t need to choose between one of them, since both have everything it takes for a great vacation.
The beautiful streets surrounding the two main squares of the city, Deák Ferenc and Vörösmarty, the astonishing classical buildings, the amusing promenades along the Danube river with the views on the Buda Castle (from the Pest side) and the House of Parliament (from the Buda side), lots of cozy cafés and inviting bars – all of that is an experience of a lifetime that will keep your eyes widely open and your camera constantly turned on.
Locations to leave a piece of your heart at
Infographic from Blaithin Hecker, Volunteer Designer for Amunì Travel Forum
Never-ending nightlife
One more reason why Budapest is becoming the new Mecca for party lovers in the current difficult times is its extensive offer of bars and clubs, even despite the restrictions.
The nightlife here has a truly special vibe, for it has literally emerged from ruins. The concept of a ruin pub was born here – it is essentially a bar constructed inside of an abandoned building and consisting of old furniture, retro decorations, and street art. As authentic as Berlin and not as packed as London – what else is there to wish for from a place where you will drink your next pint?
Ruin pubs of personal choice:
Rhythm and color
Budapest is not only good for party heads. The art lovers will be happy to see that culture lives everywhere in this city: you do not even have to go anywhere indoors in order to enjoy it. Just walk around the Jewish quarter (district 7) on the Pest side and get acquainted with the street art so beautiful it can compete with some museum exhibits.
Foodies’ destination
Budapest is a friendly host that will not leave you hungry or unsatisfied. It can offer you anything – from traditional Hungarian lángos and paprikás to Moroccan fusion delicacies – for way more affordable prices than most of the European capitals. Traditional meaty, nutritious (and rather greasy) food here stands at the same level with modern and exquisite dinner solutions.
Best (and personally, our favorite) restaurants to check out in your bucket list:
All in all, Budapest has definitely proven to be the new Paris for all of us. It is charismatic and surprising, welcoming and cheerful, monumental and arguably more mysterious than other more well-known places. With its surprisingly difficult language, local customs, and traditions unknown to many, and thousands of kilometers of beautiful land to explore, Hungary is a place to keep falling in love with again and again.
Stay tuned and we will tell you more about the "must-see” places to see in Hungary and Budapest!
Written by Ekaterina Dragalina, Volunteer Writer for Amunì Travel Forum
Great article! Now I want to visit Budapest and visit everything :D and eat some Lángos!