1. Royal Palace and Castle District
Buda Castle
1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2.
You can't miss the World Heritage-listed Royal Palace and Castle Hill. The palace is one of the city skyline's most distinct features, with its huge green dome towering over the city; this majestic building is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, and nearby landmarks include the Sándor Palace (the Magyar president's residence) and the National Dance Theater.
Spend a few hours exploring the Castle District: check out the view from the famous Fishermen's Bastion, admire the tiled roof of the Matthias Church, perhaps try a delicious cake at the Ruszwurm café, or simply soak up the atmosphere while walking the cobbled streets. You can take a leisurely walk up to the Castle Hill plateau, but a popular alternative is the funicular that leaves from Clark Ádám Square at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge.
2. District VII ruin pubs and party places
Kazinczy Street
1075 Budapest, Kazinczy Street
Király Street
1061 Budapest, Király Street
Gozsdu Udvar
1075 Budapest, Király utca 13.
Budapest's huge nightlife scene is widely renowned, and it's largely centered in the Jewish Quarter of District VII. The area's top party places are all within easy walking distance from each other, so explore streets such as Kazinczy, Király, Dob, and Akácfa along with spacious gathering points like Gozsdu Udvar and Madách Square.
While there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to be found, this area is particularly famous for its ruin pubs. Must-see venues include Szimpla Kert, Fogasház, Mazel Tov, Ellátó Kert, and the restaurants and bars of Gozsdu Udvar. In the warmer months, garden bars and rooftop venues are very popular, so try Gozsdu Sky Terrace and Kőleves Kert, while in winter cozy venues like Spinoza Café and Lámpás are popular.
But don't let this list restrict you – there are literally dozens of other hotspots to stumble upon. If you do happen to cross into neighboring districts V, VI, or VIII, here are some other places you could visit: Anker't, Instant, Most, Balettcipő Bistro, and Corvin Club.
3. Relax in a thermal bath
Széchenyi Bath
1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 11.
Budapest’s abundant underground thermal waters mean that there are dozens of thermal baths dotted throughout the city. Surrounded by the stunning architecture of the Széchenyi Bath feels like swimming in a beautiful palace (although it can get very crowded with fellow visitors).
The hot thermal waters allow the outdoor pools to remain open in the winter months – swimming outside amid falling snow is a surreal experience. The Gellért Bath has an old-world charm and is particularly popular with older people soaking their bones. The Király Bath dates back to the 1500s, during the time of Ottoman rule; here visitors can pamper their senses amid a relaxed atmosphere, while submerging in a traditional Turkish bath.
For something that's less about relaxing and more about partying in your bathing suit, Széchenyi Bath is the location for frequent Saturday-night pool parties.
4. Walk in District V: St. Stephen's Basilica and the Parliament House
There's a 45-minute tour inside the Parliament that you can book in advance, although walking around the building itself is also something special. Closer to Deák Square lies St. Stephen's Basilica – for a small fee, ascend to the balcony surrounding the Basilica's dome to get some of the best views of the city.
Other places to look out for in District V are Váci Utca (a historic pedestrianized shopping street), Vörösmarty Square (site of the venerable Gerbeaud House and Christmas markets), and the Sziget Eye during summertime. If exploring the city on foot is your preferred option, then here are some walking tours to consider.
5. Explore the Danube and its bridges by boat
While you can walk along both banks of the Danube, taking a boat ride is a great way to enjoy the beautiful panorama of Budapest by day – and also at night, when the city lights are simply magical.
Another way to experience this view is by walking across any one of the central bridges; the views from Margaret Bridge, the Chain Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and Liberty Bridge are especially breathtaking.
Make a reservation:
http://www.budapest.com/leisure/sightseeing_tours/boat_tours/dinner_and_cruise_with_live_music.en.html
6. See Heroes' Square and the City Park
At the end of Andrássy Avenue lies Heroes’ Square, which is one of Budapest’s postcard superstar landmarks. The historic complex showcases statues of revered Hungarian leaders alongside the seven chieftains, while the square itself is flanked on both sides by museums. Behind it is City Park, where you can enjoy a picnic, walk through open fields, or relax by the lake (and even ice skate in winter).
Vajdahunyad Castle is also located at City Park, and this architectural marvel is definitely worth exploring. The glorious Széchenyi Bath and the family-friendly Budapest Zoo are within City Park also. If you need a break – and are looking for a treat – head to the Gundel restaurant for an elegant meal, or visit the eternally romantic Robinson restaurant.
7. Climb Gellért Hill
The highest peak of central Budapest is Gellért Hill, named after Saint Gerard, who – legend has it – was squeezed into a barrel by pagans rising up against Christianity, before he was thrown down the hill. Beginning your hike beside the Gellért Baths, it'll take an hour, at most, to walk up to the Citadel, where there are viewing platforms down onto the Danube and the entire inner city.
Atop the hill is the iconic Liberty Statue, which you can catch glimpses of from many parts of the city. On the way up you can also visit the Gellért Hill Caves. If you happen to be walking up from the opposite side, you’ll come across the Saint Gellért Monument, marking the location where he was allegedly thrown to his death, but now providing stunning views over the river and Elizabeth Bridge.
8. Visit a museum
Budapest has some excellent museums and exhibitions, so make sure to check out what's happening around town.
The permanent exhibitions of the Hungarian National Gallery (1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2.) in the Royal Palace, the Museum of Fine Arts (1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41.) (currently closed for renovation and it's scheduled to reopen in March 2018) at Heroes’ Square, or the House of Terror (1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 60.) on Andrássy Avenue are interesting to view anytime.
Market foods you could try in Budapest
Chimney Cake (kürtőskalács)
Lángos
Goulash soup in a bread bowl (gulyásleves)
Hungarian grilled sausages and “hurka” specialties (hurka, kolbász)
Mulled wine (forralt bor)
Spiral strudel (beigli)
Fine Restaurant
Comme Chez Soi
Budapest, Aranykéz u. 2, 1051
Tel: 06 1 318 3943
Please try goose liver. :)
Pesti Disznó
Budapest, Nagymező u. 19, 1063
Tel: 06 1 9514061
Traditional Hungarian food, mostly pork dishes. Please try something on the menu which contains the word “Mangalitsa”. That is a special kind of pig in hungary.
La Pampa Steakhouse
Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 21, 1065
Tel: 06 1 354 1444
Fine steakhouse.
Kajahu
Budapest, Petőfi S. utca 11，1052
Tel: 06 30 331 4404
This is a place where you could taste the "Gray beef".
For Sale Pub
Budapest, Vámház krt. 2, 1053
Tel: 06 1 267 0276
Tasty traditional beef soup (Gulyás leves).
