The Paris of the East: A Beginner’s Guide to Budapest, Hungary

Lions Bridge

Famous for being the first bridge to connect both Buda and Pest, giving the city its name. This is a pedestrian bridge that you can walk over, giving a fantastic view of the Danube River and the city. I recommend taking a stroll over the Lions bridge either at sunrise or sunset to get the most beautiful view of the city over the Danube.

Shoes on the Danube

A memorial dedicated to the Jewish people that were killed during World War Two and thrown into the Danube River. This memorial is next to the Parliament Building and consists of different sculptured shoes of those that died. Looking closely at the shoes, you may see flowers and candles commemorating those that had died during the war. I recommend seeing this memorial the same day you plan on touring Parliament, as they are right next to each other.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a Catholic basilica that is named after the first king of Hungary, Stephen I. People can go up to the top of the basilica to get an amazing view of the city. I recommend going up to the very top of the Basilica to get a different, but still awesome view of the city. It does cost a small fee that you can pay when buying your tickets to the Basilica.

Hungarian Parliamentary Building

The most iconic building in all of Hungary sits right on the Danube River. This gothic architecture masterpiece is where all of Hungary’s laws are passed. Visitors can take a tour of the Parliament building, and can purchase tickets on the right-hand side of the building.

Széchenyi Baths

Known to be the largest thermal bath in Europe, the Szechenyi Baths lure visitors to relax and rejuvenate in its different temperature pools. From the coldest of cold plunges to baths up to 40 degrees Celsius, you are sure to reach maximum relaxation.

Walking around the Jewish Quarter

What was once the Jewish ghetto of Budapest is now a thriving area full of street art, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also home to the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest Jewish Synagogue in Europe.

Opera House

Located on Andrassy Avenue, the Opera House was built during the Neo-Renaissance period and is a haven for opera and ballet performances. Visitors can buy tickets to tour the theater and to also watch current live performances being held there. You can also just go into the theater to admire the architecture, but they won’t let you into the seating area where performances take place.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Located close to Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion was used as a lookout point for people to view the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. It is best to either go at sunrise or sunset to get the best views of Budapest from that vantage point. The easiest way to get up to Fishman’s Bastion is to take the 16 or 16A bus, as it leaves you right in front of it.

Buda Castle

What was once the royal palace of Hungary has now been turned into multiple museums that showcase Hungary’s history and culture. Buda Castle is situated in the Buda Castle district that is also home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Sandor Palace (where the Prime Minister lives), and Mattias Church. It is also another vantage point overlooking the city and is walking distance from Fisherman’s Bastion. You can also take the 16 or 16A bus to get to the castle.

Mazel Tov

Situated in the Jewish Quarter is one of Budapest’s most popular restaurants. Mazel Tov is considered a ruin bar/restaurant and serves a fusion between Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisine. I personally like ordering the Mezze Dip Selection and the Classic Shakshuka. Make sure you book a reservation as this restaurant is constantly booked. It is best to experience and eat here during dinner.

Belvárosi Disznótoros (three locations)

Belvárosi Disznótoros is one of the spots that Anthony Bourdain got to experience traditional Hungarian cuisine. The restaurant is considered to be a Hungarian butcher shop and restaurant. The food and sides are presented behind a glass counter where customers can pick their meats and the sides they would like to have with it. For the meat section, it is divided even further into hot and ready, and to be prepared.

I recommend getting either the duck leg or duck breast with their purple cabbage and homemade chips. I recommend going to the Király utca location.

Retro Langos

One of the most famous street foods of Hungary is the Langos. A deep-fried dough that is smothered in sour cream, cheese, and any toppings that you desire. A popular place to try this is Retro Langos, which is a few minutes walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica. They even have a gluten-free option if you are gluten-intolerant. I recommend getting the sour cream and cheese langos or the Hungarian langos.

Pléh Csárda

If you are looking for something very local, look no further. This Anthony Bourdain spot is a bit outside of the city center, but still very easy to get to.

Pléh Csárda, a Hungarian food stall, is known for their huge schnitzels. I mean, so huge that at least three people can share one and still be full. It is a very mom-and-pop stall, and the owners are very welcoming. The only drink they sell is their homemade raspberry soda, which is to die for. I recommend getting the schnitzel with homemade chips, pickled cabbage, and pickles. You won’t regret trying out this local favorite.

New York Café

The most iconic cafe in Budapest. What was once the meeting point for writers, poets, and artists is now a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the architecture while drinking tea or coffee. Visitors can also enjoy live traditional Hungarian music as they sip their drinks. I recommend making a reservation because it does get so busy and there are constant lines out the door.

What I would recommend ordering would be the New York afternoon tea for two if you are going with someone. If you are going yourself, I would recommend getting the chocolate, cheese cake, or apple pie of choice, as it also comes with a drink of your choosing.

Madal

A cozy yet modern cafe in the center of the city. Madal is known for their specialty coffees and also has a barista academy for those interested in learning the art of coffee. There are three locations, all on the Pest side of the city, and they are all great. When I lived in Budapest, they had a location close to my apartment Jaszai Mari Ter tram stop and I went all the time. I loved getting either their cappuccino or latte. They also have a great tea selection.

Madal is also a nice place to work if you work remotely. They have comfortable seating, tons of outlets, and great Wi-Fi.

Nor/ma Grand

Nor/ma Grand is a cafe really close to the Mammut mall on the Buda side of the city. They are known for their baked goods, especially their bread. The interior is very modern and it is a very spacious cafe. They have tons of seating in and outdoors. What makes the cafe a favorite is that they are in the Millenáris Park, which is great if you are traveling with children. You can enjoy your pastry and coffee while letting your children play in the park.

I recommend getting their hot chocolate and their brownies. If you are a chocoholic like myself, this is the most sinful brownie you will ever have.

Szimpla Kert

No trip to Budapest is complete without going to Szimpla Kert, as it is probably the most famous ruin bar in the city. Situated in the Jewish Quarter, this ruin bar is one of the oldest and most eclectic out of other ruin bars. On the outside it is like the other buildings surrounding it, but when you enter it is like you are in a whole other world.

The ruin bar has different rooms that can be explored. If you are interested in learning about wine, there is a wine room on the ground floor of the bar where you can learn about the different Hungarian wines and taste them. They also serve different beers and cocktails for a reasonable price.

I recommend going during the day and evening as the vibe of Szimpla Kert is completely different during both times of day. If you go at night, they will play live music and you can experience Hungarian nightlife. If you go during the day it is more low-key, and if you go during the day they will have different events that will happen in the bar. Every Sunday they have a farmers’ market, which is really cool to check out.