Getting Lost in Budapest: A Guide to Paris of the East

St. Stephen's Basilica

Towering over the heart of Pest, St. Stephen’s represents the pinnacle of what a basilica can be. Its sprawling interior offers countless mysteries, from grand altars to the actual mummified hand of St. Stephen himself. The neck soreness you’ll get from gazing up at the Neo-Renaissance dome is well worth the future chiropractor visit! As you head up to the 360-degree observation deck, you can actually see the internal 'skeleton' of the dome. Once at the top, keep an eye out for the Postal Savings Bank; it has one of the most distinct green roofs in the city and is best viewed from this height. This is a crucial vantage point, as the bank is only open to customers and the roof is nearly impossible to see from street level!

Thermal baths

Many are unaware that Budapest has over 20 thermal baths open to the public. For those in the know, Széchenyi is synonymous with the city’s bathing culture, offering a memorable experience against the backdrop of a bright yellow palace in the park. A place this iconic attracts large crowds, especially during peak seasons. The best time to visit is right at opening or during the colder shoulder season months.

If beating the crowds is your goal, Lukács Baths, nestled on the Buda side of the Danube, offers a more authentic local vibe. It even features that iconic yellow hue, just on a different style of building! Rudas Baths is another excellent addition to your thermal arsenal.

Whichever you choose, be sure to check the different packages to see if private changing rooms, spa treatments, or towel rentals are necessary for your visit.

Hungarian Parliament

This might be my favorite building in all of Europe, and I highly recommend viewing it multiple times through different methods during your stay. The easiest way is to explore it up close, on foot. During the day, you can tour the interior, but it is well-advised to buy your tickets in advance. At sunset, seeing the Parliament and the equestrian statue of Count Gyula Andrássy against an orange sherbet sky, with Buda Hill towering in the distance, will make you realize your Budapest trip was well worth it. Combine that view with a take-away chimney cake, and you are living the Hungarian dream!

However, the most iconic way to take in the Parliament is by cruising the Danube River. About 30 minutes after sunset, the building is illuminated with a glow that reflects golden silhouettes onto the water. ‘Magical’ is a phrase thrown around so loosely that it’s often used in the wrong settings. Viewing the Hungarian Parliament at night is absolutely not one of those cases; although popular, this experience is the very definition of magical. Visit this building as much as you can.

Castle Hill

Another Budapest icon, the Castle Hill district offers enough landmarks to pack an entire day’s itinerary. Whether you make the trek up on foot or ride the historic Castle Hill Funicular, the summit greets you with an abundance of museums, restaurants, and shops. Fisherman’s Bastion is where your best photos will be taken, but like most popular Budapest attractions, it’s best to get there early to beat the crowds! Right next door, the Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle (Matthias Church) features a roof embellished with vibrant orange, yellow, and green ceramic tiles and is just as breathtaking inside. For a completely different spiritual setting, head just south of Castle Hill to the Gellért Hill Cave Church. Uniquely built into a natural cave system, it offers a peaceful, one-of-a-kind experience.

Szabo Ervin Library

Looking to take a break from the cold? Need to get some work done during your Budapest trip? The Szabó Ervin Library is a relatively hidden gem that helps you escape the hustle of the city while providing a bit of solace. The best part is that it is not a typical library, but rather a former aristocratic mansion that was later purchased by the city council and converted into a public space. The reading rooms, staircases, and ceilings reveal stunning architecture and provide amazing views, even if you don’t have anything to read.

Ruben Étterem

Tucked away and hidden from travel guides, Ruben Étterem delivers authentic and flavorful Hungarian cuisine that will have you coming back multiple times during your trip. Embark on your dining journey with a scalding hot bowl of goulash paired with a glass of wine. From there, the world is your oyster. From stews to roasted duck to seafood dishes, you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.

Matula Bistro

Another great establishment serving traditional Hungarian dishes, Matula Bistro is best known for its Chicken Paprikash served over a bed of pillow-soft dumplings. Open until midnight, this is an excellent spot to grab a late meal after cruising the Danube River for a nighttime viewing of Parliament.

VAJ Rákóczi

A full day of exploring Budapest can’t be executed without coffee to start the morning. If you’re looking for a laid-back cafe with takeaway options, VAJ Rákóczi will help get you started as you embark on your early morning journey through the city. A glance through the glass counter reveals a treasure trove of delicious pastries, of both the sweet and savory variety. The coffee is amazing, too!

Párisi Passage

Speaking of cafes, every social media post will tell you that New York Cafe is synonymous with the most elegant establishments Budapest has to offer. However, I’m here to tell you that you can beat the crowds and do better with slightly less hype. Párisi Passage is a cafe featuring massive, vaulted ceilings with intricate neo-Gothic details, offering a sophisticated ambiance without a sprawling queue out the door. Surprisingly, they also have some of the best Belgian waffles I have ever had!

Szimpla Kert (Ruin Bars)

A very popular destination that is well worth the visit, this massive series of bars was built into a converted abandoned building. With multiple rooms containing eclectic decorations, you feel like you’re on a bar crawl without ever leaving the structure. The walls are covered in countless pieces of graffiti and messages from passersby. The Sharpie proclamation that read, “A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS ONLY A WISH,” was by far my favorite. Remember those words when you think about traveling to Budapest, or anywhere else in the world!