What Should I Do in Budapest ?

The beautiful city of Budapest, capital of Hungary, is one of the largest cities in Europe and straddles the Danube River (originally Buda was on one bank and Pest on the other). It is often the jumping off point for a river cruise or the end point of one. We recommended you add a pre or post stay in Budapest to your Danube river cruise to enjoy its various highlights. It can not be appreciated in one day, or even two!

Most places of interest are within walking distance of each other. Bicycles are available to rent to cover more of the city, that is if you are not signed on a guided tour. If you are not physically inclined for active walking or biking, and wish to shun the cost of taxis, the city is well covered with busses, trams and metro lines. There is even an English language website for line and fare information. Generally,those over 65 travel free of charge on public transport.

Budapest straddles the Danube, & river cruise ships are a common sight.

What to see or do? Here are a few suggestions:

• Experience a thermal bath. Budapest has public and private thermal baths: your basic baths, baths with added extras (aesthetics, massage, sauna, etc) and baths that offer out of doors sunning areas too. You should generally assume children under 14 are not allowed. Though you can bath semi clothed (or nude) in private, gender-specific areas, think of the thermal baths in the same way as you would swimming pools in N America: that is, with swimsuits, bathing caps, lockers, paid towel service and so on.

Szechenyi Baths are the largest medicinal baths in Europe

Bring out your inner child. Visit the Budapest Zoo, home to over eight hundred animals and one of the oldest in the world. Or ride the Children’s Railway into the hills surrounding the city. To reach its starting point, you may first wish to experience the Cogwheel tram. After your rail experience, a simple tram ride will take you back to the city again. It is a delightful way to experience the countryside.

Shop… with a difference. Check out the Central Market Hall. It located in the city centre and is the oldest (and more importantly to a shopper), the largest, covered market in Hungary. Here you will find all your souvenirs ! Just don’t plan to shop on a Sunday – it will be closed, as many places are in Budapest.

You’ll find souvenirs at the Central Market

Visit a church – Matthais Church. Its proper name is Church of the Blessed Virgin . Hungary’s popular historic ruler, King Matyas, obviously liked the church as he was married there – twice. It is an odd but pleasing  mixture of many styles from medieval, to sumptuous baroque, to art nouveau as it adapted and changed with Hungary’s rulers over the centuries. Outside the church, look for the many figured column erected by survivors of the plague. Interesting historical evidence is everywhere in the city – the architecture, the statues, and many museums.

Wander the Royal (Buda)Palace. This destination  is a smorgasbord of things to see.  Built in the 1300’s, it has been destroyed and rebuilt six times. Perched high above the city,  it can be reached by stairs, funicular rail or bus. The Savoyai Terrace has one of the best views of the city. The terrace is located at the front of the National Szechenyi Library.   Other buildings contained in the grounds are the National Gallery, the Budapest Museum of History, and the Hungarian National Museum. Be sure to throw a coin in the Matyas Fountain in the Hunyadi Garden to ensure your return to beautiful Budapest!

There are of course many more things to do and see in Budapest including a vibrant night life and fine dining – all what one would expect in the “Paris of the East”!

Parliament Buildings

Contact us, your trusted travel professionals, about a river cruise including the stunning city of Budapest. We have knowledge of many available river cruise lines to suit you and can arrange all the peripheral details such as flights, transfers, and hotels to ensure you have a stress-free vacation.

Photos courtesy of Bigstock and Pixabay.