Budapest: Your Guide to Must-See Sights and Savory Bites!

To know before you go:

Until it was unified in 1873, Budapest was two separate and distinct cities: Buda and Pest on West and East sides of the Danube River. While they’re now joined to form Hungary’s capital, each side still maintains its unique atmosphere and architectural style. You can visit them in any order, but I recommend starting in Buda and then spending at least two days in Pest.

I recommend staying on the Pest side of the city, as it is centrally located to many of the main sites and is well connected to public transportation. There are also so many amazing restaurants, bars and cafes. The area also offers great shopping options, including the famous Central Market Hall and Váci utca for upscale options.

On the Buda side:

• Fisherman’s Bastion - An iconic landmark with a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Budapest. Tip: Get here as early as you possibly can. This was by far the most crowded place we visited in all of Budapest.

• Matthias Church (Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle) - A beautiful Catholic church right next to Fisherman’s Bastion. I highly recommend climbing to the top of Matthias Tower for some of the best views in all of Budapest. You’ll be able to see Parliament, St. Stephens and the Chain Bridge from here *without* all of the crowds. (A word of caution; you will climb up a very steep, 197 step spiral staircase. It may not be advisable if you get claustrophobic or have a fear of heights).

• Buda Castle - Take a stroll through the Castle District from Fisherman’s Bastion and walk up to to Buda Castle. (You can also opt to take the funicular if the sight of another hill is just too much for you!) The Castle area is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and National Széchényi Library.

• Chain Bridge - From Buda Castle, you can walk across the Chain Bridge back to Pest (if you’re staying on that side of the river.)

• Gellért Hill Cave (Cave Church) - If you have time, this is an incredibly unique church to add to your itinerary that you won’t find listed in many guides. Originally a natural cave under Gellert Hill inhabited by a hermit monk, the cave was transformed into a church in 1926.

On the Pest side:

• Hungarian Parliament Building - Now that you’ve seen every panoramic view of Parliament possible from Buda, it’s time to visit the building! I absolutely recommend getting tickets in advance. They sell out well in advance.

• Shoes on the Danube - An incredibly somber Holocaust memorial set along the bank of the Danube right behind Parliament. The shoes symbolize the tragedy in which thousands of Jews were forced to wear shoes before they were killed at the edge of the river.

• St Stephen’s Basilica - This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest and also one of the tallest buildings in the city. I recommend going to the top of the dome - you’ll get to walk between the inner and outer domes of the cathedral, which is an incredibly unique experience. The views from the top are also spectacular. (This church has an elevator to the top, although the stairs may be faster if it is crowded.)

• Great Market Hall - The Central Market is a great place to get a look at how the locals shop! It’s refreshingly un-touristy, unlike many other market halls in Europe. This one is filled with people shopping for fresh meat, fish and produce. (Although if you’re souvenir shopping, there is an area for that located on the upper floor)

• City Park and Széchenyi Thermal - Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and paths of City Park on your way to the thermal baths. The complex is stunning and has been home to rejuvenating mineral baths for more than 100 years. We visited in winter and the outdoor pools were comfortably warm! (Note that footwear and towels are required. You can buy them onsite; or do like we did and borrow slippers and a robe from the hotel!)

• River cruise - Seeing Budapest at night is an absolute must! The city is breathtaking once the sun goes down and the lights come on. Take a sunset or nighttime river cruise to make the most of it!

Where to eat and drink:

• Karavan - A collection of food trucks filled with Hungarian staples. We sampled so many delicious dishes - everything from goulash to Langos burgers and a fresh-off the coals chimney cakes for dessert. So many options!

• Cafe Kor - A cozy bistro near St. Stephen’s serving traditional Hungarian dishes, this was the best meal of the trip! If they have the stroganoff special, order it! The goulash here was also delicious. It’s a little pricier than other restaurants in the area, but absolutely worth it.

• Street Food - The best Langos I tried in Budapest! Get the classic Hungarian fried dough topped with sour cream and sheep’s cheese. Take it next door to Rizmajer’s Downtown and enjoy your treat with a cold, local beer.

• Belvárosi Disznótoros - We tried this restaurant based on an old Anthony Bourdain recommendation and he sure didn’t let us down! A very casual spot (there aren’t even chairs - just high tables).The sausages are made in house and incredible!

• Szimpla Kert - No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to a ruin bar! We loved this spot (and it’s right next to the Karavan food trucks). It’s a maze of rooms filled with mismatched furniture (as well as old tires and bathtubs doubling as furniture.) The most unique watering hole I’ve ever been to!