Must-See sights

Buda Castle – Stunning views and historical buildings on the Castle Hill.

https://budacastlebudapest.com/

Fisherman’s Bastion – Fairy-tale-like lookout point next to Matthias Church.

https://fishermansbastion.com/

Parliament Building – A breathtaking neo-Gothic building right on the Danube.

https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors/home

Heroes’ Square & City Park (Városliget) – Great for a stroll, with statues and thermal baths nearby.

https://ligetbudapest.hu/en

St. Stephen’s Basilica – Climb to the dome for panoramic views.

https://www.budapestbylocals.com/st-stephens-basilica/

Central Market Hall - Restored neogothic hall for traders with grocery produce on the ground & souvenirs on the 1st floor.

https://piaconline.hu/nagycsarnok/

Dohány Street Synagogue – The largest synagogue in Europe.

https://jewishtourhungary.com/en/about

Margaret Island – Rent a bike cart, see the musical fountain, and unwind.

https://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/margaret-island-1

Thermal baths

Széchenyi Thermal bath – Grand, outdoor, and iconic.

https://www.szechenyibath.hu/

Gellért baths – Beautiful Art Nouveau interiors.

https://www.gellertbath.hu/

Rudas baths – A mix of Ottoman tradition and modern rooftop pool.

https://en.rudasfurdo.hu/

What to eat

Gulyás (Goulash) – The famous Hungarian stew.

Lángos – Deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese (try at Retro Lángos).

Paprikás csirke (Chicken paprikash) – A creamy paprika dish.

Dobos cake – Classic Hungarian layered cake.

Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) – Sweet, spiraled pastry you’ll smell before you see.

What to drink

Pálinka – Hungarian fruit brandy (strong!).

Unicum – A bitter herbal liqueur, an acquired taste.

Tokaji wine – Sweet dessert wine from northeastern Hungary.

Cool Neighborhoods to explore

Fashion Street Budapest - Sophisticated, pedestrian-only stretch lined with upscale fashion boutiques, restaurants & bars.

http://www.fashionstreet.hu/

Jewish Quarter (District VII) – Street art, cool cafés, and ruin bars.

Gellért Hill – Hike up for the best views and the Liberty Statue.

Andrássy Avenue – Elegant boulevard with shops, cafes, and the Opera House.

Nightlife musts

Szimpla Kert – The original and most famous ruin bar.

https://ruinbarsbudapest.com/szimpla-kert-ruin-bar/

Instant-Fogas Complex – A huge party complex with multiple dance floors.

https://instant-fogas.com/

360 Bar – Rooftop drinks with city views.

https://www.360bar.hu/

Unique & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Cat Café Budapest – Grab coffee with furry friends.

https://catcafebudapest.hu/home/

Café Frei – Coffee chain in Budapest, offering an extensive selection of over 70 coffee specialties inspired by global flavors.Each location provides a unique ambiance, making it a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts.

https://www.cafefrei.hu/

McDonalds's Nyugati – Every Friday and Saturday from 10 PM to 4 AM, this iconic fast-food spot transforms into a lively venue featuring live DJ performances and captivating light shows projected onto its historic ceilings.It's an unexpected fusion of fast food and nightlife, offering a distinctive way to kick off or wind down your evening.

https://www.mcdonalds.com/hu/hu-hu/nyugati-lounge.html

Hospital in the Rock Museum – An underground WWII and Cold War emergency hospital carved into the hillside.

https://www.sziklakorhaz.eu/en

Ride the Chairlift (Libegő) + Hike to a Hidden Café

– Take the Libegő up to János Hill, then hike down to Normafa.

https://normafapark.hu/sights/libego-chairlift

Hit a Bookstore Café crawl

Budapest has tons of charming literary cafés with excellent vibes:

Massolit Book & Café (English-language books!)

Kelet Café (great for journaling)

Magvető Café (often has literary events + wine)