Things to Do in Budapest

One Night in Budapest by DomiKetu, on Flickr
One Night in Budapest by DomiKetu, on Flickr

The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe and it begins in Germany and flows through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia,Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. Cultural Danube river cruises offer a chance to explore Budapest in a whole new way and it gives you a panoramic view of this beautiful and ancient European city.

Széchenyi Termálfürdő (Széchenyi Thermal Bath) by Shawn Harquail, on Flickr
Széchenyi Termálfürdő (Széchenyi Thermal Bath) by Shawn Harquail, on Flickr

Cycle Beside the Danube

  • There is a bicycle trail that runs along the Danube and it is an easy ride for any age. With no traffic to worry about this is a safe way to explore the banks of this beautiful and majestic river.

Explore the Baths

  • Budapest is known as the “City of Baths” and these wonderful natural hot springs have been around for hundreds of years. Check out Széchenyi Baths that is housed in a large building that looks like a Baroque palace. You can immerse yourself in one of fifteen natural thermal baths or watch men play chess while bathing in these soothing waters.
  • Rudas Baths, Kiraly Baths, and Csaszar Baths were all built in the sixteenth century and you can soak up the history while enjoying your bath.
  • If you are looking for something more modern the Four Seasons Gresham Palace offers state of the art technology and a modern spa with all of the services and pampering.

Explore the Modern and Ancient Architecture

  • Castle Hill has been recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site and it features the spectacular Neo Gothic architecture of the seven hundred year old Matthias Church.   Next to it is the Fisherman’s Bastion another architectural marvel.
  • Andrassy Avenue is a good place to view spectacular mansions of the Neo-Renaissance design.
  • The Megyeri Bridge is beautiful and a must see for architecture buffs.
  • The city also offers some amazing modern architecture with the ING Building and many other state of the art office buildings.
  • Take a guided tour through District 8 where you can see beautiful restored palaces and bullet holes left over from World War II and the revolution of 1956 on buildings that haven’t been restored yet.

Local Food and Wine

  • Hungary is known for its local wine and they have been making it since the Romans were there. Make sure you try out the white wine Tokaji and the red wine Egri Bikaver.
  • Take a cooking course in Budapest and learn how to make Ghoulash, Tojásos lecsó – Paprikáskrumpli, Töltött paprika, Fasírozott és főzelékek, Rakott káposzta , Csirke vagy gombapaprikás nokedlivel, Rakott káposzta, or Hortobágyi palacsinta . The words are a mouthful to say if you don’t speak Hungarian, but the food is hearty and tasty so bring your appetite.
  • Or just relax at one of the many pubs, restaurants, or cafes and let someone else do the cooking for you.

Museums and Art Galleries

  • There are over two hundred museums and art galleries where you can explore everything from ancient classics to modern day photography.