THE BUDAPEST BEST: TOP 7 THINGS TO DO

Must Do European City Breaks

Last month I visited Budapest which has now become one of my favourite European cities. Not only is the architecture absolutely stunning, the sight-seeing and the food (very important) are beautiful too.

And the best part is that you can get absolutely AMAZING deals. I flew with Ryanair from London Stansted for just £80 return and I have known people to get even cheaper. So really, there is no excuse not to go!

Fun Fact: Budapest is actually split into ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ which sit either side of the river Danube - yhup, pretty confusing if you don’t already know that when booking a hotel. I would recommend staying on the ‘Pest’ side of the river as that it where most of the restaurants, bars, attractions and general life is. There is a few things to see in ‘Buda’ but it is generally quieter so I guess it depends on what you are looking for.

Oh, if you are wondering what to wear too, the lovely Lauren Black has written the most gorgeous post which you must read!

So, you have booked your flights and hotel, now you need a plan! So to help you, here are my top things/places you must see when visiting Budapest:

1. Visit the Szechenyi Thermal Baths

There a few thermal baths around Budapest but this one is simply stunning! This was my favourite thing I did out there and I would recommend it to anyone. It feels so surreal stepping off the train in the middle of a city and walking into this place! Although, it was kinda painful running from -2 degrees into 36 degrees of thermal water but it was definitely worth it. Also, pretty funny watching everyone do the same as you - dropping the towel and literally running towards the pool!!

They have 3 separate pools outdoors that are all heated to different temperatures to suit everyone! Plus, there is an inside bit and also the opportunity to get a few spa treatments too if you want to spoil yourself – hello massage time!!

It only costs about £8 to get in and you can stay for as long as you would like, although they only recommend you stay in the thermal water for about 20 minutes at a time without re-hydrating. It really is such an amazing experience – we even learnt that it is a thing for men to spend their mornings playing chess and drinking beer in the pools, what a great life hey!?

2. Drink in Szimpla Kert

This is one of the oldest and biggest ‘ruin’ bars in Budapest and it is absolutely amazing! I couldn’t stop saying how cool it was, much to the annoyance of the people I was with (sorry, not sorry…), but seriously, it is really unique!

The best way to describe it is a huge, quirky pub with loads of different rooms to explore. The place is decorated incredibly with unique birc-a-bra hung from the ceiling, cars for tables, fairy lights everywhere, graffiti and everything else you could possibly imagine. Although finding the toilet was definitely an experience…just look for the very large mermaid, that is all I am saying!

3. Eat Dinner at Tigris Restaurant

As you may have gathered, I am a massive foodie so of course, I had to hunt down my favourite restaurant in the city. I had one of the BEST meals I have ever had from this place! This venue was actually recommended to me before I went (hi mum, hi dad) and I was so glad we went.

The service was one of the best I have had, the Bistro style food was out of this world and the wine list was as long as both my arms put together. And, I haven’t even mentioned the cheese board yet! They wheeled over this insane cart of ALL the cheese and then you literally have what/how much you want. Incredibly dangerous but delicious for all cheese lovers out there!

The restaurant is right near the historic Chain Bridge so you will get to see that at night too! It looks gorgeous when it is all lit up!

4. Walk around the City

Ok, so there is a-lot of touristy things to do in Budapest and if I completely honest that best thing to do, if you can, is walk around! There is so many things to see (which you will find on a quick google) and it really is best to try and walk around.

I loved stumbling across this heart-aching but beautiful memorial right at the edge of the Danube river. There was no information at the site, but I have since learnt this is to pay memory to the people who were made to take their shoes off and where shot by the Nazi’s during the war for their beliefs.

While walking around, I also saw the amazing Parliament Building. If you love a good building you will LOVE this – just look at that design! There is also the infamous Chain Bridge which you must walk over, as well as the castle right at the top of the hill on the Buda side. I decided to walk up (mainly to burn off the wine I had consumed the night before) but you can get a little lift up too.

5. See the views from Gellert Hill

You wouldn’t know this was there or where the pathway was to start without looking before you set off as there is no sign posts anywhere (seriously people of Budapest, what is up with the lack of signage?!)

The hill is 235m high overlooking Budapest so the views are beautiful and definitely worth the trip! I am not going to lie, it is a bit of a trek but totally worth it. Once, I climbed the 100001 stairs, I noticed at the top lots of coaches/cabs where people had been sensible but oh no, I walked the whole way up! Take your pick!!

6. Eat Chimney Cake

So this little piece of heaven is a traditional Hungarian dish that is literally just sold by really popular places like Chain Bridge or at markets (which you will randomly stumble across!)

It is basically delicious, hot pastry rolled into a big old chimney looking shape and covered in a topping of your choice. I am not going to lie, the cinnamon one was INSANE – but there is loads of choice!

Basically, it you eat one thing in Budapest, make it a chimney cake because otherwise, you haven’t lived.

7. Drink Tea at the Oldest Café in the City

Café Gerbeaud opened in 1858 and is one of the oldest cafes in the city. The café is so grand with huge chandeliers and dark wooden furniture. Plus, the cakes are gorgeous! I am such a sucker for macaroons and they had the BEST selection - I felt like I was in Paris.

The café is set in one of the main squares near the shopping area so it is a great place to visit and have a break! Most famed for their amazing desserts and drinks, I had to try the ‘Coconut Dark Hot Chocolate’ and my word, it was a dream!

I absolutely love Budapest and can’t wait to go back! This is just a snapshot of the things you can do and the places you can visit but these were the things I loved.

A couple of another amazing things to mention and try and squeeze into your time would be:

· A River Cruise – you can also do a dinner river cruise which would be super romantic

· Cocktails at Buddha Bar – amazing surroundings and décor!