Hotels in Budapest

Verified by Pablo Aznar Cristeto
from the blog Aprendizaje Viajero

The capital city of Hungary sits astride the River Danube and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The history that is tied into a once-powerful empire, the grandeur of the architecture, and its thermal baths, make Budapest the ideal destination for a city break.

The streets of Budapest tell many stories. They speak of times like the golden age during the 19th century when the city was a stronghold of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the 20th century when it suffered under the thumb of communist rule, and the 21st century when it became a grand-dame of tourism with magnificent nightlife

This grand city in Eastern Europe s ideal for budget holidays with a huge selection of wallet-friendly accommodations that offer a warm welcome.

Neighbourhoods of Budapest

Budapest is the conjunction of two towns on either side of the Danube; Buda and Pest. Modern Budapest consists of a number of districts:

• Várkerület : The Castle District on the Buda side of the city is the hilliest part and offers the best views of Budapest. It’s home to some of the most beautiful landmarks including Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Buda Calvinist Church. One of the quieter areas at night, you’ll still find plenty of cobblestone streets hosting traditional cafes.
• Belváros-Lipótváros: The heart of the city for tourists, there’s plenty of landmarks including the chain bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the imposing Hungarian Parliament Building. Souvenir shops are abundant as are coffee shops.
• Terézváros: An artistic and cultural hub anchored by the iconic Andrássy Avenuehome to a number of international embassies and a World Heritage Site. It’s also the theatre district and is home to the Hungarian State Opera.
• Erzsébetváros: This is where the nightlife that Budapest has become renowned for is to be found. It’s a lively district popular with locals, visitors and more recently, stag and hen parties. It’s also the Jewish District and home to the beautiful Dohány Street Synagogue.

What to see and do in Budapest

Budapest is a major city so there’s a laundry list of attractions. Just a few that shouldn’t be missed are the House of Terror which tells the story of Hungary under communist rule, the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Liberty Monument, and the Danube Promenade. Green spaces include City Park, Szent István Park, and Margaret Island in the middle of the River Danube. The best photo opportunities in the city are Heroes Square, a monumental space and Memento Park with its collection of statues. Of course, a visit to the thermal baths should not be missed; Szechenyi Bath are the most popular. You can also learn about the world’s most famous escape artist/magician/illusionist at the House of Houdini.

What to eat in Budapest

No one could possibly visit Hungary without trying its national dish goulash, a meaty stew prepared with varying degrees of paprika but other must-try dishes are töltött káposzta which are stuffed cabbage leaves and kolbász which is the name for sausage with each restaurant serving their own version. A favourite snack is lángos, a deep fried doughy flatbread that's eaten warm and slathered with sour cream and grated cheese or with garlicky butter and favourite sweets include kürtőskalács, which translates as chimney cake and dobos torta, drummer cake.

Typical events and festivals in Budapest

Events occur throughout the year in Budapest covering all forms of culture and entertainment. Highlights are the Summer Festival, the Christmas Fare, and the Szechenyi Bath New Year's Eve Fireworks.

How to move around in Budapest

The city is connected by a diverse, efficient, low-cost network of public transport including trams, metro, buses, trolley buses, suburban railway lines (called HÉV lines) and boat services, supplemented by taxi services.

The climate in Budapest

Budapest experiences an oceanic climate with winter being the coldest and cloudiest time of the year. Temperatures fall to zero degrees and snowfall is common. June through September is the warmest time of the year and visitors in May and June can expect sudden heavy showers.