If you are on the hunt for your next great travel adventure or are already contemplating Budapest as a vacation destination, I’m here to tell you GO! It’s such a magical spot. From the moment I landed, Budapest took me by surprise. Not only is it picturesque but it was so much more hip, youthful, and artsy than I expected. Not to mention, the locals are incredibly friendly – always striking up conversations at the bar, or offering helpful tips. It truly made our visit that much more enjoyable. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite must-sees, where to eat, where to stay, the best shops, plus what to know before booking your trip to Budapest, Hungary.

 

 

What to Know

 

 

The Layout – The city itself is split into two with Buda on the left and Pest on the right. The majority of Buda is more suburban; consisting mostly of families while the main part of the city is in Pest and feels a little more lively and vibrant. I suggest sticking to Pest but it is definitely worth popping across the Danube River for the gorgeous view back towards Pest.

The Currency – They use Forent, not the Euro, but many places will accept both. A Forent is approximately 300 to 1 USD.

The Food – The food is wildly diverse, as in you can find anything you could possibly want to eat. I particularly loved the Israeli food in the Jewish quarter.

Transportation – City center is about 30 mins from the airport by car. Download Bolt (Taxify) app for easy transportation. It works just like Uber.

Safety – Budapest is ranked the safest city to travel alone as a woman, and even though I wasn’t alone, I certainly felt particularly safe!

Not to Miss – Whatever you do, don’t miss the evening boat tours. You can skip the dinner ones, an hour is plenty long. But the city is really magical at night with so many bridges

 

 

 

Where to Sleep

 

 

Hotel Rum
Királyi Pál u. 4, Budapest, Hungary

Located on the Pest side of the Danube (the most fun in my opinion), Hotel Rum is in a great spot. It is situated in a 19th-century apartment building where old world architecture is paired with modern design and a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views.

 

Continental Hotel
Dohány utca 42-44, Budapest, Hungary

The Continental is situated on the site of what was once Budapest’s most famous baths. The architecture is a mix of art deco and modern boutique hotel and includes everything from grand arched ceilings to covered courtyards and rooftop gardens.

 

 

 

Where to Shop

 

 

MONO Art + Design
Kossuth Lajos utca 12., Budapest

Mono is so worth stopping in just for the ambiance alone. I picked up two porcelain ring dishes from a local artist here.

 

Omorovicza
Budapest, Andrássy út 2, 1061 Hungary

This gorgeous skincare line is over 100 years old and originated from Budapest’s thermal baths.

 

PUNCH
Paulay Ede utca 15, 1061 Budapest, Hungary

This super cute boutique with a really nice sales staff houses a bunch of local designers.

 

The Garden Studio
Paulay Ede u. 18, Budapest, 1061 Hungary

This shop is filled with so many bright patterns and expertly tailored shapes. Plus, it is in a great location, right by the Opera house and up the street from PUNCH.

 

Madison Perfumery
Budapest, Andrássy út 26, 1061 Hungary

Featuring high-end artisan perfumes, the store itself is a gem. Grab your favorite lines like Byredo in this super gorgeous architectural store.

 

Printa Budapest
Rumbach Sebestyén utca 10, Budapest

All the wares are eco-friendly, minimal and so chic.

 

Nanushka
3 Bésci Street Budapest

The definitive cool-girl brand of Hungary – the store feels very French, very minimal and very sophisticated. I especially loved the bag selection.

 

 

 

Where to Eat

 

 

TLV
Budapest, Dob u. 19, 1074 Hungary

A super cute Israeli restaurant in the Jewish quarter with generous cocktails and incredibly fresh food. We got the meat plate to share, the garlic dipping sauce, hummus, roasted cauliflower, mint yogurt, and alllll the pita. It’s a quick walk around the corner to some of the best Ruin Bars right after.

 

Ellato Kert
Budapest, Kazinczy u. 48, 1075 Hungary

Mexican themed ruin bar – meaning, the building was pre-WWII and the ceiling was bombed out. It’s now an open-air bar with a Mexican beer garden vibes + super kind, chatty locals

 

360 Bar
Budapest, Andrássy út 39, 1061 Hungary

You’ll find the best views of the city right here.

 

Anker’t 
Budapest, 1061, Paulay Ede u. 33, 1061 Hungary

This ruin bar has live music, art installations, and separate wine tasting rooms.

 

Kiosk
Budapest, Március 15. tér 4, 1056 Hungary

They have a sister property out front that is a self-serve bar with comfy lounge furniture right under the bridge and a live DJ. Inside, the interior design is beyond. Be sure to order the mushroom risotto.

 

 

 

 

What to See

 

Budapest Castle
Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary

Take a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and snag amazing panoramic views of the city while you’re at it.

 

Parliament Building
Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary

Go for the gorgeous gothic revival architecture and history. It’s situated in Kossuth Square in the Pest side of the city and is hands down my favorite sight in Budapest.

 

Great Market Hall
Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary

The largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, explore local food stalls on the first floor and souvenirs on the second.

 

Margaret Island
Centre of the Danube River

Set in the middle of the Danube River, this tiny island getaway in the city is perfect for exploring. Rent cute mini cars, rowboats, or grab a drink at the many pop-up bars.

 

City Park
Budapest, Kós Károly stny., 1146 Hungary

Close to the center of Budapest, this public park is a DO NOT MISS. It literally looks like a fairytale.

 

 

 

For more travel topics and design inspiration be sure to check out:

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• How to Live + Work Abroad as a Female Entrepreneur
• Inspiring Outdoor Spaces
• What to Pack for Spain
• Capsule Decor for the Home
• The Color Trends We’re Obsessed With
• Designers’ Guide to Paint Colors

 

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