Budapest at a glance
A truly majestic city, Budapest offers a distinctive old world charm with historic architecture and treasure filled museums. Its scenic setting on both sides of the Danube gives it a unique character with plenty to see, from the staterooms and galleries of the Royal Palace to the colour and exotic smells of the bustling Central Market Hall.
Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, Budapest’s stunning architecture and war scared remnants give a tangible sense of the city’s past. With an eclectic mix of baroque, neoclassical, and art nouveau styles at every turn, it’s easy to feel as if the city itself is a museum.
Budapest can be viewed as three separate parts – Buda, Castle Hill and Pest, with each area having its own personality and sites. The oldest part of the city is contained within Castle Hill, on Buda’s west side of the Danube, while the more modern Pest area to the west of the river is popular for its shopping and nightlife.
Perfect if you’re looking for:
- Stunning architecture
- Art and culture
- Weekend short break
Getting around
Budapest has one of the oldest metro lines in Europe. Both the metro and tram lines stop at the major sights and attractions of the city. There is also an extensive bus and trolley service.
Dining in Budapest
Dining in Budapest is considerably cheap in comparison to other major European cities and there are countless fine dining options, street vendors and casual cafés for foodies to dive into. Foods are comforting and warming, a weapon used against the colder climate, think rich stews, hearty soups and mouth-watering spicy dishes made namely with paprika, the nation’s favourite spice.
Must-try local dishes:
- Goulash – A warming beef stewed with potato, onion and carrots, finished with some paprika.
- Kurtoskalacs – Also known as the cinnamon funnel cake, this treat is a coil of warm, stodgy cake covered in cinnamon.
- Chicken Paprikash – A signature dish of Hungary, this hearty dish is made from chicken, paprika and sour cream and served with freshly made noodles.
Shopping in Budapest
The popular pedestrianised street of Váci Utca is a shopping hub packed full of souvenir shops and elite Euro-fashion chains, while the Castle district is popular for higher end art boutiques and galleries.
Folk art is popular in Budapest. Items such as embroidered tablecloths, wooden dolls, painted plates and famous Hungarian Herend porcelain can be found throughout the city.
Osprey Holidays top tips
From the money saved from the cheap prices of food in Budapest, why not splash out on a dinner at a Michelin-star or at Hungary's famous restaurant Gundel, which is near City Park.
Get your tailor-made city break itinerary
Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Budapest designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:
- All travel and transfers on days of your choice
- Accommodation from our handpicked range of Budapest hotels, to suit your budget and requirements
Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.
- Latest blog posts
- Important information
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Population 1,690,109 Languages Hungarian Currency Hungarian Forint Visa Information No visa required for EU citizens - Average temperatures
(monthly highs °C)
- Interesting facts
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For a great stress-reliever, visit either the Rudas or the Szechenyi Baths with their rejuvenating thermal springs.
- Featured accommodation
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- K&K Hotel Opera
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Osprey Select
- Distance from airports
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Ferenc Liszt 16 km
- Railway stations
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Budapest Keleti