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Budapest, also known as the “Pearl of the Danube”, offers a captivating experience to travellers from around the world. A weekend will not be enough to visit everything that the city has to offer but being so close to the UK makes it the perfect weekend getaway.
Hungary’s capital is a vibrant city that never sleeps. Its 24-hour first-class transport system allows tourists to explore the city even at night time and the historical buildings and the riverside promenade give Budapest an unmistakeable romantic character, making this city the perfect spot for a couples getaway.
Here is our top selection for a short vacation in the Hungarian capital:
Explore Buda Castle
Among the places that you need to explore is the Buda Castle. This historic palace sits atop Castle Hill and was founded in 1247 by King Béla IV. The castle expanded over the next few centuries and today offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, serving as one of Budapest’s premiere attractions. For those who would rather have a guide show them around, there are several walking tours to choose from, including night, segway and cave tours.
Cross the Chain Bridge
Opened in 1849, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is an iconic symbol of Budapest, connecting Buda and Pest, the two sides divided by the Danube River. On the Pest side, you can visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that is one of the largest legislative buildings in the world. Witness the changing of the guards and marvel at the intricate architecture from the outside. On the Buda side, there is Clark Adam Tér, named after Adam Clark, the Scottish civil engineer who oversaw the bridge’s construction.
The Danube Promenade
This is one of the most popular attractions in Budapest, covering the pedestrian walking area along the Pest side from the Elizabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge. Offering stunning views of the river and the city, the Promenade is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy some time outdoors. There are plenty of sights to see, like the Pest Parish Church (oldest church in Pest), the Little Princess Statue and other statues of famous poets, writers and politicians. If you are too tired to walk, there is also a tram which can take you all the way along the Pest riverbank.
The Great Market Hall
If you are interested in Hungarian cuisine and culture, you should visit the Great Market Hall. This vast indoor market has three floors of booths, situated in a stunning glass and iron roof structure. You will be able to find everything from fresh produce to typical Hungarian salamis, pastries, and sweets. The market is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs and handicrafts for friends back at home. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t arrive too early as locals go for their early morning shopping. If you are visiting on a weekend, Saturdays tend to be a bit busier in general.
Vajdahunyad Castle
This castle is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements from different periods in Hungarian history, ranging from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. However, it was only built in 1896, as a fantasy pastiche showcasing the architectural evolution. The castle is on of the
most famous tourist attractions in the City Park, a public park close to the city centre. The park’s main entrance is Heroes’ Square, one of Hungary’s World Heritage sites.
Food in Budapest
In terms of restaurants, Budapest has something for everyone. If you want to experience classic Hungarian’s dishes then you should try Rosenstein. Budapest’s Turkish influence isn’t just evident in its opulent bathhouses – there are plenty of places to taste it, too. Szeráj serves speedy, inexpensive stews, salads, side dishes and baklava. Another must-taste dish in Hungary is Goulash, or as the locals call it Gulyás. This speciality is a stew-like soup with beef, onion, tomatoes, pepper, paprika and other ingredients. If you are overwhelmed by the choice, why not sign up for a food tour? This will allow you to sample far more dishes in a day that you could try by yourself, while also walking away more knowledgeable about Hungarian cuisine.
Transport in Budapest
Since you will be tight on time during your weekend you could arrange an airport taxi in advance to get to the city quickly. Once you’re there, public transport will be relatively inexpensive compared to the UK and links all the main touristic points. There are many ticket options, including the Budapest travelcard. This pass gives you free access to public transport in the city area for a limited time period, without the need to worry about buying and validating tickets every time.
Whether you want to explore historic buildings, go shopping in bustling markets, or simply enjoy the local cuisine, Budapest offers something for everyone.