If you’re planning to head to Europe this summer, you can’t go wrong with Budapest. The city offers excellent value for money, delicious Hungarian and Western food, interesting history, and photo-worthy architecture.
Here are the top things to do in Budapest:
Relax in the Szechenyi Baths
Visiting the thermal baths in Budapest is a must. These are some of the last Turkish influences on the country, and the beautiful Szechenyi baths are definitely Instagram-worthy. The baths are thermal and known for their healing properties, so go first thing in the morning or right before sunset to avoid the crowds and get the best photos.
Take a Cruise down the Danube
If you haven’t yet gawked at some of the many photos of Budapest on travel blogs and Pinterest, you’ve been missing out. And while there’s no doubt that Budapest is beautiful during the day, it’s also incredibly stunning at night as the buildings along the Danube light up and reflect onto the water. Take a one-hour sightseeing cruise in the evening and you’ll also get an audio headset that will tell you lots of information about the history of the city and interesting facts about the architecture.
Visit Buda Castle
Buda Castle must be visited if you’re in Budapest, and underneath the castle you’ll find a labyrinth which is known as one of the underground world’s 7 wonders. The labyrinth was closed in 2011 after a police raid and forced evacuation and is now once again open. You’ll also see the prison where Vlad Tepes (Count Dracula) was held by the Hungarian King in the 15th century.
Wander across the Chain Bridge
Many people are unaware that Budapest is actually made up of two cities- Buda and Pest. The Chain Bridge connects them both, and was build in 1849- an outstanding work of architecture and considered a world wonder at the time. Check out the lions that guard either end of the bridge. They’re missing their tongues and said to be the one flaw in the bridge.
Try Hungarian Wine
Hungarian wine doesn’t get enough credit, so be sure to visit the Faust Wine Cellar which is part of a system that travels underneath the Buda Castle. The owner of the cellar regularly travels throughout the 22 different wine regions in Hungary in order to supply his cellar with only the best wine, and the setting is both relaxed and perfect for romance.
Explore the Caves
Those soothing waters in the baths have to come from somewhere, and the water has formed a massive cave system which is more than 100km long. Be prepared to get dirty (you’ll be given helmets, headlamps and overalls), and inch your way through the many tight crevices in Hungary’s longest gave. You’ll explore for 2.5-3 hours and an experienced guide will help you through the tough bit. Claustrophobic? Maybe skip this one and spend some more time in the baths.
