Budapest

Travel Guide

Budapest which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a ferry
Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle and a statue or sculpture
Matthias Church showing a statue or sculpture, a monument and heritage architecture
Budapest
Budapest

Budapest Travel Guide Video

This Eastern European capital city offers beautiful views, interesting buildings from the 1896 celebration of Hungary’s millennium and plenty of history.

The capital of Hungary, Budapest is two cities in one: older Buda on the west and Pest on the east. They are separated by the Danube River, sometimes flowing gently and other times rushing violently. Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue, has been declared an internationally protected World Heritage Site, recognizing the city as one of the world’s outstanding urban landscapes.

The city traces its history to Roman times. See this past on the Buda side at Aquincum, an excavated ancient Roman settlement in the Óbuda district, slightly north of the city center. Buda Castle Quarter lies at the heart of the city. Here you can see the Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom), with its colorful exterior. Buda Castle (Budai var), high on a western hill overlooking the city, lights up at night as the most recognizable part of Budapest’s skyline.

Just a few minutes away on Gellért Hill is another towering structure, the Citadella, which has served as a fortress during several struggles within the city. The Liberty Statue (Szabadság-szobor), also on Gellért Hill, was installed as a celebration of Hungary’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II.

Explore the interesting sights near City Park (Varosliget) on the eastern side of the city. Heroes’ Square (Hosok Tere) honors the city’s founders and defenders. Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum), while alongside a lake inside the park is the romantic looking Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyad vára).

For other cultural attractions, visit the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum), the National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház) and the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) on the Pest side. Budapest has been the home of a number of famous sculptors, writers and composers.

Budapest is easy to get around by car or on foot. The western Buda side is hilly, while eastern Pest is flat. The city also has many public transportation options. The subway system, one of Europe’s earliest, is still functional more than 100 years after its construction. There are also numerous bus tours, Danube boat tours, and even bicycle and Segway rentals or tours.

Where to stay in Budapest

Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle and a statue or sculpture

Budapest City Centre

Known for its stunning cathedral, charming cafes, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Budapest City Centre. Top attractions like Ferenc Deak Square and Ferris Wheel of Budapest are major draws. Catch the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Deák Ferenc tér M Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Budapest City Centre
Budapest featuring a river or creek, a bridge and an administrative buidling

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(1,149 area reviews)

Situated on the east bank of the Danube, this central area offers sightseeing at landmarks like Buda Castle and shopping on Váci Street. Easily accessible via Ferenc Deák Square, where three Budapest Metro lines converge.

Inner City Budapest
Lipotvaros which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Lipotvaros

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Lipotvaros. Check out top attractions like Danube Palace and Szechenyi Istvan Square, and jump on the metro at Széchenyi István tér Tram Stop or Kossuth Lajos ter Station to see more of the city.

Lipotvaros
Default Image

Erzsebetvaros

4/5(461 area reviews)

Situated on the Pest side of the Danube, this densely populated district boasts the historic Jewish quarter and the largest functioning synagogue in Europe, Dohány Street Synagogue.

Erzsebetvaros
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Belváros - Lipótváros

Heart of Budapest, District V boasts political, financial, and touristic significance. Explore iconic sites like Hungarian Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica, and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Belváros - Lipótváros
Hungarian State Opera House showing a statue or sculpture

District VI

If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror Museum or Andrássy Út and hop on the metro to see more the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.

District VI
Park Plaza Budapest

Park Plaza Budapest

4 out of 5
Bem Rakpart 16-19, Budapest
The price is ¥16,912 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
¥16,912
¥18,434 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Budapest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location, being near the metro and tram. Friendly staff who speak good English, nice rooms and great breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Park Plaza Budapest
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

4.5 out of 5
Terez Krt 43, Budapest
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,067 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥14,067
¥15,333 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star hotel in Budapest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very good location and very beautiful hotel, but its very bad clean service."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest
IntercityHotel Budapest

IntercityHotel Budapest

4 out of 5
Baross Ter 7-8, Budapest
Fully refundable
The price is ¥9,958 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥9,958
¥10,855 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Budapest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (777 reviews)
"Located just steps from Budapest Keleti train station and within 2 min walk to nearest Big Bus hop on hop off stop. Beautifully renovated, new, super clean, and very quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

IntercityHotel Budapest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
7seasons Apartments Budapest

7seasons Apartments Budapest

4 out of 5
Király utca 8, Budapest
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Budapest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,515 reviews)
"Location, size, cleanliness is great!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

7seasons Apartments Budapest
Marbles Residence

Marbles Residence

3 out of 5
82 József krt., Budapest
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Budapest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Margaret Island and Vaci Street ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
"Marbles Residence has hittatperfection point in so many ways when it comes to affordable places to stay in Budapest."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Marbles Residence
Lord Residence

Lord Residence

3 out of 5
Lovag Street 8, Budapest, Pest
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Budapest. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Margaret ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (655 reviews)
"Convenient and safe. Difficult getting luggage up steps before elevator could be reached, but amenities such as dishwasher and a wonderful bed made up for that. Helpful, friendly staff. Nice balcony view to courtyard. Water in big courtesy bottle is free for refills at desk, don't have to buy the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Lord Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Budapest

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1239
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
433
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
57
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We visited Margaret Island, which wasn't on our original itinerary and really enjoyed it. Lunch at the Grand hotel was fantastic and the spa next door was wonderful. The island itself is very picturesque and a nice place to walk and view the city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It’s beautiful city

5/5 - Excellent

TM

Underrated city. Was a nice place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Abby

I'm going to go back to Budapest as soon as I can!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Didn’t expect too much, but Budapest stole our hearts and tastebuds. Food was delicious and plentiful, typical home/comfort food. Restaurants and staff spoke good English, even the little ones off the broken path. Fantastic history and buildings.

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