A trip to Europe would be incomplete without a visit to the stunning capital of Hungary. All sorts of travelers would resonate with Budapest as it has a tendency to truly captivate its tourists. The places to visit in Budapest provide you with a completely unique experience. Ranging from world heritage sites to extravagant shopping stalls, the city has it all. The temperature in Budapest is usually temperate and never extreme. This makes travel in all seasons pleasant but if you want to avoid crowds, March- May would be the best time to visit Budapest.
Things to do in Budapest
1. Visit the Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament building may not be the ideal cultural site for most people but its worth a visit. One of the largest buildings in the country, the Parliament Building is an exceptional piece of art. Intricately designed and extremely large, the building attracts thousands of tourists. Go to their website to check out the tours they offer.
2. Have a swim at Gellert Baths
Want to go for a swim in the middle of city, just head down to the most humongous spa in Hungary, Gellert Baths. The spa has an open-air swimming pool, steam rooms along with a Finnish sauna. The wave pool and the play area are an excellent place for children of all ages to enjoy. One can wonder how the royalties back in the day used to bathe.
3. Heroes’ Square
Located in the heart of the city, the Heroes’ Square is yet another example of the impeccable architecture that Budapest possesses. The Square was made as a tribute to the seven chieftains of Magyars who are believed to have led the Hungarian people into the country from Central Asia. At the center of the square is a statue of Archangel Gabriel, who adorns the crown of Hungary.
4. Walk along the Danube Promenade
Extending from the Elizabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge, the Danube Promenade walk is a short but enthralling walk. It is tradition to take of your shoes and keep at the river bank before the walk. The walk gives you a look of the major landmarks in the city and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest.
5. Check out the House of terror
The nation of Hungary was ruled by fascist the communist regimes in immediate succession in the 20th century. This duration was marked by violence and unrest. The house of terror holds exhibitions of events from this time. A trip through this house can let you relive the extreme horror the people back in the day had to go through. Highly informative and scary, the House of terror is a must-visit in Budapest.
6. Ecseri Flea Market
Put your bargaining skills to great use at the Ecseri flea market and come home with astonishing deals. You never know what treasures to expect amid all the chaos in drama in this little neighbourhood. It is one of the most popular Budapest tourist spots so be prepared for a large crowd.
7. Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is an amazing viewpoint built towards the end of the 19th century to mark the 1000th birthday of the country. The Bastion provides a view of the classic Goth architecture in the city from the top of a terrace. It is the perfect place for you to understand what the whole country of Hungary stands for and for some classic Budapest sightseeing.
Budapest Nightlife
The tourism in Budapest is not limited only to the amazing architectural monuments and shops, the city also has an amazing nightlife to offer. Here are the top places for you to enjoy your nightlife in Budapest.
1. Ruin Bars
The most iconic part of the nightlife in Budapest are the ruin bars. While the name can be a little misleading, the ruin bars are the place to be. The Instant club is the largest ruin bar in the city. The place has 8 bars, all of which are open till 6am and have a weird yet appeasing apocalyptic theme. The structures hanging form the ceilings make the place even more crazy and fun.
2. Szimpla Kert
The first ruin bar in the country, Szimpla Kert started the trend in the country back in 2002. The bar is fashioned off of an old abandoned car factory. While it has modified itself to accommodate music and dance, the vibe of the place remains intact.
3. Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov is a snazzy and romantic restaurant, ideal for couples on vacation. The place has vibrant colours and is perfect place to get a lavish dinner before heading out to a ruin bar for a crazy party.
4. Szechenyi Spa Baths
An ordinary spa during the day, theSzechenyi Baths transform into one of the most raving parties at night. The Sparty as it is called gets wilder as the night proceeds and the old Turkish bathhouses are filled with tourists.
Best Hotels in Budapest
1. Four Seasons Gresham Palace
The perfect place to add some luxury to your vacation, the Four Seasons Gresham Palace is one of the classiest hotels in town. Most of the rooms provide views over the city’s beautiful architecture.
2. Mystery Hotel
A new addition to the various beautiful hotels in Budapest, the mystery hotel is fairly unique. Close to Andrássy Avenue, the hotel has a perfect medieval Persian Theme complete with the Persian carpets and curtains.
3. Baltazar
A small yet comfy place to stay, Baltazar gives you the homely feeling away in a foreign country. From exceptional food to well-tailored vintage décor, the place gives you the perfect Hungarian experience for a cheap price and is one of the best places to stay in Budapest.
While Budapest may not be the fanciest amongst its other European counterparts, the city is perfect for people looking for a laid back and relaxed experience. The historical landmarks and Gothic architecture attract tons of literature enthusiasts throughout the year. The complete transformation of the city towards the night is truly fascinating. Budapest is one city that can fulfil the intellect as well as the party animal in you.
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