Budapest Travel Guide: Europe’s Most Underrated Gem

If you have never been to Budapest, let me tell you, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful, exciting, and surprisingly affordable cities in all of Europe. As someone who was born and raised in this incredible city, I may be a little biased, but I believe Budapest is one of those destinations that gets under your skin the moment you arrive and never leaves you.

Budapest is actually two cities in one, the hilly, historic Buda on the west side of the Danube, and the flat, vibrant Pest on the east, connected by a series of beautiful bridges including the Chain Bridge that has become the symbol of the city. The contrast between the two sides creates a dynamic and fascinating city that rewards every traveler who takes the time to explore it.

No visit to Budapest is complete without experiencing the city’s thermal bath culture. Seriously! With so many natural hot springs bubbling beneath the city, Budapest has been a spa destination for centuries. The Széchenyi Thermal Baths and the Gellért Baths are the most famous, but there are many beautiful bathhouses scattered throughout the city, each with its own unique character and history. Relaxing in the salt room, soaking in a steaming outdoor pool, while admiring the architecture above you is one of those simple, perfect Budapest experiences you will never forget.

Budapest’s food and drink scene is as rich and bold as the city itself. From hearty goulash and crispy lángos to chimney cakes dusted with cinnamon sugar, every meal here is a celebration of flavor and tradition. And if you have a sweet tooth, do not miss Hungary’s famous marcipán desserts, which were my favorites growing up, mostly because they are beautifully crafted, and what child doesn’t like a sweet treat looking like a character have just stepped out from a book. The wines of Hungary’s famous Tokaj and Eger regions are world class and widely available throughout the city’s restaurants and wine bars.

And no trip to Budapest is complete without a night in the legendary ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter, unique bars built within the shells of abandoned buildings, dripping with mismatched furniture, street art, and an atmosphere that is unlike anything else you will find anywhere in the world.

Budapest wears its rich and complex history proudly. The Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in all of Europe, dominates the eastern bank of the Danube. Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion offer panoramic views over the entire city on the west side of the river. The sobering but essential Shoes on the Danube memorial and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe, remind visitors of the city’s deep and layered past.

For those who love the outdoors and a little adventure, the Elizabeth Kilátó lookout tower in the peaceful green hills of Hűvösvölgy offers a wonderfully scenic escape from the city buzz, with beautiful forested views stretching out in every direction that most tourists never get to experience.

Budapest is also a city that knows how to have a great time. The city’s escape room scene is legendary, Budapest is actually considered one of the escape room capitals of the world, with hundreds of incredibly creative, immersive, and thrillingly designed rooms that make for an unforgettable evening of fun for friends, families, and couples. For something uniquely entertaining and incredibly photogenic, the Budapest Selfie Museum is an absolute must visit, a wonderfully creative and interactive space filled with stunning visual installations and optical illusions that are fun to experience and to photograph. And on Margaret Island, the enchanting Musical Fountain puts on a magical show, dancing and flowing in perfect harmony with music in a setting that is especially beautiful and romantic after dark.