Budapest City Guide
Budapest City Guide | Travel tips and inspiration
Budapest | Hungary
Discover the magic of Budapest's highlights in this city guide. The birthplace of the Rubik’s cube, ballpoint pen, holography and several Nobel Prize winners, Budapest boasts an innovative culture, as well as classical composers such as Bartok, Kodaly and Liszt. Hungary's magnificent capital spans both sides of the Danube River, as it was once two cities, Buda and Pest, united (along with Obuda) to become a single city in 1873. Famous landmarks, including the Parliament building, medieval Castle Hill and the historic Chain Bridge, have withstood the test of time and numerous invasions. Many sites are UNESCO World Heritage-listed and they add to the city’s distinguished skyline and persuasive old-world charm.
Tour Highlights
When it comes to local knowledge there's no one better to show you the way than our on-the-ground team. Read on to find out their favourite dining venues, places of interest, customs or secrets, gained through living in these cities or returning to them time and again.
Meet Local Expert – Emese Balizs
Living in Budapest, APT Tour Director Emese Balisz loves to show guests her hometown. Emese shares some of her personal favourites to experience Hungary's capital like a local. Ways to make the most of Budapest's highlights, as well as cultural, dining or everyday experiences you'll only come across if you know the ins and outs of this city.
Soak it up
"Try the hot baths, this is what us locals do! It's amazing to just sit out in the fresh air or in a quite space and soak in thermal water. It's the perfect way to relax and really a national past time."
Ruin Bars
"Discover the city's old Jewish Quarter, which sits besides the synagogues, newly refurbished buildings and street-kitchen restaurants. It has a number of once-abandoned buildings, home to reimagined 'romkocsma' or ruin bars - popular city bars with eclectic socialist-era décor. Sitting with a coffee or drink really takes you back to what life could have been here decades ago."
Margaret Island
"One of my favourite activities is definitely walking on Margaret Island. It's Budapest's answer to Central Park, found right in the heart of the city. I enjoy the extended green parks, the colourful flowers in the summer, and the zoo there. Enjoy a picnic or just cycle around the island and marvel at the amazing city view from right in the centre of the river. The island is a great venue for concerts too."
Budapest General Information
Country: Hungary
Currency: The Hungarian forint (HUF)
International dialling code: +36
Local time: GMT +1
Population: Budapest's population is approximately 1.7 million. Hungary's is estimated at over 9.6 million.