Budapest Travel Guide

Budapest was a last minute trip. 

This kind of travel is what I call  "a travel for beginners" because it's very quick and easy to plan due to the facility to find a nice accomodation at a competitive price and the fact that you are going to visit an European capital city where turism is largely developped and where you won't encounter big issues.

Plus I found the city not to be that big (I visited it exclusively by walking) and you can reach all the main destinations on foot so that transports aren't needed.

Budapest was born in 1873 from the unification of the historical cities of Buda and Obuda (on the west shores of the Danube) and of Pest (on the east shore).

Budapest is called the "Paris of the East", the "Parl of the Danube" and that is for a reason. Let's see why...

WHAT TO SEE

Besides the main attractions of the city: the Parliament, the Jewish Quarter, the Saint Stephen's Basilica, the Memorial "Shoes on the Danube Bank", the Chain Bridge...that you can't miss, of course, you will also have to go visit the Budapest Castle.

I took the Official Budapest Castle Bus, en eco-friendly mini-bus that shows turists around the Buda hill and bring you also to the Fisherman's Bastion (best place to take great pictures of the city) and to the Buda Tower, everything for about 8 euros...highly recommended!

In addition to all that, I strongly suggest you to make time to see the Great Market Hall, a central market, where you can do grocery shopping and where you can find souvenirs and typical hungarian goodies. 
During Christmas time it become very festive. Don't miss it.

As an Italian I still get astonished by how people can stay in a proper line...I must say that this thing is not in our DNA

And last but not least you can't skip some chilling time at the spa...The most famous are the Széchenyi  and the Gellert Baths...but they are also very crowded. 

I personally preferred the Rudas Baths which are more private. 
From their rooftop you will enjoy the amazing view on the city while taking an hot bath. 
The best time to go there is late in the afternon when the sun set and the first lights starts to be turned on. 
You want to check the opening hours before the visit. The vapor bath section (very ancient and characteristic) is opened to both sexes only during weekends, otherwise is opened for men or women only.

WHERE TO STAY

The hotel that I chose is located on the Pest side of the city, in the famous Jewish Quarter. Very well located it allowed me to freely move all around the city very fast.

WHERE TO EAT&DRINK

If you are visiting Budapest you can't avoid to stop by one of the many Ruins Bars, famous for theirs decadent vibes. Today they are more than just bars, and lots of cultural activities such as festivals or exhibitions are desplayed here. 
Go grab a beer in the oldest and most famous of all them, the Szimpla Kert.

If you want to give the Goulash a try, go to the Lanchid Sorozo, a high quality bistrot.

For an high standard meal, for breakfast or just for a drink, the New York Cafe is the place to be.
It's the New York Palace cafe, one of the most beautiful cafe in the world. 
The expectations are high and won't be disappointed.
Don't be scared by the luxury aspect of this location, prices are affordable.

TIPS

The best period to visit Budapest is during Christmas time, not only for the unreal atmosphere but also because you'll get a chance to see the Christmas Markets scattered around the city and the Advent Festival and Fair in the beautiful Saint Stephen's Square.

While you are there order a cup of mulled wine and a flavoured sekler cake to warm yourself up. 

I hope that my advices help you get the best out of your Budapest trip.

Until next travel...until next time!