Budapest: A Guide to the Coolest Places in the City

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a stunning city full of culture, history, and exciting attractions. It is situated along the banks of the Danube River, and is second only to Vienna for its stunning architecture and majestic bridges. It is a city that has something for everyone, from those who love to explore the city’s history to those who are looking for a great night out. In this guide, we will explore some of the coolest places in Budapest, from popular tourist attractions to underground clubs and more.

A Bit of History

Budapest is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its first settlements established as early as the Stone Age. The city was known as Ak Ink and later Ak Ink városa, which means “White City” in Hungarian. It was an important hub for trade, commerce and culture during the Middle Ages.

The city was officially established in 1873, when the cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda were unified under the name of Budapest. Since then, Budapest has gone through many changes, from being an important political and economic centre during the communist era, to being one of Europe’s most beautiful and vibrant cities today.

Today, Budapest is home to around 1.7 million people and is a popular tourist destination in Europe. It is known for its diverse and vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the top attractions that you should check out when you visit Budapest.

Top Attractions in Budapest

Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest and the most famous building in Hungary. It is located on the banks of the Danube River and is one of the largest parliament buildings in Europe. The building was designed by Imre Steindl in a Neo-Gothic style and it took almost 15 years to complete.

Inside the building you can find a variety of sculptures, paintings, and murals depicting Hungarian history. The most impressive part of the building is the 96m-high dome which can be seen from all across the city. You can also take tours of the building which will guide you through some of the most important rooms and give you an insight into Hungarian history and culture.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Budapest and a symbol of the city. The bridge was built in 1849 and connects Buda and Pest across the Danube River. It was designed by William Tierney Clark and it was the first permanent bridge to be built over the river.

The bridge is decorated with two large stone lions at each end which are said to protect it from harm. It is an impressive sight at night when it is lit up with thousands of lights. You can take a walk across the bridge or take a boat ride underneath it to get a closer look at its impressive architecture.

St Stephen’s Basilica

St Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most popular tourist attractions and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The basilica was built in 1905 and is named after St Stephen, Hungary’s first king who was canonized by Pope Gregory VII in 1083. The basilica is a Neo-Classical building with an impressive 96m-high dome which can be seen from most parts of the city.

Inside the basilica you can find several beautiful murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from Hungarian history. You can also visit the treasury which contains various religious artifacts and relics including St Stephen’s right hand which has been preserved since his death in 1038.

Fun Activities

Budapest is a great city for those who want to explore its culture and history but it also has plenty of fun activities for those who want to let their hair down. Here are some of our favorite activities for enjoying a fun night out in Budapest:

Ride on a Trabant

For a truly unique experience in Budapest, why not take a ride on a Trabant? A Trabant is an East German car that was one of the most iconic symbols of communism during the Cold War era. Today they are used as tourist attractions in Budapest and you can take a guided tour around the city or an hour-long ride around town.

The tour will take you to some of Budapest’s most popular sights such as Heroes’ Square, Andrássy Avenue and much more. You can also take a private tour with your own driver or even rent your own Trabant for an hour to explore on your own. It’s definitely an experience you will never forget!

Nightlife in Budapest

Budapest has some of the best nightlife in Europe and it’s easy to find something for everyone here. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs scattered around the city so you can easily find something to suit your taste. Some popular bars include Instant – Budapest’s largest ruin bar – as well as Fogas Ház and Szimpla Kert which are great places for partying with friends.

If you want to experience some traditional Hungarian music then head over to Durer Kert which is one of Budapest’s oldest music venues where you can listen to some traditional folk music while sipping on some local beer. For something a bit more alternative then check out Roxy which hosts live bands every weekend or Corvin Club which is one of Hungary’s most famous underground nightclubs.

Tours Around Budapest

If you want to explore Budapest but don’t know where to start then why not join a guided tour? There are plenty of different tours you can join depending on your interests such as food tours, walking tours and even bike tours around the city. Here are just two examples that you should check out:

Gastro Walking Tour

This three-hour walking tour takes you around some of Budapest’s best restaurants and food stalls where you can sample some delicious local dishes such as goulash, paprika chicken and strudel. Your guide will also tell you about Budapest’s history as well as interesting stories about food in Hungary. Book this tour to experience some of Budapest’s best cuisine!

Bike Tour

A bike tour is a great way to explore Budapest’s sights while getting some exercise at the same time! This three-hour tour will take you around some of Budapest’s most famous sights such as Heroes’ Square, St Stephen’s Basilica and more while your guide tells you interesting stories about each location. Book this tour to experience Budapest like never before!

At the end of the day, Budapest is a truly unique city full of culture, history and excitement. Whether you are looking for a great night out or want to explore its history and culture, there is something here for everyone! With this guide, we hope that you have found some great ideas for your trip to Budapest and that you enjoy your time here!