Unlock the Mysteries of the Danube in a Tour Through 5 Unmissable Budapest Experiences

Budapest, a city split in two by the Danube River, is bustling all year round thanks to its trendy neighbourhoods, lively ruin bars, unmissable experiences, famous landmarks, breathtaking architecture, tasty cuisine, and highly affordable accommodation prices.

This article will explore five unmissable Budapest experiences.

Enjoy The Views From St Stephen's Basilica 

St Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica, named in honour of the first King of Hungary, whose right hand is now housed in the reliquary. 

You are likely to witness the flawless exterior of St Stephen's Basilica on almost any free walking tour of Budapest and get the perfect postcard picture of the neoclassical architecture. 

However, for just a small fee, you can marvel at the equally magnificent interior and take an elevator to the top of the central dome to get a 360-degree view of the city. 

Church entrance tickets for adults are Ft 2,400 ($7), and an adult ticket for the panoramic dome costs an additional Ft 4,500 ($13). 

Relax At Széchenyi Baths

Thermal baths are a massive part of Hungarian culture, and an unmissable experience when visiting the capital city. The tradition was brought to Hungary in the 16th century, during the Turkish occupation.

Today, Budapest boasts around 100 thermal baths. The most popular is Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which is also the largest medicinal bath in Europe. It is located in a neo-Baroque palace and features 15 indoor pools, three outdoor pools, 10 saunas, and various spa facilities.  

The thermal waters at Széchenyi are rich in minerals that are known for their medicinal properties, such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfate.

It is recommended to visit Széchenyi early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds, as it's a tourist hotspot. However, if you are looking for a more lively thermal bath experience, Széchenyi hosts a spa party (known as a 'sparty') on a Saturday night with electronic dance music and acrobatic performances. 

General admission to Széchenyi starts at Ft 12,500 ($36.40), depending on when you visit. Whilst a sparty ticket starts at €59 ($68.40).

Whilst Budapest's largest thermal bath is an unmissable experience, there are others worth checking out, including Gellért Baths and Rudas Baths. 

Cruise Down The Danube

The Danube River splits Buda and Pest - the two halves of Hungary's capital city, which have their own distinct culture. By taking a Danube River cruise, you get to witness both sides of the city from the water below. 

For those eager to see Budapest's most iconic landmarks, hour-long or all-day cruises are an excellent choice. You'll glide past the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Liberty Statue atop Gellért Hill whilst a knowledgeable guide teaches you about the city. 

Alternatively, there are evening cruises available, some of which include dinner, drinks, and live music. These are great for catching the sunset and witnessing Budapest's bridges and buildings light up the sky. 

Tour The Hungarian Parliament 

The Hungarian Parliament building is one of the most prominent landmarks in Budapest, sitting on the edge of the Danube River.

It is essential to view the building's Gothic Revival style of architecture from afar to appreciate its magnificence and capture the best shots to show those back in the US. 

However, you should also take a tour to learn more about the local history. Just remember to book Hungarian Parliament tours in advance, especially during peak season (July-August). 

Grab A Drink At Szimpla Kert

Budapest is known for its ruin bars, a concept that started when a group of guys converted an abandoned building, which was soon to be demolished, into a bar. 

Szimpla Kert is the oldest and most popular ruin bar. It's made up of an open-air courtyard and a labyrinth of rooms, which have eclectic furniture, edgy artwork, and bright lights. It tends to be an unmissable spot for foreign partygoers, who enjoy the program of DJs and live acts. 

While admission is usually free, you'll be paying around Ft 2,000 ($5.80) a beer, which is cheap compared to New York or Las Vegas, but pricey compared to other lively bars in Budapest. If you want to experience a ruin bar on a budget, try Instant or Fogas Ház.

In addition, on a Sunday morning, Szimpla Kert hosts a slow-paced farmers market in which the courtyard fills with artisanal producers and live jazz music.

Ready To Tour Through Budapest?

From its breathtaking architecture and sweeping views to its relaxing thermal baths and vibrant ruin bars, Budapest offers a range of unmissable experiences for all ages and budgets.

Overall, if you're heading across the pond this year, Budapest is a great destination.