Budapest 

A city of bridges, baths, and bold history.

Visiting Budapest is like stepping into a grand European painting—ornate architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant city life all come together in this underrated destination. Often overlooked in favor of Western European capitals, Budapestholds its own with rich history, affordability, and a cultural heartbeat that surprises and delights. It truly is an underrated destination for travelers seeking a blend of elegance and edge.

During the winter months, Budapest transforms into a festive wonderland. The Christmas markets scattered across the city, particularly at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, are among Europe’s finest. With wooden stalls offering handmade crafts, mulled wine, and Hungarian delicacies, each Christmas market brings warmth to the cold days and lights up the historic backdrop with a magical glow.

No visit is complete without experiencing Budapest’s famous bars, especially its “ruin bars.” Set inside abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter, these eclectic spaces are filled with mismatched furniture, quirky art, and a uniquely creative energy. Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar, is now a cultural landmark. From craft cocktails to live music, these bars make Budapest’s nightlife one of the most memorable in Europe.

Beyond the Christmas markets and buzzing bars, Budapest is full of architectural marvels, from the Neo-Gothic Parliament building to the opulent Fisherman’s Bastion. Take a walk along the Danube at sunset, soak in a 100-year-old thermal bath, or hop on the funicular up to Buda Castle. Every turn in this underrated destination tells a story of resilience, art, and transformation.

Whether you're sipping hot wine at a Christmas market, dancing until dawn in local bars, or simply discovering the hidden gems of this underrated destination, Budapest offers an unforgettable journey full of surprises and soul.

Large mural of a Rubik's Cube on a building wall, made with colorful dots in a city street scene.
Person reading Holocaust memorial wall on Budapest street, surrounded by cars and buildings.
Old building with ornate balcony and signage, featuring weathered architecture and plants on the balcony, located on a narrow street.
Stack of cocktail recipe cards on a wooden table, featuring a card titled "Slap My Ass and Call Me Judie."
Elegant café interior with ornate ceiling, chandeliers, and patrons seated at tables.
Luxuriously decorated cafe interior with ornate ceilings, chandeliers, marble columns, and people dining.
Pasta with cream sauce, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes on a white plate.
A latte with foam and gold-colored decoration on top, served in a glass mug, placed on a reflective glass table. A small glass of water is beside the mug.
A man in a cream sweater drinks from a glass mug in a cafe setting.
Opulent interior with a decorated Christmas tree, featuring red and gold ornaments, ornate columns, and lavish architectural details.
Outdoor swimming pool with people swimming in thermal water surrounded by historical yellow building and statues, under a foggy sky.
Outdoor thermal baths with people swimming, surrounded by ornate yellow buildings.
People ice skating on a large outdoor rink in front of a historic building with domed towers on a snowy day.
Winter scene at Heroes' Square, Budapest, with snow and overcast sky. Features central column topped by Archangel Gabriel statue, surrounding sculptures, and distant buildings. A person walks across the square.
Person in winter clothing stands in a snowy square in front of a historic monument. The monument features a curved colonnade and statues. Other people are seen walking with umbrellas.
Interior of a museum with a tank and wall of victim portraits
"Shoes on the Danube Bank" Holocaust memorial featuring iron shoes on the edge of a riverside promenade.
Close-up of rusted metal shoes on the edge of a riverbank, part of a memorial installation, with blurred river and background buildings.
Iron shoes sculpture on the Danube Riverbank, Budapest, commemorating Holocaust victims.
Night view of the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building by the Danube River in Budapest.
Festive Christmas market in a city square with decorated stalls, a large Christmas tree, and people browsing and shopping.
A large decorated Christmas tree in a city square, adorned with red and gold ornaments, lights, and a star on top, surrounded by historic buildings.
Outdoor food market with vendor serving cooked vegetables and seasonal decorations in background.
A couple in warm winter clothing poses in front of a festive Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments, with an ornate cathedral in the background.
Colorful candy and sweets display at a market stall with lollipops and assorted confectionery in festive packaging.
People walking on the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary, with Hungarian flag and historic buildings in the background.
The illuminated Chain Bridge and Buda Castle in Budapest at night, reflecting on the Danube River.
Fisherman's Bastion at night with festive yellow and blue lights, people walking and taking photos, trees, and archways.
Funicular railway with brick structures on a snowy hillside, featuring two vintage carriages and several people on paths and platforms.
Fried dough topped with cheese, sour cream, and sausage slices on a paper plate with a plastic fork.
Cabbage roll on sauerkraut with plastic cutlery on plate
Person in orange knit hat sniffing packaged loaf of bread on a city street at night.
Trdelník pastries being cooked on rotating spits over charcoal.
Two men making traditional chimney cakes over a grill with coals in a wooden stall. Several cakes are baking on wooden rods with handles. The stall has signs with different flavor options and jars on display. A customer is observing.
Street food vendor cooking and serving food at an outdoor market stall, with skewers, flatbreads, and cabbage dishes on display.
View of Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest covered in light snow, featuring its neo-Gothic architecture, turrets, and a lamp post. In the background, the cityscape and Danube River are visible.
A Christmas market stall displaying various sweets, including gingerbread cookies, lollipops, and other confectioneries, decorated with holiday themes. Cookies are packaged in cellophane bags, and heart-shaped gingerbread hangs above. The signage inc
Couple in winter clothing with Budapest skyline at night

BUDAPEST 3 DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: DISCOVER BUDAPEST’S BEAUTY

Morning: Explore the charming Buda Castle District. Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion for breathtaking views of the Danube River and the Parliament building. Enjoy the small but beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion Christmas Market.

We recommend:
1) Ride the funicular from the castle to Adam Clark Square
2) Sample local cuisine such as stuffed cabbage, langos, and goulash.
3) Buy a chimney cake from one of the shops on the way from Fisherman’s Bastion to Buda Castle.

Afternoon: Stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge (also known as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge) and visit St. Stephen’s Basilica. Marvel at its neoclassical architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its dome.

Evening: Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Budapest Christmas Market by Basilica and the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market. Sip on mulled wine, indulge in delicious Hungarian treats, and admire the beautiful decorations.

*NOTE: If you are struggling for time then try the Budapest Big Bus Tours, with 18 stops at some of the most popular locations.

A stack of cocktail recipe cards with various drink names and ingredients, including "Slap My Ass and Call Me Judie," featuring ingredients like tequila, coconut, coriander, and celery espuma, on a wooden surface.

DAY 3: A FESTIVE FAREWELL

Morning: Explore the Jewish Quarter and Palace District before visiting the Central Market Hall (also called Great Market Hall) to sample local delicacies.

Afternoon: Enjoy Christmas shopping in Budapest City Centre or take a walk to the Citadel to be rewarded with beautiful views of the city.

Evening: Take a relaxing boat cruise on the Danube River and admire the city’s stunning skyline.

DAY 2: EXPLORE BUDAPEST’S HISTORY & CULTURE

Morning: Take a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Learn about the country’s history and admire the ornate interiors. Remember to book this in advance as it gets extremely busy. Visit Shoes on the Danube Memorial before strolling through Liberty Square, with its iconic statues.

Afternoon: Visit the House of Terror to gain a deeper understanding of Hungary’s tumultuous past. Take a stroll around Heroes’ Square and then ice skate in City Park before relaxing in the luxurious Szechenyi Thermal Baths (book in advance).

Evening: Visit New York Cafe for a one of a kind dinner (make a reservation in advance) and experience the city’s ruin bars after. We’d also recommend visiting Hotsy Totsy, a cocktail bar, for a great vibe and awesome cocktails.

Crowded Christmas market with festive stalls and large decorated tree in urban square surrounded by classic European buildings in winter.