The Hungarian capital is a treasure trove of modern and ancient history.
If you love city breaks, the illustrious Hungarian capital of Budapest should definitely be on your summer bucket list.
Budapest is actually made up of two cities connected by the Chain Bridge. Buda, the older, higher medieval city on the western bank of the Danube, is where you’ll find the Royal Pace. Pest, on the flat eastern bank, is home to the National Assembly Building.
Everywhere you turn in the city, you’ll see remarkable examples of baroque, neo-classical, neo-romanesque and art nouveau architecture. It’s no wonder it was rubber-stamped with World Heritage status in 2002.
In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to Budapest so you can start planning your itinerary.
The Hungarian capital is a treasure trove of modern and ancient history.
Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way, like sorting out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can spend fee-free around the world everywhere Visa is accepted*.
Buy a City Card, which covers all public transport run by BKK (metro, bus, trams and boats) and also gives you free entry into museums and thermal baths. In summer, BKK runs a special boat service along the Danube — basically, a sightseeing river cruise. You can also hire a bike or get an Uber, a Bolt or a taxi — make sure you use a reputable taxi firm like City Taxi or TaxiPlus.
Make time in your schedule for lunch with the locals at a neighbourhood étkezdes. These unassuming, family-run eateries serve affordable, traditional Hungarian dishes like chicken paprikash, schnitzel, and hearty stews. Visit charming étkezdes like Kívánság in District 6, Norbi in District 13 or Akácfa Étkezde in District 7 to get a taste of these local favourites.
One experience you shouldn’t skip is a dip in Budapest’s thermal baths. The Gellért Thermal Bath is a popular spot often referred to as the ‘Palace of Baths’. Remember to bring a swimsuit (no nudies here) and shower before entering. While Gellért is the most famous, locals often prefer the Rudas Bath and Szechenyi Baths — the latter is the largest in the city and has a rooftop spa greenhouse.
Five of the Best
Tick these must-visit spots off your bucket list.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Artistic town houses and luxe hotels — the city has both in spades.
1. Brody House
2. Hotel Rum Budapest
3. Grand Jules Boat Hotel
4. Aria Hotel
5. Hotel Clark Budapest
Restaurants and Eateries
Whether you've a hankering for fine dining or chimney cake (kürtőskalács), we've got the top spots for you.
1. Café Kör
2. Karaván Street Food
3. HILDA
4. Borkonyha Winekitchen
5. VIRTU Restaurant
Bars
The toast is 'Egészségedre!'. Fun fact: it's considered rude to clink glasses while toasting
1. Ruin Bars Budapest
2. Gdansk Bookstore Cafe
3. Eleszto
4. 360 Bar
5. A38
Museums and Galleries
If you love modern art, you will be spoiled for choice in Hungary's capital.
1. Hungarian National Gallery
2. Holocaust Memorial Centre
3. Titok Galéria
4. Ludwig Museum
5. Trafó Gallery
Historical Sites
On both sides of the Danube, you'll find incredible historical landmarks.
1. Heroes' Square
2. Andrássy Avenue
3. St Stephen's Basilica
4. Castle District
5. Hungarian National Assembly
Must-Do Experiences
Heading to Budapest for the first time? Make sure you tick all of these spots off your list.
1. Erzsébetváros
2. Budapest River Cruise at Night
3. Fisherman's Bastion
4. Central Market Hall
5. Cirko-Gejzír
Five of the Best
Tick these must-visit spots off your bucket list.
Further Afield
If you've got a little extra time, here are day trips you should plan from Budapest.
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Eger Wine Region
If you're eager to try some Hungarian wine, head to Eger, northeast of Budapest. It's two hero wines are Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood), a robust jammy red blend that includes at least 50 percent of the native Kékfrankos grape; and the Egri Csillag (Star of Eger), an aromatic white blend. -
Bratislava
The best thing about being in mainland Europe is how easy it is to visit other countries. It's only a two hour drive or three hour train ride to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. The city is encircled by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, interlaced with wooded trails ideal for hiking and cycling. Its car-free 18th-century old town is famous for vibrant bars and cafes and Bratislava Castle. -
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe, located about 80 kilometres southwest of Budapest. During the summer, it's a top holiday spot for boating, swimming and other water sports. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with beaches, small villages, holiday resorts, a wine region to its north, and the Balaton Uplands National Park, a great place for a hike. -
Pál Csergezán Lookout Tower
This distinctive lookout tower is perched on top of Mount Nagy-Kopasz in Buda Hills. Climb 100 stairs to its 18-metre-high observation deck for a breathtaking panorama, offering views of up to 100 kilometres on clear days. Look out to the Basin of Zsámbék, Pilis Mountains, Gerecse Mountains, and Budapest's surrounding hills. Image: Farkas Péter -
Dobogóko, Danube River Bend
This 700-metre high hill in the Danube Bend, less than an hour's drive from Budapest is a popular spot for picnickers and hikers. It's considered sacred by Hungarian neo-pagans who believe ley lines intersect here, making it the heart of the planet. Its name means 'beating stone'.
Bookable Experiences
Ready to start planning? We've found four experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.
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Hungarian National Assembly
Towering impressively on the banks of the River Danube, this is one of the world's finest examples of gothic and renaissance revival architecture. And the interior is just as impressive. Find out for yourself . -
Szechenyi Baths
Take a dip at the largest geothermal bath complex in Budapest, just remember to take your swimsuit. Book now . -
Pinball Museum
Spend an arvo exploring the games of the past at the nostalgia-fuelled Pinball Museum, otherwise known as Flippermúzeum. Book now . -
Agardi Distillery tour
At this distillery, one of the oldest in the country, you can try the Hungarian spirit Pálinka as well as whisky and gin. Book now. -
Buda Castle Cave
Discover the intricate cave labyrinth beneath the Buda Castle District, and delve into the caverns' rich history and distinctive geology. .
Plan Your Journey Around Budapest
Track down the must-visit spots.
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Be prepared for your European adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.
Illustration: Haylee Poppi
*The HSBC Everyday Global Account does not support the Hungarian Currency (HUF) as one of the nine sub-currencies. However, you can still use your Visa Debit Card, and the funds will be taken from your AUD account.