Budapest, Hungary | Budapest Travel

The Danube river runs through Hungary’s capital, splitting it into the two districts that give the city its name: Buda and Pest. The separate sides differ in personality and allure. Buda breathes historic grandeur from leafy, palace-topped hills, while Pest buzzes with boho ruin bars and gourmet go-tos. Cross ornate bridges to take in the two, stopping at Turkish-era thermal baths along the way.

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Discover the magic of Budapest with our travel packages or bundles that include the best places to stay in Budapest. Things to do in Budapest include admiring the incredible Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle, and the Fisherman's Bastion. Take in the exciting Budapest nightlife, and seek rejuvenation at the city's historic spas, like the Gellért Baths or the popular Széchenyi Baths.

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DESTINATION FACTS

LANGUAGE

Hungarian

WHAT TO EAT

Goulash, lángos (a classic street food: deep-fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese), palacsinta (Hungarian crepes), halászlé (paprika-spiced fish soup) and a lot of sausage and strudels.

WHAT TO BRING BACK

Hungarian paprika (there are eight grades!), handmade Ajka crystal objects, embroidered folk art (from blouses to tablecloths), Tokaji wine or a Hungarian fruit brandy called pálinka.

FUN FACT

Hungarians are a creative bunch—not only did they invent the Rubik’s Cube, but they repurposed abandoned buildings (often destroyed by WWII) to house fun, quirky pubs called “ruin bars.” Up there with visiting Buda Castle, a stop at these unique spaces is a Budapest must. Start at the iconic Szimpla Kert or the more laidback Csendes Létterem.