Updated August 2024

“It’s beautiful here. They said that of course, that Budapest is beautiful. But it is in fact almost ludicrously beautiful.” -Anthony Bourdain

Good To Know

Emergency: In case of emergency call 112 for police/fire/ambulance

Information about current events/things happening in Budapest: www.welovebudapest.com

Free Walking Tours: www.triptobudapest.com

Luggage Storage: Many places throughout the city but the cheapest one is in West End City Center next to Nyugati Palyaudvar and it is in the lowest floor near the fountain. They charge around 1 euro/bag/day

Close to Deak Ter: Hi5 Luggage Storage (Feher Hajo Utca 8-10)

Taxi Info: There’s mo Uber in Budapest, we are still reliant on taxi service. Ask driver about ride fee and make sure they use the meter. From airport to city center should not be more than 11,000 HUF (9,000-10,000 HUF average) If you must use a taxi it is always better to call one that hail one (cheaper and more reliable) or you can download and use the Taxify app

City Taxi: +36 1 211 1111 Fo Taxi: +36 1 222 2222

Bike Rental: Yellow Zebra (http://www.yellowzebrabudapest.com/) Phone Number: +36 1 269-3843 Adress: 1065 Budapest, Lázár utca 16.

Tip: The #2 tram line was voted as one of top 10 tram lines in the world by National Geographic. You can take this to get great views along the Danube and see many of the sites listed above. It starts in Jaszai Mari Square and you can take it to Petofi bridge (both circled below in green) Just make sure you buy a ticket before which will be 300 HUF

Also, the #1 Metro line is the oldest functioning metro line in Europe. When you enter the stations you will see how unique and different they are then the other stations. You can use this line to get to Szechenyi bath house. Even if you don’t take a ride on it, it is still worth to take a look. This line is highlighted in orange and runs right down Andrassy Ut. (one of the main streets in the city)

Restaurants

• Menza Restaurant : One of our all time favorite places. They have a weekly menu that always changes. Tends to be busy during dinner time so call ahead to make a reservation.
  • Locals Tip:* If you’re on a budget, they have a nice 2course lunch menu during the week for 6 euros!!* 🤯

• Két Szerecsen Bisztro: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serve fantastic typical Hungarian food. For breakfast it’s a must visit. Try an order of Bundas Kenyer (Hungarian French toast but salty not sweet)
• Bestia: City center, fun for dinner with beautiful view of the Basilica. If you are in town during the summer months try to grab a spot on the terrace. Reservation recommended.
• Déryné: One of the top restaurants in the city, sometimes frequented by celebreties but still reasonably priced for the level of service.
• TwentySix: beautiful spot, has garden inside, Mediterranean style food
• Kiosk: Hip spot and a great local dessert you must get here is Makos Guba
• Pomodoro: Great Italian, more on the formal side
• VAJ: Favorite cafe with a twist on Hungarian pastries!! Great Matcha! MUST TRY

• Gettó Gulyás: For a traditional home cooked Hungarian meal in a modern atmosphere this place is a must try. Authentic food at very reasonable prices. Make sure to try the Chicken Paprikas here. They also serve rooster testicles if you’re up for it!
• Rosenstein Vendéglö: Traditional old Hungarian spot, must make reservation ahead of time
• Náncsi Néni : this place is located a little bit outside of the city center. It’s possible to get to here with public transport but will take a while. I would only suggest to go here if you have access to a car, if you do it is definitely worth the trip. This will be like you are going to eat dinner at your grandmothers house.
• Spíler (at Gozsdu Udvar)
• Rezkakas Bistro as Sas street
• Borkonyha/Winekitchen at Sas Street
• Borbiroság
• Bors GasztroBar
• Kisharang Étkezde: traditional Hungarian food in a small place near to the Basilica (They have pictutres of the food too to help you order)

International Food

• Köleves: traditional jewish restaurant serving Kosher food.
• Kazimír Bisztró: cozy restaurant with quality food
• Mazel Tov: trendy Mediterranean restaurant with open-air seating
• Kandalló Kézműves Pub: favorite place for burgers with a selection of craft beers on tap
• Iguana: best option for Mexican food

Dessert / Ice Cream

• Hyszteria: They have great cakes and desserts as well as a variety of interesting ice cream flavors.
• Fragola: small and simple ice cream shop that sells just ice cream, but it is some of the best ice cream in town.
• Gerbeaurd: This is a traditional Hungarian cake shop serving right in the middle of Vorosmarty Square. A little on the expensive side but it is an icon in Budapest and has been very famous for many many years.

Worthwhile Cafes (For sitting & people watching)

• Anna Cafe: On the main tourist street of Vaci Utca
• New York Cafe: Popular cafe in the heart of the city, beautiful old interior decorations

History

• House of Parliament: They offer guided tours that last about 1-1.5 hour. If you plan to go to this book your ticket online ahead of time. (https://latogatokozpont.parlament.hu/en/home)
• Great Synagogue: Largest in Europe and one of the most beautiful in the world.
• Walk down to the water, The Danube (find the area where the memorial of the shoes is – this was to honor the Budapest Jews who were killed during World War II)
• Fishermen’s Bastion + Mathias Church (at Buda Castle): This is located in Budapest’s 1st district (castle district). It looks as if you are on the set of a Disney Movie but older and nicer. You can easily walk up here from the chain bridge or also take the number 16 bus directly there from Deak Square.
• Heroes Square: Large square representing the foundation of our country (this is right next to Szechenyi Thermal bath so you can easily visit both at the same time)
• Gellert Hill and Statue of Liberty: You can go up here for some green space and a breath of fresh air, away from the hustle of the city. From here you will get the best panoramic views of the city and the walk up is not as bad as it looks. From the base of the hill, it takes about 20-25 minutes. There are two main paths that lead up to the top, one on the side of the Gellert Hotel and the other on the Buda side of Erszebet Bridge.
  • Hospital in the Rock: Nuclear Bunker Museum (Address: Lovas ut 4/c, Budapest 1012, Hungary)
• Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika): Largest church in Budapest located directly in the city center next to Deak Square. You can pay a small fee and take an elevator and some stairs up to the top for great photo opportunities and a nice panoramic view over the city.
• Chain Bridge + Szechenyi Square + Vorosmarty Square + Vaci utca + Riverside Walk
  • • Will Add Map Here
• Lehel Market: If you want a more local experience visit this market, here you will not find any other tourists. Make sure to try Langos (Fried dough with sour cream and cheese)

$Fun$

• Best view of the city: at Citadella + Statue of Liberty
• Liszt Ference Tér (great walking street and some shopping)
• Váci Utza
• Központi Vásárcsarnok ( a beautiful market with fresh local fruits, vegetables and meats)
• Széchenyi Thermal Baths
• Escape rooms
• Pinball Museum (address: Radnoti Miklos street 18, Budapest 1137, Hungary)
• Margaret Island on the river
• Night bath at Rudas (Fridays and Saturdays only, address: Budapest, Döbrentei Square 9.)
• Veli Bej Turkish Bath (address: Árpád fejedelem útja 7.)

$Nightlife/ Dinners/Bars/ RuinBars$

• Bestia: This is a newer restaurant right in front of the Basilica that has only open for a few years. It tends to attract a younger crowd and they usually have a DJ playing at night. I would recommend this as a place to start before a night of going out, good spot to get some drinks and appetizers to share or even a full meal. They put a modern twist on classic Hungarian food with a vibrant atmosphere.
• Gozsdu Udvar: Not long ago this didnt even exist but they revamped the whole area and it is now home to many different bars and restaurants. You will find almost any type of food you want here in this area and it is popular with both locals and tourists as well. Below are a few recommendations for Goszdu Udvar.
  • Divino - wine bar, you can go here and try a “Frocs” (wine of your choice with soda water). It is very popular in Hungary during the summertime
  • 4Bro Downtown - one of the most popular places to go out in Gozsdu. Also have a club downstairs called Aether for which you have to pay a separate entrance fee.
  • Telep - laid back hipster bar serving cheap beer and drinks, good place if you want to just sit and talk
• Szimpla Kert: This is the first and most famous ruin pub in all of Budapest. You will understand the term “ruin bar” once you walk into this place. It is cheap in spite of it being quite touristic. It gets busy every single night of the week and during high season on Friday and Saturday the line will stretch the end of the block so get there before 10:30 if you want to go in. It’s also open during the day time too and they have a market on Sunday mornings as well.
• Instant/Fogas/Larm: This place goes by many names because there are so many bars within the bar. It is the most complex ruin bar with many different rooms and sections featuring different music in each one. Everyone can find something to enjoy here.

$Rooftops$

• 360 rooftop: This is located on the main street of Andrassy and is one of the most popular rooftop bars in the city offering panoramic views and great cocktails

• Aria rooftop: Located just by the basilica this is another great spot to grab a cocktail with unbeatable views. Will Smith had drinks here as well.

• Pontoon: only open during the summer time but it is located just on the Danube river right next to the foot of the Chain Bridge. This is one of my favorite places to come and relax just before sunset. A lot of locals go here as well. They have live music some nights.

• Raqpart: This is located just on the other side of the chain bridge, also a bar right on the water, they offer food as well and just a bit more upscale than Pontoon.

• High Note Skybar: New and part of a hotel… good for food and drinks

$NightClubs$

• Ötkert: This is a club near the basilica. It can be hit or miss, but tends to draw a younger crowd but there is always a party on the weekends here.
• Akvarium: This is a bar/club right in the middle of Deak Square. They always have different bands and DJs playing so check the calendar and see if there is anything happening during your visit.
• BoB: This is another club right near to the basilica and ötkert, it is a small place and can get pretty crowded inside

Locals Tip: If you are planning a night out and it is spring/summer/fall (good weather) then you can make sure to stop by Deak Square for some pre-drinks. This is the main square in the city center where a lot of locals and young people hang out before going out. Here you can bring your own drinks and cups from a nearby supermarket and see how the locals start their night out.