For travelers seeking a bohemian rhapsody, Budapest is the place to be. With gorgeous baroque architecture, rustic café-lined streets, and a history of Cold War intrigue, Budapest retains its smoky glamour. The city is also a showcase for two grand Hungarian passions: music and food. Here’s your five-minute guide to this fabled city.

Five Fun Things to Do In Budapest

1. Travel back in time at the Aquincum. In the first century A.D., a Roman settlement stood where Budapest is today. The Aquincum museum showcases the excavated Roman ruins, including a gymnasium, baths, and a shrine. You can also see some of the treasures unearthed there. One unusual exhibit recreates a Roman magician’s workshop and displays engraved lead “curse tablets” found in a tomb.¹

2. Take a dip at the Széchenyi Fürdő. Budapest is blessed with natural thermal springs, and in 1913 a sprawling pool complex was built to allow bathing in the steamy water. Steam in the sauna, get an underwater massage, enjoy a mud wrap, or just soak in the pools and play chess on waterproof boards.²

3. Cruise along the Danube. One of the best things to do in Budapest is a cruise along the Danube River at night, past the city’s beautifully illuminated buildings. You can do a budget tour on the top deck of a boat, but a wine or dinner cruise can be a more pleasurable experience. This wine cruise includes tastings of seven Hungarian wines and live music.

4. Explore the Castle District. Budapest’s Castle Hill traces its history to the 13th century and encompasses medieval, Ottoman, baroque and Renaissance architecture. A walking tour will take you to must-see destinations like the Church of Mary Magdalene tower, the old Jewish Quarter, Holy Trinity Square, Matthias Well and, of course, the Buda Castle.³

5. Admire the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Halaszbastya (the Fishermen’s Bastion) is a terrace that offers panoramic views of Budapest. Although constructed in the late 1800s, Halaszbastya mimics medieval architecture.⁴ That’s why, when you’re wandering among the statues and stone towers, you may feel like you’re in a Hungarian fairy tale.

Four Great Hotels in Budapest

One of the most unusual hotels in Budapest is Brody House, where each of the 11 rooms is inspired by a different artist and furnished with vintage up-cycled furniture. Friendly staff and spacious accommodations make this hotel a favorite in central Pest.

For modern luxury, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is the place to stay. Close to the Danube and downtown attractions, the Kempinski Hotel is also a foodie’s paradise, with two fine restaurants, a coffee house, and two bars.

Traveling on a budget? The Carlton Hotel Budapest is one of Fodor’s top picks for hotels in Budapest, offering views of Castle Hill and a hearty breakfast for reasonable rates.⁵ Or the Maverick Hostel, located in a Hapsburg mansion, has comfy and clean rooms, both private and shared.

Three of the Best Restaurants in Budapest

One of the most famous restaurants in Budapest is Karpatia, which has been dishing out goulash and strudel since 1877. The opulent setting and lively Hungarian music make this a night to remember, although some guests say the prices are extravagant. For a more authentic, homey Hungarian meal, try Kék Rózsa, known for wiener schnitzel and grilled pork chops.⁶

After dinner, make sure you visit one of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, or romkocsma — abandoned factories and stores that have been transformed into picturesque pubs. Thrillist names 10 worth the visit, but our top pick is Mazel Tov, which has a garden courtyard with yummy food.

Traveling to Budapest soon? Have a glass of palinka for us. And don’t forget to protect your vacation with travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance.

What Do I Need to Travel to Budapest?

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