Where two Danube towns merge into one beautiful capital

There is no doubt that Budapest is one of the most beautiful European capitals. Situated on the banks of Danube river, the towns of Buda and Pest merge into an unique mixture of styles, colours and sights via multiple astonishing bridges. It feels like a contradicting combination of busy city life and of green parks serenity.

Found by Celts at the dawn of the new era, the city has been constantly growing. Historically it has been governed by the Roman Empire, Avar Khaganate, Franks Empire, and Bulgaria. At the end of IX century the Hungarian Kingdom was established with Budapest as its capital. Ever since the city is the most important economic, demographic and cultural centre of the country. Nowadays, Budapest is easy to reach and offers rich experience for every traveller, which makes it a no-miss destination.

How to reach

The easiest and fastest way is via plane. After Malev airways company went bankrupt in 2012, the most convenient way travelling from Bulgaria is via Wizz Air flight every Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

If you have more time, we recommend travelling by car. The driving distance between Sofia and Budapest is 760 km, out of which over 650 km are highways. The trip usually does not take more than 8 hours.

Be prepared for the following road fees:

• Toll-taxes in Serbia: 1,740 RSD (15.5 EUR) – for one direction
• 10-day vignette tax in Hungary: 20 EUR

We reached Budapest – now what is next?

Take a walk on the Danube banks

Danube river is the heart of Budapest and a walk on its banks will dip you into the city’s unique atmosphere. Here you can enjoy the most beautiful parliament building in Europe, which is often used as “business card”of Budapest. With its one-of-a-kind design, the Parliament building makes the impression as if it floats on the waters of Danube. It is in Neo-gothic style and looks centuries old, but actually it is a bit more than 100 years old. The construction works took 19 years to finally finish the masterpiece in 1904.

From here go south alongside the Hungarian Science Academy and you will reach a picturesque square, where the claimed best hotel in Europe is located – Four Seasons Gresham Palace. This place offers great view over Buda Castle, which is dominating the skyline on the opposite river bank. You can reach it via crossing the most-famous bridge in Budapest – Szechenyi Lanchid (The Chain bridge).

If you don’t feel like taking the stairs to the castle, a good alternative is to use the funicular. One-way ticket will cost you 3.5 EUR, while two-way – 5.5 EUR.

Time for sports!

If you are in sports mood, Margitsziget island is your place! One of the two biggest Danube islands in the heart of Budapest, Margitsziget (coordinates 47.5234972,19.0488539) is a vast sports park. Its periphery is surrounded by a 5-km long running track, which is constantly used by people of all ages. It is not uncommon to see a young mother, pushing a baby troley, while she is finishing her next lap of the island.

In case running is not your passion, you can easily explore the island via ricksha. You will be able to see beautiful gardens, a small zoo and fortress ruins. Margitsziget is the spa-centre of Budapest and some of the best spa-hotels are here.

Heroes’ Square and City park

Spacious and glorious, the Heroes’s Square (47.5146657,19.0777742) is a remarkable monument build for celebrating Hungarian state’s 1000th anniversary. Here you can see the statues of the chieftains of Magyars, that established the country during IX century. The construction of the monument took 33 years, until it was finished in 1929.

The biggest park in Budapest is located right behind the square. Here, among lakes and alleys, you can see the small Vajdahunyad castle.

The bridges

It seems like the number 9 is magical for Hungary and its capital – 9 are also the bridges, that connect Buda with Pest. Exploring the bridges is an adventure by its own, because each bridge is having a unique design. Also, as you cross every bridge, you will be able to see Budapest from different angles.

Here are some of the landmark bridges:

We got tired of exploring – where to eat?

What is a visit to Hungary without trying the famous local goulash? A good place to do it is Boom&Brass restaurant (47.4961895,19.0511363) on Vigado street in the city center. The style of the place is modern, but don’t be shocked when they serve you the famous dish in a old-fashioned metal bowl. The restaurant is also known for the celebrities that has dined there.

In our opinion, one of the best Argentinian beef steak restaurants is located in Budapest. It is called Pampas (47.4873659,19.0582246) and you can find it on Pest side is close proximity whit Danube and the beautiful Liberty Bridge. Across Pampas, you can stroll around a vast bazaar, where you can find various fruits, vegetables and interesting spices.

Exploring Budapest in 1 day

If you don’t have a lot of spare time for sightseeing, but still want to get the maximum for your time, use the “Hop On, Hop Off” touristic bus. Its itinerary covers the 15 key landmark places in the city. One of them is the Citadel, standing high above the Danube bank on Buda side. The place offers one of the best views over the central part of Budapest and is a no-miss for taking pictures.

You can buy tickets for the bus from the reception in many hotels. The most common ticket is for two days and is combined with a short boat trip on Danube – the best way to take a picture of the Parliament building from the water. The ticket costs around 25 EUR.

In conclusion

Budapest is a colorful, diverse city, where everyone can find something for themselves. For us, it is one of the most magnetic European cities and we love to return to it. We recommend that you visit is also and share with us your impressions!

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