“Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a gem of a city.” – Lonely Planet

Budapest was one of those cities that absolutely surprised me.  I instantly fell in love with this city.  Its charm, its history, its character.  I am amazed that this city is so underrated.  It NEEDS to be on everyone’s Bucket List. I know that there are so many more items that I can add to this list… But, I hope that this Budapest Bucket List will inspire your travels to Hungary!

1. Admire Hungary’s Parliament Building

Built from 1885 to 1902, the Hungarian Parliament Building is absolutely stunning and dominates the Danube riverbank.  You can even tour the extravagant interior. (see below)

2. Bathe in the Thermal Baths

There are 123 natural springs in Budapest and dozens of thermal baths.  The most popular thermal baths in Budapest are the Széchenyi Baths, the Gellert Baths, and the Ruda Baths.  I visited the most popular, Széchenyi Baths, and it was amazing!  The Széchenyi Baths are located in City Park with various different types of baths and pools to relax and soak in… Ahhh… Refreshing, relaxing, and fun!

3. Catch a Performance at the Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is one of Europe’s most spectacular opera houses.  Built in the 1890s, this Neo-Renaissance building features almost daily performances and interesting tours.  To fully appreciate this Opera House, take in a performance!

4. Drink in a Ruin Bar

Located in the Jewish Quarter, behind the Great Synagogue, is a neighborhood that was severely damaged in World War II.  Over time, this neighborhood was forgotten and neglected.  Now, it is home to some interesting and fun pubs!  Enjoy a night out drinking and pub hopping!

5. Eat Goulash

Goulash is a Hungarian specialty.  It is usually a soup or a stew of meat that is seasoned with paprika and other spices.  While you are here, definitely try this dish!

6. Explore the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is located in the 7th district, in the heart of Pest, which is now the modern half of Budapest.  You can explore the Great Synagogue (see #) as well as have a fun night out in one of Budapest most happening nightlife areas (see #4).

Recommendation: The best way to understand and fully appreciate the Jewish Quarter is to take the Budapest Jewish Quarter Tour by Context Travel.  You will develop “deeper understanding of the history and cultural life of Jews in Budapest and in Hungary.”  If you want a taste of Jewish-Hungarian fusion dishes, then take Authentic Flavors of Jewish Budapest, with Taste Hungary by Context Travel.

7. Explore the Castle District

The Castle district, located on the Buda side of the city, is located on a strategic hill with sweeping and amazing views of the city.  This area was once home to Hungarian royal families.  There are several things to do in this area!

Recommendation: To learn more about the Castle District and develop “a richer understanding into the history of Buda, using the fabric of the area to delve into themes of community, politics, and religion,” take the Budapest Castle District Tour by Context Travel.

• 8. Take the Funicular up to Castle Hill

The funicular takes visitors from the Chain Bridge to the top of Castle Hill. It is a fun way to begin your exploration of Castle Hill!

• 9. Take in the views of Buda from the Fisherman’s Bastion

Standing in front of Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s top landmarks.  It consists of seven pointy domes to represent the seven original Magyar tribes who settled in Hungary.  There are some amazing views from here!

• 10. Tour Matthias Church

Matthias Church is actually named the Church of Our Lady or the Coronation Church.  Everyone calls it Matthias Church because the Renaissance King Matthias married here (twice)!  It is a beautiful and ornate church worth a visit!

• 11. Visit the Royal Palace

The imposing building on Castle Hill was once the location of the Royal Palace.  In the early 15th century, King Matthias converted a medieval palace into one of Europe’s most extravagant residents.  However, it was later destroyed first by the Habsburgs in 1686 (then rebuilt), then damaged by the 1848 Revolution (then repaired), and finally by the Soviets in World War II.  The current palace is a historically inaccurate reconstruction of the once magnificent Royal Palace.  Now, it houses several museums and some of Budapest’s best views.

• 12. Explore the Undergrounds of Castle Hill

There is a massive 25,000-square-foot underground city consisting of a hospital and a nuclear bunker underneath Castle Hill!  You can tour parts of the perfectly preserved WWII hospital (including WWII era medical supplies and equipment) as well as parts of the fall out shelter (including decontamination showers, bunkers, etc.).  It is definitely an interesting visit!

13. Go to the House of Terror

The House of Terror Museum provides an insightful look into Nazi and Communist occupation and their detrimental effects on Budapest.  In fact, this building was home to the Arrow Cross (the Nazi’s puppet government) and then the secret police for the Communists.  It is an interesting and moving museum.

Recommendation: If you want to learn more about the Communist occupation in Budapest, take People, Power and Propaganda: Communism in Budapest by Context Travel where you will “explore this turbulent history.”

14. Go Shopping on Andrassy Street

Andrassy Street is Budapest’s main boulevard that is filled with shops, theatres, apartments, and cafes.  You will even see some high designer brands on this tree-lined boulevard.  Take an afternoon to stroll and shop on Andrassy Street!

15. Go on a Cruise on the Danube

See Budapest from a different perspective!  I went on a night cruise, which was absolutely fantastic!  It was a fun and romantic way to see the lights of the city.

16. Hike Up Gellert Hill

Gellert Hill is a hill located on the Danube.  It is named after Gellert, a monk from Venice, the patron saint of Budapest.  Go on an uphill hike for a wonderful panoramic view over all of Budapest!

17. People Watch on Margaret Island

Margaret Island is a little island in the Daube.  Margaret Island is the best place in the city to stroll or bike in its huge park.  It is also a great place to watch the locals relax and unwind!

18. Pet the Kitties at a Cat Cafe

Budapest introduced me to my first experience of a Cat Cafe.  Oh my gosh, I LOVE this concept.  I was traveling around Europe for 3 weeks and desperately missing my kitties back at home…  I accidentally discovered a Cat Cafe and my heart was full once again 😉

19. See Memento Park

Located just southwest of the city, Memento Park is also sometimes referred to as Statue Park.  After the fall of communism, one entrepreneur collected Budapest’s Communist statues and displayed them here in this park.  You can see statues of Lenin, Marx, as well as gigantic figures representing the Soviet ideals.   Come here for a taste of the Communist era!

20. See the Shoes on the Danube (Holocaust Monument)

The shoes on the Danube is also known as the Holocaust Monument. The Nazis’ puppet government, the Arrow Cross, came to power in Hungary in 1944.  Many Jews were sent to concentration camps.  Additionally, the Arrow Cross shot and killed many Jews on the banks of the Danube. Fifty pairs of bronze shoes represent Jews who were massacred by the Arrow Cross.

21. See Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the Magyars’ arrival in Hungary.  This monument features 14 Hungarian leaders throughout Hungary’s history.

22. Stay at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace

The Gresham Place is a stunning example of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture.  The Four Seasons restored Gresham Palace to its former glory and converted it into a luxury hotel.  And, if you book with me, I can get you these extra wonderful Virtuoso amenities (for 2018):

• One-category upgrade based on availability at time of check-in
• Daily Full American Breakfast for two in the hotel restaurant
• $100 USD Food & Beverage credit per room per stay period

Recommendation: If you want to learn more abou the Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture, then take the Budapest Golden Age History Tour by Context Travel.

23. Step Inside St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica, AKA St. Istvan’s Basilica, is Budapest’s largest church and is sure to impress.  It was built to celebrate Hungary’s first Christian king.  It is a beautiful church and worth a visit inside!

24. Shop at the Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall is located in a vast Industrial Age hall.  This massive marketplace has three levels.  Spend some time here strolling around, get some snacks, or purchase some souvenirs!

25. Stroll around City Park

Located behind Heroes’ Square, the City Park is filled with countless things to do, see, eat, and experience!  Explore the Vajdahunyad Castle, visit the city’s zoo, have fun at the amusement park, stroll around the park, eat some snacks, play chess, rent a rowboat, or take a bath in one Budapest’s thermal baths.  This is a great place to spend the afternoon!

26. Take the Subway

Dating from 1896, the M1/ yellow Metro line or “Foldalatti” (Underground) was the first subway on the continent of Europe!  Ride the Subway and soak in the atmosphere from 1896.

27. Visit Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajadahunyad Castle is located in the City Park.  It was originally built as a temporary building for Hungary’s Millennial Exhibition.  However, the locals loved it so much, it was rebuilt with permanent materials.  The complex represents various Hungarian architecture style.   The Renaissance castle is a replica of a famous castle in Transylvania.  There is also a Romanesque Benedictine chapel, a Baroque mansion housing the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, and a Gothic Gate.

28. Visit the Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue, also known as the Dohany Street Synagogue, is the second biggest synagogue in the world.  Admire the striking facade, explore the ornate interior, tour the attached museum (Hungarian Jewish Museum), and spend time in the memorial garden (Tree of Life).

29. Walk along the Danube

The Danube separated the settlements of Pest and Buda.  Walk along the Danube and soak in all the history!

Recommendation: Take Introduction to Pest: The Changing Landscape of Budapest by Context Travel for a wonderful introduction to the city and especially the Pest side of the Danube.

30. Walk Across the Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is a historic and iconic bridge that connects the Buda and the Pest sides of the city.  Built between 1842 and 1849, the Chain Bridge is the symbol of Budapest.

Recommendation: If you want to want a wonderful tour on the comtemporary Budapest, take the Contemporary Budapest: Politics, Conflict & Culture tour by Context Travel.