Good morning Budapest
Fisherman's Bastion
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Fisherman’s Bastion, a Neo-Gothic terrace offering some of the best vistas in the city. Built between 1895 and 1902, the bastion is a photographer’s dream, with its fairy-tale towers overlooking the Danube River and the Parliament building on the Pest side.
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The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle
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Matthias Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With its colorful, tiled roof and intricate spires, this 700-year-old church has witnessed many of Hungary’s royal events. Don’t miss the beautifully restored interior, with vibrant frescoes and historical displays.
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Breakfast
Budget friendly:
Butter Brothers Bakery & Bistro
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This cozy bakery offers freshly baked pastries, including traditional Hungarian croissants, stuffed buns, and artisanal bread. Grab a coffee and a pastry for a delicious and affordable breakfast.
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Medium budget:
Cirkusz Café
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Located in the lively Jewish Quarter, Cirkusz Café offers a welcoming vibe with its great selection of breakfast dishes. Try their Eggs Benedict or a rich bowl of granola with fresh fruit and yogurt. Their coffee is also renowned for being some of the best in Budapest.
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High-end:
New York Café
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Step into one of the most beautiful cafés in the world. The New York Café, housed in the famous Boscolo Hotel, is a stunning display of Baroque design with ornate ceilings, chandeliers, and marble columns. Enjoy a luxurious breakfast with options like Eggs Florentine, smoked salmon, or traditional Hungarian omelets. Though pricier, the elegant atmosphere makes it well worth the splurge.
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Vegan:
Naspolya Nassolda
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For a plant-based start to your day, head to Naspolya Nassolda. This chic café offers a delicious range of raw vegan breakfast options, from fruit and nut bowls to chia puddings. Their smoothies are vibrant and packed with nutrients, making it a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring.
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Time to wander
Buda Castle
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Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle has been the seat of Hungarian kings for centuries and now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Castle District, which are filled with charming medieval buildings and hidden courtyards.
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Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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The iconic Chain Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest. The first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, the Chain Bridge is a symbol of the city. Stroll across it, taking in views of both sides of the river and appreciating its grand architecture.
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Lunch
Budget friendly:
Mazel Tov
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Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov is a popular ruin bar and restaurant that offers Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine at an affordable price. Their falafel wraps and hummus plates are filling, flavorful, and budget-friendly. The stunning interior garden makes it a relaxing spot for lunch.
Tip: it’s really important to make a reservation beforehand.
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Medium budget:
Bors Gastro Bar
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If you’re after something quick but packed with flavor, Bors GasztroBár is a local favorite for gourmet street food. Their soups are legendary, and their baguette sandwiches feature creative fillings like duck confit, grilled vegetables, or spicy sausage.
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High-end:
Onyx
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For a Michelin-starred experience, Onyx offers a fine dining lunch menu that is a perfect balance of Hungarian tradition and contemporary innovation. Their tasting menu showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, artfully presented. It’s an upscale experience in the heart of Budapest, ideal for those looking to indulge in a memorable culinary experience.
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Vegan:
Tökmag Vegan Street Food
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If you’re seeking something plant-based, Tökmag is a fantastic choice for a casual yet satisfying vegan lunch. They offer burgers, wraps, and bowls, with ingredients that are fresh, organic, and delicious. Try the sweet potato burger or the hummus bowl, and pair it with one of their fresh juices.
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Belly full let’s go
St. Stephen's Basilica
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One of the most impressive landmarks in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen. The grand neoclassical structure houses his preserved right hand as a relic and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its dome. Inside, the basilica boasts intricate marble work and stunning stained glass.
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Hungarian Parliament Building
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Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural marvel that dominates the city’s skyline. This Gothic Revival masterpiece is home to the Hungarian National Assembly and also houses the crown jewels of Hungary. Guided tours are available, but even a stroll around the building is breathtaking, especially as it reflects in the river’s waters.
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Dinner
Budget friendly:
Frici Papa
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For a traditional Hungarian meal on a budget, Frici Papa offers hearty dishes like goulash, paprikash, and fried schnitzel at unbeatable prices. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
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Medium budget:
Menza Étterem és Kávéház
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Menza is a stylish, retro-chic restaurant that serves modern takes on Hungarian classics. Their goulash soup and chicken paprikash are fan favorites, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet lively. It’s the perfect spot for a medium-budget dinner with a great ambiance in the trendy Andrássy Avenue area.
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High-end:
Costes Restaurant
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Costes is one of Budapest’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, offering an exquisite fine dining experience. Their tasting menu focuses on contemporary European cuisine with Hungarian influences, using seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. Each dish is a work of art, and the impeccable service makes for a truly memorable dining experience.
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Vegan:
Napfényes Restaurant and Confectionery
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For a vegan dinner, Napfényes Restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional Hungarian dishes made entirely plant-based. Try the vegan goulash or the stuffed cabbage, and finish with a slice of their vegan cheesecake. The warm, inviting atmosphere and hearty portions make it a satisfying end to your day.
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Before you go
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
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No visit to Budapest is complete without experiencing one of its famous thermal baths. Head to the Széchenyi Baths for a relaxing soak in their naturally heated thermal pools. Open until 10 PM, the baths offer a serene way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The beautiful Neo-Baroque architecture adds to the calming ambiance.
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Szimpla Kert
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Located in a formerly abandoned building, this quirky bar is filled with mismatched furniture, eclectic décor, and a lively atmosphere. Sip on a local craft beer or a glass of pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy), and soak in the unique vibe of Budapest’s nightlife.
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Tips and tricks
Transportation: public transport is great and it has a 24h service so it´s gonna be the easiest and safest way to get you to places. You can buy tickets online downloading the BudapestGo app. To search how to go to each places Moovit is what works and don´t look for Uber cause they don't have it, the alternative is Bolt.
Be ready to see a lot of homeless people, it´s no uncommon that the come to you and ask for money or directly drugs. It´s pretty normal to see fights between them or even couples fighting and shouting in the street. Te centers is pretty active at night, but the surroundings are not really safe, I would not really recommend to go out after dark.
Currency and payment: in Budapest, the local currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), and while many places accept credit cards, especially in tourist areas, it´s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions or in more local spots. ATMs are widely available, but avoid those touristy areas as they may have higher fees. Also, always choose to pay in the local currency if given the option, as dynamic currency conversion can be often lead to worse exchange rate. We used Revolut to pay in most of the places and it worked perfectly.
Buda vs. Pest: Remember that Buda and Pest have distinct vibes. Buda is quieter and more residential, with historical sites, while Pest is lively, filled with bars, shops, and restaurants.
Dining etiquette: when dining out in Budapest, tipping is customary, and the standard tip is around 10-15% of the bill. However, some restaurants might include a service charge, so be sure to check your bill before leaving an additional tip. Also, it´s common practice to round up the bill when paying in cash. For a true local experience, try out the traditional Hungarian dishes such as gulyás (goulash) or lángos (a type of deep-fried dough).
Water safety: tap water in Budapest is safe to drink and is of high quality, so there is no need to buy bottled water unless you prefer it. You can refill your water bottle at public fountains around the city, which is also an eco-friendly option. This can be particularly handy when you're out exploring the city during the warmer months.
If you are looking at a longer trip I very much recommend considering to get my Budapest in 3 days guide, which offers plenty options and curated recs.
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