Budapest is a gem of a city in Hungary, which is more popular as the ‘Paris of the East’. Its formerly two cities straddling the river of Danube as Buda and Pest. This wonderous city is brimming with stunning architectures, dark history of glorious past, and thermal baths. During the World War II, the city got beaten by German troops which just left smouldering piles of rubble when they wake. If you walk around Budapest today, you will be amazed how the city has risen like a phoenix from ashes. Hungarians has played a very important role in shaping the city into one of best tourist attractions in the world. So, if you are planning to tour suburb of Buda or the dynamic side of the Pest. Here’s your top 6 tips to plan your Budapest itinerary.
Best time to visit Budapest
Budapest is a popular European destination among tourists. Apparently, the best time to visit Budapest is during March to May and September to November. Also, Spring is pleasant in Budapest and the room rates are quite affordable. As well as flights are a lot cheaper than what you’ll find in the summer. If you are planning on visiting in May, make sure to take part in the two of the city’s best food, beer and wine events – ‘Rosalia Festival and OTP Bank Gourmet Festival ‘which take place on May annually and remember to pack an umbrella. Since rain showers become more prevalent on May. If you are looking for an icy getaway then make sure to visit Budapest either December or February. Especially, visiting Budapest in December is a great choice as the whole city is in the Christmas spirit at this point. You can visit Christmas markets, go ice skating at a pop-up ice rink or enjoy the beautifully decorated shops and streets.
Explore Budapest in foot
Stroll through the city to get the most out of the Budapest.
Like most major European cities, Budapest also has many free walking tour companies that are great options for the more budget conscious travellers. While the tours are free, the tour guides work for tips, which you should absolutely give at the end of every tour.
Get a glimpse of cities most iconic places while crisscrossing the city centre on the Pest side of the Danube River and take a long walk to the west side of Buda Hill, where you will be walking to see important sites of the city while underneath was miles of interconnected caves that served as a hospital during World War II. You can tour some of the caves in the Hospital in the Rock Museum or take a cave tour.
The beautiful bridges across the Danube river
There are Eight bridges connecting Buda and Pest above the Danube river. Each bridge has totally different characters and styles. Some of them are famed as iconic landmarks of the Hungarian capital due to their beauty. Out of all the ‘Szechenyi Chain Bridge’ is one of the most popular bridge in Budapest. The bridge was designed by a famous British engineer known as William Tierney Clark in 1839. It nearly took about 10 years to build and the Chain Bridge became the first permanent bridge in Budapest after the Revolution of 1848. The bridge has been also featured in movie call I Spy and also one of Katy Perry’s hit music video. Exploring them during day and night is a great adventure.
Shopping in Great Market Hall
The beautiful Great Market Hall at Fővám Square is the most popular market in the capital of Hungary. It was opened at the end of 19th century, the three-story “cathedral of iron” was deemed as one of the world’s most modern market halls with its state-of-the-art lighting and ventilation. The hall was badly damaged during the World War II and it was restored in the mid-1990s and now takes the pride as one of the city’s great attraction. It’s the biggest market hall in Budapest, where you can find all kind of fresh fruits and vegetables being sold on the main floor in the Great Market Hall and if you are looking to shop something unique and memorable then head to second floor and you will find plenty of souvenirs there. If you are feeling hungry just climb the stairs and you will find amazing restaurants to taste different types of cuisines. If you are here, make sure to try Hungarian Goulash which is a delicious beef stew you should not miss.
House of Terror Museum
House of Terror Museum is one of the most memorable museums that you will ever see in your lifetime, which is located in the former headquarters of the Nazis. It is later served as the headquarters for the communist secret police. The first thing you will see when you enter the central courtyard is a soviet tank and walls covered in pictures of people who were victims of the terror carried out in these building. You will smell an earthy scent and the dampness in the air while in the building. If you are so curious about the darkest side of the Nazi and the Communist era in Budapest it could be reveal in this museum which couldn’t be hidden from the history with its every act of evil. Take a tour in the basement floor, where people were routinely tortured and executed for many years. Before you exit the museum make sure to see the wall with photos of people who perpetrated these cruel acts.
Thermal Baths
Budapest is a city built on a bey of thermal springs. There are plenty of baths to choose from and each has its own distinct style. So, make sure to visit all of them to see how each one is unique. If you are going to any of the indoor Thermal baths you will be getting a wrist band which will get you in and out of the pool areas and lockers. Also, you can use this hand band to get through the entry turnstile. Most importantly if you are hopping to hit the thermal baths outdoor, make sure to carry a flip flop with you because it’s very cold on the ground outside. It’s also worth the time you stay for a bit longer till it darkens the sky to gaze the exteriors of the surrounding buildings illuminating. And if you want to swim in the indoor pools make sure to take a bathing cap with you unless if you preferred to sit and enjoy the view of the pool.
Excited? Wanting to see Hungary’s most famous city Budapest, if so, call Travel Center UK today and book your flights to grab amazing offers! There’s so much to consider and see when you are planning to visit a beautiful city like Budapest, hope these tips will inspire you to plan your itinerary for a relaxing getaway!
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