Budapest is one of the most favorite destinations of Greek travelers. And this is not only because it is a low budget option, but mainly because it combines the European atmosphere of Vienna with the history of the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. Many call it the "Diamond of the Danube" and not without reason. The river may divide it in two, but it is also what gives the city this unparalleled beauty.
When to go?
Many people visit it all year round. The best time, however, is from late spring to mid-autumn. In winter, the temperatures are quite low and it will be difficult to get around on foot. Also, then there is no possibility to enjoy the open air boat ride on the Danube.
How will you get there?
From Athens there are two budget options, Ryanair and Wizz Air. From Thessaloniki there is only Wizz Air. Choose to travel on weekdays as on the weekend the prices are both by air as well as in hotels are higher. From the airport with bus number 100 you are in the city center in about 45 minutes.
Where to stay?
Οι επιλογές είναι πολλές τόσο σε ξενοδοχεία όσο και σε Airbnb. Προτίμησε να μείνεις κοντά στις γέφυρες Αλυσίδων και Ελισάβετ ή στην οδό Vaci utca για να έχεις τα πάντα σε κοντινή απόσταση. Δες εδώ μια εντυπωσιακή residence που σου προτείνουμε στο κέντρο.
How long to stay?
To see the main sights and get a good view of Budapest, three days are enough. If you want to visit the Danube villages, add another day to your schedule. We recommend this one the amazing apartment we found overlooking the Danube.
How to get around
Metro, tram, riverboats can take you anywhere in the city. With a Budapest Card you can use them all. It is valid for 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 hours, 7 days. You can also enter a Hop on Hop off bus and see all the sights. This also applies to riverboats.
Where will you exchange currency?
The national currency of Hungary is the forint. Don't worry about exchanging currency at the airport. Once you've settled into your hotel or apartment, you can withdraw money from any bank ATM or exchange euros for forints at an exchange office. Don't withdraw money from an exchange office ATM and don't pay in euros (all stores accept them) because the rate is always rounded up...
What to see
– Chain Bridge. A jewel bridge over the Danube. It was completed in 1849 with funding from the Greek businessman and national benefactor Georgios Sina and connected Buda with Pest, which until then were two separate cities. His name is engraved on the foundations of the bridge. At night, illuminated, it is truly magical!
– Agios Stefanos. It is the largest church in Hungary and took 50 years to complete. Admission is free and inside you will admire the magnificence of this impressive building. If you have the Budapest Card, you can climb the dome of the church for free and admire the view.
– Parliament. This impressive building dominates the banks of the Danube on the Pest side. Perhaps it is not as interesting on the inside as it is on the outside. It is a neo-Gothic building inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London. Its lighting is impressive at night.
– Heroes' Square. It is dedicated to the heroes of Hungary. In its center is the Millennium Monument, built to commemorate the conquest of the area of present-day Hungary by the Magyars. Behind it, 14 statues in colonnades depict the most important figures in Hungarian history. The square is the entrance to the city park Varosliget.
– Varosliget city park: A beautiful park in the heart of the city with many interesting attractions, such as Vajdahunyad Castle, the zoo, the botanical garden and the Széchenyi Baths.
– Széchenyi Baths: These are the largest thermal baths in Europe in a neo-baroque style. The water reaches up to 77°C and the beneficial-therapeutic effects for the body are many. Even if you have forgotten to take a swimsuit, towel, slippers with you, they provide them there. Prefer these and not the Gellért Baths which are expensive and touristy. The Rudas Baths are equally good.
– Buda CastleAn architectural jewel for the city with a long history that begins in the 13th century.the century. In addition to the palace, there are several museums, including the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery. On the castle hill you will find several cafes and restaurants and you can also shop for souvenirs. Do not take the scenic train up as the route is short and the cost is particularly high.
– Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)). An impressive building consisting of 7 towers, each symbolizing one of the seven Magyar tribes that came to Hungary. The setting is reminiscent of a Tolkien novel or a Brothers Grimm fairy tale! In the morning there is a small fee to visit, but in the evening it is free. In the same area is the church of Matthew.
– The church of MatthewThe main church with the impressive roof, where the enthronements of kings and the most splendid ceremonies in the country were held.
– Gellert Hill – Citadel. It's worth climbing for the view. At the top of the hill is the Statue of Liberty, built by the Soviets in 1947. The hill, on which the fortress built by the Habsburgs is located, was named in honor of Bishop Gellert, who spread Christianity in Hungary.
– If you have more than 3 days at your disposal, it is worth visiting the Danube villages of Esztergom, Visegrad and Senadre, as well as the Gondolo Palace, known from the history of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Queen Elisabeth (Princess Sissi).
Where to eat
Hungarian cuisine is special and strange because it is dominated by… hot paprika. Avoid having lunch on Vaci utca street as most of the restaurants there are quite touristy. We tried and recommend the Paprika Vendeglo where you will try traditional Hungarian cuisine, as well as the Eat & MeatIf Hungarian cuisine is not to your taste, an excellent choice is Caviar and BullIf you miss Greek cuisine, the restaurant Mazi successfully brought our country's recipes to the heart of Hungary. For good street food, try Meatology Budapest and Hoppacska.
Coffee and drink
You will see it in all the guidebooks as it is full of tourists. However, you cannot avoid passing by it. New York Cafe! An impressive building with a baroque style, founded in 1894 and described as "the most beautiful cafe in the world". Its unreal luxury is reminiscent of a palace, while whatever you get, whether it's a drink or food, will completely satisfy you.
In a completely opposite style are the ruin bars that changed the style of entertainment in Budapest. These are old abandoned buildings-shops in the Jewish quarter, which with a "freshening up" and original decoration have become a must for the city's hipsters. The most famous and trendy are Simple Garden and Instant. If you want something more traditional, book a night at Gypsy Violins. It may sound quite touristy but I promise you will have a special night!
See some more photos from Budapest here:
