Budapest
Hungary
- Safety rating
- 8.3/10
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October for ideal temperatures. December for beautiful Christmas markets on Vörösmarty Square. July–August is hot but festive with outdoor events.
- Population
- 1.8M
Overview
Budapest is two cities in one — Buda's hilltop castle district and Pest's Grand Boulevard — divided and reunited by the Danube and its famous bridges. The thermal bath culture, the ruin bar phenomenon, the Parliament building's gothic extravagance, and the outstanding food scene (Great Market Hall, szimpla kert) make Budapest one of Europe's most bewitching capitals.
Top attractions
Hungarian Parliament, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert), Great Market Hall, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes' Square, Margaret Island
Getting around
Metro (3 lines), trams, and buses cover the city comprehensively. The BKK 72-hour travel card is excellent value. Trams 2 and 19 along the Danube offer scenic rides. Walking between Buda and Pest via the Chain Bridge is an experience.