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Must See

Castle Hill Take a funicular to the top of Castle Hill for views of the city, the Turul Statue, the Royal Palace and a selection of museums and churches.
The Royal Palace Dominating the Buda skyline, the palace was built during the 18th and 19th centuries and now contains the excellent Hungarian National Gallery.
The Houses of Parliament Based on our own House of Commons, this monumental building contains 21 kilometres of staircase. Guided tours are free of charge for EU passport holders.
The State Opera House A performance of the State Opera Company will be the highlight of any visit to Budapest.

Must Do

Take a cruise along the River Danube - by day or by night - for the most wonderful views of the city.
118 thermal springs serve the city centre - you can enjoy the warm water at the Keraly Thermal Baths or the Rudas Medicinal Baths.
Take a stroll along Vac Street on the Pest side of the river, for people-watching and shopping.
Take a bus to Sculpture Park to see the monolithic Communist statues of Lenin, Marx and Engels.
Rent a bicycle, roller skates or a pedal car on Margaret Island and explore this vast, tranquil park.

Food and Drink
If all you know of Hungarian food is goulash and dumplings, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised, as the chefs of Budapest are starting to spread their wings and develop a more modern cuisine, largely based on the food of the pre-Communist Magyars. Classic ingredients to look out for include paprika, smoked bacon, sour cream and small noodles. You’ll also find pheasant, wild boar, venison and hare, along with freshwater fish like carp, perch and catfish. Finish with a strudel, pancake or curd-cheese balls called turogomboc.
Hungarians are primarily beer drinkers, but you’ll also find a selection of fine red wines and, of course, the legendary Tokaji desert wine.
Shopping
Since the collapse of communism, the inhabitants of Budapest have made the most of their new-found freedom to shop, embracing western brands and the concept of the shopping mall. The West End Mall, near Nyugati Station, is a mecca for high street fashion, but you may be able to search out up-and-coming Hungarian designers.
Flea markets and antique shops can prove fascinating hunting grounds, while presents to take back home include folk art, hand-made porcelain, ceramics and jewellery.
The Great Market Hall is the largest market hall in Budapest where you can shop like a local for paprika, caviar and salami underneath the impressive tiled roof. Visit in the morning to see the market in full swing.
Where to Stay
Historic Buda on the steep left bank of the Danube is best to experience the magical winding medieval streets. The more modern Pest with its wide avenues and shopping areas is fantastic for nightlife and entertainment. Both sides are linked by the iconic Chain Bridge so either side is easy to visit.
Thing to Do

CITY TOUR - This coach and walking tour covers over 1000 years of the city’s history while stopping at all the major sites. Walk around the Castle District visiting the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, followed by driving to see the attractions of Pest and to view the city from Gellert Hill.
TRABANT CITY TOUR - Enjoy a private tour of the city from the unique vantage point of an authentic Trabant, a former East German car with a 2-stroke engine. An experience of Socialist Budapest for those with a sense of adventure.
COOKING AT GREAT MARKET HALL - A visit to the Great Market Hall is a must for ‘foodies’ interested in local delicacies. Why not combine your visit with a short cooking course, learning to make Goulash soup from ingredients found at the market. You’ll also have free time to explore, and lunch on your soup with traditional Hungarian crepes. You’ll come away with a new recipe and a great authentic experience.
DINNER AND CRUISE WITH LIVE MUSIC - The panorama of Budapest from the river Danube is an incredible sight, especially after dark when swimming in lights. Take a candlelit dinner on board while being entertained by live traditional music and afterwards take in the views from the upper deck.
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE TOUR - The Hungarian State Opera House is an architectural masterpiece known around the world for its paintings, sculptures and gold décor as well as its superior acoustics. Enjoy a 45 min. tour of this fabulous icon of Budapest.
BUDAPEST CARD 2 DAY PASS - Essential for an active trip to the city, the Budapest Card includes free or discounted entry to over 60 museums and attractions, unlimited use of public transport and discounts in restaurants and spas.

insider Tip
Take an atmospheric walk over the Chain Bridge for unbeatable views of the city.
Celebration
Once the cultural meeting place of the city, the ornate New York Cafe in the New York Palace Hotel has been recently restored to its original splendour. This opulent eatery is a must-see for all visitors but perfect for a special occasion.