The bustling energy of a modern city, historical architecture preserved with care, a wild nightlife, and wallet-friendly prices that won’t break the bank. If you’re picturing Hungary, you’re spot on. Today’s star is the beautiful city on the Danube, Budapest.
You’ll Be Hooked from the Start
For us Slovaks, Budapest is incredibly convenient to visit. It’s just 80 km past our border, and you can get there by EuroCity train from Bratislava in just two and a half hours. Choosing this option is well worth it. As soon as you step off the train at Nyugati station, you’ll feel the city’s charm. This station is a stunning example of how much Hungarians value what they have, beautifully restored and clean, with yellow taxis and trams creating a lovely contrast around you.
History Everywhere You Look
In Bratislava, historical architecture is mostly concentrated in the Old Town, but in Budapest, it’s all around you. Most buildings have been restored, yet they retain their historic character, allowing you to enjoy a clean, polished city that still feels timeless.
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The Jewel of the Danube
Stretching along both sides of the Danube, Budapest remains accessible despite recent floods and still offers riverside strolls. Watching the sun set along the Danube is a priceless experience. There are four bridges across the river, perfect for a scenic walk. And with trams and buses, getting around is easy and affordable, with a 48-hour ticket priced at just 12 euros.
Must-See Tourist Spots
You can’t visit Budapest without hitting up the iconic sights that showcase its rich history. Some favorites are Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament building, Citadella, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Buda Castle. Plan a route that starts at the Parliament, crosses the Old Bridge to Fisherman’s Bastion, and leads up to Citadella. With around 25,000 steps by the end of the day, you’ll be ready for a break!
A Taste of Hungarian Delights
And, of course, don’t leave without trying some delicious Hungarian food. Treat yourself to a classic chimney cake, enjoy ice cream at every corner, and take advantage of discount stores with treats from around the world. For main dishes, we highly recommend trying traditional goulash or pörkölt. Yum!