3 exciting things to do in Budapest

Arguably one of the most attractive cities in Europe, Budapest, which is the capital of Hungary has become particularly popular in recent years with western tourists and there are many great selling points, regardless of the time of the year.

The beauty of Budapest is the variety of different things that it offers for tourists, which effectively makes it such a unique destination. What many people don’t know, is that Budapest is divided into two parts. There is ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ and each part is on either side of the river Danube that splits the city in half. Pest is known for being more touristy, while on the Buda side, you will find more of a traditional, local vibe and as such it is typically a lot quieter. Let’s take a look at three of the most exciting things that you can do while you are there, whether that be during a long weekend break or a longer holiday!

Visit the Baths

Perhaps one of the things that the city is most famous for, you cannot go to Budapest without going to one of the city’s famous baths. Arguably the most famous of these is the Szechenyi Spa Baths, which are a quick 15-minute tram ride from the city centre. This is one of the largest baths in Europe and features 15 indoor baths and three grand outdoor pools.

During the summer, this also combines into a nightclub pool party scene which attracts over a thousand people at its busiest.

Just across the river on the Buda side, you can find the Gellert Baths, which is part of the Gellert Hotel. This offers much more of a traditional and authentic experience which is reflected by the art deco architecture.  Also on the Buda side, you will find the Rudas baths, which are perhaps the most Turkish in style and is more intimate, with a rooftop hot tub available as well!

Go to a Casino!

With three great casinos to choose from, this is a great way to break up a night out, especially if you are looking for a change of scenery from the city’s popular ‘Ruin Bars’. Each casino perfectly resembles Hungarian architecture and culture inside and has an array of different slot machines as well as table games such as roulette and blackjack. However, if you do not feel like visiting a casino, you can enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own surroundings (such as relaxing at Rudas Baths!), playing games such as ‘Book of the Dead’ click here.

Enjoy the Castle

The walk itself is worth it just for the breathtaking views. The castle is on the Buda side of the city and offers arguably the best viewpoint. Overlooking both the river and Pest, on a clear day, you can see right across to the mountains in the distance. While there, you can find a place to sit down and enjoy some refreshments as well as exploring the grounds of the castle. This is something that should be on your ‘must-do’ list, though definitely do it on a day when the weather is nice!