Budapest straddles the Danube with historic Buda’s castle district on one side and vibrant Pest’s grand boulevards on the other, creating one of Europe’s most visually stunning capitals. From the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building dominating the riverbank to the city’s famous thermal baths, from unexpected art treasures like the Vasarely Museum to the practical realities of navigating Budapest in May with children, Hungary’s capital offers compelling reasons to visit beyond the obvious Eastern European city break circuit.
Whether you’re planning a 3-day Budapest city break and need to prioritise the 11 best things to do, seeking accommodation recommendations that range from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, or simply trying to understand why the Vasarely Museum deserves attention as Budapest’s best art museum, these guides provide practical insights into experiencing both sides of the river. The city rewards exploration — Pest delivers most of the urban energy, major attractions, and restaurant scenes, whilst Buda offers historic charm and panoramic viewpoints. These articles help you navigate Budapest’s thermal bath culture, ruin bar scene, and architectural grandeur whilst providing the honest, experience-led guidance that makes the difference between a good visit and a genuinely memorable one.
- A first time visitor’s guide to Pest, Hungary.
- How to do Budapest in May with children.
- Why the Vasarely Museum is Budapest’s best art museum.
- 11 best things to do on a 3 day Budapest city break.
- 7 Budapest accommodation recommendations.
- See Hungarian art in a palatial setting at the Hungarian National Gallery.
Why book the Budapest Card?
- Unlimited public transport: Use buses, trams, metro and suburban trains across Budapest for the validity of your card.
- Free entry to museums and attractions: Enjoy complimentary access to many of the city’s leading cultural sites, galleries and historic locations.
- Discounts on tours and experiences: Receive reduced prices on river cruises, baths, walking tours and selected partner experiences.
- Flexible validity options: Choose from 24, 48 or 72 hours of sightseeing flexibility to match your travel plans.
- Useful city guide included: Your card comes with a guidebook or digital guide to help you make the most of your time in Budapest.