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Why Visit Budapest?

Many travellers might ask the question "Why visit Budapest?" what is so special about the capital of Hungary that one should include it in her/his travel plans.

I could tell you about how beautiful the city is and that there are numerous historic and cultural sights but I'm sure other travel guides have already listed these reasons countless times.

My husband and I have lived in Budapest for many years so we know the city inside out.

I'm sure that this makes us a bit biased towards our hometown but we are also well aware of Budapest weaknesses that tourists might want to know about when visiting the city.

We've also visited several cities in the neighbouring countries (Prague, Vienna, Ljubljana) so we can compare what Budapest offers to tourists to that of other central European tourist destinations.

Reasons For Visiting Budapest

Mixture of Old and Modern World

Budapest's charm lies in the many cultural influences that affected the city during its long history. The mixture of western capitalism that has been advancing relentlessly since the change of political systems and the after effects of the more than 40 years of communist era give Budapest a strange appeal.

1. Thermal Baths, Medicinal Waters

You can bathe in turkish baths (Király Bath) enjoying the centuries old architecture but you also have the option to splurge in upscale spas (Gellért, Széchenyi or in the wide range of spa and wellness hotels (Danubius health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Royal Spa in the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal etc.

Thermal springs with medicinal qualities abound in Budapest and in the other parts of Hungary. Budapest is ideal for relaxing holiday in a spa and wellness hotel combined with refreshing massage treatments.

2. Affordable City

Budapest is still an inexpensive city compared to Prague or Vienna.

Although prices has been continuously increasing since the mid-1990-ies you can still get more for your money than in the majority Western European cities especially with the Hungarian forint being so weak.

Find out more about costs and prices in Budapest.

TIP: The Budapest card which is available either for 48-hours (6 900 HUF) or for a 72-hours (8 300 HUF) provides you lots of opportunity to save on admission fees.

It also entitles you to free travel on Budapest public transport service.

You can buy the card online here.

3. Wide Variety of Good-Value Accommodation

There are many hotels and other types of accommodation in Budapest offering lodging to every taste and budget. You can sleep in a lavish palace hotel like the New York Palace Boscolo Hotel, the Four Seasons Gresham Palace or in a contemporay boutique hotel.

Travellers on a tight budget can choose from a wide range of quality hostels both in Budapest's city centre or in the green belt.

A good accommodation option over a hotel is staying in a fully-serviced apartment. There are many apartment rental agenices in Budapest specializing in renting out quality apartments.

See our guides to Budapest hotels and other lodgings:

Hotels & Accommodation in Budapest
	Best Hotels in Budapest
	Central Budapest Hotels
	Boutique Hotels in Budapest
	Budapest Airport Hotels
	Budapest Apartment Hotels
	5-star Budapest Hotels
	4-star Budapest Hotels
	Romantic Hotels in Budapest
	Luxury Apartments in Budapest
	Cheap Apartments in Budapest

4. Vivid Nightlife

Budapest has a buzzing nightlife scene. The city is alive with great parties in good pubs, bars, open-air clubs. No wander the city became a hot-spot for stag and hen parties.

There are of course places that must be avoided since they target tourists for ripping them off. (Some of these infamous clubs have been shut down recently by local authorities. Read more about Nightlife in Budapest and Safety Tips Regarding Clubbing.

5. Wide Varitey of Cultural Entertainment

There's always something going on in Budapest no matter in which season you come. There are great festivals all round the year (Budapest Spring Festival and the Budapest Autumn Festival are the two biggest cultural events).

More than 100 hundred museums welcome tourists with various exhibitions the themes including fine arts, contemporary arts, science, history, gastronomy. The Budapest Opera House on Andrássy avenue is not only cultural venue but a beautiful architectural sight. See more cultural centres and venues in Budapest.

Browse our choice of Budapest events.

TIP: If you're curious about Hungary's folk heritage visit one of the spectacular Hungarian folk dance shows in the city centre. You can combine the folk show with a cruise and dinner on the river Danube starting at 22.00. A fine three-course buffet dinner is served during the 1.5-hour river cruise during which you can enjoy the wonderful night vista of the city.

5. Great Programs and Attractions for Children

Families with kids will also find attractions that'll entertain the whole family. The City park is highly recommended for children because of the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Graden, and the Amusement Park. The vast park is an ideal place for a leisurely walk with the kids.

The park's lake functions as an ice rink during winter months. The Hungarian Railway Museum is also a fun place to visit.
Find out more about things to do and see with children in Budapest.

6. Shopping

Shops, boutiques, markets abound in Budapest. The several shopping centres (Arena Plaza, WestEnd City Center, Campona) are great places to shop for designer clothes, electronics, books, jewelry, toiletries, small gifts, food stuff etc.

For buying authentic Hungarian gifts and food stuff (paprika powder, honey, Tokaji aszú wine, embroidery) visit the Central Market Hall at the Pest end of the Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge).

Authentic Hungarian Gifs: paprika, and other food stuff

The inner city (Váci utca and its neighbourhood in V. district, Andrássy út in VI. district) gives home to several stores selling world-famous designer brands: Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Escada, Furla etc.

7. Plenty of Restaurants, Tasty Local Food

There are countless restaurants, inns, fast food places, international eateries in Budapest. Although the quality varies widely the city has many restaurant where you can enjoy a pleasant meal. There are streets and neighbourhoods that specialize in the restaurant and cafe business: Liszt Ferenc Square, Ráday Street.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs stand next to each other with outdoor terraces in the summer season. These aren't necessarily the best places to have a great restaurant experience in Budapest since they're target mostly tourists with overpriced menus (although there are some inexpensive self-service eateries too.)

Further recommendations:

Hungarian Restaurants - where to try the local fare?
Garden Restaurants in Budapest
Italian Resturants in Budapest - the best places to have Italian dishes.
French Restaurants in Budapest some great places offering a taste of French cuisine.
Inexpensive Eateries in budapest - some good-value cheap restaurants and food bars.

Unlike many other cities Budapest doesn't sleep in winter. The National Tourist Board's 3 for 2 or 4 for 3 nights in Budapest hotels winter campaign makes the Hungarian capital an even more appealing winter holiday destination. Read more about a Winter Vacation in Budapest.

The season's highlight is Christmas with organ concerts, shops and streets decorated with Christmas lights.