Budapest is the Gem of Europe. Tourists love it, and it loves tourists just as well. If someone doesn't have this fabulous destination on their bucket list yet, here's just a handful of reasons why to add it ASAP.
The Architecture
First and foremost, Budapest has the most amazing architecture. From St. Stephen's Basilica, the Matthias Church, the Synagogue, the Parliament, and even the Four Seasons Hotel, first-time visitors have a hard time keeping their eyes on the road.
And the best part of Budapest's architecture is the bridges. Seven bridges in total only in the inner city, these jaw-dropping pieces of design connect Buda and Pest through the Danube. People have a hard time choosing a favorite, and I can't blame them! There's the Liberty bridge which you can sit on, the Margaret bridge which has an elbow resting on Margaret Island, or the Chain Bridge which lights up at night like a pearl necklace.
Anyone can talk for days about just the architecture in this city, but talking about it is nothing like actually seeing it. Even the houses are like accessories. And the entire inner city lights up at night. Hungarian architects have won several awards for the lighting that they install on the buildings and streets of Budapest, it's truly like walking around in a dream.
History
Budapest has a very deep history, and we love to showcase it effortlessly and elegantly. The most noticeable of these is the World War 2 commemorations like the House of Terror or the shoes in front of the Parliament.
Other than that, Hungary is very rich in artists, Nobel-Prize winners, and more. A lot of statues can be found on seemingly every street corner.
So if anyone is to come here, they should make sure to stop by at least a few of these and learn something about this beautiful city.
The Nightlife
For all the younger visitors, a crucial point when talking about Budapest is the nightlife. As a young woman myself, I can say with utmost confidence, that the nightlife in Budapest is unparalleled.
There are a lot of places with very special locations, like on top of the Basilica, or right next to the water, by the Chain Bridge. The inner city is full of small pubs, perfect for a pub crawl. There are also 'labyrinth pubs', meaning that it's full of small rooms and corridors, and each room has a different theme in music or activities such as karaoke and all sorts of games.
And getting home in the middle of the night is no problem either, as most buses and trams are 24/7 and stop in every major point of the city.
The Food
Hungarian food is legendary. The meats, the spices, the sweets, they're all one of a kind and everyone falls in love with them at first taste. The strong flavors can be surprising for some, but if you're the adventurous type, you should definitely try some of the staple dishes. Starting from the legendary cucumber salad with sour cream, to goulash with 'nokedli', the famous Hungarian ratatouille, all the way to funnel cakes with cinnamon and finishing with a little 'zserbó'. Hungary is never fully experienced without culinary adventures.
The Drinks
Just like food, we have a lot of special drinks to try if you're not against a 'little' alcohol. The staple for Hungary is Pálinka which could be described as a very strong fruit liquor mostly made with plums, peaches, apples, or pears.
If you like wine, we have 22 wine regions with some of the best wines in the world. Basically, anything you eat will have the perfect Hungarian wine accompanying it.
Hungarian beer is also very unique with a lot of specialties famous in Europe. A lot of specialty pubs will have a huge selection, but really any local store will have a few of the best.
The most famous strong drink is Unicum which is an herb liquor that Hungarians love to drink as a home remedy for any type of sickness.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Budapest is arguably one of the best in Europe. Getting around can't possibly be easier. And as a bonus, they don't make the city any less appealing, in fact, they spruce up the place by decorating the trams on special occasions, and sometimes having 'nostalgia rides', dusting off some classic models.
The entire city is webbed by different types of transportation, and it's also very cheap. Once you catch the bus by the airport coming directly into the middle of the city, you'll never be lost.
The Price
People love to visit Budapest because it's much cheaper than other European big cities. Public transportation, restaurants, pubs, activities are all more than affordable for foreigners.
But don't think you won't get your money's worth, I guarantee you won't be disappointed by the outcome. Although it all boils down to steering clear from the 'tourist traps' like Váci utca, which is one of the most beautiful streets in the city but is also significantly more costly than other places.
The Safety
Budapest is a very safe place to visit. Of course, like any other place, this city too has a few shady places, but incidents rarely happen in the heart of the city. It's filled with young people, students, and families, and everyone is very helpful.
Hungary
Going a little out of the city, it's also important to note that Hungary has a lot of beautiful sights that are worth visiting if people come for more than just a few days.
So if someone likes to venture a little further, Hungary is definitely worth exploring. The charming countrysides, the fantastic views, and great hiking places, we have it all. There are also a lot of fascinating destinations just outside of the borders of Budapest.
The Weather
Lastly, this is likely an unconventional point, but Budapest has fantastic weather. People can enjoy all seasons of the year, with the lights, decorations, and mulled wine in winter, and the parks, lakes, and activities such as huge festivals in the summertime. There's something for anyone, anytime.
