With this last long weekend we had, we wanted to head to a different country. Poland was number one on the list, but we just didn’t have the time to fly somewhere. Where could we head instead?

Well, if you’d asked me when we moved here if I wanted to go to Budapest I would’ve told you I don’t say no to a travel adventure, but it wasn’t necessarily on my list of places I wanted to go.

With so many people in our community talking so highly of their Budapest trips, we decided to give it a try.

Let me tell you, the food is FAB-U-LOUS. And so cheap, a big plus in our minds!

Budapest is beautiful, especially down by the Danube river. In this blog I’m going to give you the highlights of what I loved, what you must-do, and of course where to eat so your trip is jam packed with the best of what Budapest has to offer!

What you must do:

Thermal Baths

You might be wondering why thermal baths? Well, Budapest sits on numerous natural hot springs full of minerals believed to be beneficial for medicinal healing and relaxation. Now, Budapest is known for its spa culture. It’s definitely a must do. Szechenyi is where we decided to go. P.S. we paid the extra euro for a changing cabin and I’d recommend it. A few other options are: Gellert, Rudas, Csaszar. Don’t forget to bring your own robe, towel, and flip flops.

Fisherman’s Bastion

This was my favorite part of the city. The old castle walls are one of the most unique structures, and the view is unmatched looking out across the Danube river with a perfect view of the iconic Parliament building. Not to mention the chapel right next to it is stunning as well.

Danube Promenade

Located just south of the Parliament building is the memorial “shoes on the Danube bank.” Built to honor the Jews who were massacred by the Fascist Hungarian militia during WWII. Here they were shot so that their bodies were carried away by the river. An emotional and bone-chilling experience to say the least.

Parliament

In my opinion it is best seen by the river, hence my next must-do. But a walk to and around the building itself is well worth the visit.

Sunset River Cruise

We did this sunset river cruise for just 9 euros. I had to include the 9 euro part because that just shows you how affordable this city is! I chose the 5-6pm tour to be able to see the riverside by sunset. The Parliament building is a must-see after dark, beautifully illuminated. It also includes a free welcome drink. You can see numerous of the city’s most famous landmarks during this tour.

Buda Palace

Another beautiful palace to see located next to Fisherman’s Bastion. We ended up just walking past it on our way to Fisherman’s Bastion and did not end up going in, though I hear it is beautiful. Even from the outside it is a site to see. And quite enormous I might add!

Vintage Stores

I didn’t realize that Budapest is covered in vintage designer stores. We went shopping on a Sunday, so many were closed, but we did make it to Retrock Designer Vintage Store for a quick look before lunch. A fun thing to add if you’re into shopping!

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Located right near the Parliament building, an easy next stop after your visit. Europe is full of stunning churches, and this one definitely follows suit.

Central Market Hall

A market full of both food and souvenir stands by local vendors. Think like a massive farmers market plus handmade items but indoors. I found a beautiful vase to take home that I am so excited about!

City Park

A perfect stop to or from Szechenyi Thermal Bath.

Things I had saved we didn’t get to:

Gellert Hill
Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Dohany Street Synagogue

Where you must eat:

Okay, now to the good part. My favorite part about this city was the food! My husband and I love Lebanese food. I should say, my husband does and I married into it haha! He grew up eating authentic Lebanese food and has been hooked on it ever since. So, he is a great judge of restaurants whenever we come across them! Budapest was full of middle eastern restaurants. From purely authentic and family owned, to those with a bit more of a modern flare added to traditional recipes.

We of course had some amazing Hungarian food as well. My favorite was the cabbage rolls, delish!

The best part about all of this amazing food is the price. Compared to the rest of Europe (and especially compared to America) it is very inexpensive. Can’t complain about that!

So here is everywhere you have to eat:

Szek Restaurant and Bar - Our first night we had to head to a traditional Hungarian restaurant. I’d say it definitely had a more modern flare, but we loved it all the same. Truly the entire menu looked amazing. We both ordered a soup (definitely try the Csorba) and I ordered the cabbage rolls while T ordered the pork tenderloin. Both were a major hit!

Cosy Cafe - We all know I love my breakfast. We had to go to a cute breakfast place during our weekend, and Cosy Cafe was my pick. I tried a tofu scramble for the first time and it definitely did not disappoint! I’d say our hotel’s breakfast was a bit better (but I am also fully in love with our hotel so that could be why) but a great choice none the less!

Mazel Tov - yall. Burry me here. The hummus and pita were DIVINE. We even tried to go back for a second day in a row but they didn’t have any tables available. So, make your reservations! The homemade hummus with tahini was heaven itself, like I said. The grilled cauliflower with tahini was it’s own vacation (can you tell I like tahini) and T ordered the chicken shawarma that was equally as delicious. If you’re looking for straight traditional food, this probably isn’t your place. But if you’re looking for a really fun atmosphere, amazing fresh food and a menu you just can’t go wrong with, this is it. Think fun brunch vibes but make it middle eastern food.

Byblos - Now, if you’re looking for fabulous traditional food, this is your place. Get the dip platter for two, but be weary its more like for 4! Every single veggie dip was too good to be true and the pita was much more authentic (says husband). I’ll be honest I was too full to even dig into my main meal since the appetizer platter was so good! A win in our book.

Mozata - Three Lebanese restaurants in a row?! Oops! My husband says this was the most true Lebanese recipes with menu items like kibbeh, fataya, and grape leaves, but with a slightly modern take. We drowned ourselves in hummus once again and exclaimed “wow this is so good” with every bite. A perfect stop for lunch.

Hoppa Bistro - Worth the very high internet ratings. We went with some friends and all ordered something different, equally enjoying them all! Think pretty presentation with a modern atmosphere, and modern/traditional menu options.

Places I had saved but we didn’t make it to:

The Duchess - A rooftop bar perfect for the spring or summer with a gorgeous view of the city and the Danube River. We loved the atmosphere here. It was similar to Hotsy Totsy with a speakeasy vibe, velvet seating, and fun cocktails.

Hotsy Totsy - Such a fun atmosphere. It reminded us of Pjolter & Punsj in Norway where the cocktails are each different “crime scenes” and the ingredients are the offenses, etc! With velvet seating under stone walls. With only a few tables you’re surely going to have to make a reservation!

Places I had saved that we didn’t make it to:

Black Swan Budapest

Szimpla Kert

Where to stay:

I’d highly suggest staying on the “Pest” side of the river. P.S. did you know that the west side of the river is called Buda and the east is Pest? Fun fact! Anyway, most of the restaurants and shopping are on this side making it easiest to walk to and from dinner to your hotel. We stayed at the Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel right next to the river.

While we’re on that topic, Marriott’s Luxury Collection hotels are absolutely stunning and unique. We have a couple of Marriott connections in the family and tend to choose these hotels when available. When you first hear Marriott you probably think average hotel. However, Marriott offers numerous “boutique” style hotels (especially in Europe) like the Luxury Collection, Autograph, Tribute Portfolio and more that are all unique stays, no two alike! What’s more, each Luxury Collection hotel offers a “history tour” about the building. The Matild Palace in Budapest is a UNESCO world heritage site, so this tour was so fun to experience! We learned that most original buildings in Budapest are actually world heritage sites. Another fun fact! That said, if you have Marriott points or things like that available to use, I definitely would give them a try in Europe.

I’d say that two days here in Budapest is the perfect amount of time to see and do everything you’d want in this city!

That’s it folks. I hope you enjoyed yet another travel blog. As always, I actually have a “travel hacks” highlight where I explain how to use google maps to save places that you want to visit in the future, whether you have a trip planned or not! Click here to view that, go through these places and be sure to save your favorites! I’d love to hear which ones you end up going to! Never hesitate to DM me on Instagram or shoot me an email here, I love hearing from you!

Until next time, XO,

Di

A Long Weekend In Budapest - Travel Guide