The best thing in weekend getaways is that it doesn’t require you to use any vacation days if you work full time during the weekdays. If you live in Europe, going away to another European country is relatively easy in terms of journey times. Are you thinking on to jump into your car or catch the next plane to travel anywhere? Budapest is the perfect choice as a long weekend destination.
One of the greatest things about Budapest is that you can explore it in a few days. The city has a long and vibrant history of entertaining and delighting its visitors with beautiful buildings, ancient history and a charm that’s second to none! Here I rounded up a list about the important things to see and how to spend an unforgettable long weekend in Budapest.
Long weekend in Budapest
Budapest is separated by the Danube River, Buda and Pest form the two halves of Hungary’s capital, linked by the famous Chain Bridge since 1849. Their separation runs deeper than the river though, these two regions have their own distinct personalities. Where Buda’s hills offer sweeping panoramas across the city, Pest is entirely flat. While Buda’s Castle District purrs with imperial taste, Pest’s buzzing bar scene is always lively.
Things to see on the Pest side
Many iconic buildings are just in walking distance from each other in downtown: the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica, the neoclassical Parliament building and the Danube Promenade, the Chain Bridge that leads the way up to the Buda Castle, the Central Market Hall, the beautifully renovated Great Synangogue (second largest in the world after New York’s main synagogue) and the Opera House on Andrássy Avenue. Heroes’ Square in City Park, just down Andrássy Avenue, is also nearby.
The Museum of Fine Arts (on Heroes’ Square) collection consists mostly of European art from all periods. The House of Terror Museum’s exhibitions commemorate the victims of the fascist and communist regimes of Hungary, located on Andrássy Avenue at the former headquarters of the KGB (communist secret police).
Things to see on the Buda side
The Citadel and Statue of Liberty on Gellért Hill (with a million dollar view) and the Roman ruins of Aquincum will require a short taxi ride or use of public transportation from the city center. But that won’t be a problem because the public transport of Budapest is efficiently organized and runs frequently.
The Hungarian National Gallery in the Buda Castle is home to the largest fine arts collection in the country. In the Castle District Fisherman’s Bastion will provide a breathtaking view of the whole city (it’s the 1st of the most instagrammable spots in Budapest), and of Matthias Church.
Although further out from the city center, Memento Park is worth a visit. It is a unique attraction that displays the monuments from the communist era, providing a glimpse behind the Iron Curtain.
Budapest Baths
We must not forget to mention the famous Budapest baths. Budapest is not called the “City of Spas” for no reason. Our city is the only capital in the world that is rich in thermal water with healing qualities.
Locals have perfected the art of soaking in healing water, relaxing in steam baths and saunas all year round. The most famous medicinal baths are Gellért Bath (on the Buda side) and Széchenyi Bath (on the Pest side in City Park opposite the Zoo), or Ensana Thermal Margaret Island Hotel on Margaret Island. Margaret Island is a large green recreational park in the heart of the city on the river Danube.
Activities
It is always a hard decision where to start the sightseeing tour in a city where you have never been before. In fact, without a private tour guide you can easily waste time or get lost as you explore a city on your own. Take a look some of the major benefits why I recommend you to hire a private tour guide.
Another way to explore Budapest is to rent a Segway. There are more Segway routes all over the city providing for a safe and fun way to get around. Find available tours HERE.
Nightlife
When locals are not soaking in different activities, they love to go out and party. Budapesters have invented “Ruin Pubs”. A true Hungarian phenomenon whereby ruined and abandoned buildings have been turned into hip and artsy bars in the 7th district (the old Jewish district) which attract big crowds every day, especially on weekends. It was Szimpla Kert where it all started in 2001.
I wish you a pleasant stay in my lovely Budapest where I’m livin’ la vida local.