As the last stop of our 17 days long euro-trip, we had not planned much about what to do in Hungary's capital. Our plan was to chill and head back home. But the city turned out to be so exciting, that now its one of my favorite in Europe. I have been telling people so much about the place, that I am ending up writing this snippet - covering the fun things to do here. I will be going backwards :P
Every Saturday night , the most popular thermal bath of Budapest turns into an electrifying party .
With heated pool, cold beer and crazy enthusiasm all around, it turned out to be one of the most unique experiences.
Cons: late at night (starts at 10:30 pm), won't see the pretty bath in day light(checkout its photos), more fun in groups(cherry-picked Indian couples on the spot), surprisingly too many men(although well behaved, its Europe!).
Pros: check the instagram post below for pics and videos.
Evening walk on the banks of the river Danube
The city of Budapest is made up of old cities of Buda and Pest (and Obuda as well) with the river Danube intersecting them. The banks of the river are lined up with many of Budapest's popular attractions :
On the Pest side - Budapest's iconic 'House of Parliament', the HDDCS famed 'Chain Bridge' , WW2 memorial 'Shoes on the Danube' , along with views of Buda castle and fisherman bastion sitting on the hill top(on Buda side).
So in the evening, take the quirky looking yellow tram to the parliament house , after a few insta-worthy pictures in front of the gigantic structure , stroll towards the chain bridge for some sunset viewing. A drink or 2 (from the bars next to the bridge) may enhance the viewing experience! ;)
Spend afternoon 'Souvenir shopping' in the heart of the city
Budapest is relatively cheaper than its other European counterparts and hence here you can make the most of a buck. Paprika Souvenir shop boasts to be the biggest in the city, having almost any kind of souvenir present in the city. But most of these will be available in any other smaller souvenir shops by the street Váci utca(and they are a bit cheaper).
Spend some time going in and around the St. Stephen's Basilica, another iconic structure in the heart of the city. The area around it is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. There are usually some events happening in the front of the Basilica; we witnessed the finals of international children folk dance competition, and it was delightful!
Start your day with 'vibrant' Jewish district
The smallest district of the city is also the most crowded. With street art in every corner, this area is also lined with cafes and bars - you will be spoilt for choice. Being vegetarian , we tried out the recommended Dobrumba, a stylish arabic/middle-eastern restaurant with a varied menu.
The jewish quarter also houses the 'Ruin Bars' of Budapest which are alive day and night. Szimpla kert was the first of these quirky looking bars and is also the most popular. Start here your site seeing for the 2nd day, with a local beer.
Don't forget to (at least) pass-by the Dohány Street Synagogue, the crown jewel of the jewish district.
Danube-boat-cruise-party OR Ruin-bars-pub-crawl
End the first day on a 'high'! With free flowing alcohol and electric party vibes present at both places, choose from danube boat cruise party or ruin bars pub-crawl. We did the pub crawl and tried to fit in a young, energetic and mad (mostly)college going crowd. It was fun!
If you take the boat cruise, then the parliament house, all lit up in the dark, will wow you.