I’ve been meaning to visit Budapest for ages—not because of The Grand Budapest Hotel (fun fact: it wasn’t even filmed in Budapest!), but because so many of my friends went and kept saying, “You’ll love it, you have to go.” Well, they were absolutely right. We finally made it there for a 4-day Budapest trip in November, and I fell in love instantly—the grand buildings, the soul-warming food (Lángos stole my heart), and the genuinely welcoming locals. Visiting during the Christmas market season made it all feel extra magical, like stepping into a fairytale city lit up with twinkling lights and mulled wine stalls. We already know we’ll be back—hopefully in summer next time to see a different side of the city. But for now, I’m sharing all the spots we loved, meals that blew our minds, and the little hidden gems we stumbled upon. Hope this helps if you’re planning your own Budapest travel adventure soon!
Day 1 – Arrival, Street Food & Christmas Markets
Arriving from London
We flew into Budapest from London and dove straight into the city’s festive atmosphere and buzzing food scene. **Tip: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport offers convenient connections to the city centre via public transport or relatively affordable taxis.
Street Food Karavan in the Jewish Quarter
Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Street Food Karavan is an outdoor food court full of quirky vendors offering local favourites and international bites. It’s the perfect casual introduction to street food in Budapest.
Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
One of the oldest and most famous Budapest Christmas markets, this one had charming lights and stalls, though we ended up liking the one at St. Stephen’s Basilica even more later in the trip.
Day 2 – Castles, Rooftops & Parliament Views
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects Buda and Pest across the Danube River. Lined with stone lions and beautifully lit at night, it’s a scenic route worth crossing on foot. We walked from our hotel to the Buda Castle Funicular, passing the Ferris Wheel and this historic bridge—highly recommend exploring the city by foot. Budapest is incredibly walkable, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views around every corner.
Buda Castle & Funicular
A classic Budapest landmark, Buda Castle is a must for panoramic views and Hungarian history. We took the funicular up, which gave us a scenic ride over the Danube. It’s a short ride but really worth it!
Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya)
The neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) is one of Budapest’s most photogenic spots. The fairytale-like terraces offer stunning sunrise and sunset views across the river to the Parliament.
Panoramia Cafe & Bar
Don’t let the mixed Google reviews deter you! This hidden gem offers one of the most spectacular views in Budapest. Overlooking the Danube and the magnificent Parliament building, the cafe transforms into a cosy haven during winter months with heating and enclosed windows. Sipping hot chocolate while admiring the panorama was a highlight of my trip.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is spectacular from every angle. We admired it from both banks and later during our boat tour. We booked through GetYourGuide and loved watching the city light up as we floated past its most famous buildings. Highly recommend cruising at golden hour.
Rooftop Bars in Budapest
- Leo Rooftop Bar – Elegant atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and unbeatable views.
- White Raven Skybar & Lounge – Sleek design with panoramic cityscapes.
Where to Eat in Budapest: Our Favourite Meals So Far
Lunch at TwentySix
This greenhouse-like restaurant creates a fresh, airy atmosphere. Their shakshuka was absolutely on point! I appreciated their environmental initiative, letting people donate to “Plant a tree with us!”
Dinner at The Spot Budapest by J&J
A hidden riverside gem, dining in a private pod while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Parliament building made for an unforgettable evening. The intimate setting and exceptional service make this a must-visit.. One of our top dining memories in Budapest!
Day 3 – Castles, Culture & Winter Magic in City Park
House of Music Hungary
This architecturally stunning venue in City Park is worth a visit for music lovers and design nerds alike.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Straight out of a storybook, Vajdahunyad Castle is a hidden gem tucked inside City Park, surrounded by a moat and historic buildings.
City Park Ice Rink
One of Europe’s largest outdoor rinks — magical in winter, especially at night under the lights.
BalloonFly Budapest
We kept seeing the BalloonFly from a distance and finally found it! It offers a unique aerial view of the city — though I chickened out (heights aren’t for me!).
Heroes’ Square
A grand plaza lined with statues of Hungary’s national heroes — another must-see Budapest tourist spot.
Budapest Markets, Ruin Bars & Shopping Gems
Central Market Hall
Bustling and full of character, the Central Market Hall is ideal for picking up paprika, souvenirs, and Hungarian snacks.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market
We ended up preferring this market over the one at Vörösmarty Square — better food, more variety, and a magical light show projected onto the Basilica.
Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
No visit to Budapest is complete without experiencing at least one ruin bar. The most iconic of the Budapest ruin bars, Szimpla Kert is housed in a derelict building with mismatched furniture and graffiti-covered walls. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally worth visiting.
More Food Highlights from Budapest
Lunch at For Sale Pub
The best goulash I had on the trip. The atmosphere is warm and whimsical, the Harry Potter-esque magical atmosphere, with notes and business cards covering every surface, creates a unique dining experience. Tip: go early or arrive during off-peak hours to avoid the long wait
BOATanic Terrace & Bar
This riverside venue offers stunning views across the Danube. The attentive staff and surprisingly reasonable prices make it an excellent choice for pre-dinner drinks.
Drinks at Mitico Budapest
Funky décor and excellent cocktails. A great place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Dinner at Retro Langos Budapest
This is where I fell in love with Lángos — deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, garlic, and cheese. Absolute joy.
Day 4 – Street Art, Walking Tours & the Jewish Quarter
Budapest Street Art
We followed the Budapestflow street art map to discover colourful murals scattered across the city. An offbeat and creative way to explore.
Jewish Quarter
Rich in culture and history, this neighbourhood is full of synagogues, ruin bars, cafés, and street art. One of our favourite areas to wander.
Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to learn about the city’s complex history and diverse architecture — and it’s budget-friendly too! Check Freetour.com
Cafés in Budapest to Relax and Refuel
Párisi Passage
Even if you just stop for a coffee, the interiors are jaw-dropping. We were lucky enough to hear a live band playing during our visit.
Café Gerbeaud
An iconic Budapest café known for its old-world charm and sweet pastries.
Nagyi Lángos
Tucked away and no-frills, this place served delicious Lángos — ideal for a quick and tasty bite before catching your flight.
What We’ll Do Next Time in Budapest
Here’s what’s still on our list:
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath – A classic Budapest experience we’ll save for warmer weather.
- New York Café – Famous for its opulent interiors. We’ll brave the queue next time!
- Citadella & Gellért Hill – For those postcard-perfect panoramic views.
- Hungarian State Opera – High on our list for its cultural and architectural beauty.
Hungarian Dishes You Have to Try
- Gulyás (Goulash) – Classic beef stew full of flavour.
- Lángos – Deep-fried flatbread with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – Sweet and perfect for market browsing.
- Csirkepaprikás (Chicken Paprikash) – Comfort food at its finest.
- Palacsinta – Hungarian crepes filled with jam, cottage cheese, or chocolate.
Have you visited Budapest? What were your favourite experiences?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
To see more of my trip, check out my videos below.