Budapest Hotels

Whether you’re looking to taste Hungarian food, unwind in world-famous thermal baths or discover the city’s history and culture, a holiday to Budapest really does have something for everybody.

Explore the past

Budapest has a rich and complex history. Explore the fall of the communist regime at Memento Park, an open-air museum built to remember Hungary’s communist period, featuring many statues torn down at the end of the regime. Meanwhile, impressive architecture can be found in the intricate decorations of St Stephen’s Basilica or the majestic beauty of the Great Synagogue.

Unwind in the present

The city boasts plenty of natural hot springs which have been converted into thermal baths, so be sure to take advantage of them on your holiday to Budapest. Take a dip at Szechenyi; with 15 pools of varying size and temperature, there’s plenty of space for you to relax. It’s a distinctly social experience as well; you may even see people playing chess while they soak! For something more adventurous, the Rudas Baths run a spa party that combines music, drinks, dancing, and of course, a dip in the thermal bath.

Explore Hungarian culture

After soaking in the baths it’s time to soak up some culture and the Hungarian National Museum is an ideal place to start. The dedicated collection stretches back thousands of years and will surely leave a good impression. Art lovers will flock to the Hungarian National Gallery, housed in the baroque Buda Castle, where you’ll enjoy examples of Hungarian artwork stretching back to the medieval period.

Dig for a bargain

If your cash is burning a hole in your pocket, having saved on a cheap holiday to Budapest, the Central Market Hall is the ideal place to spend your spare cash. Wander around the gothic revival building to browse stalls filled with local crafts, souvenirs and quality clothing.

A taste of Budapest

Snack on Lángos, a deep fried pastry that comes with a variety of toppings, while shopping in the market, or maybe find some Hungarian black pudding. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Fatal Restaurant serves a delicious goulash, along with a selection of other Hungarian specialties in a charmingly rustic setting.

Budapest is also featured in our guide to Where's Hot in August.

Party and nightlife in Budapest

Budapest, a city teeming with vibrant nightlife, showcases an array of options for those seeking memorable nocturnal experiences. The city's nightlife presents a mixture of styles, from sophisticated wine bars and avant-garde music venues, to bustling nightclubs and underground pubs.

Divided by the serene River Danube, Budapest's districts each hold unique backgrounds and play host to different types of nocturnal entertainment. The Pest side of the city, known for its animated atmosphere, is where the majority of the nightlife unfolds. Highly sought-after districts such as District V, VI, and VII reveal a thriving realm of nightlife offerings.

District V, also known as the Inner City, is infused with a generous dash of sophistication and boasts some of the most exclusive wine bars in Budapest. This region is perfect for those preferring a more intimate ambiance, where conversations smoothly blend into the notes of live jazz or piano music gently filling the air.

Energetic and decidedly edgy, District VI reveals a dynamic scene of modern bars and trendy nightclubs. This area is often frequented by music aficionados and those seeking exhilarating dance floors. Music styles widely vary, satisfying multiple preferences from hip hop and electronic dance music to rock and pop.

Taking a walk on the bohemian side, District VII is best known for its ruin pubs, housed in dilapidated pre-war buildings and decorated with eclectic furniture and vintage artefacts. These venues provide a unique setting for a night out, where history intertwines with modern music and art.

Few can argue that Budapest's nightlife wouldn't be complete without the bustling party venues along the Danube. An array of floating bars and clubs exists, perfect for those who fancy dancing, drinking, or simply enjoying the music while being surrounded by panoramic views of the illuminated city. A mention must be made of A38, a retired Ukrainian stone carrier ship-turned-cultural venue. Docked on the Danube, this concert and party venue is a hub for both local and international music acts. Offering more than just music, this floating cultural hotspot also organises exhibitions and theatrical performances, making it ideal for those seeking a wider range of night entertainment.

Budapest's nightlife caters to a broad spectrum of preferences and tastes. It's no wonder the city has gained ground as a prominent nightlife destination.

Go shopping in Budapest

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, carries great importance as a central hub for shopping enthusiasts from all over the world. With its diverse blend of shopping options framed by magnificent architecture and a globally-inspired sense of style, an exploration of the city's retail landscape is an integral part of a visit to Budapest.

One might start with the iconic Váci Street, a notable shopping area frequented by fashionistas. The location is filled with an array of high-end international labels, promoting it as a fine choice for a luxury shopping spree. Designer boutiques align with jewellers, art galleries, and quaint cafes, making for a pleasant retail experience.

However, Budapest is not merely about first-class shopping. A plethora of affordable shopping options have established their presence, effectively catering to different budgets. The Great Market Hall is one such locale that offers reasonable prices for a variety of goods. Known as Central Market Hall, it's situated at the end of Váci Street and offers a vast array of vendors selling local produce, meats and other groceries, presenting a lively image of daily Hungarian life.

Budapest provides an opportunity to acquire unique and local souvenirs as an alternative to mainstream purchases. Hungarian folk art, Rubik’s Cubes, and porcelain from Herend and Zsolnay are extremely popular among locals and tourists alike. Other traditional items such as paprika, Pick salami, Unicum, Hungarian wines and spirits, and handmade chocolates are also considered worthy take-home items.

For those seeking more conventional keepsakes, Budapest's local bookstores often possess treasures such as bookmarks, postcards, and collections of Hungarian poetry. Lastly, an adventure in the Ecseri Flea Market is a recommended pursuit, particularly for antique lovers. From records to furniture, this expansive flea market holds a wealth of vintage items as a testament to Budapest's remarkable past.

In summary, Budapest's retail scene can be fascinating for its variety, affordability, and availability of locally crafted goods. The city's shopping opportunities do not fail to impress, providing chances to savour Hungary's contemporary style alongside staples of traditional culture.