Budapest, Hungary

Budapest was the first stop on our summer 2024 European tour with Donavan, Caroline, and Stephen, and although we were only there for three nights, we all fell in love with the city right away. In my opinion, it's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. It has amazing architecture and history, but it also has this laid-back/funky vibe that makes it so fun. We didn't have much time in Budapest, but it's definitely a place I want to go back and explore more of!

Except for the afternoon at the thermal baths, we mostly spent time walking around and exploring the city on foot. We were trying to cover as much land as possible in our short amount of time just to get a feel for the city. A couple of places we explored from the outside were the Matthias Church, the Parliament Building, and Margaret Island (which is a beautiful park in the middle of the city). After the thermal baths, the boys treated Caroline and I to a Thai massage for our birthdays (because they are 3 days apart) - very random when you're traveling but we obviously weren't complaining! One thing I would've loved to do was take an evening cruise on the Danube River, but you can also get a more affordable version of this by walking along the river at sunset - Budapest is breathtaking when everything reflects off of the river at night! If you're into going out to clubs, it is also known for its great nightlife. 

Gellert Thermal Baths

Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary

Thermal baths are a huge part of the culture in Budapest and one of the ways Hungarians practice wellness. There are a handful in the city but this one stood out to us when we were doing our research and it did not disappoint. We loved the experience and this is something I definitely wouldn't skip out on!

Our Airbnb

We stayed in the cutest bohemian-style Airbnb, which fit the four of us perfectly and was in the best location. It was right next to a grocery store and had many restaurants and coffee shops nearby (all of which are listed under "Dining"). It was about a five-minute walk away from a shopping street and public transportation which could get you around the city. The place itself had an elevator (hard to find anywhere in Europe) and Eva was extremely responsive and helpful. I highly recommend booking this place for your trip!

Coffee/Breakfast

David's Kitchen

Budapest, Klauzál tér 13, 1072 Hungary

This cafe was about a block away from the Airbnb we were in and had great coffee, pastries, and other treats. While I only had coffee and a pastry, the boys ate here before Caroline and I got into Budapest, and wouldn't stop raving about how good it was!

Grumpy

Budapest, Klauzál u. 34.sz, 1072 Hungary

We dined here on the morning of Caroline's birthday and it completely hit the spot. I got the smoked salmon toast, and Caroline got the pancakes which I couldn't stop stealing from her - both dishes were so good. The place is tiny so you might have to wait for a table but it's worth it. 

Kern Collective Coffee

Budapest, Király u. 34, 1061 Hungary

Caroline and I stumbled upon this coffee shop after our massages (we needed to wake up after extreme relaxation lol) and it was such a cute, artsy spot. It was also close to our Airbnb and had good coffee!

Food

Kőleves kert

Budapest, Kazinczy u. 37-41, 1075 Hungary

This restaurant was a good "something for everyone" type of place. It was technically Hungarian cuisine, but they had much more than that including different meats, fish, appetizers, and more. The outdoor patio is really beautiful and it was packed when we went (a sign that the restaurant is good!).

Il Mulino Italian Bistro

Budapest, Klauzál tér 13, 1072 Hungary

Another great spot right below our Airbnb (right next to David's kitchen!) for when you need to get your Italian food fix. It's a casual little bistro that has good pizza and pasta, and is affordable!

Steg Pub

Budapest, Margitsziget, Sirály Csónakház, 1138 Hungary

This pub is located on Margaret Island which is a park in the middle of the city. We didn't plan well and were so hungry by the time we got to the island. Luckily, there are some restaurants, but they look extremely touristy and overall not very appealing. Most of them were also empty which is a bad sign, but this place had the most customers. We decided to take a chance on it and it ended up being so good! The burgers were delicious and you have to try their homemade lemonade. So, if you get hungry while on the island, this is your place.

Drinks

Kadarka Bar

Budapest, Király u. 42, 1061 Hungary

In my opinion, wine bars are like the perfect, chill, going-out vibe. This one was close to our Airbnb and had a great selection of wine and other cocktails. We rang in Caroline's birthday here and enjoyed some Hugo Spritz's. 

Considering that I was traveling in July, Budapest was HOT. I'm talking 97 degrees in the middle of the day while we're walking around. I found that the easiest way for me to be cute while staying cool was wearing dresses and skirts, linen shorts, and a lightweight top. Nothing I wore stopped the profuse amount of sweating, but I also didn't overheat, which was a win in that weather!