David's tips for Budapest
Food Scene
It is a bar/restaurant. Calm during the day, busy at night. Great atmosphere and inerior design, kind service. Mostly bar food (burger, sandwiches) but also soup, main course, BBQ, steak is available. Desserts are delcious. You can choose from 15 kinds of craft beer. If you sit by the window, or outside during the summer, you will have a view of the Basilica. Due to the location and quality it is moderatly pricey and they automatically add a 12% tip to the bill. Anyways it is recommended.
69 locals recommend
BESTIA
9 Szent István térIt is a bar/restaurant. Calm during the day, busy at night. Great atmosphere and inerior design, kind service. Mostly bar food (burger, sandwiches) but also soup, main course, BBQ, steak is available. Desserts are delcious. You can choose from 15 kinds of craft beer. If you sit by the window, or outside during the summer, you will have a view of the Basilica. Due to the location and quality it is moderatly pricey and they automatically add a 12% tip to the bill. Anyways it is recommended.
One of the few Michelin-Star restaurants in Budapest. Just step out of the apartment, and it is right on the other side of street, about 10 meter walking:) If you are tight on the budget but fancy to try a Michelin star restaurant, then good to know that Borkonyha offers the most affordable pirces. The other three has much higher prices on the menu.
174 locals recommend
Borkonyha Winekitchen Restaurant
3 Sas uOne of the few Michelin-Star restaurants in Budapest. Just step out of the apartment, and it is right on the other side of street, about 10 meter walking:) If you are tight on the budget but fancy to try a Michelin star restaurant, then good to know that Borkonyha offers the most affordable pirces. The other three has much higher prices on the menu.
This is the best Mexican restaurant in town. Usually lively and crowded, booking is advisable. Try the Jenő quesadilla, the beer bucket and brownie with icecream. Moderatly priced, good value, good service.
63 locals recommend
Iguana Mexican Restaurant
16 Zoltán utcaThis is the best Mexican restaurant in town. Usually lively and crowded, booking is advisable. Try the Jenő quesadilla, the beer bucket and brownie with icecream. Moderatly priced, good value, good service.
Not as fancy from the outside as the other posh restaurant around here, but great mainly Eastern Europan, Hungarian food served inside. The restaurant was opened more than 20 years ago and run by two brothers. It is only 2 minutes from the apartment. The restaurant is not too large and can be crowded. Closed on Sundays!
93 locals recommend
Café Kör
17 Sas uNot as fancy from the outside as the other posh restaurant around here, but great mainly Eastern Europan, Hungarian food served inside. The restaurant was opened more than 20 years ago and run by two brothers. It is only 2 minutes from the apartment. The restaurant is not too large and can be crowded. Closed on Sundays!
Pántlika Bistro is a hidden place at the further end of the City Park. This is where dog walkers and biker gather for a beer or a burger. It is not a ruind pub, but the atmosphere is similar. Only open from spring till the weather is still good to sit outside. Meet the locals, try the burgers!
28 locals recommend
Pántlika Bistro
Hermina útPántlika Bistro is a hidden place at the further end of the City Park. This is where dog walkers and biker gather for a beer or a burger. It is not a ruind pub, but the atmosphere is similar. Only open from spring till the weather is still good to sit outside. Meet the locals, try the burgers!
3 course lunch menu (between 12-14h) including a non-alcoholic drink for only 8 euros! One of my personal favourite lunch spots. Alacarte menu is also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also as the name (0,75 Bistro) suggests great wine selection. Obligatory service charge is not added automatically (which is very rear among downtown restaurants), so you can decide on the tip, but friendly service deserves it.
17 locals recommend
0,75 bistro & bar
6 Szent István tér3 course lunch menu (between 12-14h) including a non-alcoholic drink for only 8 euros! One of my personal favourite lunch spots. Alacarte menu is also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also as the name (0,75 Bistro) suggests great wine selection. Obligatory service charge is not added automatically (which is very rear among downtown restaurants), so you can decide on the tip, but friendly service deserves it.
Pokito
Wonderful poke bowls, kind owners, nice service.
One of my favourite restaurants, which is up and running for over 20 years now. Hungarian Morrocoan, french, dishes,
198 locals recommend
Két Szerecsen
14 Nagymező u.One of my favourite restaurants, which is up and running for over 20 years now. Hungarian Morrocoan, french, dishes,
Shopping
It is a larger grocery store then Roni. It is open till 9 pm. It offers all the basic food and household items.
53 locals recommend
Príma
27-29 Arany János u.It is a larger grocery store then Roni. It is open till 9 pm. It offers all the basic food and household items.
The first and most centrallay located shopping center, mall in Budapest
970 locals recommend
Westend Shopping Center
1-3 Váci útThe first and most centrallay located shopping center, mall in Budapest
This is where the beautiful Christmas Fair takes place every year, usually starting from nov.25th till Xmas. The whole square and the Basilica itself is lit up. Usually there is a small icerink for kids surrounded by local people selling there handcrafted items, also food and drink. Tip: try the kurtoskalacs (chminey cake) and the mulled (hot and spicey) wine.
Basilica Advent Celebration (Christmas Market)
4-5 Szent István térThis is where the beautiful Christmas Fair takes place every year, usually starting from nov.25th till Xmas. The whole square and the Basilica itself is lit up. Usually there is a small icerink for kids surrounded by local people selling there handcrafted items, also food and drink. Tip: try the kurtoskalacs (chminey cake) and the mulled (hot and spicey) wine.
Essentials
The closest grocery store to the Sas4 apartment. Open nonstop 0-24 hrs a day. You can get all basic items here and it is only a 1 min / 50 meter walk.
137 locals recommend
Roni ABC
66 Dohány u.The closest grocery store to the Sas4 apartment. Open nonstop 0-24 hrs a day. You can get all basic items here and it is only a 1 min / 50 meter walk.
Sightseeing
The grandiouse Basilica is one of the top10, you should not miss it.
Insider tip: take the stairs or buy a 2 euro ticket for the elevator. The Basilica main tower is almost 100 meters high and offers an incredible view over Budapest. Go in the morning or after 4-5pm before the "golden hour".
The St.Stephens Basilica is only 80 meters, 1-2 mins from the Sas4 apartment.
1262 locals recommend
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika)
1 Szent István térThe grandiouse Basilica is one of the top10, you should not miss it.
Insider tip: take the stairs or buy a 2 euro ticket for the elevator. The Basilica main tower is almost 100 meters high and offers an incredible view over Budapest. Go in the morning or after 4-5pm before the "golden hour".
The St.Stephens Basilica is only 80 meters, 1-2 mins from the Sas4 apartment.
Chain Bridge is the oldest and most iconic brdige over the blue Danube. If you walk accross to the Buda side, you will reach the funicular, which takes you up to the castle district (Buda Castle, Fishermens's Bastion, Mathias Church, old streets and house within the wall and a magnificiant view over the Danube, the other Pest side with the Parliament building and the towers of the St.Stephens Basilica.)
795 locals recommend
Chain Bridge
Széchenyi LánchídChain Bridge is the oldest and most iconic brdige over the blue Danube. If you walk accross to the Buda side, you will reach the funicular, which takes you up to the castle district (Buda Castle, Fishermens's Bastion, Mathias Church, old streets and house within the wall and a magnificiant view over the Danube, the other Pest side with the Parliament building and the towers of the St.Stephens Basilica.)
The renews Parliament building and Kossuth square are in the top10 attractions you do not want to miss.
Insider tip: if you wish to visit the building inside, then you can reserve a ticket (2000 HUF / 7 euros) a few days earlier and you can take the 50 minute official guided tour. This is the only way are allowed to enter the building.
1906 locals recommend
Hungarian Parliament Building
1-3 Kossuth Lajos térThe renews Parliament building and Kossuth square are in the top10 attractions you do not want to miss.
Insider tip: if you wish to visit the building inside, then you can reserve a ticket (2000 HUF / 7 euros) a few days earlier and you can take the 50 minute official guided tour. This is the only way are allowed to enter the building.
The most lively square with musicans, artist, markets, cafés. The famous Gerbeaud Café is located here. The building is gergous both outside and inside, however Gerbeaud is far from the best cafés nowdays. The prices are in the sky the quality is not that much.
After you haved looked around at the square start walking on Váci street, but do not enter any of the bars and restaurants there, most of them are just tourist traps.
358 locals recommend
Vörösmarty tér
3 Vörösmarty térThe most lively square with musicans, artist, markets, cafés. The famous Gerbeaud Café is located here. The building is gergous both outside and inside, however Gerbeaud is far from the best cafés nowdays. The prices are in the sky the quality is not that much.
After you haved looked around at the square start walking on Váci street, but do not enter any of the bars and restaurants there, most of them are just tourist traps.
Little Princess - Iconic statue along the Danube Promenade, sitting on the rails guarding the tram. Great photo place with the Buda Castl ein the background and tram No.2. passing by.
Tip: Walk by before sunset, sun goes down behind the castle, great view from here. Take a selfie with the Little Princess.
Little Princess Statue
Belgrád rakpartLittle Princess - Iconic statue along the Danube Promenade, sitting on the rails guarding the tram. Great photo place with the Buda Castl ein the background and tram No.2. passing by.
Tip: Walk by before sunset, sun goes down behind the castle, great view from here. Take a selfie with the Little Princess.
The Castle District on the Buda side is in the top5 attractions you should not miss when visiting Budapest. From SAS4 apartment just walk accross the iconival Change Bridge over the Danube. Take the funicular up to the hill. Stroll along the narrow street, visit the Palace, do not miss the Fishermen's Bastion or the Mathias Church either. From the castle admire the beatiful view over the danube and the Pest side.
478 locals recommend
Castle District
2 Országház u.The Castle District on the Buda side is in the top5 attractions you should not miss when visiting Budapest. From SAS4 apartment just walk accross the iconival Change Bridge over the Danube. Take the funicular up to the hill. Stroll along the narrow street, visit the Palace, do not miss the Fishermen's Bastion or the Mathias Church either. From the castle admire the beatiful view over the danube and the Pest side.
Built as a viewing platform in 1905 by Frigyes Schulek, the architect behind Matthias Church, the bastion’s name was taken from the medieval guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the castle wall. Beautiful view. Must take a picture here.
666 locals recommend
Fishermen's Bastion
Szentháromság térBuilt as a viewing platform in 1905 by Frigyes Schulek, the architect behind Matthias Church, the bastion’s name was taken from the medieval guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the castle wall. Beautiful view. Must take a picture here.
Fort at top of the Gellért Hill where the Statue of Liberty overlooks the city. Must visit for a legendary view of Budapest. Most of the postcard photoes are taken from here.
734 locals recommend
Citadella Folklór Étterem
1 Citadella stny.Fort at top of the Gellért Hill where the Statue of Liberty overlooks the city. Must visit for a legendary view of Budapest. Most of the postcard photoes are taken from here.
Balna is a modern Whale shaped building at the bank of the Danube, housing a shopping center, galleries, restaurants and bars. Arrive here a couple of hours before sunset, have a dinner or a drink on the promenade and marvel the red sky as the sun disappears slowly behind the Gellert-Hill with the Statue of Liberty on the top. Also watch the boats pass by. Great relaxing sunset experience.
78 locals recommend
Bálna Terasz
11-12 Fővám térBalna is a modern Whale shaped building at the bank of the Danube, housing a shopping center, galleries, restaurants and bars. Arrive here a couple of hours before sunset, have a dinner or a drink on the promenade and marvel the red sky as the sun disappears slowly behind the Gellert-Hill with the Statue of Liberty on the top. Also watch the boats pass by. Great relaxing sunset experience.
Heroes' Square
Hősök tereHeroes' square
Drinks & Nightlife
It is the first upscale ruin pub at Budapest. It is a ruinpub, as it is in an old building, however being in the very center, a bit controversery, but this is a posh ruin pub, whatever it means. Friday and Saturday night arrive before midnight otherwise you can expect am over 45 minute line to get in...
490 locals recommend
Ötkert
4/A Zrínyi u.It is the first upscale ruin pub at Budapest. It is a ruinpub, as it is in an old building, however being in the very center, a bit controversery, but this is a posh ruin pub, whatever it means. Friday and Saturday night arrive before midnight otherwise you can expect am over 45 minute line to get in...
One of the first wine bars. Great selection of local wines. Great atmosphere during some nights, when people and sitting, chating, driking wine outside at the Basilica square by the fountain. Have a glass wine here!
186 locals recommend
DiVino Wine Bar
3 Szent István térOne of the first wine bars. Great selection of local wines. Great atmosphere during some nights, when people and sitting, chating, driking wine outside at the Basilica square by the fountain. Have a glass wine here!
This is a club below a glass bottom pool, built inside a large whole originaly dug to build the National Theatre. After they have decided the the Theathre should be out of downtown they had to do something with this crater in the city center. It was converted to a Clug called Gödör. Later when new owner took over renamed to Akvarium. It got its name because it is underwater. From the park, from the surface you can see through the water and glass ceiling and as it is a very good soundproofing you can see people dancing silently. During the summer the club and its surroundings, Erzsébet-tér, Fröccs-terasz is very busy. Great summer athmosphere.
379 locals recommend
Akvárium Klub
12 Erzsébet térThis is a club below a glass bottom pool, built inside a large whole originaly dug to build the National Theatre. After they have decided the the Theathre should be out of downtown they had to do something with this crater in the city center. It was converted to a Clug called Gödör. Later when new owner took over renamed to Akvarium. It got its name because it is underwater. From the park, from the surface you can see through the water and glass ceiling and as it is a very good soundproofing you can see people dancing silently. During the summer the club and its surroundings, Erzsébet-tér, Fröccs-terasz is very busy. Great summer athmosphere.
Boutiq Bar
5 Paulay Ede u.The best cocktailbar in Budapest. Great service, great cocktails.
The second best (after Boutiq Bar) cocktail bar in Budapest. Really small, accomodates about 10-15 people.
8 locals recommend
The bar
3 Anker közThe second best (after Boutiq Bar) cocktail bar in Budapest. Really small, accomodates about 10-15 people.
Parks & Nature
Liberty Square
Szabadság térFreedom Square
The newly renovated Castle Garden Bazaar "Várkert Bazar" is a real jewel box. Centuries ago used to be an outdoor market place, no a beautiful garden and example of great architecture. The Neo-Renaissance Garden is open every day, including weekdays and weekends, from 6 AM to 12 PM.
83 locals recommend
Várkert Bazár
The newly renovated Castle Garden Bazaar "Várkert Bazar" is a real jewel box. Centuries ago used to be an outdoor market place, no a beautiful garden and example of great architecture. The Neo-Renaissance Garden is open every day, including weekdays and weekends, from 6 AM to 12 PM.
The Hungarian Central Park. The largest and oldest public park in Eeastern-Europe. Lots of green, trees, birds, people walking dogs, playing ball, rowing on the lake.
The park also hosts the following attractions: Vajdahunyad Castle, City lake (which is an ice ring during the winter), Budapest Zoo, Monument of the Revolution ('56), Szechenyi bath. Also Hero's Square and museums are nearby.
1163 locals recommend
City Park
The Hungarian Central Park. The largest and oldest public park in Eeastern-Europe. Lots of green, trees, birds, people walking dogs, playing ball, rowing on the lake.
The park also hosts the following attractions: Vajdahunyad Castle, City lake (which is an ice ring during the winter), Budapest Zoo, Monument of the Revolution ('56), Szechenyi bath. Also Hero's Square and museums are nearby.
There is a 5.2 km long running track around the island. This is the most poplar running place in Budapest.
1643 locals recommend
Margaret Island Mini Zoo
MargitszigetThere is a 5.2 km long running track around the island. This is the most poplar running place in Budapest.
A nice outdoor place, with lots of green, some restaurant, running track where people go out after work or during the weekend. Tranquile place by the Danube.
161 locals recommend
Kopaszi-gát
Kopaszi-gátA nice outdoor place, with lots of green, some restaurant, running track where people go out after work or during the weekend. Tranquile place by the Danube.
Arts & Culture
Hungarian State Opera
22 Andrássy útThe National Opera House
The Museum of Ethnography in Budapest is one of Europe's largest, most important museums, whose diverse collections house more than 200,000 ethnographic artefacts, as well as historical photographs, manuscripts, folk music recordings, films, and videos of both Hungarian and international cultural interest.
107 locals recommend
Museum of Ethnography
35 Kossuth Lajos térThe Museum of Ethnography in Budapest is one of Europe's largest, most important museums, whose diverse collections house more than 200,000 ethnographic artefacts, as well as historical photographs, manuscripts, folk music recordings, films, and videos of both Hungarian and international cultural interest.
Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom) also known as Church of Our Lady tower above the castle district. The church is named after King Matthias, who ruled from 1458-90.
421 locals recommend
Matthias Church
2 Szentháromság térMatthias Church (Mátyás Templom) also known as Church of Our Lady tower above the castle district. The church is named after King Matthias, who ruled from 1458-90.
House of Terror is a museum located at Andrássy út 60. It contains ashocking and brutal exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary and is also a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building.
875 locals recommend
House of Terror Museum
60 Andrássy útHouse of Terror is a museum located at Andrássy út 60. It contains ashocking and brutal exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary and is also a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building.
The synagogue on the Dohany street of Pest (Jewish quarter) is not only the most impressive one in the country, but it's the largest synagogue of Europe, and the second largest one in the world.
1302 locals recommend
Dohány Street Synagogue
2 Dohány u.The synagogue on the Dohany street of Pest (Jewish quarter) is not only the most impressive one in the country, but it's the largest synagogue of Europe, and the second largest one in the world.
The modern building of our new National Theatre is located by the Danube within the Bajor Gizi park. Just walk in the park, admire the building and the Danaube, or try to get a ticket for a play.
115 locals recommend
National Theatre
1 Bajor Gizi parkThe modern building of our new National Theatre is located by the Danube within the Bajor Gizi park. Just walk in the park, admire the building and the Danaube, or try to get a ticket for a play.
Hungarian National Museum
14-16 Múzeum krt.National Museum
The House of Music Hungary, a unique and complex institution of musical initiation and the venue for the country’s first comprehensive exhibition presenting the history of music, opened in the City Park in January 2022. Although Hungary is famed for its musical heritage, no multi-faceted exhibition presenting the history of Hungarian music in the context of European music had been hosted in any Hungarian institution exhibition before this one. The iconic building, designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto was selected from among 170 international projects and since the announcement of the design as the winner of the architectural competition it has attracted massive attention in international professional circles. This is confirmed, for example, by the fact that in early 2021 it was listed by CNN and the World Architecture Community as one of the ten most anticipated new buildings of the year. The final result did not disappoint: a truly contemporary architectural masterpiece has come into being.
23 locals recommend
Magyar Zene Háza
3 Olof Palme sétányThe House of Music Hungary, a unique and complex institution of musical initiation and the venue for the country’s first comprehensive exhibition presenting the history of music, opened in the City Park in January 2022. Although Hungary is famed for its musical heritage, no multi-faceted exhibition presenting the history of Hungarian music in the context of European music had been hosted in any Hungarian institution exhibition before this one. The iconic building, designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto was selected from among 170 international projects and since the announcement of the design as the winner of the architectural competition it has attracted massive attention in international professional circles. This is confirmed, for example, by the fact that in early 2021 it was listed by CNN and the World Architecture Community as one of the ten most anticipated new buildings of the year. The final result did not disappoint: a truly contemporary architectural masterpiece has come into being.