Budapest Travel Guide: Thermal Baths, Ruin Bars & the Best Views of the Danube

Budapest consistently tops lists of Europe’s best cities for good reason: it’s beautiful, affordable, historically rich, and has one of the continent’s best nightlife and food scenes. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Thermal Baths

Budapest sits on over 100 natural hot springs, and bathing is genuinely part of local culture — not just a tourist activity. Széchenyi is the largest and most famous (great for socialising). Gellért is more architecturally stunning. Rudas has a rooftop pool with city views and is popular with locals. Go on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds.

Ruin Bars

Budapest’s ruin bars — bars set in crumbling pre-war buildings decorated with mismatched furniture and art — are unique to the city. Szimpla Kert is the original and still brilliant. Instant is enormous. Anker’t has a great outdoor space. Be aware that some have become heavily tourist-focused; locals tend to arrive later (after midnight).

Views of the Danube

The view from the Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise (before the crowds) is one of Europe’s best. The Citadella on Gellért Hill gives panoramic views over both Buda and Pest. Taking a short cruise on the Danube at night, when both the Parliament and Chain Bridge are illuminated, is genuinely spectacular.

Food Scene

Hungarian food is hearty and underrated. Gulyás (goulash) and langós (fried dough) are the classics. The Great Market Hall is a good place to sample and buy local produce. For modern Hungarian cuisine, the Pest Jewish Quarter has a cluster of excellent restaurants.

Getting Around

Budapest’s public transport — metro, trams, and buses — is excellent and cheap. Night trams run until dawn. A weekly travel card is good value.

Community Tips

The Budapest community on Parada has current tips on which baths are worth the premium, the ruin bars that are still genuinely local, and the restaurants that opened this year.