Holidays in Budapest

Pearl of the Danube, city of contrasts, rich sights medieval era and one of the most famous metropolises in Europe - Budapest. The capital of Hungary as an administrative unit arose relatively recently, in the 70s of the 19th century, as a result of the merger of three settlements - Buda, Obuda and Pest. It is not surprising that different parts of the city are different from each other - hilly Buda enchants tourists with its ancient buildings and winding quiet streets, while Pest is where the political and business life of the country is concentrated, where you can leisurely stroll through large shopping centers, boulevards and squares. These two historical parts of Budapest are separated by amazingly beautiful bridges, without which the appearance of the city would not be so recognizable.

Sights of Budapest

The Parliament building is a symbol of the city and its calling card; it is better to admire it from the opposite bank of the Danube, because it is from Buda that the most wonderful views open up. The majestic, pompous building took only 9 years to build, which is a record short time for such an architectural masterpiece.

Numerous arches, bays, pointed turrets on the facade, stained glass windows and mosaics as the interior decoration of the structure indicate that it was made in the neo-Gothic style. With approximately 600 rooms, numerous staircases and picturesque courtyards, this place is deservedly the most visited in the entire city.

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge over the Danube is a structure without which Budapest is simply impossible to imagine, because it was it that once connected two historical parts of the city and became a symbol of their merger. The bridge was built in the mid-19th century and is decorated with cast iron and spectacular lion sculptures. After the war, the Chain Post was partially destroyed, but restored at the expense of concerned citizens. Now this romantic place is ideal for admiring the local views.

Fisherman's Bastion is a cult place in one of the districts of Budapest, located on the Fortress Hill. Once home to a fishermen's market, the construction of a bastion was planned to mark the anniversary of the creation of the Hungarian state, and it would also be a good backdrop for the local church. However, the construction of the white stone architectural ensemble with 7 towers was postponed until 1905.
Buda Castle or Buda Castle is another architectural masterpiece of the city, it was built on the site of an old Baroque castle and consists of a bastion with a gallery and a wine house. Nowadays there is a museum, a city library and a historical museum located here.

Romantics will certainly appreciate the beauty and mysterious charm of Vajdahunyad Castle, which was built near the largest lake in Budapest, in Városliget Park. The history of the castle’s creation is very interesting, because initially it was planned to build only a small wooden pavilion to celebrate the millennium of the Hungarians finding their homeland. But the locals loved this place so much that the authorities decided to build a real castle out of stone, and the structure consisted of fragments of a variety of buildings from all over the country.

Matthias Church on Buda Hill is actually named after the Holy Virgin Mary, but residents prefer to call it after one of the Hungarian kings. The architecture of the ensemble is not typical for Budapest, because the building was built in the Gothic style, according to its rules, the facade is decorated with arches, towers with pointed spiers and bright stained glass windows.

Best hotels in Budapest

Boscolo Budapest, Autograph Collection 5* near the opera house is difficult to mistake for an ordinary hotel; this luxurious building of the 19th century is recognized as one of the best in all of Hungary. Previously, the no less luxurious New York Palace hotel was located here; after reconstruction, it was given a new big name. Exquisitely furnished rooms of three categories, proximity to boulevards, restaurants and brand stores attract thousands of tourists to Boscolo Budapest, Autograph Collection 5*.

Sofitel budapest chain bridge 5* belongs to the luxury class and rightfully so, outwardly it is not distinguished by luxury, however, the highlight lies inside - cozy rooms, the opportunity to relax on the summer terrace, swim in the pool, and most importantly, unusually beautiful views from the window of the Chain Bridge, the Danube and the Buda Castle. Hotel guests are pleased that the main attractions and the business part of the area can be reached in a matter of minutes.

Hotel Palazzo Zichy deservedly received its 4 stars, because it is not just a hotel, but a real castle in the Baroque style, and even in the famous historical quarter of Budapest, which has long been chosen by couples visiting the city. In the immediate vicinity of the hotel there is a market, the main pedestrian street, bars, restaurants, and the Hungarian National Museum. The rooms are equipped with everything you need, including TV and air conditioning.

Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget 4* is a combination of elegance, harmony and relatively low price. The atmosphere of the 19th century created here will make you feel like a real aristocrat and connoisseur of beauty. The rooms are stylishly furnished and each room has panoramic windows overlooking the Danube and Margaret Island. Next to the Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget 4* there is a center where you can experience the healing properties of thermal water from local springs.

The three-star Casati Budapest Hotel will certainly appeal to connoisseurs of comfort and European architecture, as it is located in an elegant old building from the 18th century, which has recently been reconstructed. Another advantage of the hotel is its walking distance to famous city attractions, shopping centers and restaurants.

The rooms are divided into several categories, including budget options in a minimalist style, and exquisite apartments furnished with taste and chic.

Prices in Budapest

Inexpensive apartments and rooms in guest houses in the central part cost at least 30-35 euros, a decent hotel - from 40 euros. Prices for a bed in a hostel start from 8 euros, the average price is 13-14 euros.

Going to Europe, first of all, it is worth studying the prices for food, because even if you prefer to stay in a hotel, the system of most hotels only provides for breakfast. Prices for lunch and dinner in a restaurant or cafe are quite affordable compared to many European countries - about 10-15 euros without alcoholic drinks, for example, a large portion of meat will cost 5 euros per person. Also popular are establishments where for 20 euros you can eat to your heart’s content, they offer dozens of dishes and drinks, and within two hours you can try everything without restrictions.

On average, a daily lunch at public catering establishments can cost between 30 and 50 euros. If you prefer rented accommodation to hotels, it will not be difficult to buy food in stores and cook yourself, at least breakfast.

Most tourists visiting the capital of Hungary for the first time prefer to buy excursions from an operator, but in this case you can significantly overpay. Wanting to save money, knowledgeable travelers purchase the same excursions on the embankment. For example, a ticket to the Hungarian Parliament building will cost about 1,350 rubles. It’s more convenient to pay for it on the parliament website and print it out; this will save you from standing in queues.

Souvenirs will cost much less (about half) not in the central markets or shops, but on the outskirts of the city. Pay attention to the famous Hungarian sausage, paprika, wine and herbal liqueurs.

How much does a holiday in Budapest cost?

Of course, we shouldn’t forget about one of the most significant expenses for a holiday in Europe - air travel; round trip for two it will cost about 350-370 euros, and prices decrease with the beginning of autumn, when the tourist rush subsides.

You can get there quite conveniently by train (depending on the class you will have to pay from 70 to 180 euros) and by bus (150-250 euros).

Ten days trip per tourist will cost about a thousand euros, of which:

• round trip flight - 180 euros;
• food - 170 euros:
• hotel - 220 euros;
• insurance and visa - 65 euros;
• travel around the city - 50 euros;
• shopping – 250 euros;
• tickets for excursions are 50 euros.