Budapest
Food | Wine | ArchitectureExplore Budapest: Food, Wine & Architecture
Budapest, Hungary is a city where food, wine, and architecture each play a visible role in its everyday life. These elements shape many neighborhoods and give visitors multiple angles for understanding the city’s history and culture.
Budapest’s food scene is a flavorful mix of tradition and modern flair. Classic Hungarian dishes rich in paprika and comfort are served in both homestyle restaurants and trendy venues, while lively food markets highlight the city’s deep-rooted culinary traditions.
Budapest is a fantastic destination for wine enthusiasts, offering access to Hungary’s diverse local wines, from sweet Tokaji to bold reds. In the city, cozy wine bars and shops provide plenty of tasting opportunities, while nearby regions like Etyek invite visitors to explore charming wineries and enjoy authentic vineyard experiences.
Budapest’s architecture is a captivating fusion of historic styles and modern design. The city is adorned with impressive landmarks such as the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica, as well as palaces, churches, and historic bathhouses. This architectural variety reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and makes Budapest a visual feast for visitors.
We spent the entire month of September exploring the food, wine, and architecture in Budapest. Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Budapest, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way. If you’re considering a longer stay, see our pros and cons of living in Budapest.
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Budapest Food
Budapest is known for its rich and hearty traditional Hungarian cuisine. Signature dishes include gulyás (goulash), a savory beef soup spiced with paprika; pörkölt (a meat stew); and lángos, a deep-fried flatbread often topped with sour cream and cheese. Paprika is a staple spice, giving many dishes their distinct flavor and color. Meals are often accompanied by pickled vegetables and finished with sweet desserts like dobos torta or rétes (strudel).
Budapest offers a vibrant culinary scene, from cozy traditional taverns to stylish modern restaurants. Local eateries called étterem serve authentic Hungarian meals, while upscale spots blend Hungarian flavors with international trends. The city’s food markets, like the famous Great Market Hall, are bustling with fresh produce, meats, spices, and traditional street foods, offering a glimpse into the daily life and food culture of Budapest.
Budapest Wine
Hungary has a long history of winemaking, and Budapest showcases many of the country’s finest local wines. Popular varieties include Tokaji, a sweet dessert wine from the Tokaj region, and Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), a robust red blend. The country also produces crisp whites like Olaszrizling and aromatic Furmint, which are commonly enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Budapest is home to a wide range of wine bars and specialty wine shops where visitors can sample and purchase Hungarian wines. Trendy wine bars in districts like the Jewish Quarter and Buda offer curated selections by the glass or bottle, often with small plates or cheese boards. Wine shops, both traditional and modern, provide expert guidance and locally-sourced bottles perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
Just outside of Budapest, several wine regions such as Etyek offer scenic day trips to family-owned wineries and vineyards. Etyek, often called the “vineyard of Budapest,” is known for its sparkling wines and refreshing whites. Many wineries in the area offer tastings, cellar tours, and traditional Hungarian meals, making them popular spots for wine lovers exploring beyond the city.
Budapest Architecture
Budapest’s architecture is a blend of multiple styles, reflecting the city’s complex history and cultural influences. From Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau and Neoclassical, the cityscape is a stunning mosaic of design. Striking façades, ornate details, and grand structures tell the story of Budapest’s past, while modern buildings add a contemporary touch to the historical charm.
One of the most iconic structures is the Hungarian Parliament Building, a majestic example of Neo-Gothic architecture sitting along the Danube River. The Fisherman’s Bastion offers fairytale-like towers with panoramic views, while the Buda Castle complex displays a mix of Baroque and medieval styles. The Chain Bridge, linking Buda and Pest, is a 19th-century engineering marvel that’s both functional and symbolic.
Budapest is home to many historic churches, including the Gothic-style Matthias Church and the grand St. Stephen’s Basilica, with its impressive dome. The Royal Palace within Buda Castle has been rebuilt in several styles over the centuries, while other palaces like the Gresham Palace showcase elegant Art Nouveau design. The city also features historic bathhouses, like the Széchenyi and Gellért Baths, which combine architectural beauty with wellness tradition.
Where Is Budapest Located?
Budapest is located in the Central Hungary region of Hungary. It sits on both banks of the Danube River, with Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank.
The city is located where the hills of western Hungary meet the plains to the east and south.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Budapest?
The best month to visit Budapest depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Budapest during the summer can be very hot, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting in July or August.
Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.
Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Budapest is April to May and September to October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the entire month of September in Budapest. Most days, the weather was perfect for sightseeing. Events and festivals were happening and the city was very lively. But, it was not terribly overcrowded.
Best Value
April and October are good months to visit Budapest for the best value and with fewer crowds. The weather during these months is cool in Budapest and similar to our preferred temperature for walking most of the day.
Best Places to Stay in Budapest
Hotels in Budapest
If you are planning a trip to Budapest, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying on Váci Street (Váci Utca). It is centrally located in the heart of the tourist district and is considered the best shopping street in Budapest.
The castle marker on the map below is on Váci Street. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences. The interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Other Things to Know About Budapest
Airport
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), previously known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport and often referred to as Ferihegy, serves as the international airport Budapest.
Train Station
Budapest Keleti station is the main international and inter-city railway terminal in Budapest, Hungary. The inscription “Keleti Pályaudvar” visible on the main facade in Hungarian means “Eastern Station.”
Time Zone
Central European Standard Time (UTC +1)
Currency
The forint is the currency of Hungary.
Language
Hungarian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Hungary if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Hungary, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
Hungary’s electrical outlets are Type C, and F. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Hungary. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
The train system in Hungary makes rental cars unnecessary for many destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
FAQs About Budapest
Is Budapest safe for tourists?
Yes, Budapest is generally considered a safe city for tourists. Like in any major city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and watch out for common travel scams, especially in busy tourist areas.
What is the best time to visit Budapest?
The best time to visit Budapest is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. Summer is popular too but can be hot and busy.
What currency is used in Budapest?
The official currency in Budapest (and all of Hungary) is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), although some tourist places may accept euros. Credit cards are widely used, but it’s handy to have some cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What are the must-see attractions in Budapest?
Top attractions include the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and the Chain Bridge. A Danube River cruise is also a popular way to see the city’s highlights.
Is it easy to get around Budapest?
Yes, Budapest has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including metro lines, trams, buses, and taxis. Walking is also a great way to explore the central areas, especially along the Danube.
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