Curious things to do in Budapest
Author: Amber-Louise Large
Cast your eyes on Hungary’s capital, where grand cupolas loom over the Danube and steam rises from thermal baths. If you’ve already done the classic activities, like looking out at the city from the Buda Castle district and peering at quirky art inside the Jewish Quarter’s ruin bars, get to know Budapest even better with some of these alternative things to do.
1. Szimpla Kert’s markets
If you like Budapest’s ruin bars, you’ll love Szimpla Kert’s markets.
Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar. Bohemian types sip Hungarian wine into the late hours here: they perch on old cinema chairs, on bathtubs that have been turned into chaise lounges or, occasionally, on actual bar stools. It’s a go-to setting for a Budapest night out lit by fairy bulbs and lanterns. To see Szimpla Kert in a new light, visit during daylight for the Sunday farmer’s market. Sip coffee and shop beneath disco balls as local vendors tout cheese and porcini spreads. Take a seat next to an art installation and listen to live music circling the stalls. It’s a quirky experience with a community feel.
Top tip: Love the out-there decor at Szimpla Kert? Stop in at Szimpla Design Shop for unusual souvenirs.
2. Gellert Baths
If you like spas, you’ll love Gellert Baths.
While in Budapest, take to the city’s thermal waters. Most tourists lug their towels and swim caps straight to Szechenyi Baths where chess tables float in massive pools. For a slightly different experience, admire the art nouveau glory of Gellert Baths instead. This spa has eight pools: six thermal pools, one indoor pool and one seasonal outdoor wave pool. Float in the indoor pool to look up at marble balconies and carved columns. Over in the pretty thermal rooms, you’ll be surrounded by baby blue tiles as cherubs look down at the water. Pretty is the operative word here.
Top tip: If you’re bringing luggage, book a ticket with a private changing room so you can keep your bags locked in there.
Holiday package prices shown exclude local taxes, fees and charges that may be payable at your accommodation. If applicable, these will be displayed in the price breakdown when booking.
3. Gerbeaud Cafe
If you like New York Cafe, you’ll love Gerbeaud Cafe.
Sometimes you just need a coffee break. Well, why not take that break – and a slice of cake to go with it – beneath a chandelier? Experience Hungary’s classic cafe culture in all its indulgence at Gerbeaud Cafe. Listen to a quartet accompany the clinking of teaspoons as you dig into creamy layered Dobos cake. You’ll feel like you’ve just pulled up a chair in a different decade – this place has been satisfying sweet tooths since the 1800s. Expect rich, lavish interiors and rich, lavish chocolate. Indulgence indeed.
Top tip: Buy a box of cat’s tongue chocolates or cognac cherry bonbons to take home. These traditional sweets were introduced to Hungary by legendary former owner of the cafe, Emil Gerbeaud, himself.
4. Buda Castle’s caves
If you like history, you’ll love learning more about Buda Castle’s caves.
Even in the freezing pit of January, there will be people queueing for Gelarto Rosa next to St Stephen's Basilica. The ice cream is served sculpted into a perfect rose shape that has to be seen to be believed.
Elsewhere in the city, winter markets serve warmer fare and all year around you can buy specialities from the Great Market Hall. Hungarian food can be hearty and paprika-spiced, as found served on the white tablecloths of the wonderful Gundel restaurant.
But the gastronomic scene is growing and with it comes a new generation of modern restaurants. Visit Macesz Bistro, which riffs imaginatively on the city’s Jewish heritage.
Where to stay
The luxurious, music-themed Aria Hotel serves great quality food and inventive cocktails, while the High Note SkyBar offers Instagram-worthy views of St Stephen's Basilica.
5. Tram 2
If you like sightseeing, you’ll love Tram 2.
Board one of Budapest’s egg-yolk yellow trams on line two to take in some of the city’s most famous sights. Riding on the Pest side of the city, you’ll glide parallel to the water, spy Fisherman’s Bastion across the Danube and pass the peaked towers of the Hungarian Parliament Building. The best route for sightseeing is between Boraros ter and Jaszai Mari ter. Along the way, you might want to stop at Fovam ter to pick up sweet paprika from the Central Market Hall or get off at Szechenyi Istvan ter to walk across the Szechenyi Chain Bridge. Kossuth Lajos ter is another important stop just a short walk from the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
Top tip: Always buy your ticket before you board the tram. Most stations will have ticket machines. You’ll also need to validate your ticket before your journey – validation machines will either be at the tram stop or on the tram itself.
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