After landing in Istanbul from the US, we took a quick connecting flight to Budapest. Staying at a cozy studio apartment on Dorottya Utca 3 turned out to be the best decision — find similar stays on Expedia.
We have found a particular liking for such studio apartment stays over hotel rooms whenever we travel. The obvious advantages – feeling of staying in a “home” vs a canned hotel room, ability to warm / cook, (mostly) pleasant surprises in each home that you can carry back to your own home are very appealing indeed.
I strongly advise you stay within walking distance of Danube when you pick a property or hotel room. This will save you a few dollars (and several hours) as literally every single attraction is on the banks of Danube. We saw Intercontinental and Marriott on the Pest side and Novotel on the Buda side that are convenient. There are several historic Budapest hotels (Grand Budapest, Dorothea, Gellert, etc.) that I am sure are good and offer traditional grandeur and a local touch. Finally, if you need a truly immersive experience from being within Castle Hill, we spotted a Hilton there (this will involve a bit of trek to the other attractions though).
Our location was unbeatable: just across from the Las Vegas Tropicana Casino and Madame Tussauds Budapest, and within walking distance to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd).
Evening Arrival & First Walk
We couldn’t resist heading out to experience Budapest’s late-night energy. Taking the inner roads to Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), we got a feel for the city’s lively atmosphere before heading back to rest up for the next day.
Being so close to the Chain Bridge was a highlight in itself. Walking across it, we were stunned by the views and the architectural marvels on both sides, especially as we approached Buda Castle.
Morning in Buda
A smart choice we made was hopping on the small buggy shuttle that circles Buda’s top sights. It has 7 hop-on hop-off stops, including Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom), Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), and the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya).
- Inside Matthias Church, we admired the stained-glass windows, paused to pray, and marveled at the display of the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
- At Buda Castle, we caught the changing of the guard and walked to the Maria Statue, which overlooks the Danube River and Pest side of the city.
This morning gave us a deeper understanding of Budapest — learning that Buda and Pest sit on opposite sides of the Danube was a revelation.
Midday Pause & Tram Ride
Back at our apartment, we had a comforting lunch we’d packed from the US (a perk of staying in an apartment with a kitchen!).
After a short rest, we bought the 1-day Budapest Go travel card and hopped on the famous Tram 2, one of the most scenic tram rides in the world. It runs along the Danube embankment:
- Southern end: Közvágóhíd H (near Müpa – Palace of Arts)
- Northern end: Jászai Mari tér
Wishing we’d planned ahead, we realized the Hungarian Parliament audio tours sell out quickly. Lesson learned: book your tickets in advance here.
Evening on the Danube
We had booked the Legenda Evening Cruise for 8 PM — check cruise options on Expedia. It was a cozy indoor experience with panoramic windows, perfect for staying warm. But note:
- If you want an open-deck experience, this isn’t the one.
- This version also doesn’t include a dinner option, but there are quite a few that do.
Stroll on Váci Utca & Sweet Treats
Before the cruise, we explored Váci Utca, the pedestrian shopping street starting near the Great Market Hall and Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd). The mix of shops, cafés, and energy was perfect for travelers.
Here we tried the iconic chimney cake (kürtőskalács) from Pichler’s, filled with pistachio cream — absolutely delicious! Find foodie experiences nearby on Expedia.
Day 2 in Budapest 🇭🇺
We started the morning at Margaret Island (Margitsziget), a green oasis in the heart of Budapest. Watching the musical fountain was mesmerizing, especially with families, joggers, cyclists, and groups enjoying picnics all around us. It felt like the whole city was out enjoying the fresh air.
Crossing the Liberty Bridge
From there, we walked across the beautiful green Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) — one of the most picturesque in the city. The bridge itself is a symbol of freedom and resilience, and crossing it was an experience in its own right.
Gellért Hill & The Cave Church
At the Buda end of the bridge, we made our way to the Cave Church (Sziklatemplom). Tucked into the side of Gellért Hill, it had a peaceful and humble atmosphere. We took a few quiet moments to pray, soaking in the simplicity and spirituality of the place.
While we didn’t make it into the Gellért Thermal Bath this time, it’s one of Budapest’s most famous baths — definitely worth it if you want the full spa experience. Check Gellért Thermal Bath passes on Expedia.
Liberty Statue (Skipped, but worth mentioning)
We had initially planned to hike up to the Liberty Statue (Szabadság-szobor) at the top of Gellért Hill, which overlooks the whole city. But considering the elevation and our walking limits, we decided to skip it.
For anyone who doesn’t want to miss it, there’s even a buggy shuttle option that takes you up comfortably — a good choice if you wish to see the panoramic views without the climb.
On our way back across the Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd), we stepped into the Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) — and it was a feast for the senses.
Inside, rows of stalls overflowed with:
- Paprika powders in every shade of red,
- Strings of hanging paprika displays,
- Handmade floral-printed dolls and crafts,
- Local kitchenware, souvenirs, and other tourist favorites.
It was the perfect spot to get a feel for Hungarian culture and browsing through the colors, aromas, and crafts was an experience in itself. No trip to Hungary is complete without trying lángos, the beloved fried flatbread that comes in endless varieties — from garlicky and cheesy to sweet toppings — with plenty of delicious options for vegetarians as well. See Central Market tours on Expedia.
Lunch & Wrap-Up
Afterwards, we grabbed our packed lunch and paired it with some fries from Burger King and a scoop of local gelato — a quirky but fun combo before heading back to our apartment to collect luggage.
From there, we made our way to Budapest Kelenföld railway station to catch a train to Prague, Czech Republic.
Closing Note
That wrapped up our 1.5 days in Budapest — a trip full of history, river views, quiet churches, colorful markets, and evening cruises.
📸 We’ve got loads of pictures to share soon on our YouTube channel and here on the blog — stay tuned!
Next up: Our train ride and adventures in Prague 🇨🇿 (coming in the next post).
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