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Budapest is a beautiful city and probably one of my favourites especially architecturally. So if you fancy a trip there, heres a few tips to make it a great one!
1. Take the sightseeing bus
Walking around Budapest is great fun, but what I found was the sightseeing bus allowed you to see the whole city quickly and gave you information along the way. Without a doubt I felt I learnt more from this bus than most museums. Plus it enabled me to travel around the city easily. Don't get me wrong, I still walked to places, but for example the Széchenyi thermal bath was a fair way out of the city so the bus enabled me to get there quick and avoid the queues in the morning.
2. Be sure to visit both Buda and Pest
Since Budapest used to be two separate cities, divided by the Danube River, they both have different characteristics and its important to visit both. Pest is much more modern, sprawling and eclectic and Buda, set on the top of a rocky hill, is traditional and quaint, with the old being valued far more than the new. Make sure you take the time to explore both sides of the river, because they are equally incredible.
3. Visit a public bath
Of the 15 public baths and spas, no visit to Budapest is complete without a trip to at least one. The most famous are Gellert and Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the first of its kind in Pest. Bathing is an experience rather than an activity, with first-timers easily left perplexed and confused, but don’t worry too much; eventually you’ll find your way and be rewarded with warm waters and stunning surroundings.
4. Hungarian food
One thing that admittedly I didn't enjoy as much as I'd hoped was the Hungarian food. However trying it is a must to your experience there. Their food often includes stews and meat (I'm vegetarian so you can see my problem) along with potatoes or dumplings. Not too pricey, the food is simple and hearty but still super yummy (according to the party I visited with). Don't leave without trying their goulash!
5. Views from above
One important thing, in my opinion, is to take in the views of the city from up high. From the hilltop of Buda, the scene across the Danube is breathtaking. One of the most prominent buildings is the houses of parliament, inspired in part by the Palace of Westminster in London.The chain bridge is, of course, one of the most famous sights of Budapest but when you’re in Buda, take a moment to admire your surroundings there – from the quaint funicular to the spires of Fisherman’s Bastion and the brightly coloured tiles of Matthias church.
