I did not expect to love Budapest as much as I did.
My boyfriend and I stayed in an Airbnb for the first time and had a great experience! We got the whole little condo to ourselves for about $40 a night and it was walking distance to the city.
Use this link to get $40 off your first Airbnb stay (does not expire!): https://abnb.me/e/qVyGz9sRhP
Here are some things we did in Budapest....
1. Buda Castle
You can't miss this castle. There is a huge bridge that leads to it, right across the river. You can ride the "funicular" up the castle instead of walking up steep hills (1,200 HUF, about $4.24 one way). There is a spectacular city view at the top and lots more sights to see. Such as Matthias Church, Presidential Palace, Holy Trinity Statue, Buda Tower, etc.
2. Fisherman's Bastion
This is also at the top of Buda Castle and the pointed tops of the building looks like a fairy tale place with some great photo ops. This place was guarded by fisherman in the middle ages, hence the name. There is a cafe and chapel at the top in Fisherman's Bastion as well.
3. Hungarian Parliament
The parliament building is grand and worth the look. It is a short walk back across the bridge that led to Buda Castle.
TIP: Take the public ferry transportation and see the front of the Parliament from the perfect angle.
PRO TIP: You must see the Parliament at night from across the river, it is all lit up and reflects on the water!
4. Széchenyi Thermal Bathes
This is probably the most popular tourist spot in Budapest. They have 21 different bathes, inside and outside, that have healing properties in the water that help your joints, arthritis, and many other diseases. They even have a beer bath (for extra cost)! During a weekday, the cheapest ticket to get in cost 5,200 HUF ($18).
Almost every Saturday night, these bathes turn into a giant "sparty" (spa party) from 10:30 pm to 3 am. I did not attend a sparty but it will cost you around $50 at the minimum to get in.
I was a little disappointed in these bathes. Part of the outside pool was closed, it was super crowded, the locker rooms are confusing and we could not find our way outside for 15 minutes. There are no English signs directing you where to go.
TIP: Skip swimming altogether; just pay to go inside, look around, and snap some pictures. ($7)
5. Lángos
Walk towards St. Stephen's Basilica and you will see some lovely sights and smell some yummy food. You have to try "Langos." It is basically fry bread with sour cream and cheese on top. They are cheap ($3-4) and yummy!
6. Gelarto Rosa
Right next to St. Stephen's Basilica, is this gelato shop where they shape the gelato into rose shapes. A small is 2 flavors and is about $1.80. The gelato is not only pretty, but delicious!
7. Ruin Bars
These are quirky, hipster pubs that are worth visiting. We visited one called "Instant," with crazy decorations on the walls that turns into a popular club at night. You can find all the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter.
8. Mazel Tov
This was a super cute cafe we found right next to all the ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. They have Mediterranean, European, and Middle Eastern food. My boyfriend and I shared the hummus plate with shawarma meat, yummy!
TIP: It gets very busy at night, so go early (unless you like the hustle and bustle of the night life).
