WELCOM E TO

budapest

Who would have thought a bar with a hole in the roof would be so fun?

Did you know that the inventor of the Rubik's Cube is from Budapest, Hungary? He is still alive and can be seen walking his dog along the Danube River. 

This city is not only home to the inventor of one of the most frustrating games in the world, but also beautiful and filled with history. Once two cities-- Buda and Pest-- separated by a river is now a rapidly growing tourist destination. 

WHERE TO EAT

Hungary should go by another name, because you will never be hungry here. we promise.

  • Szimpla Cafe: Not to be confused with Simplaz Kert, Ruins Bar, this cafe is nothing short of perfection. Great coffee, morning snacks, and drinks in the evening. 

  • Cafe Avian: They have mimosas! A great place to go for brunch, as well as dinner. They have everything from typical Goulash to cold fruit soup.

  • District 7: Not just one restaurant here. This is the spot in Budapest to eat out. Tons of amazing restaurants with typical Hungarian food and many other types as well. You will not go hungry here.

  • Retro Buffet: Communist Pizza. This is deep fried dough with sour cream and garlic and a tradition here in Budapest, and Retro Buffet is the best place to get one.

  • Fritzy Papa: Here is where you go if you are really hungry. The portions here are large compared to the rest of Europe and you will leave stuffed.

  • Fortuna at Cantine: Around 1pm Cantine turns into a self service style place called Fortuna. You can find all the locals here on a weekend, especially on a Saturday. 

Do not leave this city without trying Communist Pizza or a Chimney Cake. We will personally find you and make you go back!!

WHAT TO SEE

you will find something new on every street corner. 

  • Lady liberty of Hungary:  A semi-communist statue. She was built by the communists but her meaning and representation was spun to support the hungarian people. She sits at the top of the Citadel overlooking the city and a great place to see the sunset.

  • Little Princess Statue: Sitting on the Danube. It is tradition to rub her knees for good luck. 

  • Elizabeth square (erzsebet square): A huge open park that currently has a ferris wheel and an open-aired market. Great for relaxing. It is host to a street market on Sunday's. It is nice to walk through and get an idea of what you want and then go to their shop the next day.

  • Budapest Eye : Just like the London Eye only smaller and only here in the summer.

  • House of Terror: A museum of the terror of communism and war 

  • Heroes square

  • Baths : Hungary is known for their baths. Large, therapeutic, and social pools to relax in. Zechenyi is the biggest and oldest.  

  • The Jewish district: In this district is where you will find the ruins bars and best restaurants 

  • St. Stephens basilica: The largest Roman Catholic Church in Budapest named after the father of the city. Inside is a mummified right fist of St. Stephen. It was mummified naturally in the 11th century and separated into two parts. One in vienna and one here in Budapest. 200ft to get in

  • Charlie: A statue of a 1900 police officer. Rub his belly to find the best meal in Hungary. 

  • The Chain Bridge: This bridge is the first connector of the two cities Buda and Pest 

  • Parliament: The most iconic view of Budapest. It was designed like the British parliament and houses the crown jewels. 

  • The Castle District: Here you will find the royal palace and the ruins of the old castle, Hungarian White House office of the president. The ministry of defenses that was heavily bombed in the Second World War recently renovated. You can still see the bullet holes in the one wall they did not renovate to show the damage done to the city 

  • The Church of Our Lady or King Mathias: This church is the oldest church in Buda. During the Turks the churches were changed to mosques so the inside is pained with oriental designs. 1000 ft entrance fee you can go to the top of fisherman a tower for free after 7. 

WHERE TO DRINK

A page dedicated to drinking should never come as a surprise, and budapest was more than helpful when it came to market research. 

TOURS + TIPS

budapest is a fun and amazing city, but there are some things to know so you don't get completely screwed over during your stay.

  • Do not eat on the Buda side. Buda is a more residential side of town and prices are much much higher. If someone recommends a good place to you, please go online and check the prices. On average they are 2-3 times higher then on the Pest side. 

  • The Central Market is only good for pictures. These prices may look cheap but they are just meant to screw you over. Do not buy anything here, not even food. It may look authentic but it is not and you will end up paying way too much money. 

  • Tram 2 is the cheapest sight seeing tour. Ok, it is not an actual tour however, this tram costs 350 Hungarian Florent and will take you around the entire city. Trust me, if you aren't into walking this is the way to go. 

  • Free Walking Tour: You know we love our free walking tours. The Budapest Free Walking Tour meets every morning at 11am in the Vorosmarty Square. Pay only what you think the tour is worth and we promise you won't be disappointed. 

  • Caving: Want to see a whole new side of this beautiful city? Try out caving, not only is it a nice workout, but it's a neat way to experience the history and culture of the city and the kilometers of tunnels beneath the Budapest! Check it out at their website here.

  • Ruins Pubs: The Kertz, or Ruins Pubs, are the highlights of Budapest. After the war, the old communist buildings were not maintained causing them to practically crumble to pieces. Then, a group of artists went inside one and turned it into something crazy. Themed rooms with TV's on the walls, furniture on the ceiling, and old cars just sitting in the middle of the room turning these old buildings into some of the most famous bars in the world. There are over 21 Ruins Pubs. 

  • Szimpla Kert is the oldest and first ruins pub ever and undoubtedly the most popular. Definitely take a look around, but remember, there are 20 other amazing places.

  • Durer Kert is a garden style ruins pub built out of an old faculty sector of a communist university. This runs with the garden theme and is definitely down the hipster isle.

  • Fogas Haz is located in an old dentist building. Literally translating to "House of Teeth" this place really hypes up the dentist theme. You can find it by looking for the big red lips outside.

There are tons of Ruins Pubs but those are our favorites. We are always adding more, but for now, go explore Budapest and find your favorite Kertz.