Budapest welcomed us with golden autumn light, grand architecture, and a sense of history at every corner. Getting into the city was effortless: the 100E Airport Express bus took us directly from the airport to the city center, setting the tone for an easy and well-organized trip. We spent four memorable days in Hungary’s capital, staying in a comfortable apartment within an aparthotel Budapest downtown residences vh - ac, elevator, terrace — an ideal base for exploring the city at our own pace.

A City of Two Souls: Buda and Pest

Budapest is the result of the unification of three cities—Buda, Pest, and Óbuda—in 1873. Divided by the Danube River, hilly Buda is known for its historic castle district, while flat Pest is the vibrant heart of the city, full of boulevards, cafés, and cultural life. Much of Budapest’s historic center, including the Banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the city’s outstanding architectural and cultural value.

Icons of Pest

Our explorations began in Pest with St. Stephen’s Basilica, an imposing neoclassical church named after Hungary’s first king. From there, we strolled along Andrássy Avenue, a grand boulevard often compared to the Champs-Élysées, lined with elegant buildings and leading to the magnificent Budapest Opera House.

At the end of the avenue, we reached Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest’s most important landmarks, celebrating Hungarian history and national leaders. Nearby, we wandered through Városliget (City Park), where autumn colors surrounded Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairytale-like complex showcasing different architectural styles from across Hungary’s history.

We also visited the lively Central Market Hall, where local flavors, pastries, and souvenirs offered a glimpse into everyday Hungarian life.

One of the highlights of our trip was the Fisherman’s Bastion, with its white stone terraces and fairy-tale towers. Right next to it stands Matthias Church, richly decorated and deeply connected to Hungary’s royal past. From here, the view of the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river is unforgettable.

Buda’s Timeless Beauty

Crossing the Danube, we explored the historic Buda side. A walk up Gellért Hill rewarded us with panoramic views over the city—especially beautiful in autumn light. Nearby, the Royal Palace dominates the skyline, once home to Hungarian kings and now housing museums and galleries.

The Danube and Its Stories

The Danube is the soul of Budapest, and we experienced it firsthand with a one-hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube. As the city lights slowly came on, landmarks like Parliament, bridges, and riverbanks glowed, creating one of the most magical moments of the trip.

Along the river, we paused at the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial, honoring the Jewish victims who were killed here during World War II—a quiet, powerful reminder of the city’s complex history.

Culture, Cafés, and the Jewish Quarter

Budapest’s cultural life impressed us deeply. We visited the stunning Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, housed in a former aristocratic palace, and attended a concert at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, an architectural and musical jewel.

In the Jewish Quarter, we explored the area around the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe, rich in history and symbolism. The neighborhood today blends remembrance with creativity, full of cafés, streets, and cultural energy.

Speaking of cafés, Budapest truly shines in elegance. We indulged in coffee and cake at the legendary New York Café, the historic Café Gerbeaud, and the beautifully restored Párisi Passage Café—each offering a taste of the city’s grand café tradition.

A City to Return To

Four autumn days in Budapest were enough to fall in love, but not enough to see it all. With its UNESCO-listed avenues, deep history, music, cafés, and the ever-present Danube, Budapest feels both majestic and welcoming—a city we would gladly return to in any season.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Take the 100E Airport Express for a direct airport–city center connection.

• Pay in Hungarian Forints (HUF) and choose forints when paying by card.

• Walk whenever possible—many highlights are close together.

• Book Parliament visits, concerts, and Danube cruises in advance.

• Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.