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Budapest is not only the financial center of Hungary but also one of the global cities, alongside other major cities like Washington, Melbourne, Stockholm, etc., according to the GaWC (Globalization and World Cities Research Network) ranking. Beyond its advanced scientific and technological development, Budapest is also renowned for the beauty of its architecture and natural landscapes. It's no coincidence that this city was included in Condé Nast Traveler's list of "the world's best cities" in 2014. If you're looking for a city that strikes a balance between modern development and classic tradition, Budapest is an unmissable candidate.
Here's what you need to know to plan your trip to this gem on the Danube River.
The best time for the trip
May to September is the best time to visit Budapest, not only because the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, but also because it's the most beautiful time to watch the sunset over the Danube River.
From the end of November until New Year's Eve, the entire city is bustling with Christmas celebrations, featuring vibrant markets and dazzling decorations.
The periods from January to April and from October to November are the least popular times for tourists due to unpredictable weather and a lack of exciting activities.
Leisure activities
The Budapest Wine Festival takes place every September at Buda Castle to celebrate Hungary's 22 wine-producing regions. Here, visitors can freely sample wines from different regions.
The opera season runs from June to September at the magnificent Hungarian National Theatre, with meticulously prepared and well-invested performances that are sure to please the audience.
signature dish
Lángos is a must-try dish when visiting Budapest. Although it's just a street food, its popularity in Hungary is comparable to that of banh mi in Vietnam. The crispy fried tortilla shell, topped with cheese and sour cream (you can also choose additional toppings like ham, mushrooms, or cilantro), will help you balance the calories you've lost after a day of exploring the city.
You can buy a lángos cake anywhere in the city, but for the best lángos, head to Tomi Lángos (Blaha Lujza Tér 1) right next to the Corvin and Müszi Club.
Souvenirs
Hungary is one of the world's largest producers of paprika powder, and the product range is diverse in terms of color and spiciness, so you can easily find a paprika powder that suits your taste and that of your family.
Besides paprika powder, Hungarian paprika sauce is also very popular and could easily become a star on your spice rack.
Some helpful tips for traveling in Budapest.
Firstly, you don't need to spend money buying drinking water because the water from the public taps here is always top-notch in taste and quality.
If you're an eco-conscious person who hates plastic straws, remember to tell the waiter or waitress at bars or restaurants to automatically not put straws in your drink when you order.
If you're a trendy Instagrammer, Gellért Hill is the perfect destination for you, offering panoramic city views. From here, you can see Buda Castle, the Danube River, the Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament building. To get there, you can choose to hike for about 20 minutes up a gently sloping path or take a taxi directly to the hill. The best time to admire the view and take photos is at sunrise or sunset, when everything is already set and you just need to press the shutter button to capture a stunning picture.
