October 30, 2026, 2:50 pm | Read time: 8 minutes

When I recently traveled to the stunningly beautiful Hungarian capital Budapest for the third time, I had an invitation from some acquaintances living there. And so I experienced the vibrant city from entirely different, seemingly more authentic perspectives. Today, I gladly invite you to join me on a walk through Budapest.

Our journey naturally begins at an absolute tourist hotspot, namely Wesselényi Utca street in the ultra-hip Jewish Quarter. Bus 100E, which brings guests from the airport to the city center, stops there, at the nearby Astoria stop. And you’re right in the middle of life, wondering about the high demand from Budapest visitors for Gyros Pita, cafes, and vintage shops. It feels like you see no other type of store on a walk, the Holy Trinity of the tourist bible, so to speak. A good place to refuel in a classic way is the unassuming but very chic restaurant “Getto Gulyas.” The unusual name comes from the fact that you are indeed at a historic site. Wesselényi Utca was also the heart of the Jewish Ghetto during the time of Nazi terror under Hitler.

Goulash and Coffee

Be that as it may, “Getto Gulyas” serves the eponymous dish in numerous vegetarian variants as well. Those who sit outside can watch street life while enjoying their meal. Directly opposite is the much hipper sister restaurant “Sisters” with virtually the same menu. Just a street corner away is Budapest’s absolute tourist epicenter, the simply incredible “Szimpla Kert” on Kazinczy Utca. It always reminds me very much of the legendary Berlin artist house “Tacheles,” and you simply have to see it. Inside the vast complex are countless bars and hidden rooms in labyrinthine corridors. You can definitely get lost here, especially because you can’t stop marveling. At night, the place turns into a nightclub.

My acquaintances probably felt it was their duty to show me these places before we set off for new, lesser-known shores. But for that, we needed energy, and where better to recharge in Budapest than in one of the countless cafes? There’s truly something for everyone here, from classic to modern to absolutely opulent. So here’s just a small selection. My tip in advance: Look for establishments that roast their own coffee, as they usually have a deep understanding of the subject. Plus, there’s a chance to try unusual beans.

Also interesting: This Budapest castle was once made of wood and cardboard

Caffeine Overdose

My first tip here would be “Bagira,” where you get first-class brew served in a chic ambiance and to lounge music. The staff lets you sample the roasts you’re interested in for free. A few selected snacks round off the offer. Just a few steps away is the café-bakery “Arán.” Here, in addition to the strong brew, there are delicious sourdough specialties. More of a place for a to-go, and then you’re at the next spot, “Horizont.” This is the converted lobby of an old studio cinema. In addition to excellent coffee, there’s also very tasty breakfast here. My “Eggs Benedict” definitely put me in that trance-like state of happiness of being on the road and discovering.

Directly opposite, and undoubtedly the most famous of its kind in Budapest, is the simply unbelievably grand “New York Café.” Imagine drinking coffee in the Sistine Chapel. A classic old house from the Austro-Hungarian imperial era with stucco and ceiling paintings. When we briefly stopped in for a proof photo, a liveried violinist was playing for the guests. A very good tip for a delicious bean is the small “‘Ohana,” and you can also try the soberly furnished “Architekten” and the chic “VAJ.” Yes, I drank a lot of coffee in Budapest in a few days. About four a day. You’ll find your personal dose and favorite café yourself.

Also interesting: The best tips for a vacation at Lake Balaton in Hungary

Browsing in the Market Halls

If you’re hungry now, you can head to one of the numerous market halls where locals sell the freshest and tastiest from all over Hungary. The most popular is undoubtedly the three-story “Great Market Hall” (Nagy Vásárcsarnok), where gourmets can easily spend a few hours. I was particularly delighted by a true treasure here, the raw ham of the Hungarian Mangalica pig. The ham is known for its high fat content and, in my opinion, even surpasses Pata Negra from Spain and San Daniele from Italy in taste. It’s worth browsing here, as prices for the same product can vary significantly at different stands.

If you prefer it a bit quieter and more local like I do, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for at the “Rákóczi Market Hall” (Rákóczi téri Vásárcsarnok). In terms of splendor, it stands in no way behind its big brother, and here, in my opinion, you can find the best Lángos in all of Budapest. The fried dough flatbread topped as desired is simply a must when visiting the metropolis. It also tastes excellent in the chic food court “Karaván,” which is again located in the Jewish Quarter. If you prefer to dine away from the markets and in a bit more peace, you can visit the quirky restaurant “Nagyi Kifözdeje.” It feels like you’ve accidentally stumbled into a loving grandmother’s living room and serves great goulash soup and mushroom dishes. You’ll be guaranteed to be the only tourist here.

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The Best Views in Budapest

Very close by, you can find two of the most overwhelming viewpoints of Budapest. One is the view from the Margaret Bridge. From here, you marvel at the Danube, the world-famous Parliament building, the Castle Palace, and many other sights. A short but steep climb away is the tomb of Gül Baba, an Ottoman poet who, according to legend, brought the rose to Hungary. From here, too, you have a sensational panoramic view of the city. Especially great at night. If you want a drink with your view, you can head to the “360 Bar” in the city center, which is located on the roof of a building. During my visit, it was completely deserted, and in the cold season, you sit here in funny-looking plastic igloos, protected from wind and weather.

Ultimately, a visit to Városliget Park is worthwhile for several reasons. Not only is it particularly beautiful to stroll here, but several attractions are also within walking distance. There’s the Ethnographic Museum, which looks like a giant skateboard ramp from the outside. You can explore its beautifully landscaped rooftop garden on a short walk and have another great view of Budapest at the top. Also worth seeing is the architecturally equally amazing House of Music. In addition to four exhibition rooms and a library (and, of course, a café), it houses Europe’s only fully glassed concert hall with unique acoustics.

Also interesting: The Parliament in Budapest: Hungary’s massive government palace

Travel Like a Local

Not far from the park is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the largest of its kind on the European continent. In my view, the visit is very expensive but almost mandatory. When you lie in the outdoor pools in water up to 38 degrees Celsius, you feel like you’re bathing right in front of the backdrop of Versailles Palace. The water in the more than 20 pools is particularly mineral-rich and comes from a depth of more than 1,200 meters. Local tip: The thermal bath is much less crowded in the morning and especially in the evening, making a visit here all the more relaxing. Budapest is famous for its bathing culture, so there are plenty of alternatives.

Finally, one more tip: If you want to travel like a local but don’t know anyone in a city, you can use the great app “Spotted by Locals.” Here, locals write authentically about their personal favorite places, and that’s currently for 86 cities worldwide, with the trend rising. I’ve been an active member here since 2014, and the exchange and enthusiasm in the community still amaze me. I’ve made friends through it and have already visited them in Portugal, Italy, Denmark, and now Budapest.