When I moved to Budapest at the age of 23, I did not expect it to become my home until “thirty”. I loved this city so much that I even founded my own travel blog about Budapest and joined the tourism industry after my teaching contract.
When I was leaving in 2025, I had over seven years of experience in guiding guests after one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I can safely say that I know how to arrange a plan to visit Budapest. That is why I show you four popular attractions that I do not recommend, and another four, which in my opinion are really worth the West.
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I usually bypass the beautiful but crowded baths of Széchenyi
This neo -baroque bathing complex is undoubtedly effective, but it is often filled with tourists.
Instead, I usually recommend visiting the Rudas bathhousewhich are equally beautiful, and at the same time less crowded.
These Turkish baths come from the 16th century, but the complex also offers modern SPA -style amenities – including a Jacuzzi on a roof with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Instead of a market hall, it is worth choosing a market at Fény Street
Don't get me wrong: the soaring ceilings and colorful stands of the largest market hall in Budapest are beautiful, but the upper floors change very quickly into a crowded maze.
If you are looking for unique souvenirs and authentic food, I recommend a market with a glass roof at Fény Street, loved by residents.
I always like to walk there between the stands with real artistic craftsmanship, and then reach for traditional Hungarian food on the first floor.
See also: “I recommend this city to everyone.” The American delighted with “Polish Venice”
If you are not planning to shop in luxurious boutiques, give up the Avenue of Andrássy
The original Budapest boulevard today is largely filled with expensive restaurants and designer shops.
If you are planning serious shopping – great. If not, I recommend going to the west side of the city to see where the Budapest residents really spend their free time.
There you will find Avenue of Beli Bartóka, full of colorful bars, cafes and gallery. You will believe that in this way you will see what life in Budapest really looks like.
There are several cafes that I recommend more than New York Café
Yes, New York Café advertises as “the most beautiful cafe in the world” – and I do not necessarily disagree. This place is absolutely stunning.
But every time I go there, I finish, waiting in a very long queue, and prices often outweigh what I would like to pay.
Instead, it is worth considering a visit to Central Café or in the gerbeaud cafe and confectioneryto taste the exclusive cafe culture, which defined Budapest during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
On the other hand, I recommend facing crowds in the fishing tower
Creamy turrets and spire of the fishing tower make it look like a castle removed straight from the fairy tale. Even after seven years of life in Budapest, I have to admit: you won't find something like this anywhere else.
Crowds are inevitable, but in my opinion this historic monument – and the view of the city that spreads from above – they are worth it.
It is worth trying to go there before sunrise to have a little more space for yourself.
I always recommend a visit to the Terror Museum
If you have time only for one museum in Budapest, I would recommend the Museum of Terror.
This place offers an educational look at the darkest chapters in the history of Hungary – Both shocking stories of oppression and violence, as well as inspiring stories about courage and resistance during the Nazi and communist occupation of Budapest.
It is also worth visiting the Ethnographic Museum and the hospital in the rock if you have more time.
You can't let go of the Danube cruise at sunset
Budapest becomes even more beautiful at sunset. The Danube cruise will take you next to the castles, churches and other objects inscribed on the UNESCO list – all in just a few hours.
You can book a lot of different cruise options, from classic sightseeing trips, through traditional Hungarian dinners, to techno events on water.
Szimpla Kert may be crowded, but it's still worth visiting it
The most famous ruins of the Budapest pub appears on countless lists of attractions, which is why it is full – but this is a place that you need to see at least once.
The eclectic decor, created by decades, makes each room look different. Visiting the entire complex resembles an adventure.
But no Pub ruins are the same. If you fancy a place with a more local climate, it is worth visiting Pótkulcs, and Grund or Manya. Egészségedre for this!
The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition
