Overview Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Nightlife Itineraries Facts Explore Travel

"Hittin' the Biggies - One Day Walking Tour of the Most Important Sights"

Description:

This itinerary is great as an introduction to all that this world-class city has to offer. It begins at the Hero's Square and continues down Andrassy St, perhaps the chicest in town, past Liszt Square and the Opera House. It winds past St. Steven's Basilica, over the Chain Bridge, and up to the Castle District and includes useful tips and recommendations along the way.

user rating

Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Budapest

This trip is for those with a very limited amount of time in Budapest who would still like to get a taste of all this world-class city has to offer. Good walking shoes are an essential for this itinerary; Budapest is dotted with small cafes and its pastries are legendary so if you start to wear down, you may want to stop for an espresso and some cake. Begin your day at the Hero’s Square. This is easily accessible via the yellow underground, the first in continental Europe. A little-known fact is that the New York City subway system was planned by a Hungarian engineer who, in fact, based his NY subway plans upon Budapest’s more humble subway system. Begin to walk down Andrassy Street back toward the city. This area of Andrassy is lined with trees and home to a large number of embassies. It is among the most desirable real-estate on the Pest side. If you’re feeling up to some pampering (and your wallet allows!), duck into Kogart, owned by legendary Hungarian businessman Kovacs Gabor. Continuing down Andrassy, you’ll pass come to Kodaly Circle where there is a small museum dedicated to the legendary composer and pedagogue, Zoltan Kodaly, whose much, much younger wife is still an active presence in the city’s music circles. Or continue on to Liszt’s house/museum (at the corner of Andrassy and Vorosmarty Streets) to see a lock of Liszt’s hair, several of his pianos, and, perhaps, catch a concert (Saturday mornings at 11). Andrassy becomes more and more commercial from here on, the embassies giving way to Louis Vuitton and Burberry. Duck into Liszt Square and try to count the number of languages being spoken around you (Hungarian may likely be in the minority…). Pose for a picture next to the iconic statue of Liszt and grab a bite to eat at one of the eateries which dot the square; it should be noted that many of these restaurants exist due to their location at Liszt Square and not because of their exemplary service or exquisite cuisine. Karma is one of the better restaurants nearby. Continue on to the Opera house, a stunning gem both inside and out (tours in 6 languages daily at 3, 4, and occasionally 5 if there is great demand and the 4 PM tours sell-out). Continue down to the end of Andrassy and duck into St. Stephen’s Basilica. The basilica, whose construction spanned over 50 years and 3 architects (Ybl Miklos among them, who also designed the Opera House) has recently been refurbished and merits a visit. The dome stands 96 meters high, a number which has great significance to Hungarians as their ancestors first settled what is now Hungary in 896. Similarly, the Parliament building stands 96 meters tall. Continue across the iconic chain bridge (closed to traffic weekends in Summer, when it houses a street party with traditional Hungarian foods, handicrafts, etc.) to Clark Adam Square and the Funicular. Those who feel up to it may save a bit of money and actually walk up to the castle district or you may simply hop on the funicular and be whisked up to the top; originally there was a stigma attached to riding the funicular as it was mainly used by servants heading to work in the Castle, nowadays it is used almost exclusively by tourists. Try to stay in the castle district until dusk (or return around that time) as the whole ambiance of the area and the view of the city transforms into something quite exceptional and romantic. Head back to your hotel to rest up a bit or splurge on a divine dinner at Café Kor (reservations essential). Wind up your day in class with drinks at the Moulin Rouge or hit the legendary shabby-chic Szimpla Garden in the heart of the Jewish District. Stumble back to your hotel knowing that you have scratched the surface of and seen a glimpse of the finest this city has to offer.

2

Andrassy ut

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Andrassy utca
Oktogon to City Park
1061 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 (0)1 322 4098 (Budapest Tourist Information)

Kogart Restaurant and Café

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Andrássy Avenue 112
1062 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+3613543820

Kodaly Korond

view in google maps
Liszt Ferenc tér
1222 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

36 1 413 6764

Opera House

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Andrássy út 22
1061 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 1 353 0170

St. Stephen's Basilica

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Szent István Square 1
District V
1051 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+36 1 311 08 39

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
VII. Kazinczy u. 14
1075 Budapest, Hungary

Phone:

+3613524198

Contact · Privacy · Terms