The Pearl of Danube: Budapest

Nestled along the banks of the majestic Danube River, Budapest is a city that effortlessly marries history, culture, and stunning architecture. With its rich heritage, thermal baths, and vibrant street life, Budapest has earned its place as one of Europe’s most captivating destinations, hence called The Pearl of Danube.

If you find yourself with just one day to spare, fear not, for Budapest can be enjoyed in a whirlwind adventure. Join us on a journey through this Hungarian gem as we embark on a one-day trip to Budapest.

As Budapest is quite close to Slovenia and has good train and Flixbus connections, our students who are doing Erasmus internships in Slovenia, love to take a weekend off to explore this stunning architectural city.

Roam around and explore the Architecture:

Parliament of Budapest

The Budapest Parliament is one of the icons of the Hungarian capital. It was built between 1884 and 1902. It is 268 meters long and 118 meters wide, making it the third-largest in the world. Its construction demonstrated the great economic power of the country at that time. 

Buda Castle

Another of Budapest’s iconic landmarks, it was once the residence of the kings of Hungary. This huge building houses a library, the History Museum of Budapest and the Hungarian National Gallery. It is accessible on foot or by funicular.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge in Budapest and the best-known bridge on the Danube. Until the bridge was built, the Danube could only be crossed by boat or on foot when the river was frozen. That is why they decided to build the first bridge to cross from one side of the city to the other.

Fishermen’s Bastion

One of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. From the bastion, you can see Pest in all its splendor. The building has 7 towers in honour of the 7 founding tribes of Hungary. The construction was completed in 1902, after almost two decades of work.

Basilica of St. Stephen

It is the largest religious building in Hungary. It is said that it can hold up to 8,500 people. The basilica honours the first king of Hungary, Stephen I. Inside we can find one of the greatest relics, his right hand. The football legend Ferenc Puskas is also buried here.

Options to relax and unwind:

Gellert Thermal bath

Probably the best known in Budapest. Its main pool has been featured in magazines as well as in TV commercials. The spa, built-in 1918 and extended in 1927, is located inside the hotel of the same name, the Hotel Gellert, although it has its own entrance on one side. The main pool is not heated, so if you are looking for a more relaxing swim we recommend the Szechenyi.

Szechenyi Thermal bath 

It is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe. It has 15 pools, three large ones outside and 12 smaller ones inside. You can also find several saunas and massage rooms. All the pools are heated and reach temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius. A place not to be missed under any circumstances.

Boat ride on the Danube

One of the most memorable things to do in Budapest is to take a boat trip on the Danube River. Numerous companies run these tours and some of them even offer dinner during the tour. Unlike in other countries, the prices are quite affordable and the views are definitely worth it to see Budapest from a different angle. 

Transportation: efficient and affordable

Budapest has a very good and efficient public transport network. Most of the sights can indeed be reached on foot, but it still offers a wide range of transport options. The city is served by bus, tram, trolleybus and metro.

In fact, metro line 1 is the second oldest underground metro line in the world. All of these have a high frequency so getting around the city is quite easy. In Buda, a funicular railway was built to reach the top of the hill, so this area is easily accessible to everyone.

Conclusion:

Although one day may seem like a short time to explore Budapest, it’s surprising how much you can experience in this enchanting city. From historic landmarks to relaxing thermal baths and delicious Hungarian cuisine, Budapest has a lot to offer. So, whether it’s a day trip or a longer stay, Budapest will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories.