4+1 reasons why Budapest is one of the best European cities!

A few moments after arriving in the wonderful city of Budapest, a feeling of familiarity will envelop you. It gives you the impression that you are returning to a beloved destination you have already explored, even if it's your first time visiting, not just Budapest as a city, but Hungary as a country in general.

 

1. Budapest is a historical yet modern city.

Before Budapest existed, there were Buda and Pest, two cities located on opposite sides of the Danube River. It wasn't until 1873 that these two cities united to form present-day Budapest – the atmosphere on the two opposite banks of the Danube remains diametrically opposed.

On the Buda side, we find the castle (which now functions as a museum) and Matthias Church, among many other significant historical buildings from past centuries.

On the Pest side, we encounter the city's more contemporary and modern form, which includes the Parliament building, first opened in 1904, and where most of the city's residents live.

Every day of your stay in Budapest, you will need to choose which direction to head in, as the areas are separated by the Danube River. Your experiences in the city will either have a historical or a modern character – with the two rarely combining.

Budapest is the dream of every person who is fascinated by the history of a place.

2. Budapest has geographical diversity

Regarding European cities, there has always been a strategic reason for their establishment. Either near a hill to build a fortress around the city for protection, or near a river for easy transport of supplies, or finally near the coast for easy access to the sea. There was always a specific purpose.

Although Budapest does not have easy access to the sea, the historical city of Buda used its hills and the Danube River to its advantage, for the protection of the city.

But what does this mean for us, modern visitors to Budapest?

The city's landscape is unique.

The view of the city from the top of the hills on the Buda side is one of the most beautiful sights you can find in Eastern Europe.

Even at the foot of the hill on the Pest side, or during a cruise on the Danube River, the view of the city is open in every direction. All the famous Budapest attractions are located near the Danube River for easy access for all visitors.

Budapest is every photographer's dream.

3. You can find traditional Hungarian food and modern cuisine.

Usually, Eastern European capitals don't have such impressive food.

In many of their cities, it is very difficult to find traditional food from each country, as capitals, in particular, have been filled with modern tourist restaurants.

Furthermore, it is generally very difficult to find truly good restaurants offering quality, local food in capitals. Many tourists choose to head to nearby smaller towns to find traditional, tasty food.

In Budapest, you won't struggle to find good food. You will also find many excellent restaurants offering authentic, traditional Hungarian dishes.

4. There are 3 different Public Transport options

Metro, buses, and trams. These are the public transport options every city should have. Budapest has a very extensive public transport network.

For a modern city, public transport is the best way for tourists to get around. Unfortunately, many cities fall short in this area. Budapest offers all three modes of transport almost on every corner.

The metro stands out mainly because its first line is the second oldest in the world (dating back to 1896), after the metro in London. It still operates in a similar way to how it did years ago.

Using the tram and bus, you can go anywhere within the city during your trip to Budapest.

You can easily reach all the points of interest in Budapest using either public transport or by walking.

It is certainly a big plus to have such an organised public transport system in a city where one can also easily get around on foot.

5. The culture of Budapest

Culture and heritage are very difficult to define, as everyone's standards are very different.

Budapest is a city dedicated to the arts. From symphony orchestras and opera to museums dedicated to Hungarian musicians and composers, there is a very wide variety of attractions in Budapest.

The love for the arts in this city is not limited to museums, art galleries, and symphony halls; it is also shown by the city's inhabitants themselves.

During the annual festivals dedicated to the arts, the entire street in front of the Opera House is closed. There you will see many locals participating in the events from morning until evening.

How to get to Budapest.

The easiest way to get to Budapest is by air. From Athens, Aegean and Ryanair operate direct flights. The flight from Athens to Budapest takes 2 hours.

Flight tickets to Budapest cost from 70 euros return.

From Thessaloniki, Wizzair operates flights to Budapest with quite affordable flight tickets, which in some cases can be as low as €20 per way – €40 return / person!

Aegean tickets for Athens – Budapest will cost you approximately €160, unless there's a special offer during that period.

Airlines usually have amazing offers from October until the end of February.