If you’re anything like me, your New Year's resolution is probably more of a travel bucket list than an actual resolution list. Either way, we’re glad you’re setting goals, and what kind of friends would we be if we didn’t help you achieve them?
This time of year, you’re probably planning out your spring break trips. While a nice beach getaway is the vacation of choice, if you’re looking for a change of pace, my personal favorite spring break destination was none other than Budapest.
The capital of Hungary might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of spring vacation. At the time, the only thing that initially drew me to the city was the chance to visit my longdistance best friend, but after a week in the charming European city, I didn’t want to leave.
Budapest promises the charm of an old European city, but in a much more affordable way. We’ve broken down a guide of things to do all throughout the city, and a style guide to make sure you look great for the ‘gram.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
When you think of Budapest, your mind immediately jumps to the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica in the heart of the city. Whether you’re admiring the architecture from the outside or attending the mass sessions surrounded by the sculpture and art on the interior, this stop needs to be on your itinerary at some point during the trip.
Tucked away in a small alley less than a mile away from the St. Stephen’s Basilica is this family run brunch restaurant. It’s a cute and casual restaurant built with tourists in mind. The cafe started as a small locker service with coffee and has grown into a beautiful cafe that attracts people from all over the world. The small restaurant is known for so much more than good food (although I could go on and on about their crepes and cappuccinos) but what stood out for me was the welcoming service and cozy atmosphere.
Over on the other side of the Danube in the castle district is the Fisherman’s Bastion. This architectural attraction was built in the 1800s and stands as a popular attraction to this day. Aside from the panoramic views of the city, they’ve got an attached art museum to enjoy paintings and other works of art throughout history. It’s perfect for getting those Instagrammable photos and unforgettable views of the city.
Fashion Street Shopping
One of the best things about most cities in Europe, and especially Budapest, is the chic sense of style on the streets. Even the major global brands you find in your own city have different styles and outfits that fit the European fashion scene better. I found myself upgrading my wardrobe with new pieces from brands like Zara and Pull&Bear to get nicer basics. I was inspired to take more risks with elevated basics and new styles inspired by the newest trends in all the stores. While you're walking around, stop by for little bites of local novelties like chimney cakes or gelato roses.
Like most European cities, history is a big part of the city. One of the most stunning monuments there is the New York Cafe. Known as the most beautiful restaurant in the world, this Renaissance-style space is also known for great food and afternoon treats. With busy wait times and required reservations after a certain time in the day, the best time to visit the cafe is in the afternoon during tea time. As much as I enjoy a little caffeine pick-me-up in the afternoon, my personal favorite from the restaurant had to have been the Chicken Paprikash. While this was a more modern take on the Hungarian classic, it was still just as hearty and humble as the original dish. Served with a side of buttered noodles, this was easily one of my favorite meals from the trip.
One of the best ways to view the whole city is by sailing between it. Budapest is split into two sections by the Danube river running in between. They offer regular boat tours that sail down and back showing you everything from the Parliament Building to the Basilica. If you’re planning on traveling in the Winter and Spring months, be sure to carry layers as the breeze picks up a lot more by the water, especially if you’re seated by the back of the boat where the best views are.
The perfect way to end one of your days is drinks with a view. High Note is a rooftop bar with great drinks and a 360 view of the city. Located in the same area as Fashion Street and the Basilica, the bar was named one of the Top 10 Bars in the World by Condé Nast Traveller back in 2018 and continues to live up to its reputation with the great cocktails, food, and overall ambiance. My personal favorite was a daily special, which was a unique take on a mimosa with the addition of more floral notes to compliment the sweetness of the citrus.
I visited Budapest in March right when it was on the cusp between Winter and Spring. While it was cold and I was covered in layers, the sunny days made the winter weather feel more bearable. When you're traveling during the in-between seasons you may not be sure how to pack or dress for the weather. Some days required layers and sweaters, while others were warm enough that a simple layer over a t-shirt was good enough. Outside of this, the city is so picturesque that won't just want to get dressed up for the photos, but even pack the perfect camera that captures the charm in the perfect way. We’ve curated the perfect list things to carry along on your travels.
