Me and Budapest has always been on a rocky road. I visited it for the first time in 2002, since then I returned some 10 times and always there was something wrong, always.

I got a massive allergy out of nowhere, someone stole 10€ from me I don’t know when, I was yelled at when I had a valid ticket or paid for the toilet etc. You know, these small incidents that altogether make you have ambivalent feelings for the place that, otherwise, is just incredibly beautiful.

Recently I had to pass Budapest couple of times, on the way to Romania during my Interrail trip or when I was going back home from Serbia. I could have stayed few hours in the city, instead I just went further to Bratislava or Komarno to avoid Budapest. I just didn’t want yet another unpleasant incident to happen.

But last month when I saw crazy cheap bus tickets (5€ one way!) I’ve decided to forget about my bad luck and visit Budapest. And this time I loved it!

Visit Budapest with open mind

It’s been 5 years since my last proper visit to Budapest. I know my interests has changed a lot recently, Central Europe has become my true passion and Budapest now seemed like the city that has it all for me.

I went with an open mind and a positive attitude and besides minor incidents (like trying to charge me for the dishes – notice the plural here – I didn’t order at the restaurant) it was perfect! Having a hostel in the best area to stay in Budapest definitely was a big help here! Budapest really is insanely beautiful and this short, winter weekend made me want to visit Budapest more often.

Budapest in winter

I somehow always visit Budapest in the winter time, can’t even explain why. But it has its advantages: less people around, easier to find a table in a popular cafe or restaurant, beautiful winter light and late sunrise.

This time I was especially happy about the last one. My bus arrived to Budapest at 6 in the morning so by the time I got to the Castle Hill in Buda it was a dawn time and the day was just starting.

When I was walking towards Fisherman’s Bastion, one of the biggest attractions in the Budapest Old Town, the street lamps suddenly were turned off (I always feel anxious when this happens). There was no one around, I had the whole place for myself, just in time for the sunrise.

It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen: the haze (or probably smog) over the city, Danube river and famous Budapest landmarks and a small orange dot getting higher and stronger with each minute. I was mesmerized! Already then I knew I made the best decision to visit Budapest!

The rest of my stay was equally beautiful. The weather was on my side so I walked a lot with my new camera (recently I bought a mirrorless FujiFilm X-T10 and I love it!), trying to track down as many art nouveau buildings, cool spots and beautiful sights as possible.

Even if I’ve visited Budapest on so many occasions before, it was the first time I went to the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica. And the view was breathtaking! Pest side of the city is all flat so this is probably the best view you can get here! And just before the sunset it’s especially beautiful, when you can see the city in the soft orange light.

Cool Budapest

Budapest has changed, a lot. It has become one of these cool Central European cities that offers so many great possibilities for every taste and is full of places that make my heart beat faster (cafes, art nouveau or Central European architecture, ruined pubs etc).

I’ve completely changed my mind about the city, I feel like these 2 days I’ve spent there now went by in the twinkling of an eye. I will do my best to return to Hungarian capital as soon as possible and in the meantime I will show you pictures that will make you want to visit Budapest too!

The Fisherman’s Bastion at dawn

The Parliament at dawn

The Fisherman’s Bastion

Matthias Church

Sunrise over Budapest

Early morning in Budapest

The Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise

The Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise

Castle gate

Budapest is part of UNESCO World Heritage List

Funicular to the Castle in Buda

Pest seen from the Buda side

The Chain Bridge connecting Buda and Pest

winter in Budapest

The Chain Bridge from the Pest side

The Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church seen from the Chain Bridge

Gresham Palace Hotel

Details at Gresham Palace Hotel

Walking towards St. Stephen’s Basilica

Details on Museum of Applied Arts

Central Market Hall

Budapest street scene

The new metro station (line 4) in Budapest

Sunset over Budapest

View from the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

View from the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

Buda castle seen from the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

One of many cafes in Budapest

Buda castle in the evening

Chain Bridge and Buda Castle

Fisherman’s Bastion at night

Fisherman’s Bastion at night

Parliament building

Hungarian State Treasury Building

Rumbach Synagogue

Gozsdu udvar passage

Art nouveau details

One of the ruined pubs

Street scene in the Jewish district

Street scene in the Jewish district

Famous Szimpla Kert ruined pub

Budapest street art

Budapest metro

Budapest baths

City Park Ice Rink

Agriculture Museum building

Heroes Square

The Parliament by night

---

In Budapest I stayed at Zsofi’s House Hostel – it was very affordable and in a perfect location, close to the Parliament and the Nyugati Station. Definitely can recommend this place! You can book your stay here.

---

If you’re looking for articles about any place in particular this map with posts might be useful for you. Or just take a look at the “destinations” page.

---

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin!