Budapest is stunning. The Danube River splits the city. Buda (the hilly side) has the castle, Fisherman's Bastion (a fairy tale-like structure with views over the city), and Matthias Church. Pest (the flat side) has the Parliament Building (one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe), St. Stephen's Basilica, and the lively downtown.

The Hungarian Parliament Building sits right on the Danube. It's massive, ornate, and stunning (especially at night when it's lit up). You can tour the inside, but you need to book in advance.

Budapest has thermal baths everywhere (the city sits on thermal springs). Széchenyi Baths (the largest) and Gellért Baths (the most beautiful) are the most famous. Locals and tourists soak in the hot pools (some are indoors, some are outdoors). It's relaxing and quintessentially Budapest.

Ruin bars are Budapest's unique contribution to nightlife. Bars set up in abandoned buildings, courtyards, and warehouses with mismatched furniture, graffiti, and eclectic decor. Szimpla Kert is the most famous. Ruin bars are quirky, fun, and affordable.

The Jewish Quarter has synagogues, street art, ruin bars, and a tragic history. The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe.

Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube is a park with gardens, ruins, and a musical fountain. It's a nice escape from the city.

Hungarian food is hearty and flavorful. Goulash (beef stew with paprika). Lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese). Chimney cake (kürtőskalács, a sweet pastry cooked on a spit). Pálinka (fruit brandy). Hungarian food is comfort food. It's rich, filling, and cheap.

Hungarian people are reserved but friendly once you engage. English is widely spoken in Budapest, less so outside the city. Hungarians are proud of their language (which is completely different from other European languages) and their history.

Getting around Budapest is easy. The metro, trams, and buses are cheap and efficient. If you want to explore outside Budapest (Lake Balaton, Eger, Pécs), buses and trains are cheap and frequent.

Hungary is one of the cheapest countries in Western/Central Europe. Hostels in Budapest run $10-20/night. A meal at a restaurant is $6-10. A beer is $1-2. Thermal baths cost $15-20.
When to go: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are perfect. The weather is mild, crowds are manageable, and prices are low. Summer (June-August) is warm and lively (outdoor thermal baths are great in summer). Winter (November-March) is cold and gray, but thermal baths, Christmas markets, and indoor ruin bars make it tolerable.

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it's affordable. If you're in Central Europe, don't skip it.