The Wanderbug’s One Perfect Day series asks travel bloggers around the world for their favourite insider tips & experiences in the cities they love most. I think it’s the best way to find fresh inspiration for visiting a city, with a handful of icons & must-dos interspersed with more low-key (but just as special) experiences that the guidebooks miss. If you’re a travel blogger itching to share your One Perfect Day on The Wanderbug, please get in touch!
Today, talented travel photographer & blogger Nicola Easterby from Polkadot Passport (www.polkadotpassport.com) shares her best tips (and stunning photos!) for spending one perfect day in Budapest. You can check out more of her beautiful photos on Instagram, @polkadotpassport, and follow her adventures via her Facebook page.
I’ve visited many beautiful cities in Europe that I loved dearly, but none have captivated as much as the capital of Hungary. To spend a day in Budapest is to momentarily leave reality and enter in to a fairy-tale world! Teeming with gorgeous neo-gothic architecture, delicious street food, and lively bars, we show you how to spend the perfect day in this incredible city.
Morning
10am Catch the tram to Fisherman’s Bastion for a taste of neo-gothic architecture. Sit at the cafe for a hot drink and a dreamy glance over the city.
Afternoon
12pm– Walk across the Chain Bridge to District 5 and wander the streets for some awesome vintage/ secondhand shopping like Retrock Vintage Store
1pm– Find some massive 1 euro pizza slices from a street vendor to munch on. Lunch sorted!
2pm– Heads over to St Stephens Basilica. One of the most majestic buildings in the city, for 2 euros you can catch a lift or walk 300 steps to the top for unbelievable panoramic views over the city.
4pm- Rose shaped Gelato is an absolute must. Choose from flavors like Lavender White Chocolate, Strawberry Elderflower, or my personal favorite, Pannacotta Salted Caramel. It is simply divine!
Evening
5pm– Shop at the central market or at a local supermarket to grab picnic supplies, then stroll over the Liberty bridge to the Buda side of town
7pm– Walk up to the Citadella for a sunset picnic and the most incredible view over all of Budapest. It will literally be the perfect way to end your day!
Written by Nicola Easterby from Polkadot Passport
What’s your favourite thing to do in Budapest?
For more One Perfect Day articles, check out the guides for Madrid, Shanghai & Paris or click here for the full list.
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
The Wanderbug is reader supported. This site may contain links to affiliate websites, which means when you buy through links on this site I may receive a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Stunning photos!
Looks stunning!
Looks like a lovely city! If you get a chance to read any of Patrick Leigh Fermor’s books about his trek across Europe in the 1930s, he has a lot on Hungary that’s very interesting!
Cool, thanks for the tip – I’m always looking for good travel read recommendations!!
🙂
Loved this. I loved Budapest when I visited and the photos are so nice. I definitely missed rose gelato! That is now officially in my bucketlist!
I know, how gorgeous is it?!
Thanks so much for featuring me on the blog! Loved sharing about my favorite city and looking forward to reading more of your amazing blog.
A pleasure Nicola!