I have booked many clients to Budapest over the years, so I was excited to finally experience it for myself. It absolutely lived up to the hype: beautiful architecture at every turn, so much to see and do, and some of the friendliest, warmest people you could wish to meet.

Cooling off at Palatinus Strand

We arrived to a real heatwave, so instead of racing around the sights on our first full day, we did what the locals do and headed for the water. Palatinus Strand, one of Budapest’s outdoor bath and pool complexes, was the perfect place to cool down.

Think a relaxed, holiday vibe: outdoor pools, slides, shaded areas and that laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to stay all day. It was a lovely balance of local families and visitors, and exactly what we needed to reset after travelling in the heat. If you are visiting Budapest in the warmer months, I highly recommend building in a “pool day” like this to slow down and really feel you are on holiday.

Fairytale views from Fisherman’s Bastion

Of course, you cannot come to Budapest and not explore its storybook skyline. One of my favourite moments was walking up to the Fisherman’s Bastion in Buda. With its turrets, arches and creamy stone, it looks like something straight from a fairy tale.

From the top, the views across the Danube to Pest are breath taking: the Parliament Building, the bridges, the rooftops stretching out along the river. We found a lovely rooftop bar nearby and lingered over drinks, just soaking up the panoramic views of the city. It is one of those places where photos never quite do it justice; you simply have to stand there and take it all in.

Seeing Budapest by “floating bus”

To get our bearings, we tried a quirky way of sightseeing: a river ride on a “floating bus” experience that takes you around the city streets and then straight into the Danube. It was a fun, light-hearted way to see many of the key sights without having to walk miles in the heat.

Rolling past the grand boulevards and historic buildings, then gently gliding on the river, gave us a real sense of how Budapest is stitched together: Buda’s hills on one side, Pest’s flat, elegant avenues on the other, all tied by the water that runs between them.

Sunset on the Danube

One of the absolute highlights was a sunset river cruise on the Danube. As the sky turned soft shades of pink and gold, the city slowly lit up around us. Bridges twinkled, the Parliament glowed, and the grand facades along the riverfront reflected in the water.

Budapest at night from the river is truly magical. You get to see the city from a completely different angle, and it feels incredibly romantic and special. For couples, I would say this is a must-do.

Staying near St. Stephen’s Basilica

Our hotel was close to St. Stephen’s Basilica, so this iconic landmark became our constant companion. We saw it in the soft light of early morning, in the height of a bright day, and beautifully illuminated at night.

There was something very special about stepping out and seeing the Basilica from different angles as we wandered. The square around it has a lovely atmosphere, with cafés and restaurants where you can sit outside, people-watch and really feel the city’s heartbeat.

Final thoughts

In just two and a half days, Budapest really captured my heart. It is a city of contrasts: grand but welcoming, historic yet vibrant, impressive but very easy to enjoy in a relaxed way. There is so much to see and do, from thermal baths and river cruises to rooftop bars and architectural gems, and everywhere we went we found people to be incredibly friendly.

Having booked many clients to Budapest over the years, it was wonderful to finally confirm from personal experience that it is every bit as beautiful and enjoyable as they have told me. I would highly recommend a visit, whether you are planning a long weekend, a city break combined with another destination, or even a stop on a longer European itinerary.

If you are thinking about discovering Budapest for yourself, I would be delighted to help you plan a stay that fits you perfectly: from choosing the right neighbourhood and hotel to arranging those special touches like river cruises, spa days or private tours.