Budapest had been sitting on my travel wishlist for years, and this January I finally got the chance to visit Hungary’s beautiful capital city.

Known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest is famous for its grand architecture, thermal baths, historic landmarks, and vibrant food scene. The city is actually made up of two parts, Buda and Pest, separated by the mighty Danube River and connected by a series of beautiful bridges. Together, they create one of the most stunning city skylines in Europe.

This trip came about thanks to a press stay with a&o Hostels. While I’ll be sharing more about that separately, this article is simply my personal travel diary from the trip. To make our stay a little extra special, we also booked an additional night at Hotel Oktogon before checking into the hostel.

We flew with Wizz Air for the first time and spent 4 nights in Budapest, giving us 3 full days to explore the city. Despite the cold January temperatures, Budapest completely won me over. From climbing the steps of St. Stephen’s Basilica and admiring the views from Fisherman’s Bastion to wandering through the Hungarian National Gallery and exploring Heroes’ Square, there was always something beautiful around the next corner.

And then there was the food. No trip to Budapest would be complete without trying a Kürtőskalács, better known to many visitors as a Hungarian chimney cake. Warm, sweet, and covered in sugar, it’s the perfect winter treat while exploring the city’s streets.

So if you’re wondering what a winter city break in Budapest is really like, here’s everything we got up to during our 3 days in Budapest!

From Eindhoven to a Snowy Budapest

Our Budapest adventure started at Eindhoven Airport, where we boarded a Wizz Air flight to Hungary’s capital. It was actually my first time flying with Wizz Air and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. As someone who flies budget airlines fairly regularly, I’d compare the experience to Eurowings, the German low-cost carrier. Everything ran smoothly, the flight was comfortable, and I honestly preferred Wizz Air’s clean, modern cabin over Ryanair’s rather dated yellow interiors.

When we landed in Budapest, winter had well and truly arrived. The city was covered in snow, and the weather was so misty that I genuinely couldn’t see the runway when we came in to land. One moment we were descending through thick clouds, and the next we were suddenly on the ground. It made for a pretty memorable arrival and immediately gave the trip a cozy winter atmosphere.

Since it was already evening by the time we landed at the airport, we kept things simple. We took the airport bus followed by the metro into Budapest, checked into our hotel, and did what many travelers do after a long travel day: grabbed a cheeky McDonald’s before calling it a night. Not exactly a glamorous first meal in Hungary, but sometimes convenience wins.

For our first night, we stayed at Hotel Oktogon. Since our a&o Hostels press stay wouldn’t start until the following day, we decided to treat ourselves to one night in a slightly more luxurious hotel. It turned out to be an excellent choice. The hotel was centrally located, making it easy to explore the city, and after a long day of travel it felt wonderful to relax somewhere comfortable before our sightseeing adventure began.

The next morning, after a surprisingly impressive breakfast spread featuring everything from pastries and Hungarian specialties to a full English breakfast and even champagne, we were ready to properly discover Budapest for the first time.

Day One: Grand Boulevards, Iconic Landmarks & Hungarian History

After breakfast, we set off to explore Budapest on foot. Our hotel was located just off Andrássy Avenue, one of the city’s most famous streets and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lined with elegant 19th-century buildings, luxury boutiques, cafés, and historic landmarks, it’s often compared to the grand boulevards of Paris.

As we made our way along the avenue, we passed the stunning Hungarian State Opera House. Even from the outside, it’s an impressive building and one of Budapest’s architectural highlights. From there, we continued towards Fashion Street for a little shopping before heading down towards the Danube.

One of my favorite things about Budapest is simply walking around and taking in the atmosphere. Along the riverfront, you’ll find beautiful views across the Danube towards the opposite side of the city, along with plenty of opportunities for photos. The iconic yellow trams rattling past the waterfront only add to the city’s charm. Even in the middle of winter, it was lovely to stroll along the river and admire the architecture surrounding us.

Our next stop was St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks and, in my opinion, an absolute must-visit. Named after Hungary’s first king, the basilica dominates the surrounding square with its impressive dome and beautiful neoclassical façade. Entry to the church costs around €12 (depending on the exchange rate), and tickets can either be purchased online in advance on GetYourGuide only or at the ticket office located across the square. Inside, you’ll find ornate chapels, beautiful artwork, intricate marble details, and an atmosphere that feels both grand and peaceful. Even if you’re not particularly interested in churches, it’s well worth stepping inside to admire the architecture.

💡 Bug Girl Tip: Download the GetYourGuide App and buy your ticket with 5% off with my code THEBUGGIRLADVENTURES5

After exploring the basilica, we continued to the Hungarian Parliament Building. Looking back, this might have been one of the biggest highlights of the entire trip. Since we hadn’t booked tickets in advance, we couldn’t join the next English-language tour immediately. Instead, we grabbed lunch in the visitor centre café and waited for the next available time slot, which worked out perfectly.

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world and easily one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks. Construction began in the late 19th century, and the design was heavily inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London. Having previously toured the British Parliament myself, I could definitely see the similarities in the grand staircases, decorative details, and overall atmosphere.

Visits are only possible through guided tours, which include an excellent audio guide available in multiple languages. Tickets for EU citizens are generally around €20, while non-EU visitors pay a higher rate. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the building, Hungary’s political system, and the symbolism behind many of the architectural features. The interiors are incredibly lavish, with gold detailing, stained glass, and enormous ceremonial halls that feel more like a palace than a government building.

One of the highlights of the visit is seeing the Hungarian Crown Jewels, which are displayed inside the parliament under heavy security. Even for someone who isn’t particularly interested in politics, I found the tour surprisingly engaging. The building itself is so spectacular that it’s worth visiting for the architecture alone.

After a full day of sightseeing, it was time to switch accommodations. For the remainder of our trip, we would be staying at a&o Budapest City as part of a hosted collaboration with a&o Hostels. They kindly invited us to stay in exchange for creating content during our visit, which I was incredibly excited about.

After collecting our luggage from Hotel Oktogon, we made our way to the hostel and checked into our room. We stayed in one of the private twin rooms, which was exactly what we needed after such a busy day. The room was clean, comfortable, and had everything you’d expect from a&o. It wasn’t luxurious, but that’s not what you’re booking a&o for. If you’re looking for an affordable base to explore Budapest from, it definitely does the job. Housekeeping also kept the room spotless throughout our stay, which was something I really appreciated after walking countless kilometres around the city each day.

With our bags unpacked and a little time to freshen up, there was only one thing left to do: find some dinner. Just a short walk from the hostel, we stumbled across Spicy Fish Budapest, and honestly, it ended up being one of the biggest food highlights of the trip. The restaurant specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine, and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We got a little carried away with the menu, our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs, and ended up with far more food than we could possibly finish.

To be fair, it’s hard not to when you’re visiting Budapest. Compared to restaurant prices back home in the Netherlands, dining out felt incredibly affordable, so we happily took advantage of it. Amazing food, generous portions, and prices that made us wonder why we don’t visit Hungary more often… I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our first full day in Budapest.

Day Two: Fairytale Views, Castles & Crossing the Danube

Our second day was dedicated to exploring the Buda side of the city. While Pest is known for its lively streets, shopping, and grand boulevards, Buda has a much calmer atmosphere and is home to many of Budapest’s most famous historic landmarks.

Our first stop was Fisherman’s Bastion, one of the city’s most photographed attractions. Built between 1895 and 1902, this fairytale-like terrace overlooks the Danube and offers panoramic views across the river towards the Hungarian Parliament Building. With its white stone towers, arches, and turrets, it almost looks like something straight out of a Disney film. The majority of the terraces are free to visit, although some upper viewpoints require a small entrance fee during the busier months.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for us. Thanks to the heavy snowfall and thick winter fog, we couldn’t actually see much of the famous view at all. In fact, you could barely look over the edge of the terrace because the city had completely disappeared beneath a blanket of mist. We still enjoyed wandering around for a little while and taking in the magical atmosphere, but after a short visit we decided to warm up indoors instead.

Luckily, Matthias Church is located right next to Fisherman’s Bastion. Dating back to the 13th century, this beautiful Gothic church has witnessed royal coronations, centuries of Hungarian history, and countless restorations. The colourful tiled roof alone makes it one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks. Entry costs around €10 for adults, and considering the relatively affordable ticket price, and the freezing weather outside, it felt like the perfect place to spend some time.

Although the church itself isn’t particularly large, it’s absolutely stunning inside. Every wall seems to be covered in intricate patterns and colourful decorations, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it well worth a visit. We also climbed upstairs to explore the small museum, where several religious relics are on display.

By lunchtime, my brother had only one request: Jamie’s Italian Budapest. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, the staff were incredibly friendly, and my pasta was absolutely delicious. And that tiramisu… I still think it’s the best tiramisu I’ve ever eaten. I have to admit this chain restaurant completely exceeded my expectations. If you’re exploring the Castle District and fancy some Italian food, I’d definitely recommend stopping by.

After lunch, we continued towards Buda Castle. The palace complex has been home to Hungarian kings for centuries and today houses several museums overlooking the Danube. Unfortunately for us, large parts of the castle were undergoing renovation during our visit, which was a bit of a shame.

Since the weather wasn’t exactly ideal for spending hours outside, we decided it was the perfect excuse to visit the Hungarian National Gallery instead. Housed inside Buda Castle itself, the gallery showcases centuries of Hungarian art, ranging from medieval religious works and Gothic sculptures to impressive nineteenth- and twentieth-century paintings. Adult admission costs around €16, and we easily spent a couple of hours wandering through the different exhibitions. There was a great mix of permanent collections and temporary displays, making it a really enjoyable way to escape the cold for a while.

While walking around the castle grounds, we also spotted the famous Budapest Castle Funicular. Normally, this historic railway is one of the best ways to travel between the Castle District and the Danube riverfront while enjoying spectacular views over the city. It was still running despite the snowy conditions, but with visibility reduced to almost nothing, we decided to save that experience for another visit when the weather would do the views justice.

Instead, we walked back down the hill on foot, following a scenic path through the snow before arriving at the Danube. From there, we crossed the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge back towards the Pest side of the city.

By now the sun had disappeared behind the skyline, the bridge lights had switched on, and the thick fog gave everything an almost cinematic feel. The illuminated suspension bridge glowing through the mist, the reflections dancing across the Danube, and the snowy streets around us created one of my favourite moments of the entire trip! We even stopped for a little impromptu photoshoot by the riverbank with the beautifully lit bridge in the background. It honestly felt magical!

After another day of walking what felt like half of Budapest, we kept dinner nice and simple with burgers and fries at Hard Rock Cafe Budapest before heading back to the hostel for a well-earned night’s sleep.

Day Three: Parks, Museums & One Last Taste of Budapest

For our final full day in Budapest, we decided to explore a completely different part of the city. After spending the previous day around the Castle District, we hopped on the metro and headed towards Heroes’ Square, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Completed in 1900 to celebrate the thousandth anniversary of the Hungarian state, Heroes’ Square is dominated by the impressive Millennium Monument, surrounded by statues of Hungary’s most important historical leaders. It’s one of those places that’s much grander in real life than in photographs, and definitely worth adding to your Budapest itinerary, even if you’re only stopping by a short look.

From there, we wandered into City Park (Városliget), one of Budapest’s largest public parks. Even in the middle of winter, it was a lovely place to explore. As we strolled through the snowy paths, we stumbled upon the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairytale-like building that looks as though it has been standing there for centuries. In reality, it was built in the late nineteenth century and combines architectural styles from across Hungary’s history, making it one of the park’s most unique sights.

One of my favourite unexpected moments was seeing people playing ice hockey on the frozen lake beside the castle. It felt incredibly local and somehow made the whole park even more magical. Városliget is also home to several museums, Budapest Zoo, and the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, making it an area where you could easily spend an entire day.

Since we’d already immersed ourselves in Hungarian art the day before, we decided to learn more about the country’s culture by visiting the Museum of Ethnography. Normally, an all-in combined ticket costs around €15.50, but when we arrived we discovered there happened to be a special event that day, meaning tickets were available at a discounted price. A nice little surprise!

The museum houses an enormous collection showcasing everyday life in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Hungary and Eastern Europe. From traditional clothing and handcrafted furniture to household objects, farming equipment, religious artefacts, and folk art, it offers a fascinating insight into how people lived throughout the region’s history. We ended up spending a couple of hours exploring the galleries and completed the entire museum. Even if you don’t normally visit ethnography museums, I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re interested in learning more about Hungarian culture beyond the usual tourist attractions.

After a morning filled with history and culture, it was time for a very late lunch. We headed back to District V to visit Twenty Six Budapest, a restaurant I’d seen countless times on social media. Sometimes viral restaurants can be a little disappointing, but this one completely lived up to the hype!

Located inside the lobby of a hotel, the restaurant feels like a hidden urban jungle. High ceilings, lush greenery, natural light… it almost makes you forget you’re sitting in the middle of a busy European capital. We hadn’t made a reservation but luckily managed to get a table straight away. Although the service was a little slower than usual, the restaurant was absolutely packed, so it was completely understandable. The food, however, was exceptional. Every dish was beautifully presented, incredibly fresh, and easily one of my favourite meals of the trip!

Before saying goodbye to Budapest, there was one local specialty we still had to try: Hungary’s famous chimney cakes, or Kürtőskalács.

We joined the rather long queue at Kürtissimo: Artisan Chimney & Gelato House and watched as each chimney cake was freshly baked right in front of us. The wait was definitely worth it. Served warm with your choice of toppings and sauces, it’s the perfect sweet treat after a day of sightseeing. That said, I have to be honest: while I really enjoyed trying one, it’s essentially sweet, freshly baked dough rolled in sugar and toppings. Delicious? Absolutely. Life-changing? Maybe not. But you simply can’t visit Budapest without trying one at least once.

As the afternoon slowly turned into evening, we made our way back to the hostel after one final day of exploring Budapest. Since we still had one more night before our flight home, there was no need to rush. We kept dinner simple with one last cheeky fast-food meal before calling it a night. After three busy days of sightseeing, walking countless kilometres, and eating our way through the city, an early night was exactly what we needed. The following morning, we got up bright and early to catch our flight back home, bringing our wonderful winter city break in Budapest to an end.

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Despite the snow, freezing temperatures, and thick fog that occasionally hid some of Budapest’s most famous views, I absolutely loved visiting the Hungarian capital in winter. In a way, the weather almost added to the atmosphere. The snowy streets, steaming cups of coffee, warm restaurants, and beautifully lit landmarks gave the city a cozy charm that I imagine feels very different during the busy summer months.

One thing that stood out throughout the trip was just how budget-friendly Budapest is. Public transport was incredibly easy to navigate and very affordable, making it simple to get around the city without relying on taxis. The food scene also exceeded my expectations. From authentic Chinese cuisine and incredible Italian food to traditional Hungarian chimney cakes, every meal felt like great value for money. Add to that the abundance of museums, historic landmarks, churches, castles, and cultural attractions, many of which are surprisingly affordable, and it’s easy to see why Budapest is such a popular city-break destination.

If you’re looking for a European city that combines beautiful architecture, fascinating history, fantastic food, and excellent value for money, Budapest should absolutely be on your list! Even though January didn’t bless us with perfect sightseeing weather, I had the best time, and I’d happily return in another season to experience the city all over again!

Xo Bug Girl

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