Honeymoon in Budapest Part 3
Are you soon to be married? Then probably just the thought of honeymooning with your newly-wed spouse brings a smile to your face and you want your destination to be beautiful and full of romantic things to do. If you are looking for a truly unique experience without having to spend a fortune and are open to visiting a less obvious honeymoon destination, then Budapest could be an ideal place for you. There is so much to see and do in the Hungarian capital that could make your first journey as a married couple truly memorable. Below are our ideas of the best sights to see in Budapest on your honeymoon.
The Buda Castle District
This beautiful historic district is at the very first place in every guidebook on the list of Budapest’s must-see attractions and is the perfect setting for long walks during your honeymoon in Budapest. Visit the magnificent Matthias Church, snaps some breath-taking photos from the fairy-tale-like Fisherman’s Bastion, pop into the souvenir shops, or take a coffee break at one of the many cafés and restaurants in the area. Don’t miss out on the changing of the guards in front of the Presidential Palace, then walk around the Buda Castle and have a look at its magnificent sculptures in the castle courtyard.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
An attraction in Budapest you must visit on your honeymoon. Built-in impressive neo-baroque style, Budapest’s largest and most well-known thermal bath has 15 indoor baths, 3 large outdoor pools, many saunas, and steam rooms. Due to their warm temperature, the pools can be enjoyed all year long. Get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Gellért Bath & Spa
A gorgeous, 19th-century Art Nouveau-style thermal bath. It’s one of the most romantic of all baths in Budapest. The thermal pools, swimming pool, wave pool, and spa treatments at the Gellért bath offer a very unique relaxation experience in a stunning, historic setting. It’s also a popular bath, so it’s best to book your tickets online in advance.
Buda Castle Garden Bazaar
Located at the Danube riverbank under the Buda Castle, this unique neo-renaissance building complex is a protected World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in Budapest. It has a beautiful flower garden with fountains and royal guard houses, while it also serves a venue for exhibitions and cultural events. In addition, it has an escalator that takes you directly to Buda Castle.
Andrássy Avenue & Heroes Square
Andrássy Avenue is an elegant, broad street that leads from the city center to the City Park and is known for its posh boutiques and neo-renaissance palaces. No wonder the street has been nicknamed the Champs-Élysées of Budapest. At the end of Andrássy Avenue, you’ll find Budapest’s largest and most prominent square, the Heroes’ Square which was built to celebrate Hungary’s 1000-year-old history and its large colonnades display statues of the country’s most significant historical figures. The square is surrounded by two significant museums – the Hall of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park
Budapest’s largest green park is located behind Heroes’ Square. If the weather is nice, it’s well worth spending an afternoon exploring this area. There is a boating lake that serves as a skating rink in the winter, and overlooking the lake, is a beautiful, fairy-tale-like castle called Vajdahunyad Vára. This enchanting castle was built in a variety of architectural styles and is located on a tiny island accessible through bridges. This is one of the most romantic places in Budapest and a must-visit for couples. Take a walk around this eclectic building complex holding hands and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Perhaps snap a photo of the two of you sitting next to the curious statue of Anonymous in the castle court.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
One of the most well-known and largest churches in Budapest is St. Stephen’s Basilica, located in the city center and surrounded by great restaurants, wine bars, and terrace diners. The church was named after St. Stephen, the first Hungarian King, who converted Hungary to the Christian religion, and whose mummified right hand is on display inside0 the church. Take the elevator to reach the observation deck for a spectacular, panoramic view of the city, one of the most impressive attractions in Budapest. In December, one’s Budapest’s biggest Christmas market opens in the square in front of the Basilica with a beautiful Christmas tree and an ice-skating rink.
House of Parliament
Built-in Neo-Gothic style, the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building is the third-largest parliament building in the world. It’s not only a vibrant government center but also a Budapest sightseeing highlight. To book a 50-minute tour by trained guides who speak numerous languages, purchase your ticket at the visitor center, which is open until 6 p.m.
Central Market Hall
Budapest’s most famous and largest indoor marketplace is located at the end of Váci Street and by the Pest foot of Liberty Bridge. If you and your newly-wed spouse enjoy cooking, this could be an interesting place for you to visit during your honeymoon in Budapest. Apart from fresh fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of meat sold by local farmers on the ground floor, you can find various souvenirs and try local delicacies like the Hungarian Lángos with garlic and sour cream and the Goulash at the market’s upper level. The market is not only popular with locals who buy their groceries here but tourists as well.
Margaret Island
During the summer months, when locals flee the inner city in search of shady green spaces, the 2,5 km long Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube becomes a popular recreational area. Visiting the island could be one of your Budapest honeymoon ideas. Sightseeing highlights include a Musical fountain with hourly playlists and amazing water and light show in the evening, a small Japanese garden with a fish pond, and a tiny petting zoo with rabbits, ponies, and various birds. The island also houses various sports establishments like the Alfréd Hajós Sports Pool and the Palatinus Lido, both great places to have a swim in the summer heat.
Budapest’s largest permanent flea market located on the outskirts of Budapest is a great place to find antiques and various treasures. From antique furniture, paintings, porcelain, and jewelry to communist relics, you’ll find just about anything at this market, so it can be a fascinating place to visit even if you are not planning to buy anything. The market has a life on its own, so be prepared to see the most astonishing characters among the vendors, and don’t be afraid to bargain, as sellers tend to overprice their merchandise when they see a tourist.
Opening hours: weekdays: 08:00-16:00, Saturday: 08:00-15:00, Sunday: 08:00-13:00.
Kazinczy Street
This busy, but narrow street connecting Király Street with Rákóczi Street in the Jewish District has become the center of Budapest nightlife over recent years. Dubbed as Street of Culture, Kazinczy Street gives home to Budapest’s famous ruin pubs. These alternative pubs are located in derelict buildings and usually have a unique, artsy atmosphere. The most well-known ones include SzimplaKert, Instant, Doboz, Grandio, Kuplung, Mazel Tov, KőlevesKert and Fogasház. The street is worth to be visited in the daytime as well as it has many great street food venues, affordable restaurants, and bistros.
Our honeymoon series continues with the most romantic things to do in Budapest.
