4 Reasons Why Budapest Is My Favorite European Capital

When, after visiting Bratislava, I caught the bus that would take me to Budapest in a few hours, I had quite some expectations. I had heard and seen so much about the Hungarian capital that I felt like I already loved the city, even though I had never set foot there. In the coming days, it became my absolute favorite European capital - of the ones I've seen so far.

Here are some of the reasons why:

Thermal Baths

Budapest is known for its amazing thermal baths and a trip there could never be complete without having a thermal experience. How often can we rejoice in beautifully decorated thermal baths, with water springs used since Roman times, when we travel to a country's capital? Not often. In fact, Budapest is considered to be the thermal capital of the World. The hard thing is to choose between all the different options, because when it comes to thermal experiences there is something for everyone in the Hungarian capital.

With limited time in this wonderful city, I sadly had to choose only two of the many great options, and one of them was the Gellért Thermal Bath. It is in fact part of the famous Hotel Gellért, but the bath complex can be used by anyone who is willing to pay the ticket. If you clicked that link and got put off by the prices, I gotta say: I am frugal, so I get it, but trust me when I say it is worth it.

There are references to healing water at this place from as early as the 13th century, there was even a hospital there during the Middle Ages and the Turkish took advantage of those water during the 16th and 17th centuries, but the Gellért bath complex was built at the beginning of the 20th century and then rebuilt after it got destroyed during WWII.

This outstanding complex includes not only thermal baths, but also saunas, plunge pools, an outdoor wave pool and a jacuzzi. Enjoying the relaxing experience of bathing in those waters, especially the ones on the thermal baths which are always between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, is really quite special. But, in all honesty, when one goes to the Gellért Baths, at least half the experience is purely gazing at the gorgeous surroundings.

The Gellért Baths in Budapest

The other thermal bath I just couldn't pass on was the Szechenyi Baths. These iconic thermal baths known across the World are such a wonderful welcoming card of Budapest that I don't think any visitor to the city should miss out on experiencing them.

Built in the beginning of last century, the Szecheny Baths are nowadays one of the most visited attractions in Budapest. Being located in the largest park of the city, this beautiful yellow Palace that was built specifically to house the famous baths provides its visitors not only with a wonderful thermal experience but also with unique surroundings well worth writing home about.

With 15 indoor baths, 3 big pools outdoors, 10 saunas and plenty of spa treatments available, such as massages and facial treatments, this unique thermal bath in Budapest really is the crown jewel of any trip to the city.

If you have heard about the cool summer night spa parties it boasts and wanna give that a go, make sure to check the dates and ticket options here.

The iconic Szecheny Baths

Beautiful Arquitecture

If you visit Budapest you will soon realize that it is not a city where you will have to actively go looking for attractions: the whole city is an attraction. As you walk around the city's streets you will probably find yourself admiring buildings that you don't even know what they are.

With plenty of well-adorned and majestic buildings, just gazing at their facades is half the fun of visiting this amazing city.

Some of the many eye-catching buildings in Budapest

And that's just considering the lesser-known ones. When it comes to the most iconic buildings like the Parliament Building or St Matthias Church, you will definitely have a jaw-dropping experience when you see them for the first time.

Some of the most iconic buildings in Budapest: the Parliament Building and Matthias Church

Amazing views of the Danube

One of the most unique things I experienced in Budapest was the feeling of having privileged views of such a majestic skyline and the beautiful Danube river flowing by, from so many unique viewpoints. In no other European capital did I find such extraordinary scenery.

The most famous of all the viewpoints is right in front of the emblematic Matthias Church: Fisherman's Bastion. It has become extremely hyped by travelers, and understandably so, since its views across the river are purely amazing. Having been built in the 19th century, this fortress that was actually never used as one, was designed specifically with the intention of providing a viewpoint with the greatest possible views across the river. They were very successful in doing so, so be prepared to queue for the best photo spots, as this popular attraction has constant streams of tourists wanting a piece of it.

Views from the Fishermen's Bastion

Another amazing (and lesser-known) place to take in the breathtaking views of the Danube and the Pest skyline is located at the Buda Castle: the Castle Garden Bazaar. Even though the name would suggest shops, this place is something completely else. In fact, it is more of a cultural side of the Buda Castle, with beautiful ornamental gardens. If you are looking for great sunset views over the river without having tons of tourists fighting for a small space like in Fishermen's Bastion, head to the Castle Garden Bazaar where you will have perfect lookout points to enjoy the views in peace.

Views from Castle Garden Bazaar

Low-cost city

For someone as frugal as myself, the fact that Budapest is way cheaper than other European capitals is a big deal.

It is no secret that I love a good deal and that I will keep Euros in my pocket if I don't absolutely have to spend them, but, since traveling is my biggest passion, I don't mind loosening-up my money-saving criteria so that I can enjoy my trips properly. That often leads to big sums being spent, especially in capital cities, which I don't really mind because in my perspective it is all worth it in order to see the World.

But the fact remains that in such a beautiful and unique city as Budapest, your Euros (or better yet, your Forint) will get you way more than in other places you might have visited. Any random search on Airbnb will show you that for 40 to 50€ per night, you can have a fancy apartment all to yourself, sometimes even having amazing views included.

I know what you're thinking: "Come on, 40 to 50€ per night is not that cheap". That is true if you are comparing it to the extremely cheap hostels that young travelers often use across Europe, but if you try to find a whole apartment for that price in cities like London, Paris or Stockholm, I can guarantee you that you won't find any. At least not with the same standard of the ones available in Budapest and definitely not in such central locations as the ones you can get in the Hungarian capital.

Apart from the relatively cheap accommodation options in Budapest, you will be pleased to notice that food and public transports aren't expensive either. For example, a travel card that will allow you to use all public transport in unlimited trips for 7 days, will cost you 4.950 Hungarian Forint - slightly over 14€.

In Paris, a mere 5 days travel card will cost you more than 38€; and in London, the 14€ that could buy you 7 days worth of trips in Budapest, could only get you a 1 day pass.