I’m no authority in what places are the must-dos. But I can tell you which are the ones I went to. I’ll sprinkle in some basic information along the way and tell you about my experience. Your trip will be different but I thought I’d share mine.

In 2022, I spent the Easter weekend in Budapest. And the city has enough sights and activities for four whole days. I could’ve stayed longer in the place but my holiday allowance begged to disagree. But such is life and the only way to manage is to maximize any opportunity available.

I’ve always had a beautiful vision of the city just based on George Ezra’s song. And any list ranking the best cities in Europe almost always includes Hungary’s capital. Based on my experience, the buzz and hype are merited.

One surprise I had was how Budapest got its name. Maybe I was just ignorant. But the ethos is the unification of three different cities – Buda, Obuda, and Pest. For a few months after my immersion and prior to writing, I even thought the consolidation was limited to two cities (Buda and Pest.) But further research and after forgetting what I heard on the walking tour, I stand corrected.

Here are 5 places I visited in Budapest:

Hungarian Parliament Building

While I was on my walking tour, the guide mentioned that the Hungarian Parliament Building is the biggest of its kind in the world. And I distinctly recall Romania having the same claim about their palace. I did not want to embarrass the guide so I asked the question in private. And then she began making caveats about an “active utilization” and I knew even the one in Bucharest is being used. I just gave up but traveling has allowed me to get some perspective and fact-checking abilities.

In any case, regardless of size, the construction is a marvel. You can look at the photo above and I need not say more. If you need one backdrop for your selfies, this place is your best bet. My friend was even trying to create her Budapest Tiktok video with this place as one of the main focal points.

P.S. The mentioned Tiktok video never came to fruition. I say this in case she manages to read this post and decide to give justice for all the clips she asked me to take.

Fisherman’s Bastion

To commemorate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state, the Fisherman’s Bastion was built at the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century.

For the Instagram-chasers, a unique panorama of Budapest is available from its sophisticated and historical lookout terraces.

For the “I must visit key sites” collectors, like me, the area is part of the Buda Castle district, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

I’m not a religious person. But when I travel with people, I go with them as they perform their customs (if allowed and practical). I treat the experience as an immersion into their culture. My mother uses the same argument when I refuse to join her for Sunday Church.

The one helpful advice a local has given me and my friends relates to admission. If you declare your intent as attending worship, then you can enter without paying. Otherwise, a fee is required. I did sit through the entire mass with my Catholic friends. Hence, I don’t feel like a fraud nor do I have any sense of guilt.

The basilica is named after the first King of Hungary. And his right hand is housed in the building. I find that cool, while others find it creepy.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Conceived in 2005, the Shoes on the Danube Bank is proof that the recency of a memorial or structure has no correlation to the impact it can make. I personally found this to be one of the more powerful and striking images from my trip.

#NeverForget is a popular concept in my home country. And this helps bring back the memory of the Jews who were massacred by Fascist Hungarian militia during the Second World War. The Jews were commanded to take their shoes off. After, they were mercilessly shot, with their bodies falling to the Danube River.

Danube River

For frequent travelers, a river cruise is something you’re either too familiar with or sick of at this point. Maybe even both. But nothing compares to doing the activity along the Danube River in Budapest.

For one, all the magnificent buildings are visible from the body of water. They are lit up to give you an intimate night view of Budapest.

Also, how many rivers are connected to 10 European countries? I don’t know but this one does – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Where it eventually ends is the Black Sea.

Capital cities on the river include Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava. I can factually say that no other river can claim that.

All photos were taken on April 2022.