🧖‍♀️ Bubbles, Baths & Beautiful Views: The Best Things to Do in Budapest

Let’s talk about Budapest — a city that really knows how to turn up the charm. Between steamy thermal baths, riverside views, rooftop cocktails and a beer spa (yes, really) it’s impossible not to fall for this place.

Here’s my take on the must-do experiences — including where to stay and a dreamy 3-day itinerary you’ll want to save immediately.

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🌟 Where to Stay: Aria Hotel Budapest

If you want a hotel that hits every note — literally — Aria Hotel is where it’s at. Music-themed rooms, a free daily wine & cheese hour (yes please), spa access, pool and a rooftop bar with jaw-dropping views of St Stephen’s Basilica. It’s bougie in the best kind of way and right in the heart of the city!

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🛁 Must-Do Experiences in Budapest

1. Soak in the Thermal Baths

Budapest is basically Europe’s spa capital. Whether you’re braving the cold in winter or soaking under the sun in summer, you have to experience the famous thermal baths.

• Széchenyi Baths: Massive, iconic and oh-so-Instagrammable.
• Rudas Baths: Old-school Turkish vibes with a modern rooftop hot tub. Unreal.
• Gellért Baths: For gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture while you soak.

2. Beer Spa

A tub filled with beer ingredients (don’t worry, it’s not sticky) a self-serve tap next to the tub, and no judgment if you soak and sip simultaneously. It’s fun, it’s weird and it’s 100% worth it. Make sure you book early though as it’s pretty popular. This ticket will get you in for a day at Szechenyi Baths as well.

3. Danube River Cruise

This is Budapest at its most magical. Glide past the illuminated Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge. Book an evening cruise — it’s romance, architecture, and fairy lights in one.

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🎉 Caz’s 3-Day Budapest Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic Sights & Rooftop Sips

• Start your day with Aria Hotel’s breakfast — think gourmet goodness with a side of classical piano.
• Walk next door to St Stephen’s Basilica and climb to the top for sweeping city views.
• Head down to the picture perfect Hungarian Parliament and pause at the haunting Shoes on the Danube Memorial.
• Wander back through Liberty Square toward the glitzy Andrássy Avenue, then visit the House of Terror Museum — a powerful and confronting look at Hungary’s Nazi and Communist past.
• Freshen up at the hotel before sipping cocktails with a spectacular view at High Note SkyBar, just above the Aria.

Day 2: Spa Day, But Make It Boozy

• Head to Széchenyi Thermal Baths in City Park – the steaming outdoor pools are an absolute must, even in winter.
• Just when you thought it couldn’t get better … step into the Beer Spa. Private wooden tubs filled with thermal beer ingredients + unlimited beer from your own tap = Budapest bucket list gold.
• After you’ve soaked to your heart’s content, wander over to Vajdahunyad Castle and the tranquil park surrounds.
• Sweet tooth calling? Make your way to the opulent New York Café – grand chandeliers, golden columns and the fanciest slice of cake you’ll ever meet. It’s known as the most beautiful cafe in the world for good reason! Be sure to book ahead here … it’s popular!

Day 3: Castles, Cobblestones & River Cruises

Wrap up your Budapest adventure with a golden-hour Danube river cruise. Parliament, Castle Hill and Chain Bridge all lit up? Unforgettable.

Start the day by crossing the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle and riding the funicular (because when in Budapest …)

Explore the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion, pop inside Matthias Church and soak in the views from Castle Hill.

Coffee and a traditional Hungarian pastry at Ruszwurm Café — it’s been around since 1827 and is still a favourite.

Head back and finish souvenir shopping (or snacking) at the Great Market Hall and then embark on your amazing Danube River Cruise and soak in all the beautiful sights as the sun sets over this enchanting city.

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