Where to Visit in Budapest, the Colorful City of Central Europe

Budapest is very popular among young people. It offers a dynamic social life and an impressive cultural atmosphere. Compared to many European capitals, Budapest presents a more reasonable standard of living, food, transportation, and accommodation. Although Hungary is a member of the European Union, it hasn't yet adopted the common currency, the Euro. Forint, the national currency, is used. It is a budget-friendly option, especially for students and young travelers.

Also, the city is one of the places with the liveliest nightlife in Europe. Particularly, places such as Szimpla Kert, which is famous for its ruin bars concept, attract the attention of people. Additionally, festivals, concerts, and open-air events keep the city vibrant throughout the year. For these reasons, Budapest is a city that people love and enjoy visiting. 

If you are seeing Budapest for the first time, there are certain must-see attractions. Divided into two by the Danube River, Budapest takes its name from the two shores of the river: The west coast of the Danube is called "Buda", and the east is called "Pest". Thanks to the Chain Bridge (in the photo above), you can easily visit these two banks.

There are stunning places to dwell and see in each part of the city. You can think of these two parts as a combination of both the old city and the modern city. First, let's start with the sightseeing in Buda:

1. Buda Castle
2. Hungarian National Gallery
3. Matthias Church
4. Fisherman’s Bastion
5. Gellért Hill and the Statue of Liberty
6. Gul Baba Tomb (It is one of the rare works remaining from the Ottoman Period in Budapest and one of the most significant examples of Islamic cultural heritage in Hungary)
7. Veli Bey Bath (It was built by Sokullu Mehmet Pasha in the 16th century when Budapest was under Ottoman protection)

Of course, the places to visit aren't limited to these, but I can give these examples as the most popular and classic spots.

On the other hand, the places I believe should be visited in Pest:

1. Hungarian Parliament Building (in the photo above)
2. Shoes on the Danube Bank 
3. St. Stephen's Basilica 
4. Andrássy Street ve Opera House
5. Budapest Central Market
6. Vajdahunyad Castle 
7. Hősök Tere (Heroes' Square)
8. Széchenyi Thermal Bath
9. Terror Háza (House of Terror Museum)

And again, places to visit aren't restricted to these. However, I think it is more pleasing to visit the classic places of the city first, and then get lost in the streets. I believe we can understand better the historical and artistic side of the city thanks to the classical places seen by everyone. On the other hand, getting lost among the streets and visiting less touristic places helps us understand the cultural side of the city. I assume both are very necessary and satisfying when visiting a city.

There are a few places I would like to add specifically. 

1. Kiraly Utca (has a wide range of food and beverage places)
2. Gozsdu Court (a sweet little courtyard, full of karaoke bars)
3. New York Cafe (a cafe perfect for taking photos. If you want to go there, I suggest you make a reservation because there is a long line in front of it)
4. Szimpla Kert (the most popular of the ruin bars; it usually gets very crowded if you go late at night, but I think it is one of the best places to visit). 
5. Mazel Tov (a remarkably famous restaurant with a menu combining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. I recommend making a reservation)
6. Uri Utca (a street notable for its architecture with sweet houses that can be visited while visiting the Buda Castle)

I also advise that people should research the history of the city and the importance of places to visit before going. This way, the trip will be more engaging.