Holiday houses in Budapest

There’s no shortage of things to enjoy in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant artistic capital. The city is bisected by the River Danube, with the hilly and historic district of Buda on one side, and the action-packed district of Pest on the other — home to stunning buildings, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. You’ll find a range of Budapest holiday rentals on both sides of the city.

Thanks to its rich and complex history, Budapest features a range of impressive architecture and an abundance of classical, Baroque, neoclassical, eclectic, and Art nouveau buildings. Must-see attractions include the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle, which — along with the centre of the city and parts of the river — are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a long day’s sightseeing, the city’s renowned thermal baths are the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are nine medicinal baths to choose from across Budapest, the largest of which is the Széchenyi bath, which is located in Budapest’s City Park.

With its mild climate, year-round cultural attractions, and mix of indoor and outdoor sights, Budapest is an ideal city to visit at any time of the year. The city hosts a range of vibrant festivals, so be sure to check if any are likely to be held during your stay.

The most popular time to visit is during summer, from June to August, when many Europeans are on holiday. The longer days during these months allow you to make the most of the city’s nightlife.

However, the shoulder seasons of March to May, or September through to November are also ideal times to plan a trip to Budapest. This is when the city is a little quieter and the weather is milder. The city is also very enticing in winter, and often gets a sprinkling of snow.

Thermal baths

Sometimes referred to as the “city of spas,” Budapest is renowned for its many thermal or medicinal baths, which are spread across the city. Each spa takes advantage of a huge reserve of spring water that runs beneath the city and produces millions of litres of thermal water every day. There are a range of baths to choose from — each unique in terms of its size, style, and architecture. The most famous is the Széchenyi Baths — also the largest medicinal bath in Europe.

City Centre: a UNESCO World Heritage site

You can’t leave Budapest without taking a stroll through the inner city, including the banks of the Danube river, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue — all of which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. This is thanks to their stunning, well-preserved pre-war architecture, and many historically significant monuments, including from the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda.

Great Market Hall

Budapest has many colourful markets — the largest and most renowned of which is the Great Market Hall, situated in a restored neo-Gothic tunnel and built in 1897. It’s well worth a visit to marvel at the architecture, pick up some unique souvenirs, and sample all kinds of delicious Hungarian produce.