Austria and Hungary – these two countries share a long history and the two capitals, Vienna and Budapest, also have a few things in common. And yet they couldn’t be more different.
Budapest is only around 250 km away from Vienna and is therefore also suitable for a day trip. It’s definitely worth seeing, almost a shame if you only plan to spend a day here.
I also have a lot of family ties with Hungary, because my dad is Hungarian and so part of my family also lives in Hungary. And so I visited Hungary several times a year from an early age. Since my father also has a large garden just outside Budapest, Christian and I have found the perfect place for a vacation very close to Vienna. And then a visit to Budapest is also regularly on the program.
Off to Budapest…
What comes to mind when you think of Budapest? The most famous are probably the Chain Bridge, the Castle District with Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square, the Opera House, the Gerbeaud confectionery, the Market Hall, the thermal baths and Gellert Hill. And these are just a few of the sights.
But just like in Vienna, as soon as you get off the beaten track there are so many beautiful places and neighborhoods to discover that it’s really hard for me to say where I like it best. One district exudes a southern flair, another is all big city and others are young and vibrant.
Apart from the sights, you will also be spoiled with culinary delights in Budapest, as in Hungary in general. Because Hungarian cuisine also has a lot to offer, not just goulash (which is called pörkölt in Hungary, because goulash is the name given to goulash soup there).
A city with many facets and, just like in Vienna, the Danube flows through the middle of the city, conjuring up a very special atmosphere on the riverside promenade.
From my own experience, I can only recommend a visit to Budapest. Although one day is almost too short, it’s definitely better than not having seen the city at all.
All information about Budapest, the sights, activities and much, much more can be found on the Budapest Tourist Info website www.budapestinfo.hu.
Your journey by train, bus or car
Well, have I made you want to visit Budapest and explore the city? Yes? That’s great, now you just have to decide how you want to get there.
If you like traveling by train, ÖBB offers train connections throughout the day.
It is also very convenient to travel by bus, with Flixbus offering direct connections throughout the day. Just check the website for the current departure times. The journey itself takes around 3 hours.
It takes about 2.5 kilometers by car to get to the capital of Hungary. For the highway in Hungary you need a vignette, which you can buy online via VirPay.
Everything from a single source
If you want to leave the planning and organization of your trip to Budapest to others and not have to worry about anything, then I recommend the tour from Vienna Sightseeing Tours. Here you have the opportunity to travel comfortably by bus and get a full day program in Budapest.
So sit back and enjoy the excursion. You can book the tour conveniently online.
No matter what you decide, Budapest is really worth a trip and you can see the city comfortably in one day. And then think about when you’ll be back next time.
So, when are you planning to visit Budapest?
