I Think I Need to Give Hungary a Second Chance

Not every place is love at first sight.

Some cities pull you in instantly. Others feel a little off—hard to explain, but noticeable the entire time. Budapest was that city for me.

I wanted to love it. It has everything on paper: grand architecture, famous baths, river views, nightlife, history. But while I was there, something about it just didn’t fully click. The energy felt off to me, and I left knowing I’d need to come back someday to see if it was the city… or just the timing.

We stayed in an Airbnb called Secret Treasure Loft by Akos, and honestly, the apartment was one of the best parts of the trip. It was spacious, fun, nicely decorated, and gave us a comfortable place to reset.

Budapest is identified in two parts, Buda and Pest. This contrast was one of the most interesting things about Budapest. It really does feel like two cities stitched together.

Buda had the elevated beauty—castle views, more elegant surroundings, a quieter atmosphere. Pest felt busier and more chaotic. I’m glad I saw both sides because it gave perspective, but the city as a whole still never settled with me the way Prague or Vienna had.

That said, Budapest absolutely had standout moments.

The biggest one was our nighttime Prosecco cruise on the Danube. We boarded around sunset, and once the city lights came on, everything changed. Buildings glowed, bridges lit up, and the Hungarian Parliament Building became the star of the show.

It was stunning.

We cruised by it at night and couldn’t stop staring. It looked dramatic, detailed, and almost unreal reflecting off the water. Sitting there with a glass of Prosecco while Budapest sparkled around us. Way too much prosecco was enjoyed. 

The Parliament Building was especially interesting knowing it was relatively new compared to the city’s older architecture, opening in 1902. It still manages to feel timeless.

We also visited St. Stephen’s Basilica, which was beautiful, and Buda Castle, which was worth it for the views alone. Walking across the bridge into Buda gave a completely different perspective of the city and was one of the better parts of the trip.

I also have to give credit to the chimney cake.

Fresh, warm, cinnamon-sugar coated, and honestly better than the version I had in Prague. Sometimes dessert can save a day.

Food overall was mixed for me. We ate at Restaurante Fuego and while some things were good—the salad, pastries, breakfast items—I ordered a huge hot dog sausage that I didn’t enjoy. Jana liked her meal more than I liked mine. I have never met a hot dog I did not like! So that was a first.

Another reason I think Budapest felt off was expectation. I had built it up in my head as this magical European gem, and instead parts of it felt grittier, less charming, and more uneven than I expected. Not terrible—just not what I imagined.

And travel can be like that. Sometimes a city isn’t bad—it just meets you differently than you hoped.

If I went back, I would do it smarter I will prioritize the thermal baths. I will explore slower, stay longer, and maybe dig into neighborhoods beyond the obvious stops.

Because I don’t think Budapest was a no.

I think it was a not yet.

Some places wow you immediately. Others need a second meeting.