What to see in Budapest and its surroundings.

Budapest is a popular tourist city that attracts visitors from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Budapest for just one day, there will be many options to see this city. It is also worth noting what to see in Budapest in December or January. 

If you want, you can plan a one-day tour of Budapest even in winter. In such a short Time, you can see many landmarks and places. If you have extra time, you should also consider a tour of the surroundings of Budapest. 

Picturesque Budapest: what can you see? 

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, attracting visitors with its rich history, architectural masterpieces, and atmospheric streets. The city is divided into two parts by the Danube River: Buda - quiet and green, and Pest - dynamic and modern. 

Main attractions of Budapest:

1. Buda Castle. This majestic historical building is located on a hill in Buda. The castle includes the Royal Palace, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the History Museum. You will enjoy strolling through the old streets and enjoying the stunning view of the Danube and Pest. 

2. Fisherman's Bastion. This fairy-tale bastion looks like a medieval castle. Its terraces offer the best view of the Hungarian Parliament. A special and fairy-tale atmosphere is created in the evening thanks to the lighting. 

3. Hungarian Parliament. This is one of the largest parliamentary buildings in the world. Its architectural style is impressive - it is Neo-Gothic - and its huge size. You can book a tour inside the building to see the interior halls. 

4. Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Budapest has many thermal baths, but Széchenyi is the most famous. You can visit these hot springs to relax and enjoy their healing properties. 

5. Andrássy Avenue and Heroes' Square. This is the city's main street that leads to Heroes' Square. There are numerous museums, theaters, and shops here. Heroes' Square is a symbolic place dedicated to the great figures of Hungarian history. 

There are also many places for walks and relaxation in Budapest:

1. Margaret Island. This island on the Danube is perfect for walking and picnicking. There are parks, fountains, as well as an outdoor pool and running tracks. 

2. Great Market Hall. This is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Here you can taste traditional Hungarian dishes, buy spices, souvenirs, and local products. 

3. Palvölgy Cave. For adventure and nature lovers, this cave is an excellent place to visit. You can take a guided cave tour conducted by professional guides. 

These places can be visited in one day or over several days. 

What to see in the surroundings of Budapest?

The surroundings of Budapest are also very interesting. Here are a few places worth seeing:

1. The town of Szentendre. It is located only 20 km from Budapest and is known for its narrow streets, art galleries, and atmospheric cafes. It is especially worth visiting the Marzipan Museum. 

2. Visegrád Castle. This medieval castle, located on a hill, offers a panoramic view of the Danube. It is a symbol of Hungarian history and culture. 

3. Lake Balaton. From Budapest to Lake Balaton, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive. It is the largest lake in Central Europe where you can enjoy beach recreation, water sports, and taste local wine. 

4. Esztergom. This was the former capital of Hungary, and the main attraction is the Basilica of St. Adalbert, which is one of the largest churches in Europe. 

Along with these places, be sure to try traditional Hungarian dishes, many of which are found in the surroundings of Budapest. In particular, you should taste:

1. Goulash. This is a famous Hungarian dish made of meat, potatoes, and paprika. You can try it in many restaurants in Budapest. 

2. Langos. This is fried dough usually served with garlic, cheese, and sour cream. 

3. Tokaji wine. This is a famous Hungarian wine produced in the Tokaj region. You definitely must try it during your trip to Budapest. 

It is also worth considering a few important nuances:

1. Public transport: Budapest has a well-developed network of metros, buses, and trams. If you plan to travel a lot, you can buy a pass for a day or several days. 

2. Money: Hungary uses forints. Many establishments also accept credit cards, but cash will always come in handy. 

3. The best time to visit: spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for travel, as the weather is comfortable and there are fewer tourists. 

Budapest is a city that enchants with its atmosphere, history, and culture. Visit it along with the surroundings to dive into the unique world of Hungary.

When and why to visit Budapest: tips for each season

Budapest is incredibly beautiful and picturesque in winter. But you can visit the capital of Hungary in any season:

1. Spring (March-May). Weather: mild climate, temperature +10...+20°C, perfect for walking. Reasons to visit: spring is when the city blossoms - parks, like Városliget, are filled with flowers. The Budapest Spring Festival offers concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical events. 

2. Summer (June-August). Weather: warm, up to +30°C, many sunny days. Reasons to visit: summer is full of outdoor festivals, open-air concerts, and cultural events that fill the city.