A Tale of Two Trips: Exploring Budapest in Autumn & Spring

Budapest captivates you with its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. I’ve been lucky to visit twice, once with my daughter in October for a long weekend and again in March for her birthday with my husband and son. Each visit offered something unique, from crisp autumn walks to the early signs of spring blooming along the Danube.

First Trip: A Mother and Daughter Getaway in October

For our first visit, we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, a fun, stylish, and modern base close to some of the city's top sights. The weather in early October was perfect for sightseeing, it was still fairly warm, making it ideal for walking and exploring.

Must-See Sights & Experiences

Great Market Hall – Our first stop was this lively indoor market, where you can sample Hungarian delicacies like langos (fried dough with toppings) and chimney cake (kürtőskalács). A great place to soak up the local flavours and pick up a few souvenirs

Danube River Cruise – Seeing Budapest illuminated at night was breathtaking. The Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion all shimmered along the riverbanks.

Hungarian Parliament Building – One of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest, this grand neo-Gothic structure is even more impressive up close.

We also visited Margaret Island, a peaceful green space perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride.

Nestled in the middle of the Danube River, Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) is a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Easily accessible by foot from Margaret Bridge, this 2.5 km-long island is a favourite spot for locals and tourists, offering lush green spaces, historical ruins, and recreational activities.

Things to See & Do on Margaret Island

Stroll through the Japanese Garden – This tranquil garden is home to small ponds, waterfalls, and charming footbridges, perfect for a quiet moment in nature.

Musical Fountain – One of the island’s highlights is the musical fountain, where water jets dance in sync to classical and pop music. In the warmer months, it's a magical sight, especially when lit up at night.

Ruins of a Medieval Dominican Convent – History lovers will enjoy wandering through the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican convent, once home to Princess Margaret, the island’s namesake.

Bike & Scooter Rentals – One of the best ways to explore Margaret Island is by renting a bike, electric scooter, or even a four-person pedal car for a fun family ride around the island.

Palatinus Baths – If you’re visiting in warmer weather, the Palatinus Strand Baths offer a great alternative to Budapest’s famous thermal baths, with outdoor pools and water slides.

Wildlife & Open Spaces – The island is home to peacocks, rabbits, and a mini zoo, making it especially fun for children. There are also plenty of picnic spots, if you want to enjoy a snack with a view of the Danube.

Second Trip: A Birthday Celebration in March

For our second visit, we returned for my daughter's birthday, this time we stayed in an enormous apartment with amazing views! It was a great location and close to the heart of the city. Spacious and Modern with ornate touches – The four-bedroom apartment gave us plenty of space to relax after a day of sightseeing. The stylish décor, large windows, and well-equipped kitchen made it feel like a home away from home.

In Budapest, many museums offer free admission on national holidays, including March 15th, which commemorates the 1848 Revolution and War of Independence. Luckily our trip coincided with this and so we took advantage of visiting Budapest Castle history museum which was fascinating!

We also visited St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika), which is the largest church in Budapest, named after Hungary's first king, St. Stephen. It houses the Holy Right Hand, the preserved hand of St. Stephen and offers a panoramic dome viewpoint with stunning city views.

When visiting, the musicians were practicing for an upcoming organ concert. The basilica regularly hosts classical music performances, featuring talented organists, choirs, and orchestras. If you're visiting, it's worth checking the concert schedule, as attending an evening performance in this stunning setting would be magical.

No trip to Budapest would be complete without experiencing one of its famous spas. While the city is renowned for its historic thermal baths, I can thoroughly recommend the Mandala Day Spa for a more intimate and luxurious wellness experience.

Located in a tranquil setting, Mandala Day Spa offers a range of relaxing treatments, from traditional massages to rejuvenating facials, and even private spa rituals. The serene atmosphere, candlelit rooms, and attentive service make it the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, this spa is a must-visit!

Not to be missed are the famous ruin bars and stunning rooftop bars and restaurants, offering incredible views of the city. The ruin bars are housed in abandoned buildings, derelict courtyards, and old industrial spaces that have been transformed into vibrant, artsy bars filled with mismatched furniture, graffiti-covered walls, and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene or a relaxing drink with a view, Budapest has something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Budapest in both autumn and spring gave us two different yet equally incredible experiences. Whether you're there for food, history, or relaxation, the city offers something for every traveller. From river cruises and thermal baths to grand architecture and vibrant markets, Budapest truly is a gem waiting to be explored.

I’m returning to Budapest in August to celebrate my anniversary with a scenic river cruise along the Danube to Germany. There’s still so much more to explore in this beautiful city, and I’ll be sure to update you on my adventures! Stay tuned for more travel inspiration.

Have you been to Budapest? Let me know your favourite spots! ⬇️