From ruin bars to thermal baths, here are the must-do things on your first visit to Budapest

On a trip to Europe, you'd be nuts to not make time for a visit to the Hungarian city of Budapest.

The city is a vibrant, exciting place to explore - and your money will go a lot further here than in many Western European cities!

But when a city offers as much as Budapest does, it can be hard to narrow down where to go.

Read on to see the best places that first-time visitors should add to their itinerary.

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Ruin bars

Budapest is known for its ruin bars - former abandoned buildings that have been taken over and turned into unpretentious bars. These atmospheric venues blend quirky decor, live music, art installations, and a laid-back vibe. The cheap beer and wine makes them a popular choice for young locals and travellers, but the clientele is always a mixing pot of all different people.

Many of the ruin bars are in the Jewish Quarter, on Kazinczy Street. Szimpla Kert is the most famous and a great starting point.

Try local food

Hungarian food is hearty and filling, with some truly great flavours. Don't miss goulash (a paprika-spiced soup), lángos (deep-fried dough served with various toppings), and chimney cake (sweet pastry).

For a truly local dining experience, head to Kívánság Étkezde at lunch time. A classic choice is mátrai borzaska, a fried pork cutlet coated in a potato-based crust and topped with sour cream and grated cheese.

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Margaret Island

Budapest's largest park is located on an island in the Danube smack bang in the middle of the city. It's massive, so we suggest renting a bike or an e-scooter to get around. There are pools, spas, jogging tracks, pedestrian trails, playgrounds, bars, restaurants, and plenty of grassy space where you can spread out for a picnic.

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Under-the-radar Euro spots to visit if you're sick of crowds

Central Market Hall

This is the city's largest and oldest indoor market, found inside a beautiful 19th-century building. You can shop for fresh produce, local delicacies, souvenirs, and handmade crafts, or just head there for people-watching and to soak up the bustling atmosphere.

Nighttime river cruise

While you can take a trip down the Danube at any time, once night falls the buildings are illuminated and it makes for a beautiful ride. The Parliament Building is a real highlight of the trip.

The party boats are legendary if you're keen to get amongst some nightlife, otherwise there are much more subdued options where you can soak up the vibes with a glass of wine.

Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle

These attractions are listed on every roundup of things to do in Budapest, and for good reason. Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River, the area is home to Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with charming medieval streets you can walk around.

Then head to Fisherman's Bastion for breathtaking views of Budapest's skyline.

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Széchenyi Baths

You can't visit Budapest without visiting one of the city's famous thermal baths. Széchenyi is the most well-known, a huge spa complex with indoor and outdoor pools filled with warm, mineral-rich thermal waters.

It's set in a stunning Neo-Baroque building and has been open for over a hundred years.