We did a combined trip to Budapest and Vienna, spending 3 days in each city. We found this to be the perfect amount of time for both destinations. During our visit, we did not do many of the typical tourist activities available, but rather roamed around with no plan and took in all that both cities had to offer. I would say of the two, we enjoyed Vienna more than Budapest. Although, this could be biased due to complications we had with our bnb and the locals in Budapest. Ultimately, both cities are very beautiful and offer plenty to see and do. I would go back to Budapest again, even though we had some troubles during our stay. I have recommendations on both below!
Budapest
WHERE TO STAY:
We first chose to stay in an Airbnb in the District V- inner city, but unfortunately did not have a positive experience. This was not due to the area we were in, but due to the apartment, our host, and the neighbors within our complex. Unfortunately we did not feel very safe in the bnb, so we only stayed one night and woke up the next morning to find a hotel. We spent our remaining two nights at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus and enjoyed our stay here!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO:
1. House of Terror Museum
2. Castle Hill Walking Tour
3. Chain Bridge
4. Central Market Hall
5. Fisherman’s Bastion
WHERE TO EAT:
1. Costes Restaurant (tasting menu, wide variety- we really enjoyed our meal here)!
2. Borsso Bistro (we did not make it here during our visit but I heard good things)
3. Klassz (very small, cute setting with great food)
4. M. Restaurant (This was probably our favorite meal in Budapest, the restaurant in charming, quaint and unique, and the food is excellent. Highly recommend)!
5. Spoon (swanky spot, oddly located on a boat. Feel most will come here for the atmosphere rather than the food- though we did enjoy our meals)
WHERE TO DRINK:
We did not make it out to many bars during our visit to Budapest as we spent much of our time at restaurants, but below are some recommendations that were on our list of places to check-out.
1. Akvarium
2. Morrisons 2
3. 360
4. Instant
5. Szimpla
6. Gozsdu Udvar
7. Orkert
Vienna
WHERE TO STAY:
Let me start by saying that Vienna definitely makes my top 5 most beautiful European cities! We chose to stay in an Airbnb right in the city center and absolutely loved it! Our apartment was in a historic building and was very unique and charming. In addition, our host was very helpful in offering recommendations of things to do during our stay. I have the link for our exact bnb below and would recommend staying here, or at least in this area during your visit!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO:
1. Schonbrunn Palace
2. Hofburg Palace
3. St. Stephen’s Cathedral
4. Belvedere Museum
5. Schonbrunn Gardens
6. Naschmarkt
7. Explore the Vienna Ring Road
WHERE TO EAT:
1. Steirereck (known as one of the best restaurants in Vienna for many years)
2. At Eight (traditional Viennese)
3. Walter Bauer
4. Fabios (Mediterranean fine dining)
WHERE TO DRINK:
1. Loos Bar (small, crowded American bar- good for last drink of the night)
2. Blaue Bar (a legendary bar in Vienna’s most traditional Grand hotel- need reservation)
3. Sky bar (trendy rooftop)
4. Onyx Bar (rooftop bar with great views of the cathedral. Elegant, posh, with great drinks)
Passage Seventeen. 