The First-Timer’s Guide to Budapest (2020)

Budapest is cool. You won’t know it when you first arrive but spend 24 hours there and you’ll soon realize what a hip and trendy city it is.

Within minutes of arriving in Budapest, you’ll notice its flamboyant architecture. You can’t help but appreciate what a beautiful city it is, built on either side of the Danube River with grand buildings and centuries-old thermal baths. Seeing that side of Budapest sort of conditions your mind to expect an historical, though perhaps unexciting experience.

But nothing can be further from the truth.

Spend a day exploring the Pest side and you’ll quickly realize that there is so much more to this city than its gargoyles and complex past. Its classical facade belies an energy and grit that we didn’t feel in other European cities.

The cool fonts on storefronts, the funky boutiques, the innovative restaurant and bar concepts reveal an edgy side to Budapest often overshadowed by its gothic exterior.

It’s funny, only after our trip did I…