Budapest Shines Even During the Day
While Budapest is often called the "City of Night Views," its daytime scenery is equally captivating. On this trip, I explored a variety of attractions, including cathedrals, thermal baths, and castles, and I’d like to share their unique charms.
👑 Vajdahunyad Castle
Near the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, you’ll find the charming, fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle. Its medieval-style architecture makes it feel like stepping into a storybook. It’s a great spot for a stroll before or after visiting the thermal baths. Admission is free, and the Agricultural Museum inside is worth a visit. (It’s better during the day; the night view isn’t as impressive.)
♨️ Széchenyi Thermal Bath
A must-visit in Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath! Soaking in the outdoor thermal pools was a unique European experience. The warm water was incredibly relaxing, especially after a long journey.
⚠️ Note: Swimsuits and goggles are mandatory. While you can rent them locally, the rental fees are quite high. Slippers aren’t mandatory but highly recommended for comfort. Also, arriving late might mean the water isn’t as clean.
🏰 St. Stephen’s Basilica
As the largest cathedral in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is awe-inspiring from the moment you see it. The interior is not overly ornate but rather majestic and serene, making it a peaceful place to explore.
The observation deck is particularly famous. It’s accessible by elevator, which is a big plus! However, its limited operating hours mean you can’t enjoy the night view, which was a bit disappointing. Still, the daytime panorama of Budapest was more than satisfying.
🏰 Matthias Church
Located on the Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Church offers a completely different vibe compared to St. Stephen’s Basilica. Its colorful tiled roof is striking, and the interior is filled with intricate and artistic decorations, making it a visual delight.
However, if you plan to climb the observation deck, be prepared. There are 198 steps to tackle, and there’s no elevator. While the view is decent, the effort might not feel entirely worth it.
⚠️ Both cathedrals require an admission fee.
For observation decks, I personally wouldn’t recommend them. The daytime views are fine, but since they don’t operate during night hours, they might not meet your expectations. If you must choose one, 👉 go for St. Stephen’s Basilica’s observation deck (it has an elevator).
🏠 Accommodation & Transportation Tips
Accommodation: I stayed at a guesthouse in the city center, particularly near the M3 (blue metro line), which was incredibly convenient. It’s easy to access from the airport and makes getting around the city a breeze.
Transportation: Be sure to download the BudapestGO app. With a transportation pass, you can use buses, metros, and trams seamlessly.
For getting from the airport to the city center, the 200E bus + M3 metro combination is the most cost-effective (and covered by the pass). On the other hand, the 100E airport bus requires a separate ticket and isn’t worth the price.
🙋 Overall Impression
What stood out most on this trip was the contrasting atmospheres of the cathedrals.
St. Stephen’s Basilica felt majestic and serene, while Matthias Church was vibrant and artistic. The contrast made visiting both a fascinating experience.
The daytime scenery, which I hadn’t expected much from, turned out to be surprisingly charming. Relaxing at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and then strolling around Vajdahunyad Castle made for a perfect itinerary.
🌞 Budapest isn’t just a city of night views—it shines just as brightly during the day. 🌞
A very beautiful Catholic church, St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, was built over 50 years from 1851 to 1905. It is the tallest building in Budapest, along with the Parliament Building.
No need to pick up a ticket, enter the church first, there is a tower elevator at the exit, but it does not go directly to the top. After the transfer, you can choose to go up the stairs, or you can choose a small elevator to reach the top. There is a small visiting hall at the end of the ticket package, but I forgot to go there. After I came down, the librarian asked me to climb the stairs again to take a look.
There is the first king's mummy hand (Figure 1), the king with the same name as the church. After looking at the church, there are two elevators at the exit (Figure 2). There is a free toilet in the middle of the two elevators. Go up to the rooftop. The rooftop has a good view. The central axis of Budapest (Figure 3). Then take the elevator to 0 and return to the original place. Go down the stairs (Figure 4). The treasury is dazzling and golden. The crown in Figure 5 is fake. The real one is in the Capitol.
In the center of Budapest, I bought a room with a treasury and a rooftop, where you can see the whole of Pest. After visiting the church, there is an elevator outside, and then there is a bathroom. First take the elevator to the rooftop to see the view, then go back to the bathroom. There is a staircase next to the bathroom, with an arrow pointing to the treasury. There is the hand of the first king in the church.
St. Stephen's Church, also known in Chinese as "St. Ishtwan Church", is the third Cathedral in Hungary. There is a donation box at the entrance of the church. It is suggested that each person give 200 Flynn. Although it is not mandatory, we still put money in it. It's very kind of a church that only takes 200 Flynn. It's right to come to church on Christmas Eve. The church itself is magnificent, with festive decorations and many children gathering for Mass. Looking at this scene, the mood of being damaged by bad weather in the daytime disappeared immediately.
The church was admitted free of charge and named after King Ishtwan I of Hungary. His right hand is still here today. It was built from 1851 to 1905. The area is 4147 square meters. It is magnificent and can accommodate more than 8500 people at the same time.
A must-see attraction in Budapest. It is not big and easy to find. It is located in the new district. The tallest thing is that there are shops on both sides selling special ice cream - petal ice cream. Many people come here to make a pilgrimage. The church is open to the public. Please remember to make donations and keep quiet. The church is designed to echo, so please remember to walk lightly. Non-believers who visit and take photos should not disturb the believers who are praying.
St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest is a breathtaking masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Its grandeur, highlighted by the towering dome and ornate interior, leaves visitors in awe. The panoramic views from the dome are a highlight. However, long lines and crowds can detract from the experience.