When you visit Budapest, you’ll discover one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting and lively capitals. Once you experience its beautiful architecture, distinct culture, and intriguing history, you’ll understand why it’s called the Pearl of the Danube. To get you started on Budapest tours, check out the top three places to visit while there.

• Parliament Building. This iconic Budapest landmark looks more like a royal palace than a government office. Despite its grandiose appearance, the Hungarian Parliament Building (completed in 1902) survived both World Wars, as well as many protests and uprisings. Today, it’s the tallest building in the city, one of the largest parliament buildings in the world, and a must-see attraction when you travel to Budapest.
• Thermal Baths. More than 100 natural hot springs bubble up from the earth into bathhouses and thermal spas around “The City of Baths,” providing more than enough opportunities for a relaxing soak. Hungarians have enjoyed the luxury of naturally heated pools for centuries, and our travel experts say a dip in the thermal baths is one of the best things to do when traveling to Budapest.
• Heroes’ Square. The largest public square in the city, Heroes’ Square spotlights Hungarians’ indomitable spirit. The square’s centerpiece is the Millennium Monument, a 120-foot statue constructed in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary. Tributes to the seven Hungarian chieftains surround the monument’s base, while a bigger semi-circle encompasses the square with statues of Hungarian kings and heroes.

Looking for more of the best places to visit when you travel to Budapest? Check out our guide for how to spend 48 hours in Budapest →

• May through October. From the bright blooms of May through the golden hues of autumn, Budapest shows off its very best. However, you’ll find more tourists on group tours of Budapest and hotter days during the summer months. You’ll also find festivals and fresh produce to enjoy. Longer days provide more time to wander this walkable city, and warm evenings are perfect for enjoying outdoor cafes and restaurants.
• March and April. While the weather can be unpredictable, springtime in Budapest is generally sunny. With the trees and flowers starting to bloom, spring is also when the city shows its colorful charm after a gray winter. This is an excellent time for Budapest tours.
• December through February. While Budapest is enchanting in any season, the Hungarian capital truly shines during the winter months. It’s a time of year when the scent of strong coffee beckons from cozy cafes, Christmas markets pop up in historic squares, and the Art Nouveau architecture becomes even more alluring as snow settles on the skyline.

Read the top reasons to visit Budapest during the winter →

From street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, Budapest’s food scene offers a tantalizing menu with something for everyone. If you’re traveling to Budapest, here are three dishes to try:

• Goulash. Simmered in a spicy paprika broth, the hearty beef, potato, and carrot stew is one of Hungary’s signature dishes. The soup comes from humble beginnings when herders lived out in the field for months and cooked available ingredients. The dish made a name for itself as a spicy and satisfying meal, eventually taking the name Gulyás, meaning herdsman.
• Stuffed cabbage. If your visit to Budapest is during winter, this readily available comfort dish is a must. Ground pork, beef, tomatoes, rice, sauerkraut, and spices (especially paprika) are stuffed inside tender, boiled cabbage leaves. Often, you’ll find the dish topped with tomato sauce and sour cream.
• Lángos. This celebrated Hungarian street food, a variation of deep-fried dough, is enjoyed by locals at hundreds of spots all over Budapest. Toppings make lángos endlessly enjoyable. Meats and cheeses are popular toppings and make a hearty, walkable meal. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, look for spots that offer jam or Nutella as delicious toppers.

Having the right stuff in your suitcase makes every trip better. Like on any other trip, you’ll want to be prepared for unpredictable weather when you visit Budapest. Here are the essentials to toss in your suitcase.

• Sun protection. For all of our trips, especially during the summer months in Budapest, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
• Layers. For tours of Budapest, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes. You always want to have your favorite, comfiest walking shoes with you on Budapest vacations. Whether strolling around Castle Hill or walking along the Danube Promenade, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
• Rain protection. Occasional rain showers are common during certain seasons, so lightweight rainwear may be necessary depending on the timing of your trip. A light, waterproof jacket will keep you from getting soaked when the showers appear on trips to Budapest.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance on Budapest trips.
• Full-coverage layers for religious sites. On tours to Budapest, it is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders, and entrance may be denied on this basis.