5 tips on how to explore Budapest with just a single ticket

Everyone knows the struggle of trying to fit the most into a short trip: it is hard to cram a whole city into just an afternoon, especially if the main sights are scattered, like in Budapest. In the case of the Hungarian capital, exploring the city on foot might take more time than you have, but do not worry, various means of public transport will take you through the city for just 1 euro.

One of the most pleasant and cheapest ways to explore Budapest in the summertime is by taking a BKK boat ride, which only costs 750 forints (2.5 EUR), but if you have a monthly Budapest pass, it is free. These boats operate from the northern part of Budapest, from Római fürdő (Római beach), all the way to the South, to Kopaszi gát (Kopaszi dam). Both termination points are the perfect destinations in these warm days, but if you do not have two hours, you can cut your journey short.

A boat journey on the Danube is in itself a lasting memory, but if it is paired with the most beautiful sights of Budapest, it will become an unforgettable experience. Some of the sights that we would like to highlight are the Kopaszi dam, a lovely place to relax and enjoy the embrace of nature, or the duality of the ultramodern Palace of Arts next to the classical and elegant Hungarian National Theatre.

Once past the Petőfi Bridge, the strange, yet captivating Whale pops up on the Pest side of the city facing the eloquent building of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, followed by the Liberty Bridge, which is taken over by the people of Budapest on several weekends over the summer and fun picnics, parties are organised there. Make sure to look up and enjoy the sight of Gellért Hill, from where the view of the city is probably the best.

As you are nearing Széchenyi Chain Bridge, on the left, you will see the Castle Garden Bazaar, while on the right, the Pesti Vigadó, the second largest concert hall in Budapest, built in Moorish, Byzantine and Romanic style. On the Pest side of the Chain Bridge, you can spot the prime example of Budapest’s Art Nouveau architecture, the Gresham Palace, home to the Four Seasons Hotel. On the left side, the Buda Castle towers over you, telling you stories of its worn past.

Between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge, lies the most iconic sight of Budapest, the Gothic Parliament which Freddie Mercury wanted to buy (absolutely understandable). If you are still insatiable, go on with your journey, as the boat is nearing Margaret Island, a secluded place of serenity and peace in Budapest, where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air away from the busy noise of the city.