A 3-Night Budapest Escape: Cocktails, Culture & Chimney Cakes
As a 35-year-old woman with a love for quirky spots, beautiful views, and making memories over great food, Budapest had long been on my travel wish list — and wow, it did not disappoint. My partner and I just returned from a whirlwind 3-night city break in this magical city, and I honestly feel like I need a week to recover… not because I’m tired, but because I already have a case of the Buda Blues.
Let me take you through the unforgettable highlights.
Day 1: Fear of Heights & Peanuts on the Floor
We began our trip a little out of the ordinary — with a ride on the Zugliget Chair Lift. It's a peaceful, slow ascent through the Buda Hills, and at the top, we hiked to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower. Now, I’ll admit — I’m terrified of heights. Climbing those narrow stone stairs to the top had my heart racing, but the panoramic views made it all worth it. You could see all of Budapest stretched out like a painting — it was honestly breathtaking.
After making our way back down, we headed straight for one of the city's most iconic landmarks: the Chain Bridge. It’s not only stunning to look at, but it’s also such a romantic walk. In fact, we brought a padlock with us and attached it to the bridge as a little memory of our trip — a small but meaningful gesture to leave a piece of us in the city. I’d read about couples doing it and couldn’t resist. It was such a special moment, just standing there with the Danube flowing beneath us.
Then it was off to For Sale Pub — a place where chaos and charm meet. Rustic wooden beams, dim lighting, and tables piled high with peanuts you’re actually meant to throw on the floor (yes, really). I ordered the chicken schnitzel with chips, which hit the spot perfectly. You can also write a note and pin it to the walls or ceiling, so we did just that — and spent a while reading through the hundreds of notes left by travelers from years gone by. It was like flipping through a time capsule of Budapest memories.
Next up, cocktail time at Tiki Bar Budapest. Think underground island vibes, fun glassware, and a menu that doesn’t hold back.". Their cocktails are wild — beautifully decorated, boozy, and potent and every drink feels like a mini holiday."
You can even buy the cups your drinks come in, from skulls to pineapples. I didn’t, but I was very tempted.
To top off the night, we headed to 360 Bar, perched high above the city on Andrássy Avenue. It’s a rooftop with serious wow-factor. The domes (used during winter) were gone since the summer season was beginning, but the views were still insane. It’s on the pricier side for drinks, but the view more than makes up for it.
Day 2: Castles, Comedy & Culture
We started with a plan to ride the Buda Castle Funicular, but it was sadly out of order. Thankfully, they were selling tickets for the Castle Shuttle Bus, which was a great alternative. For around £12.50, you can hop on and off at the top sights in the Castle District.
We explored:
Fisherman’s Bastion – fairytale-like white towers with panoramic views over Pest and the Parliament.
Buda Castle – grand and historic, sitting majestically over the city.
Várkert Bazár – a beautifully restored neoclassical building with scenic gardens and river views.
Later in the day, we visited Margaret Island, a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the Danube. We hired a two-person bike cart, which was hilarious (and chaotic). Our road sense was... questionable. At one point, we ended up on the running track, much to the amusement of the joggers. It's one of my funniest memories of the trip.
In the afternoon, we walked to the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a deeply moving memorial to Jewish victims of the Holocaust who were executed along the river. A must read is learning about the history beforehand — it’s powerful, and seeing the cast-iron shoes lined up along the riverbank was a sobering moment.
To balance the mood, we visited the IKONO Museum — a colourful, immersive art space where you're encouraged to play and interact. From mirrored rooms to giant installations, it’s the kind of place you can’t help but laugh in. The ball pit was the highlight — pure childlike joy.
Afterward, we visited St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. It’s named after Hungary’s first king, and inside, his mummified right hand is housed in a reliquary (a little creepy, I won’t lie). But the church itself? Stunning. Ornate, peaceful, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Dinner was at Párisi Udvar, once a luxurious shopping arcade and now a 5-star hotel. The ceiling alone is worth the visit. I had goulash, Hungary’s national dish — somewhere between a soup and a stew, flavoured with smoky paprika. My partner had a Hungarian classics board with deer salami, grey cattle salami, paprika spreads, and more. A live violinist played while we ate, and honestly, it was one of the most romantic moments of our trip.
The evening ended with a sunset Danube cruise. With drinks and tortilla chips in hand, we watched the city light up from the river — including the glowing Parliament and Buda Castle. It was a peaceful, picture-perfect way to wind down the day.
We almost called it a night, but decided to check out Twenty Six — an urban jungle-style restaurant and bar right in the heart of the city. Plants everywhere, warm lighting, and a vibe that’s cozy and chic. We had a couple of cocktails and soaked in the atmosphere. It's a must for nature lovers and foodies alike.
Day 3: Cats, Baths & Magic
Our last day started at Central Market Hall, where we picked up local souvenirs and snacks. Then came my favourite spot ever — the Cat Café. If you’re a cat person, you have to go. The cats roam freely, the drinks are surprisingly cheap, and the fur-baby cuddles are free. I didn’t want to leave.
No trip to Budapest is complete without a dip in one of its famous thermal baths, so we made our way to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath — one of the largest and most iconic in Europe. Housed in a grand neo-Baroque building, it looks more like a palace than a public bathhouse.
We opted for a cabin ticket, which I highly recommend — it gave us a private changing space and somewhere safe to leave our things while we explored the pools. Outside, the thermal waters were warm and relaxing, surrounded by the historic yellow architecture that makes it feel like you've stepped into another era.
What surprised me most, though, were the indoor pools, which were actually even warmer than the outdoor ones — perfect for really soaking and unwinding. I'd read a lot online about the infamous “eggy smell” caused by the natural sulphur in the water, and while it was definitely there, it really wasn’t as bad as I'd been led to believe. You get used to it pretty quickly, and it’s a small trade-off for such a unique experience.
One of the highlights for me was the sauna area — an unexpected bonus! After hopping between the hot pools and the cooler plunge baths, stepping into the sauna was the perfect way to warm up and reset. It made the whole experience feel more like a proper spa day than just a swim.
All in all, Széchenyi was not only a great way to rest our tired feet but also one of those only in Budapest moments that really sticks with you. Whether you're there to relax, soak in the history (literally), or just people-watch in steamy waters, it's a must-do.
After our soak, we tried to visit Zoo Café, where exotic animals hang out while you dine, but it was fully booked. So instead, we headed to the New York Café — a lavish, chandelier-filled café often called “the most beautiful café in the world.” It lives up to the hype, with a mini-orchestra playing live. I had the hot chocolate — super rich and thick (a little too chocolatey for me, but if you’re a chocoholic, go for it!).
Our next adventure was Madame Tussauds Budapest, which had all the usual stars and a few local icons too. A fun little stop for some silly selfies.
Dinner was straight out of a fantasy — literally — at The Magic, a wizard-themed restaurant. Potions, bubbling cocktails, mysterious lighting… it was enchanting. The food was surprisingly great, and the cocktails were like drinkable magic tricks.
Then came one of the sweet highlights of the trip — the famous Hungarian chimney cake. After some searching, we finally stumbled upon a vendor called Chimney Cake Zone, and let me tell you, it was so worth the wait.
This sugary, spiral-shaped dough is roasted over an open flame until golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — absolute street food heaven. We went all in with our choice: an almond-crusted chimney cone, filled with rich caramel, topped with whipped cream, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, berry bits, a crunchy wafer twirl, and the ultimate finishing touch — a Biscoff biscuit. It was indulgent, over-the-top, and completely dreamy. The perfect treat to devour while strolling through the city.
We wrapped up the night at Szimpla Kert, the most famous of Budapest’s ruin bars. It’s wild — filled with mismatched furniture, graffiti, and a buzzing crowd. Right next door is a street food market, where we grabbed a late-night lángos — fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, or garlic. It was the perfect (if indulgent) way to end the trip.
Final Thoughts: Budapest, You Beautiful Thing
I went in with no expectations and left with a full heart, sore feet, and a million memories. From sipping cocktails under the stars to getting lost on a running track in a bike cart, every moment in Budapest had a story to tell.
One of my favourite little memories? Attaching our padlock to the Chain Bridge, with the city lights behind us and the Danube quietly flowing beneath. It felt like a tiny love letter to the city — a promise to come back one day.
Budapest is romantic, quirky, moving, wild, and packed with personality. It's not the cheapest city break — especially when you’re hopping from rooftop bars to luxury cafés — so make sure to bring plenty of spending money. But every forint felt worth it.
Would I go back? Without hesitation. I’ve barely scratched the surface of what this magical city has to offer. For now, though, I’m home nursing my Buda Blues… already dreaming of our return.
Until next time, Budapest... 💙 Natasha x
