In 2025, Budapest welcomed a record eight million visitors, cementing its status as one of Central Europe's most sought-after destinations. The Hungarian capital, split by the Danube into the historic Buda and the bustling Pest, offers a blend of thermal baths, imperial architecture, and a culinary scene that draws travellers from across the continent and beyond.
In a recent episode of Grand Voyager, presenter Lilly Douse set out to understand the city's enduring appeal. Her exploration began on the Pest side at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, a neo-Baroque complex built in 1913 that now attracts over a million visitors annually. The baths are a living monument to Hungary's spa culture, where locals and tourists alike soak in naturally heated mineral waters.
From City Park to the Basilica
From Széchenyi, Douse moved to City Park, the site of Hungary's 1896 Millennium Exhibition. There she visited Vajdahunyad Castle, a fairy-tale replica that houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, and Heroes' Square, dominated by statues of the seven Magyar chieftains. The journey continued to the Hungarian State Opera House, a neo-Renaissance gem on Andrássy Avenue, and concluded at St. Stephen's Basilica, the city's largest church and a key religious landmark.
Crossing the Danube to Buda, Douse climbed to Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace offering panoramic views over the river and Parliament. Nearby, she explored Buda Castle and Matthias Church, the latter a medieval coronation church with a colourful tiled roof. The Castle District, with its cobbled streets and baroque houses, provided a glimpse into Budapest's layered history.
To end her urban tour, Douse boarded a boat for a scenic cruise along the Danube, passing under the Chain Bridge and past the Parliament building—a sight that has become emblematic of the city.
Beyond the City: Foraging in Kóspallag
Douse's journey did not stop at the city limits. She travelled to Kóspallag, a village in the Börzsöny hills, to experience rural Hungary. There, she joined a guide for a foraging expedition, tasting wild herbs, mushrooms, and berries that grow naturally in the countryside. She also visited an organic garden and participated in a private basket-weaving workshop, highlighting a growing interest in sustainable, local traditions.
For accommodation, Douse stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, a restored Art Nouveau landmark on the Pest bank. The hotel's wellness centre, with its thermal pools and spa treatments, offered a modern take on Hungary's ancient bathing culture.
Budapest's record tourism numbers reflect a broader trend across Central Europe, where cities like Prague, Kraków, and Vienna are also seeing surges in visitors. The Hungarian capital's appeal lies in its ability to offer both grand history and intimate experiences—from the grandeur of the Parliament to the quiet of a village foraging walk. For those interested in deeper historical layers, an exhibition at the Budapest History Museum recently reconstructed Roman faces from Aquincum, the ancient settlement that preceded the city.
As Budapest continues to attract millions, its challenge will be to balance tourism growth with preservation of the very character that draws visitors in the first place. For now, the city remains a compelling destination for anyone seeking a taste of Central Europe's rich cultural tapestry.
