We recently returned from our beautiful Breathe In Budapest Yoga Retreat in collaboration with the incredible Green Yogi Traveler, and I am still lingering in the moments… a sweet balance of yoga and breathwork practices, our serene Margaret Island location, the relaxing effects of the thermal baths, a week of walking and exploring such a historically rich city and its outskirts, and the contagious laughter and joyous community of our retreaters. ❤️ Thank you (Köszönöm in Hungarian), Budapest, you truly exceeded our expectations!
Here are my top 12 things to see and do in and around Budapest:
1. Shoes on the Danube
A must see in Budapest are the Shoes on the Danube Bank. This is a moving and profound experience. Along the river are 60 pairs of bronze shoes anchored to the ground in memory of the 20,000 Jews who between December 1944 and January 1945 were forced to take off their shoes and line up on the bank of the river to be shot and killed by the Arrow Cross Militiamen, subsequently falling into the Danube which carried their bodies away.
The shoes are a chilling reminder of the horrors of the Nazi regime.
2. The Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest has to be one of my favorite sites. You will want to view it up close, from across the river, and from all sides. You can also go inside for a tour. Take an evening Danube River Cruise to view the stunning night views.
3. Fisherman’s Bastion
Also known as, Halászbástya, this beautiful monument rises up adjacent to the Danube river and provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Pest side of Budapest (the part of Budapest on the East side of the river). The Fisherman’s Bastion is right next to the gorgeous Matthias Church and a short walk to the Buda Castle.
4. Buda Castle
Within walking distance from the Fisherman’s Bastion is the Buda Castle. We didn’t pay to go inside but walked through and courtyards and around the periphery.
From the castle, you can ride the Buda Hill Funicular down to the chain bridge.
5. Szechenyi Chain Bridge
At the bottom of the funicular, walk across the beautiful chain bridge and find yourself back on the Pest side of Budapest. Walk about 10 minutes East from the Chain Bridge and view or tour the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
6. Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is about 2 miles from the river. Walk down Andrassy Avenue and take in the stunning architecture and shops that line this famous street. Many say that Andrassy Avenue reminds them of the Champs Elysees in Paris.
At the end of the street, you will find the larger than life Heroes’ Square. After enjoying the monument, walk through Varosliget Park to Vajdahunyad Castle. We enjoyed our farewell dinner at the stunning Varosliget Cafe.
8. Szechenyi Thermal Baths
This is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and it is fed by two thermal springs. The water is warm and healing – the perfect way to unwind and relax. The architecture is lovely as well.
9. Take a Cave Tour
Budapest is the capital of caves. It is the only capital in the world which has caves of significant size and length underneath its buildings and streets. More than two hundred caves are known under the Buda side of the town. However these caves also have a special place in the world because of their unusual thermal water based development. The hydrothermal caves of Budapest were created by the same thermal springs that supply the famous spas of the capital and the entire area is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We toured the Buda Castle Caves and the Pal-Voigyi and Szemlo-Hegyi Caves.
10. Visit the scenic Visegrad (the original capital of Hungary) and Szentendre (an artsy town with fun shops), just outside of Budapest.
11. Stroll through Margaret Island
We were blessed to stay on Margaret Island during our stay in Budapest. Margit-sziget is located in the middle of Budapest on the Danube River, a beautiful park island 2.5 km long (1.6 miles) and 500 meters wide. Formerly known as Nyulak-sziget, its name originates from Saint Margaret of the Árpád dynasty, who lived here in the 13th century. Today, the island is a green oasis offering opportunities for sports and relaxation, historical monuments – such as medieval ruins – and unique flora and fauna. It is not accessible by car, but easily reachable via the Margit and Árpád bridges.
12. Eat Traditional Hungarian Food
Traditional Hungarian food is hearty, comforting, and deeply flavored with sweet red paprika, garlic, onions, and sour cream. We enjoyed Goulash Soup, Chicken Paprikash, Porkolt (beef or pork stew), grilled river fish, and duck. Lángos were a favorite – a deep fried flatbread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, traditionally rubbed with garlic and topped with sour cream and grated cheese. Desserts included Chimney Cake, Drummer Cake (Dobos Torte), Studel, and Palacsinta (a thin crepe-like pancake rolled up with sweet fillings like walnut cream, fruit jam, and cocoa).
Every one of our retreats is such a blessing to pray over, plan, orchestrate, and experience with a collective group of amazing humans! We will continue to explore and create new offerings as long as the Lord guides and provides.
Will you be joining us for our next adventure, Aim Higher in Argentina Yoga Retreat in March 2027?
We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Live each day to the fullest! Take the trip and explore the world. 🌎
