Travel

Lazy Man’s Guide to a Chill Budapest Holiday

By Shilpa Dhamija
Updated 28 Apr, 2026 • Published 29 May, 2017

Budapest, Hungary is one of the most visited places for tourists travelling to Europe. The hot spot still doesn’t fall short of surprises, every time you go there!

CONTENTS +

Budapest, Hungary is one of the most visited places for tourists travelling to Europe. The hot spot still doesn’t fall short of surprises, every time you go there! There are many lesser known gems in Budapest that will allow you to soak in the Hungary vibes just like the locals! We have mined some great spots that will make for a perfect, lazy man’s guide to holiday in Budapest !

high end bars budpest boutiq bar
We Promise you will be Scouring around the city with a magnifying glass after drinking Dr. Watson from Boutiq Bar in Budapest

When you are done exploring Buda Castle and trekking across the Chain Bridge, spend one last relaxing day, while getting the most out of this historic city. 

 

Budapest Holiday: Budapest Historic Library

Ancient library budapest
Solace in the scent of century old books. Add Budapest ancient Library to your must do list in Budapest

Szabo Ervin Library is a where one will find glamour and mystique of medieval learning sites. This Budapest Library is in a stunning 19th century structure that houses up to 1,100,000 volumes! Originally built by a Hungarian aristocrat in 1842, the neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace is now one of the most beautiful places to relax with a book. The dark wood backdrop and expansive chandelier lighting will make you feel like royalty in this castle of books in Budapest.

Budapest Holiday: Bask in Budapest Baths

luxury baths budapest best price
Anytime of the year, when in Budapest destress like the locals. Hop into the luxury Baths at Hotel Gellert in Budapest

After spending some time with Hungarian literature, take an afternoon dip in a traditional thermals bath in Budapest. Thermal springs run all year round under the city, providing a perfect place for unusual and enriching spa time. Locals use these baths for relaxation in addition to health treatments offered here. Different baths in Budapest offer a variety from whirlpools to saunas to massages. We recommend two of the most notable one; the Gellért and the Szécheny thermal baths. These baths provide services for men and women and generally require swimming suits in most areas. If you are looking for absolute clean baths in Budapest, this is where you spend your Forints. 

The Gellért Thermal Bath is located inside a decadent Luxury hotel. Its art nouveau style baths have been in use since 1918! The distinctive glass roof creates a brilliant scene of light or stars from the sky above. Gellért is also well-known for its exciting wave pool.

Must do in Budapest
Szechenyi bath in Budapest is one of the most sought after. It offers services from 18 Euros onwards

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath stands out for the yellow-colored architecture and gorgeous baroque domes. It consists of a much more elaborate system of halls and rooms. We recommend that you must soak in your tired self in the wonderful outdoor pool. If you are game for a longer stint at the century old baths, remember we told you about their modern pool parties at night!

 

Budapest Holiday: Best Budapest Bars for Hungarian Cocktails

After lounging in the library and soaking in the baths, consider a delicious cocktail to end your lazy day. Budapest is home to amazing bars and lounges dotted around the city. Some of them are hip and modern while others have taken over large areas of historic ruins. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find an ideal spot to wind your way into the evening with quaint cocktails.

budapest Secret Bars Europe nightlife
Hungary has some of the coolest ‘Secret Bars’ in Europe. We recommend Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert bar is one of the most famous ‘ruin’ pubs in Budapest. The owners saved a building scheduled for demolition in 2001 and turned it into a charming place to grab a drink. Szimpla Kert Bar’s walls are covered in graffiti. There’s a definite collection of art and bohemian ideals. From the covered passageways to open air spaces, it is the place to add to your bucket list when experiencing the nightlife in Budapest.

best drinks in budapest cheapest
One of the finest mixologist are at Boutiq Bar Budapest. Ask for the honey and sliced orange single malt sundowner.

For a more traditionally creative cocktail choice in Budapest, check out Boutiq’ Bar. This casual but glamorous lounge is known for exquisite and inventive cocktails. Ask the bartender-on-hand to mix up something special while you rub shoulders with the stylish trendsetters of Budapest.

BLOG BY Angela Lewonczyk
Shilpa Dhamija

Shilpa is a world renowned journalist and an expert in decoding India and Asia’s luxury markets for global readers. Her original, in-depth reports and analysis are frequently featured in prestigious international titles across the UK, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Oman.

Shilpa Dhamija
Shilpa Dhamija
Founder, Managing Editor

Shilpa is a world renowned journalist and an expert in decoding India and Asia’s luxury markets for global readers. Her original, in-depth reports and analysis are frequently featured in prestigious international titles across the UK, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Oman.

Related Articles

Top Stories

Selling-luxury-in-India

Selling luxury in India gets easier as Import duties reduce

India is cutting import duties on many luxury goods; cars, watches, cosmetics & wines through new trade deals with the EU, UK, UAE, Switzerland and Australia. Lower taxes will boost demand of foreign luxury goods in India, encouraging more global brands to enter and expand in the market.

Gucci to L’Oréal: Why luxury Is betting big on Alia Bhatt

At key global red carpet events, Alia Bhatt has out-ranked icons like Zendaya and Kendall Jenner, while generating multi-million dollar EMV for brands like Gucci & L’Oréal. Discover how the Indian actress strategically built her influence from a teenage movie star to an ROI magnet from south Asia.

Premium alcohol market to grow in India as import duties reduce

India is significantly reducing import duties on alcoholic beverages and liquor – premium wines, whisky, beer, rum, vodka and tequila – as part of new trade deals with the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and Finland. See which major alcobev brands and spirits will benefit the most.

Related Profiles

For You

Customise your content. Select interests.

To proceed create or

×