If you're short on time or patience you can choose either/or, and if you like variety or have more time you can always do both. Budapest is a magical city that reminds me of Paris and Prague mixed together. So no matter what you do, you'll likely have an amazing time. This article is interactive so click the links or photos to learn more.
New York Cafe
Instead of New York Cafe's instagrammable grandeur, go to the Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library for no lines and working remotely. The Cafe is beautiful and a site to see but has long outdoor lines and not an environment to work remotely in. If you're going for croissants and coffee, recommend Kelet in Buda with great coffee, an amazing Indonesian peanut sandwich, and a dreamy croissant with tangy mango jam. aran bakery budapest is a foodie haven for cinnamon rolls and ingredient-topped foccacia.
Mazel Tov
Instead of Mazel Tov, recommend Levante for skipping long outdoor lines and more authentic yet reinvented and delicious food. Mazel Tov is beautiful and touristy for a reason but if you don't want the wait, check out Levante for a low-key and tasty experience.
Hungarian Parliament building
Instead of taking photos right on the Hungarian Parliament Building site, get set up with the best view from across the way at Fisherman's Bastion.
Fisherman's Bastion
Instead of taking photos right on site of Fisherman's Bastion, find a vantage point further away so you can avoid the crowds. Check out Castle Garden Bazaar as an alternative for great concrete arch photos or St. Gerard Sagredo Statue for a colonnade.
Feny Street market
Rather than Feny Street Market in Buda, check out Rakoczi Market Hall for a beautiful 19th-century market or Central Market Hall for a spacious neogothic-designed market.
Gellert thermal baths
Go to Gellert Thermal Bath for a Roman thermal spa experience instead of Szechenyi for a less touristy option with access to beautiful tile work, vaulted ceilings and more. Try out Irgalmasok Veli Bej Bath for a Turkish thermal spa experience with earthy tones and a relaxing traditional environment.
Istanbul, Turkey travel guidebook
Most cities are well known for their churches but this city's synagogues and Jewish history shine brightest. Check out Rombach, Kazinczy, and Frankel Leo Street Synagogues.
See these maps for all the places mentioned in this article with directions:
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