The one reason that the mention of Europe inspires feelings of joy and excitement is that it is a traveler’s paradise. From massive castles to long alleys, ancient monuments and museums to a beautiful concoction of art and culture, every little place in Europe is worth a visit. Budapest is one such place that will give you a chance to immerse yourself in the authentic European charm through mouthwatering Hungarian street food, grand architecture, and rich cultural history. Budapest is one city that stands out of all the other European cities because this is one place which has something for everyone.

Here are some thoroughly convincing reasons that will have you pack your bags for a vacation in Budapest.

1. The thermal baths

Budapest is bubbling with some beautiful thermal baths that you will love immersing yourself in. From Kiraly Bath, the Rudas and the Veli Bej Spa to the Gellért and Széchenyi Baths, you will never run out of options when deciding where to go next. The Szechenyi Complex is a must visit. It has spa tubs, lap pools and a whirlpool of waters all at varying temperatures. If you’re looking for a day dedicated to sunbathing, then this is where you go.

2. Easy on your pockets

Budapest is a city where you can have your fun by spending money that is much less than what you will spend on a visit to Vienna or Prague. Although there has been a price increase over the last few years, you can still do a lot more at an affordable cost as compared to other tourist cities of Europe. If you find yourself in the possession of the Budapest Card, then you will be saving a lot of money on admission fees to places such as theaters. The card also ensures free travel on public transport.

3. The vivacious nightlife

Budapest is not all about architecture and museums. It has an equally vibrant nightlife. The Hungarian pubs, clubs, and bars are buzzing with a high diversity of the crowd. It is considered as a blazing hot-spot for some great hen and stag parties. Step into one ruin bar and you’ll be a fan of Budapest for life. The vintage look, the retro setting, and the fresh feel combine to give you a place where you can have a great time. If you’re looking forward to a night of fun, dance and drinks then Szimpla is a place where you must go.

4. Cultural diversity

Budapest is the boiling pot of different cultures. Irrespective of which season you step your foot on its land, you will always have a festival of which you can be a part and experience the colorful culture of Budapest. There is the Budapest Spring Festival, Summer Festival, and the Cafe Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival that is held in autumn. All of these are big cultural events that attract a lot of attention.

5. Shoppers Paradise

Budapest is flourishing with shops, markets and boutiques. Corvin Plaza, Arena Plaza, Allee, MOM Park, West End City Center and Campana are some shopping centres that are quite popular amongst the local people as well as the tourists. You can get a lot of designer clothes, jewelry items, small gifts, souvenirs, electronics and books at affordable rates from these places. If you need to go shopping for authentic Hungarian food, spices and gift items, you must go to the Central Market Hall. There you can get paprika, honey, the famous Tokaji aszu wine and works of Hungarian embroidery.

6. The Food!

Delight yourself with the wholesome Hungarian food served in the countless restaurants, cafes, taverns, international eateries and fast food joints. Though there are always places where you will have to shell more money, if you do your research, there will be a lot of options where you can enjoy delightful food at reasonable prices. There are food streets that are covered with restaurants and cafes such as the Liszt Ferenc Square, Gozsdu Court, Raday Street and the street next to St. Stephen’s Basilica.

There are a variety of fine dine options to enjoy a classic European meal prepared with the authentic Hungarian flavors.

7. The Wineries

There are at least twenty wine regions scattered all over Hungary. Places like Villány, Eger, Szekszárd and Tokaj fall in the category of the most famous wineries of Hungary where you can delight your taste buds with some of the best tasting wines. The Buda Castle is also a great place to learn a lot about the local wines through some interesting stories while tasting wine.