It’s the perfect place for an Easter or summer holiday, as there’s so much to see and do, and it’s very easy to get around.
Budapest is home to the Danube river, a stunning place to walk(Image: Yasonya via Getty Images)
A stunning European capital has been crowned one of the most walkable, making it ideal for a summer or Easter break with countless attractions to explore. Better still, it’s affordable to reach, with UK flights available from just £19 in April.
Budapest in Hungary has repeatedly featured in conversations about great holiday destinations. There’s good reason for its popularity – getting around on foot is effortless, it’s steeped in fascinating history and brilliant attractions, plus the cuisine is great . In fact, travel experts at Freetour named it the top city to visit in 2026.
The specialists explained: “If there is one city that tops every travel ranking time and time again, it’s Budapest. The Hungarian capital claimed first place across all FREETOUR.com destinations in 2025, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.”
They continued: “It has everything a curious traveler could want: the medieval Castle Hill and the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter, fin-de-siècle thermal baths and street food at the Great Market Hall, the misty Chain Bridge at dawn and a symphony of lights over the Danube at night. Budapest is a city where every free walking tour feels like a genuine discovery.”
Budapest often appears in lists about the most pedestrian-friendly cities globally. In Guru Walk’s rankings last year, it secured second place, with Rome claiming the number one position, reports the Express.
The professionals noted: ‘Known as the “Pearl of the Danube”, Budapest blends imperial architecture with a vibrant cultural scene.’
Two of Budapest’s main attractions – St Stephen’s Basilica and the Houses of Parliament – are conveniently located just a 15-minute stroll apart. However, if you’re not keen on exploring entirely by foot, the city boasts an efficient public transport system, complete with trams, buses and metros.
Undoubtedly, one of Budapest’s standout attractions is the Szechenyi Thermal Baths. It’s one of the largest complexes in Europe, supplied by two thermal springs, with the indoor and outdoor pools tracing their history back to 1913.
The waters are rich in health-enhancing minerals and temperatures vary from a comfortable 27°C to a warm 38°C.
After your relaxing soak, you can indulge in Budapest’s lively street food scene.
Karaván, nestled in the heart of the Party district, is a must-visit for those eager to sample local delicacies, such as Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread garnished with garlic, cheese and sour cream.
Flights to Budapest start from just £19 from Gatwick in April.