There’s a gorgeous European city that’s currently surging in popularity with travelers, and it’s not one that you might expect.

While cities like London, Paris, and Rome are among the most visited in Europe, Budapest is rising in popularity as it sets a new tourism record this year.

The Hungarian capital had its best-ever month for tourism in September, according to a recent report from Hungary Today.

Here’s why this stunning city is currently trending with travelers:

It’s Affordable

Budapest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe, making it an extremely attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.

You won’t find the sky-high prices of Western Europe here. Hotels, food, activities, and transportation are all very affordable in Europe.

According to the travel planning website BudgetYourTrip, you can expect to spend $92 per day on a trip to Budapest, including all expenses. Compare this to London ($230) and Paris ($248), and it’s easy to see how much value for money you can get traveling in Budapest.

Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest

Tons Of Unique Activities

Budapest offers an amazing array of activities for travelers. It’s honestly impossible to get bored in this city, and there’s something to do for everyone.

My favorite thing to do in Budapest is visit the thermal baths. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most popular one, and Gellért Thermal Bath is another good option. Both of these thermal baths offer access to a variety of baths, pools, and saunas, as well as optional spa treatments.

Szechenyi Baths In Budapest, Hungary, Central Eastern Europe

Another unique experience you can only find in Budapest is going to the ruin bars. These are eclectic bars housed in formerly abandoned buildings, each with a unique theme.

And of course, there are many fascinating historic sites to check out in Budapest, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.

It’s Magical In Winter

One of the top reasons to visit Budapest soon? It transforms into a magical winter wonderland each year, starting in late November!

Bright lights illuminate the tree and buildings at the Budapest Christmas Market

This is one of the reasons that Budapest is so popular, and it’s well worth planning a trip to the city to coincide with the holiday season.

Budapest has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can’t miss while visiting the city during the winter. Vörösmarty Square is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, where you can shop for Christmas gifts and try delicious festive treats like chimney cakes.

Chimney Cake at Christmas Market

Digital Nomad Hotspot

Budapest is also rising in popularity amongst digital nomads, who are drawn to the city thanks to its affordability and great digital nomad community.

It’s one of the cheapest cities for digital nomads in Europe, so you can enjoy a great quality of life for an affordable price.

And Hungary recently launched one of the best digital nomad visas in Europe, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to two years as long as they can prove an income of €2,000 ($2,173) a month (much lower than many other European digital nomad visas.)

Aerial View Of The Hungarian Parliament In The Pest Side Of Budapest, Hungary, Central Eastern Europe

Great For Solo Travelers

Solo travel has been one of the biggest travel trends of the year, and that explains why Budapest has been rising in popularity — it’s one of the best destinations for solo travelers in Europe!

Budapest was recently named the seventh-safest city in the world and the second-safest city in Europe, making it an incredibly safe destination for solo travelers.

Not only is it safe, but the city is also easy to get around thanks to the convenient Budapest Metro system. And there’s plenty to do for solo travelers, from walking tours to pub crawls, which makes it easy to meet other travelers and find travel buddies to explore the city with.

A back view of a Caucasian woman in winter clothes in front of the Hungarian parliament in Budapest

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