Take an abandoned building, Christmas lights, a bit of edgy décor, and a proper amount of liquor, and you’ve got one of our favorite places to visit in Budapest—a ruin pub.

READ: 6 Best Ruin Bars in Budapest

Budapest's Seventh District, the Jewish Quarter, is full of culture and history.

READ: Top Sites to Visit in Budapest’s Historic Jewish Quarter

Budapest is a charming city in Central-Eastern Europe with a rich history. Most tourists go and see the Heroes Square, the Buda Castle, the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion and leave after a few days. However, this Budapest guide will get you to see some of the less touristy sites.

READ: The Local View: 10 Less Touristy Things to Do in Budapest

Turning from the boots to face the park’s entrance, I was met with three of the most recognizable figures in Communism – Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx on the right, Lenin on the left. Quite a unique welcome party, indeed. But then, Memento Park is a unique place.

READ: Communism’s Ruins Preserved at Memento Park in Budapest

For our second visit to Budapest, we got to dig a little deeper on a progressive dinner walk. After all, why have dinner at one place when you can have it at five?

READ: A Taste of Tradition on a Hungarian Food Tour

The capital of Hungary is The City of Spas. The Budapest thermal baths have been loved by locals and visitors for over two thousand years. There are more hot springs in Budapest than any other city in the world. During our recent trip, we connected with locals and took a dip into the city’s magnificent thermal baths.

READ: Visiting the Budapest Thermal Baths

Budapest isn’t exactly a mecca for gourmet foodies – and we can’t understand why. Hungarian cuisine doesn’t have the international appeal among gourmands as other cuisines, but it is delicious! The absolute highlight of our trip to Eastern Europe was a Budapest food tour.

READ: Stuff Yourself on a Budapest Food Tour

The Paris of the East. That’s what they call Budapest, Hungary. We’ve had many friends visit and all have raved about this city. At times, this city has an identity crisis. Budapest’s rich architectural and cultural traditions stand in stark contrast to the bleak austerity under communism. We found ourselves overwhelmed by the sights and tastes along the Danube. We love visiting Budapest!

READ: Visiting Budapest is a Feast for the Senses

Budapest was the beginning of the end for communism in Eastern Europe. When I was 13 years old, I watched communism fall apart on live TV. The Hammer and Sickle Tour puts the events into historical context.

READ: Reliving Communism in Budapest on the Hammer and Sickle Tour