Budapest is opening up to tourists again

The 19th century Szechenyi Chain Bridge, which links the cities of Buda and Pest, is now strictly for pedestrians, buses and taxis. — Photos: Pixabay

Grandiose architecture, epic views and cruises along the Danube River and soothing thermal baths. Budapest has no shortage of perennial draws, but Hungary’s capital has struggled to recoup tourism following the pandemic – not least because of the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

In 2022, while other European cities from Paris (France) to Istanbul (Turkiye) saw tourism approximate or exceed pre-Covid-19 levels, Budapest lagged behind, receiving just 75% of its record four million visitors in 2019.