I picked up the Budapest Gem guidebook on a whim last month, mostly because I was daydreaming about travel again—something about the gray February weather made me nostalgic for warmth and history. At first I thought, ‘Another travel guide? Really?’ But this one surprised me.

It’s not one of those overwhelming books with tiny maps and paragraphs that go on forever. Instead, it’s more like a thoughtful friend who’s already been there and just tells you what you actually need to know. I loved how it split the city into Buda and Pest—it made planning so much easier. I mean, sure, I could’ve Googled it, but there’s something about holding a physical guide that feels intentional.

The section on Fisherman’s Bastion had me sold. It described the view in a way that made me want to book a flight immediately. And honestly, the little notes on local cafés and thermal baths felt more useful than any blog post I’ve saved in my ‘travel’ folder.

I did notice it’s a bit pricier than your average guidebook—$149 is not nothing—but if you’re serious about visiting Budapest, it might save you from overpaying on tours or missing the good stuff. Plus, it’s the kind of thing you’ll want to keep on your shelf, not toss in the recycling after your trip.

While reading it, I had some Juan Gabriel playing in the background—don’t ask me why, maybe it was the romantic vibe of the city descriptions—and it somehow made the whole experience more cinematic. If you’re even slightly thinking about Budapest, this little gem is worth a look.