21 Best Things to Do in Budapest: The Ultimate Budapest Travel Guide
They say a picture paints a thousand words and after my visit to Budapest, I have a million! In a city so rich in history, ruin bars, and thermal baths, there are so many things to see and do in Budapest. So, I’ve compiled a list of the 21 best things to do in Budapest.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got to Budapest. I had never been before so on this trip to Europe, it was on top of my list. The city completely caught me off-guard and charmed me with its beauty, architecture, and of course its food. I can now see why so many visitors consider the city to be amongst the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s dynamic and full of life, but at the same time has a certain charm that has people calling it the Paris of Eastern Europe.
The central area of the city along the Danube River has many notable monuments, including the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Matthias Church, and the Liberty Statue.
Budapest is one of the best cities in Europe and offers great nightlife, thermal springs, rich history, some of the greatest iconic buildings, and delicious food. We spent only 3 days in this charming Eastern European city, but it left me wanting more.
If you are visiting Budapest and have limited time, you’ll want to see the top attractions. With so many Budapest activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to add to your list. To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve put together a list of the 21 best things to do in Budapest during your time there.
Know Before You Go
- Budapest is actually pronounced Boo-da-PESHT’.
- Until 1873, Buda and Pest were separate cities, situated across the Danube from each other. Separate your attractions and focus on one side at a time. The list of best places to visit in Budapest below is split by the Buda side and the Pest side.
- It is an affordable and safe city. Like any tourist destination, be more vigilant in tourist areas and try not to walk by yourself late at night.
- The currency in Hungary is the Forint (shortened to HUF). So be sure to have the local currency on hand if you can.
- Learn a few Hungarian words before visiting. I always try to do this for any city/ country I visit where English is not the first language. It goes a long way with the locals.
- Don’t hail a taxi in the street. Flagging taxis on the street is risky because some rogue operators rip visitors off by driving around the city. Call a cab or use an app to order one.
- The city has around 80 geothermal springs, the largest thermal water cave system, the second largest synagogue, and the third-largest Parliament building in the world.
Getting Around Budapest
Traveling in Budapest is easy enough as you can get around the city quite easily on foot, via tram or metro.
Walking: Budapest is a compact city and easy to explore on foot. If you plan your day well enough, you’ll find most of the attractions on either side of the city are pretty close to each other. So, you can actually tick quite a few things off your sightseeing list.
Metro: The metro is another great way to get to places if you are short on time or are not much of a walker. The tickets are reasonably priced and you can buy them in 10 ride slots which will cover you for the metros, trams, and buses within the city.
Best Time to Visit Budapest
Budapest can get incredibly busy during peak summer months, so I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October. The off-peak season also means it’s cheaper to visit the city. Added bonus you don’t have to deal with the scorching heat while walking from one end of the city to another.
Where to Stay in Budapest?
Pest is the livelier half of the two sides, there’s a lot more going on there. We based ourselves in District 5 (Belvaros) of Pest. This area was quite central; about a 5-minute walk to St Stephen Cathedral, 2 mins to the bus, tram, and metro stop, and a 5 min walk to the Parliament building.
District 5 and 7 are great areas to be situated but wherever you choose to stay, with the public transport as good as it is, it doesn’t take you long to get to the central areas.
How many days do you need in Budapest?
With the city being as compact as it is, you’ll find a number of attractions within walking distance of each other. So, if you are looking for a weekend away in Budapest, you can easily cover many of these attractions in 48 hours.
Personally, I think you should allow between 3 to 5 days if you can spare the time. We did all the Budapest attractions below in 3 days, but I could have easily spent more time exploring this amazing city.
Budapest City Pass
You can cover most of the major Budapest attractions yourself by walking through the city or taking a free walking tour. However, the city also has a Budapest City Pass where you get free public transportation, discounted entry to museums and special sights, discounts in restaurants, and much more. We found it was better to do the attractions ourselves as compared to buying the card. You can check out the card inclusions here and decide for yourself. You can buy this card online or there are stalls set up all over the city that sell them. Just look out for the Budapest City Card signs.
21 Best Things to Do in Budapest
If you are trying to decide on what to do in this amazing city, here are 21 best things to do in Budapest.
Attractions on Buda Side
Buda is the hillier, quieter side of the city where you’ll find nice restaurants and a great view of the city. Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Budapest are found on this side of the city.
1. Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular attractions in Budapest. It is perched up on Castle Hill. The terrace is made up of seven towers that look out to the river. The view from here is out of this world overlooking the Danube River and the Hungarian Parliament building. This is probably my favorite place in Budapest, not only because it offers spectacular views but also feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Most visitors tend to stick to the lower levels which offer views of Pest and the Danube River. These levels are free to enter. If you wish to go further up, you’ll have to pay to enter. It’s here that the most iconic photos of Budapest are taken through the arches down to Parliament below, and sitting on the edge of the bastion, with Parliament behind.
As this is one of the most visited spots in Budapest, be sure to head up there first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. There are plenty of cute cafes on the nearby streets so be sure to wander around.
2. Matthias Church
While you are at Fisherman’s Bastion, marvel at Matthias Church. This colorful Roman Catholic church with a beautiful red-tiled roof and ornate white exterior is in front of Fisherman’s Bastion at the heart of Buda’s Castle District. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Budapest.
Originally named The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle, Matthias Church was named for King Matthias Corvinus the Fair, who restored the structure after a fire in 1458.
Tickets can be purchased online (or free with the Budapest Card), or at the small stand opposite the church.
3. Buda Castle and Castle Hill
The Buda Castle is about a 15-minute walk from Fisherman’s Bastion. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum, and National Széchenyi Library.
Wander through Buda Castle and its garden. It’s free to wander around the courtyards and gardens but you’ll need a ticket to go inside (only parts of it are open to the public). You’ll find good photo opportunities within the castle grounds. You can join a Buda Castle evening walking tour to learn more about the complicated history and hidden secrets.
Make your way up to the castle, either by the funicular or take a bus to the top. If you are coming to the Buda side from the Pest side, I’d recommend taking the funicular or a bus up the steep hill to the castle level. Make your way down via the numerous pathways and roads descending the hill. There are numerous viewpoints that are worth stopping at for incredible views of Budapest.
Fact: There is an extensive system of caves and tunnels running under the Buda Castle which were used during World War II.
While you are in the area, if you are looking for something to eat, stop in at Ruszwurm Cukrászda. It’s the oldest confectionery in Hungary and serves delicious cakes, desserts, and traditional pastries. It’s a bit of magic from the past served in the present. You can find the menu here.
4. Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
The funicular is the second oldest funicular system in the world using weights and counterweights to help raise the carriages up and down the hill. It provides beautiful panoramic views across the Danube. While a popular attraction, it is definitely catered more to tourists and can be a bit of a tourist scam.
5. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is an exceptional 19-century piece of engineering and was the first permanent bridge across the Danube connecting the Buda and Pest sides of the city. To date, it is considered a symbolic landmark in Budapest. It has statues of lions that guard each end of the bridge.
The bridge has wide pedestrian walkways where you can get good views stretching for miles on both sides of the river. If you take a walking tour of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to understand the history of the city which will include the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. It has now become a symbol for the city, surviving multiple world wars and allowing locals and tourists to switch between the two sides of the city. One of the free things to do in Budapest that should be on your itinerary.
6. Hike Gellért Hill
If you are looking to catch a lovely sunset, Gellért Hill is the place to be. Just make sure you carry a flashlight for the trip home. Here you’ll find a few statues such as the Liberty Statue and the statue of Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first King who helped establish the country as a Christian nation.
The panoramic views from the top of the hill make the walk to the top well worthwhile.
Attractions on Pest Side – Best Things to Do in Budapest
Pest is the more flat, commercial side of Budapest. There’s so much to do and see here so allow extra time on this side of the city.
7. Hungarian Parliament Building
This neo-gothic building left me gobbed-smacked. It’s just Magnificent! The massive structure is currently the largest building in Hungary and took almost 20 years to build. Approximately 100,000 people and 40 kgs of gold were used to construct this work of art.
Although the building looks impressive from any angle, it’s worthwhile viewing it from the other side of the Danube. You do not want to miss visiting this place. You can take guided tours of the building, but be sure to book in advance as the lines can get very long)
Fun Fact: The Hungarian Parliament Building includes 691 rooms and is the largest building in Hungary and the third-largest parliament building in the world.
8. Andrássy Avenue
Filled with exclusive boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, Andrássy Avenue is to Budapest what Oxford Street is to London. You’ll find many chic shops with some top-end designers like Armani, Dolce and Gabanna, and Louis Vitton.
You can spend time wandering through the shops, picking up a souvenir, or having an authentic Hungarian meal at one of the restaurants.
Andrássy Avenue houses one of the most notable buildings in Budapest, the Hungarian State Opera. It also connects downtown Budapest with Heroes Square and City Park. The best way to take in the avenue is to walk from one end to the other.
9. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
The Széchenyi Baths is the largest medicinal bath center in Europe and a top Budapest tourist attraction. The waters are believed to help patients with joint illness as they are rich in sulfates, calcium, and magnesium.
There are a variety of different thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Szechenyi Baths are separated into two sections, with the beautiful outdoor area that is the most popular with tourists and has three pools encased by the pastel yellow building, two heated immersion pools (one activity pool of 30 – 34 degrees, one thermal pool of 38 degrees), and a 50m swimming pool (26-28 degrees).
The interior pools have a charm of their own too. There are a total of 15 indoor pools ranging from 18 degrees to 40 degrees. Massages and beauty treatments are also available for an additional fee. A visit to these baths is truly one of the best things to do in Budapest.
10. Stroll along the Danube Promenade
The promenade along the Danube is a great way to see the sights of the famous capital. Looking over the Buda side of the river you’ll see the Buda Castle, the Liberty Statue on Gellert Hill, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the promenade side of the river, you can enjoy cafes, restaurants, and a range of different sculptures.
Here you can also reflect on the shoes at the Danube left on the Danube bank to honor the Jews who were killed in Budapest during World War II. The simple memorial shows 60 pairs of shoes, made from iron, lining the banks of the river near Parliament.
11. Take a Sunset River Cruise
No visit to Budapest is complete without taking in the sights of the city from the water. The city lights up in a beautiful way around sunset. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate Budapest’s beauty to the fullest and provides a whole new perspective on the city. You can take in all the major sites such as the Parliament, Budapest Castle, Gellert Hill, and Margaret Island. It’s truly one of the best things to do in Budapest. Don’t forget your camera and extra batteries to capture all the highlights in Budapest at night.
There are many companies that offer evening cruises along the river. You can choose from a higher-end dinner cruise or a cheaper option where you simply spend some time on a boat taking in the city’s beautiful sights. Check out some cruise options here.
12. St. Stephens Basilica
Our awesome accommodation location had us situated only 5 minutes away from this magnificent Basilica. Beautiful on the inside and out; the Basilica is one of the most religious buildings in Hungary and the largest church in Budapest. It is renowned for its stunning interior as well as its panoramic views from its dome.
The Basilica was named after St Stephen, Hungary’s first King, whose mummified right hand is now displayed in the church.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, a trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this masterpiece. You can enter the Basilica itself at no cost but there is a small fee to go up to the top of the tower. You’ll get 360-degree views of downtown Budapest. It’s beautiful at sunset as you see notable attractions like Castle Hill, Hungarian Parliament, and Basilica Square light up.
13. Dohány Street Synagogue
This Synagogue is the largest Jewish synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world.
If you would like to learn more about Hungarian Jewish history and the Synagogue itself, the Synagogue offers guided tours where you’ll learn all about the construction, Jewish life in the city, and much more.
14. Hero’s Square
This square is a UNESCO World Heritage site, honoring some of Hungary’s most important historical figures who gave their lives for the freedom of their people. The monument was built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s 1000th anniversary.
The highlight includes the 19th-century Millennium Monument whose statues are a cradle of Hungarian history. A 36-meter column in the middle of the square is adorned by Archangel Gabriel who holds the crown of Hungary’s first king Saint Steven in his right hand, and in his left hand the angel holds a two-barred apostolic cross.
The entire memorial is surrounded by two semi-circular colonnades which hold statues of many Hungarian rulers among the pillars. The square is an important historical point of interest and one of the top Budapest attractions. It is definitely worth a quick stop on your Budapest itinerary.
On either side of the square lies two wonderful museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Kunsthalle – both are worth a visit if you have time.
15. Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park
City Park is the largest park in Budapest. This is one of the best places to visit in Budapest with kids. From lakes, a zoo, museums, a great thermal spa, an amusement park, and the park’s highlight; a giant castle, you can find a little bit of everything at City Park.
Getting to City Park is easy since the M1 Orange Subway Line runs right through the park. The metro’s Hősök Tere stop brings you right to the entrance at Heroes’ Square.
Embedded at one end of City Park, you’ll find the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle surrounded by the boating lake. The castle is the home to several concerts, festivals, and exhibitions of the Hungarian Agricultural Museum. Pack a picnic and sit down in City Park for a relaxing lunch.
16. Have a bite at Great Market Hall
I have a thing with visiting local markets. It’s a great way to experience and really understand the country’s culture.
Great Market Hall is the oldest and largest market in Hungary. It is filled with fresh produce, meats, paprika, candy, and baked goods on the ground floor while the upper floor has restaurants and Hungarian textiles, handicrafts, and souvenir shops. Beware of tourist prices though. It’s best to visit after 9 am once the locals have finished their shopping.
If the market is too crowded you can always grab a snack and head to the banks of the Danube.
17. The Jewish Quarter
This area is home to a vibrant Jewish culture including the grand Dohány Street Synagogue. You’ll find trendy cafes, restaurants, ruin bars, and incredible street art. Budapest’s most famous ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, and Karavan, a street-food courtyard with many different fast-food options can be found here.
Because of its history, there’s a lot to see and do in the Jewish quarter. If you have time take a walking tour through the area.
18. Walk through Pest at Night
I personally fell even more in love with this city once the lights came on. It was like the city came alive. Definitely take a stroll through the city at night time. The Parliament building and the Szechenyi chain bridge look astounding. You can also see Castle Hill (Fisherman’s Bastion) and Buda Castle lit up across the Danube.
19. Ride Tram #2
A good way to see the Pest side of the city is to hop onto Tram #2. It might just be one of the most beautiful tram rides you’ve ever taken. The tram basically runs the length of the Danube River and goes past Parliament Building, and the National Theatre while also providing panoramic views of Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Hill, Chain, and Liberty Bridge. It is a cheap way to see the stunning sites of Budapest especially if you don’t feel like walking around too much.
20. Visit a Ruin Bar
Budapest has incredible nightlife and the ruin bars are a big reason why. It’s something completely unique to the city. The Jewish neighborhood is full of these bars situated inside neglected pre-war buildings that have taken Budapest by storm. Szimpla Kert is the original of these bars and probably one of the best places to visit in Budapest.
After World War 2, many buildings in the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest were left to ruin. Later down the track, a number of enterprising individuals began to transform these buildings and courtyards into character-filled underground bars and pubs, earning them the title of ruin bars/pubs. Don’t let the outside deceive you as they could easily be confused with run-down buildings. But the transformation inside these bars will blow you away.
21. Try Hungarian Cuisine
With all the sightseeing and so many amazing things to do in Budapest, you are bound to get hungry. Hungarian cuisine surprised me and blew my mind away. I don’t know why the food isn’t more popular around the world. From Goulash, Kürtőskalács to Langos, there are so many delicious foods to try. Check out my detailed post on the best dishes to eat in Budapest.
Summary
As you can see there are so many incredible things to do but I hope these 21 best things to do in Budapest will help you plan your perfect trip to the city. Most of the attractions on either side of the city are in a pretty tight area. So, the best way to explore is to walk around the city or take a free walking tour where a local guide will show you around. While the tour itself may be free, the guides do work for tips, so it’s up to you as to how much you tip them.
That’s it for this guide on the 21 top things to do in Budapest. Here’s hoping it gives you an insight into what to do in Budapest during your time in the city. After my 3 days in Budapest, my love affair with the city had begun and I certainly hope it does for you too.
Happy Travels!
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
More Time In Budapest
If you have more time in the charming city, here are a few more things to do in Budapest.
Climb up to the Liberty Statue
The walk takes about 35 to 40 minutes to the top of the hill. But you’ll be rewarded with amazing 360-degree views of Budapest. Pack a picnic and make your way there for sunset as the sky lights up in orange over the entire skyline of Budapest.
Make your way to Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a 2.5km long island that sits in the middle of the Danube, covered in parkland and recreational facilities.
This car-free island is a true gem. Bike around the island’s manicured lawns or simply take a stroll through the island. There are a number of companies that rent pedal carts and golf carts so that you can explore the island properly.
Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Budapest has seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Wow! These restaurants showcase a unique blend of traditional Hungarian with contemporary fine dining.
Visit the Budapest Zoo
Not far from Budapest’s city center lies one of the oldest zoos in Europe. While the zoo is open year-round, note that some of the animals might be hibernating in the winter months. It’s a great activity to do if you are traveling with kids to Budapest.
Wander Through Castle District
One of Budapest’s best-kept secrets is its cobblestoned streets and pastel facades of the Castle District. Stop by one of the cafes and grab a coffee while you take in the atmosphere.
Enjoy A Coffee At New York Café
New York Cafe is one of Budapest’s most famous attractions and an Instagram-worthy location. It has marble columns, sparkling chandeliers, and stunning frescoes. The café is like no other and literally takes your breath away.
Grab a coffee, a slice of cake, or enjoy brunch at this beautiful café. It’s on the higher side but also an experience in itself. It gets very busy so be sure to book in advance to secure a table.
Top 21 Things to Do in Budapest: The Ultimate Budapest Travel Guide
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Matthias Church
- Buda Castle and Castle Hill
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- The Széchenyi Chain Bridge
- Hike Gellért Hill
- Hungarian Parliament Building
- Andrássy Avenue
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths
- Stroll along the Danube Promenade
- Cruise the Danube River
- St Stephen Basilica
- Dohány Street Synagogue
- Hero’s Square
- Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park
- Have a bite at Great Market Hall
- The Jewish Quarter
- Walk through Pest at Night
- Ride Tram #2
- Visit a Ruin Bar
- Try Hungarian Cuisine
