Things to do in Budapest

The mighty Danube River runs through the middle, passing under eight bridges, including the famous Chain Bridge.

Rising up on the western side, the magnificent old town and castle of Buda show the wealth that has flowed down these waters over history.

On the eastern side of Pest, the grand boulevards that have led to the moniker ‘the Paris of the East’ are lined with Neo-Renaissance townhouses.

In the side streets are the gritty reminders of some unpleasant history, and the urban rejuvenation that’s bringing new life to these neighbourhoods.

There are layers upon layers and it’s for this reason that you’ll find so many things to do in Budapest.

Amongst all of the city’s stories is something for everyone – and anyone will be able to find a great range of activities to fill at least a few days.

I’ve visited Budapest a few times in recent years and it’s become one of my favourite European cities. Each time I come, I head to a few of my comfortable favourites – but I also explore a new part of the city.

If you’re visiting Budapest, especially for the first time, you may not know quite where to start. That’s why I want to help out and share some of my tips for what to do in Budapest.

As you can see, much of the action is close to the river in the centre of town, but there are also some things to do on the outskirts of Budapest – as I’ll explain.

Castle Hill

A great place to start your visit to Budapest is in Castle Hill, the elevated section above the river on the Buda side of the city.

There are a few important landmarks here that make it a must-see, plus you’ll get a great view across the city, helping to get your bearings before you explore further.

You’ll get a lot more out of your visit with this guided tour with a local, otherwise, these are the things to focus on:

Buda Castle

Historically, the most important part of Castle Hill – and Budapest – is Buda Castle, the enormous complex that was once the home of the Hungarian kings.

It was first built in 1265 but most of what you see now is the Baroque palace from the 18th century. Since then, it has become a sprawling cultural centre with different buildings and wings dominating most of the hill.

It’s worth just walking around the outside of Buda Castle to see the architecture and get a sense of the imposing castle. Also, you’ll get slightly different views from the various terraces around the castle.

If you have more time, there are also these good museums now housed within the castle complex:

• Hungarian National Gallery: One of two major galleries in Budapest, this one focuses on works from 1800 onwards, including a large collection from Hungarian artists plus a variety of international masterpieces.
• Budapest History Museum: Stretching from prehistoric times until today, there’s an impressive selection of artefacts that have come from archaeological digs or from more recent events in the city.

Matthias Church

From Buda Castle, you can wander further across Castle Hill, along the cobblestoned streets and past the baroque houses, until you reach the imposing Matthias Church.

It was built in the 14th century and restored in the 19th century and is famous, in part, for the beautiful tiled roof that you can see for free from the outside.

You need to pay to go inside Matthias Church but it’s worth it if you’re interested in seeing the interior decorations and the included Collection of Ecclesiastical Art, which has artefacts from when coronations were held here.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Behind Matthias Church is the Fisherman’s Bastion, a large terrace that has become one of the most famous sights in Budapest.

There’s no particular reason why it is so famous other than the incredible views it offers and the photo opportunities with the curved windows and doorways in the foreground. But I think that’s good enough.

It’s free to explore the terrace and take pictures but there is a part of the bastion that you need to buy a ticket to access, including walking between some of the seven towers. There’s also a cafe/restaurant at the top.

Other main sights

Once you’ve finished at Castle Hill, you can head down into the centre of the city, the bulk of which is on the Pest side of the Danube. Much of the historic area has been listed as a World Heritage Site, and I would recommend heading to at least these three main sights.

Hungarian Parliament

If there is one building that Budapest is known for, it’s the stunning Hungarian Parliament, that sits by the Danube on the Pest side of the city. It was opened in 1902 and has 691 rooms.

From the outside, it’s the jagged edges, thin towers, and large red dome that define its shape. Architecturally, it’s a mix of neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque, and neo-Baroque styles.

There are so many interesting details about the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is the world’s third-largest national assembly building and is decorated with more than 40 kilograms of gold.

You can go on a guided tour to see some of the inside of the building but it would be worth booking in advance to guarantee a spot because (unsurprisingly) they are very popular.

St Stephen’s Basilica

The Hungarian Parliament is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, at 96 metres high. The other is the nearby St Stephen’s Basilica, the most important church in the country. It’s no coincidence they are the same height – it’s to show the balance between church and state.

St Stephen’s Basilica is relatively new, having only been opened in 1905, and is designed in the neo-Classical style. The interior is richly decorated, in particular the interior of the impressive dome.

Named after the first king of Hungary, St Stephen’s Basilica has his mummified right hand in a reliquary. Along with the impressive altar, there are lots of artworks like statues and paintings to see inside the church, most by Hungarian artisans.

Great Market Hall

For something different – but still also an important part of the city’s heritage – make sure you visit the Great Market Hall (also known as the Central Market Hall).

Opened in 1897, this is the oldest and largest indoor market in Budapest, designed with beautiful steel columns that create plenty of space beneath the roof, which is decorated with colourful tiles.

The Great Market Hall is a bit touristy, so don’t expect to find cheap prices (in fact, foreigners will quite likely get ripped off if you’re not careful).

But this is still a place locals definitely come to do their shopping and eat at the market stalls, so I recommend grabbing lunch or a snack while you’re here.

Museums

I’ve already mentioned the two big museums that are found in Buda Castle, but they’re not the only institutions that are worth seeing here. Some of the other museums in Budapest will show you different sides of the city, from the arts to the horrors of war.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is the sister museum to the Hungarian National Gallery, and it’s not really clear at first what the difference between them is, because the collections have moved between the two over the years.

But since the Museum of Fine Arts reopened in 2018 after a massive renovation, its focus has been on earlier pieces – before 1800, to be exact.

The Hungarian collection from the 11th century onwards includes media like paintings, sculptures, and tombstones.

There are also works from European masters like Raphael, Francisco Goya, and Albrecht Dürer. And there’s even a good display of Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

House of Terror

The Second World War was an awful time for Budapest but the official end of the conflict didn’t bring relief to the city. It was the start of the Soviet occupation of Budapest, which brought its own terrors for the residents.

The story of this time is told at an excellent museum called the House of Terror, in the building which was the headquarters of the State Security Authority, run by Soviet puppets.

As well as delving into the details of the Soviet era, the exhibitions also cover the resistance. You’ll also see the torture chamber, the only room in the building preserved in its original form.

Visiting the House of Terror is a moving experience. While it may not seem like a fun holiday activity, I think it’s one of the best things to do in Budapest to understand the city better.

Memento Park

Another sight worth mentioning from the communist era is Memento Park – which is, thankfully, a bit more lighthearted.

An open-air museum, it has statues of Soviet leaders like Lenin and Marx, as well as Hungarian figures, on display throughout the grounds.

It’s a little bit outside of the centre of the city but you can get to Memento Park from central Budapest by public transport. If you’re short of time, it may not be worth the effort, but it’s an interesting little excursion for those who like history or kitsch.

Hospital in the Rock

Back in the city, another interesting landmark from wartime Budapest is the Hospital in the Rock. It was built beneath Castle Hill in a section of naturally-formed caves. (I’ll talk more soon about Budapest’s caves).

These tunnels and caves were first connected and fortified as an air raid shelter in the lead-up to the Second World War. During the war, it was used as a hospital and then again during the 1956 revolution.

In the 1950s and 1960s, with the Cold War a real threat, the space was upgraded and turned into a nuclear bunker.

The Hospital in the Rock is now a museum and you can go inside to see exhibits that tell the story of the different ways this unique space has been used.

House of Music

Opened in 2022, the House of Music is a new cultural landmark in City Park that was designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto (who did one of the Krumbach bus stops that I’ve written about previously).

It’s a cool modern building that hosts concerts – and attending one of them would be a great way to see the building and the main hall.

But the House of Music also hosts exhibitions, including a permanent one about the evolution of Hungarian music in the context of the broader European history, as well a temporary shows about things like Hungarian pop and international divas!

Experiences

Like most European capitals, Budapest is about more than just the sights. Some of the best things to do in Budapest are just to spend time doing what the locals do, or to find ways to soak up the local atmosphere.

Thermal baths

One of the things that Budapest is best known for is the thermal baths – and for good reason. They bring something so special to the city and give Budapest a unique edge over other similar European capitals.

The warm water, full of minerals, simmers just below the surface of the city. It’s been used since Roman times and there are now about a dozen thermal baths in Budapest.

What I love about visiting the baths is that there’s a real variety, each one with its own characteristics.

If you only have time to visit one, I would recommend going to Széchenyi, which is the most famous and has lots of tourists but with good reason – the building is beautiful, there are large outdoor pools and a long series of indoor baths.

Gellert Baths is the next most popular but I don’t think it’s as impressive as Széchenyi and it doesn’t have as large an outdoor area. For something smaller and more intimate, try Rudas.

On a warm day, I would suggest going to Palatinus on Margaret Island, which is more like a sports complex and even has waterslides (it’s also good for the family).

Andrássy Avenue

If you’re interested in doing a bit of shopping (window or otherwise), then the most famous street in Budapest is Andrássy Avenue. You’ll find lots of major brands here with the flagship stores.

Andrássy Avenue is lined with impressive neo-Renaissance townhouses and it’s worth taking a stroll even if you’re not interested in shopping.

As well as the House of Terror, which I’ve already mentioned, you’ll find some other significant buildings. The most important of them is probably the State Opera House.

At the end of Andrássy Avenue is Heroes Square, with its enormous statue complex, leading into City Park – which I’ll talk more about shortly.

But ultimately, walking down Andrássy Avenue is about the experience – taking in the grand buildings, stopping for a coffee, doing a bit of shopping… just like the (wealthier) locals do.

Danube cruise

You can’t come to Budapest and not see the Danube, the mighty river that cuts right down the centre of the city and divides the two most important historical districts.

But rather than just looking at it, I suggest getting onto the water with one of the cruises that will take you along the beautiful stretch of water to see the sights.

If you would prefer to be out in the sunlight, there’s this good daytime cruise that I would recommend.

But, really, I think the better thing is a night cruise on the Danube. The city really does look different after dark, with the bridges and the main landmarks all lit up.

There’s a whole range of different types of trips – you can join the young crowd on the booze cruise, or have a sophisticated dinner, or just go for a basic boat for the sights.

For a general sightseeing trip, I would recommend this evening cruise that includes unlimited sparkling wine.

Or there are some other great cruises here:

Whichever you choose, you’ll get a beautiful view from the water, which I think is the main attraction.

The Jewish Quarter

After the Second World War, the Jewish Quarter in Budapest (also known as the seventh district, Budapest VII) became a slum for decades.

It wasn’t until about the turn of the century that the fortunes of the area began to improve. The cheap property that the district offered was suddenly in demand by two competing groups – hipsters and developers.

So, from about 2000 onwards, modern apartment buildings began to be constructed, cool new restaurants and cafes were opened, street art was painted on the walls, and the whole area became cool.

This is my favourite part of Budapest and where I always stay (and eat most of my meals).

I’ve put together a more detailed article about the best things to do in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, but these are the highlights:

Dohány Street Synagogue

Like many of Europe’s capital cities, Budapest has a strong Jewish history… and it’s not a particularly happy one, unfortunately.

By the early 1900s, the Jewish community was intertwined in the cultural and professional fabric of the city, even if there was still a lot of discrimination. But when the Germans occupied Hungary in 1944, almost half a million Jews were deported, many to the death camp of Auschwitz. A third of the people killed there were Hungarian.

The most important building in the Jewish Quarter is the Dohány Street Synagogue (also known as the Great Synagogue). Originally built in the 1850s, it was badly damaged during WWII but was restored in the 1990s.

It’s the largest synagogue in Europe and the design is based on Islamic styles from North Africa, making it not just culturally significant but also a beautiful sight to explore.

When you visit, I suggest making some time for the Jewish Museum on the site, which gives more information about the district’s history.

Ruin Bars

Within the Jewish Quarter, the most prominent symbols of the cultural revival are the ruin bars. The first of these bars was Szimpla Kert, which opened in a derelict building in 2002. Since then, more than a dozen more have popped up.

The original idea was that abandoned spaces could be easily used to bring life to a neighbourhood, just by serving simple food and drink. Since then, the stripped-back look has become a style in itself.

It’s worth having a look at Szimpla Kert but it’s just full of tourists these days and has lost its original atmosphere.

Instead, I would recommend having an afternoon drink at my favourite ruin bar, Koleves Kert. Right next to it are Mika Kert and Ellato Kert which you could also try to see the variety on offer.

Sadly, the march of gentrification is intensifying and some of the ruin bars are now closing down (one of my favourites, Ankert, shut down in 2021) and are being replaced by modern apartment blocks.

Street art

With a young and artistic crowd, it’s no surprise that the Jewish Quarter is where you’ll find some of the best street art in Budapest. And there’s a variety of works – not just in styles but in what they represent.

There are cool and modern pieces that make you smile, there are some that make a darker comment about the history of Hungary, and there are those that are deep in their message but playful in their portrayal.

For instance, when I take a street art tour, the guide points out a large image of a Rubik’s Cube. It would be easy enough to see this as a tribute to one of Hungary’s most famous inventions, but the guide suggests maybe it’s actually a message that there’s always a solution, even if it looks impossible.

Although you’ll spot many artworks if you just wander around, I would highly recommend this street art tour to see the best ones and learn about their hidden meanings.

Nature

Despite all of its built heritage, you’ll find plenty of pockets of nature in Budapest, around its outskirts and even right in the centre. More than just green spaces to relax, they are important parts of the city’s life and worth spending some time exploring.

City Park

At the end of Andrássy Avenue, I always think of City Park as the northeastern border of central Budapest, with the river forming the other side on the southwest.

It’s a large park (about a third the size of New York’s Central Park), with vast grassy areas shaded by trees and a lake at the centre. As well as being popular for picnics and general relaxation, it can also host large public events.

But the main reason I would recommend visiting City Park is for the landmarks that are found within it. There’s Heroes Square, with its iconic Millennium Monument; the Széchenyi thermal baths, which I’ve already mentioned; and the Budapest Zoo, if you’re after a family-friendly activity.

It’s also worth having a look at Vajdahunyad Castle, a beautiful landmark built in 1896 as part of the country’s Millennial Exhibition and based on a castle in Romania. There are also a number of museums in City Park.

Margaret Island

One of my other favourite parks in Budapest is Margaret Island, a large area in the middle of the Danube that is an attraction in its own right. As well as the Palatinus baths, there’s a running track around the outside, lots of bike paths, and landscaped park areas.

There’s also a fountain that performs in sync with music, and there are some cafes and restaurants. You’ll even find some medieval ruins.

I wouldn’t suggest going out of your way to visit Margaret Island just to see the sights, but it’s a beautiful escape from the busy city streets if you feel like a walk, cycle, or picnic.

Caving

A little off the tourist trail, I actually think this is one of the most interesting things to do in Budapest – and an important element of the city.

The same thermal waters that created the famous baths of Budapest also made the caves in the city. As it flowed just below the surface for thousands of years, it gradually wore about the rock to leave these long underground passages.

There are some Budapest caves that are easy to access in Castle Hill. But you need to go just out of the centre to find the best ones. Head to the Palvogyi Cave or the Szemlohegyi Cave to get the best experience.

Both caves go on for kilometres but you’ll be able to access just a small section on a guided tour that takes about an hour for each. (You can get a ticket for just one or buy a combined ticket for both). There are beautiful formations inside and some real natural wonders.

You can book in advance here. There’s no climbing involved – you can just go in your street clothes – and it’s accessible for most people. A steep set of stairs is the hardest thing you’ll come across.

Tours

Whenever I visit Budapest, I find myself walking around the city a lot. There’s lots to see and I always discover new things if I take a different turn. But I also worry that I miss a lot and don’t necessarily know exactly what I’m looking at.

To make the most of your time, I would recommend taking a tour of Budapest, either looking at the main sights or exploring some of the deeper layers. Seeing the city through the eyes of a local opens up so much more.

City tour

Whether it’s the main sights or it’s some of the other smaller attractions, one of the best (and most efficient) ways to see the highlights is with a guided tour.

Unless you know the city well, one of the best things to do in Budapest is take a walking tour to go around Buda Castle, see the sights on the Danube like the Chain Bridge, and then into the heart of the city full of stunning architecture.

Taking a tour early on during your visit to Budapest also helps you get your bearings and may even give you some more ideas on what to do with the rest of your time. Which is why I would recommend this excellent three-hour orientation tour.

There are also some other types of city tours here:

At the very least, I recommend reading up about the layout of the city so you can have a sense of which districts you’re going through.

Themed tours

Although a general city tour is a good way to get to know Budapest, it will still only give you a fairly broad look at the city.

If you already know the city quite well or you’re looking for something with a bit more depth, then you might want to do a tour that focuses on something quite specific.

There are some really good ones in Budapest, and these are the top options that I would recommend:

• Alternative culture tour: A look at the younger cultural side of the city, including ruin bars, live music, street art, and hipster stores.
• Jewish heritage tour: With a focus on the Jewish Quarter, you’ll look at the history but also how the culture is interwoven with the story of Hungary.
• Communist history tour: As you move between landmarks in the centre of the city, you’ll learn about the story of the communist era in Budapest.
• Drunken History bar crawl: A really fun night where you’ll visit four bars but also hear some stories about the city.

Another fun thing I should mention is doing a tour of Budapest in a Trabant, an old East German car that was popular during the communist era. Although you’ll see some of the big sights, you’ll get a fun retro experience (with very little legroom!).

Food tour

Although Hungarian food may not have the same reputation as Italian or French, say, it’s actually a really interesting cuisine with its own delicious characteristics.

There’s the popular langos (a bread covered with different toppings), the iconic goulash full of paprika, the sweet chimney cake… and so much more!

Because Hungarian dishes aren’t quite as well known, I think starting your days in Budapest with a food tour can be an excellent way to get to know the best things to eat and learn a bit about this side of city life.

There are a few good food tours here that I would recommend:

And if you want to just focus on Hungarian wines (which are also really interesting), then there’s this great wine-tasting tour where you’ll get to try seven varieties.

Day trips

I often feel like the rest of Hungary gets a bit neglected because most tourists only spend their time in Budapest. But there are lots of interesting places to visit in Hungary and some of them are easily accessible as day trips from Budapest.

If you’ve got the time, put aside a day (or two) and explore some of these interesting sights within each of the cities.

Lake Balaton

Just 80 kilometres southwest of Budapest, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe and is a really popular spot for locals, who flock in summer to the towns and beaches along the shore.

The scenery here is picturesque, with volcanic hills as the backdrop and a sparkling turquoise lake. But it’s really all the activities that make it worth visiting.

Of course, there are beaches where you can swim. But the towns are charming to explore, there are hiking and biking trails, and even wineries to spend an afternoon doing a tasting.

I think you’ll enjoy a day trip here much more if you can drive yourself, with the flexibility to see exactly what you want and spend as long as you like going for a swim, for example.

But, if you would prefer to have the logistics organised for you, then there are a few tours here:

Just keep in mind that the group tours can be a bit rushed to fit everything in.

Hollókő

About 100 kilometres by road from Budapest, Hollókő is one of Hungary’s World Heritage Sites and offers a fascinating insight into a slice of the country’s past.

Hollókő is a small village that has retained its character from before the Industrial Revolution when much of the agricultural lands would’ve looked like this. It has cobblestone streets lined with white-washed buildings, each surrounded by a brown wooden fence.

The first houses appeared here about 350 years ago and, although none of the current ones are from that time, they are still in the traditional style, with about 380 residents these days.

When you visit Hollókő from Budapest, there’s lots to see, including the ruins of a castle on the hill above. If you would prefer to have a guide, there’s this private tour from Budapest.

Pannonhalma Abbey

Heading to the west of Budapest, there’s another of Hungary’s World Heritage Sites that makes for a wonderful day trip from the city.

Founded in 996, it became one of the most important religious and cultural locations in the country, including as the school where the first document ever was written in Hungarian.

I think visiting Pannonhalma Abbey is not just about the stunning buildings (and there is some impressive architecture here), but is also about understanding the long and detailed history of Hungary, which too often we just associate with the conflicts of the 20th century.

On the journey between Budapest and Pannonhalma Abbey, be sure to stop in the city of Gyor, which has its own striking historical centre full of important landmarks.

Eger

Eger is the kind of town where you could easily spend a few nights, but because it’s really easy to reach by train, it also works as a good day trip from Budapest.

With a vast array of sights, Eger is a treasure trove of heritage, from its 15th-century Gothic castle to the Baroque town centre, and remnants from the Ottoman era.

It’s easy to lose an hour or more in the thermal baths, there are national parks on the doorstep for your nature fix, and this is also wine country so it makes sense to do a tasting while you’re here.

This is another place that is easier to explore with a car, although there are a few tours here as another option:

As I said, though, don’t be afraid to spend a couple of nights in Eger if you have the time. There are enough sights to see in Budapest without needing to do a day trip if you’re also able to see another part of Hungary during your holiday.