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Budapest is one of Central Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and as such, there are endless popular things to see and do. Top touristy things include Heroes Square, the Botanical Garden, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Vajdahunyad Castle, but there are lots of lesser-known attractions for visitors to discover.
Whether you want to stick to the city center or explore the outskirts of this bustling metropolis, there’s lots to see and do that will take you off the beaten path and into an adventure to remember.
In this travel guide, we’re sharing the top nine hidden gems in Budapest that you can’t miss.
1. Budapest Chairlift
For a spectacular birds-eye view of the city, the Budapest Chairlift can’t be beaten. Tucked away in Buda and running in both directions between Zugliget and János Hill, this 15-minute ride delivers panoramic views of Budapest while giving riders a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
During the ride, look out for the Hungarian Parliament building and the Danube River, among many other famed sights in Hungary’s capital. Once you reach the top, you’ll find yourself 528 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush green walking and hiking trails.
The chairlift is easily accessible via public transport, and prices and schedules can be found on the Zugliget Chairlift website.
2. Visit the House of Houdini
Did you know that world-famous escape artist Harry Houdini was born in Hungary? Budapest is home to the only museum in Europe dedicated to the legendary illusionist, and it’s a must-visit for fans of the weird and wonderful world of all things magical.
In keeping with Houdini’s famed trickery, visitors to The House of Houdini must solve a small mystery before accessing the museum. Once admitted, you’ll be rewarded with original memorabilia, stunt props, interactive exhibits, and live magic entertainment.
The House of Houdini is near Buda Castle and open from 10 am until 7 pm daily, and tickets can be purchased in advance on the website.
3. Explore the Labyrinth of Buda Castle
You’ve likely learned about Buda Castle while planning your trip to Budapest, but the labyrinth beneath Castle Hill is a hidden gem that deserves to be added to your itinerary.
This underground series of natural caves is where some say the man we now know as Dracula was imprisoned during the 15th Century. It also served as a Turkish harem in the 16th century and as a hospital during WWII and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions among those in the know.
Try not to get spooked as you explore his dark and damp chambers alone, or book a guided oil lamp tour to experience an intriguing evening you won’t soon forget. The labyrinth also gives visitors the opportunity to see statues of various historic Hungarian figures, and if you’re feeling extra brave, you can tackle the Maze of Darkness which is exactly as terrifying as it sounds.
4. Red Ruin
‘Ruin bars’ are a can’t-miss activity while in Budapest and are at the heart of the city’s alternative nightlife scene. These fun hipster-vibe drinking establishments have been set up in derelict buildings and disused spaces throughout the city. The highest concentration of ruin bars can be found in the Jewish Quarter (7th District) but you’ll spot them throughout the city once you know what you’re looking for.
If you’d like to sample some of Budapest’s best brews while poking fun at its complex political past, Red Ruin is the ruin bar for you. Hungarians aren’t afraid to laugh at their difficult history and this bar is a perfect example of their unique humor and strength of spirit.
The first thing you’ll see as you enter is a mural of Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, and Mao Zedong in birthday hats. From there, the communism-themed fun keeps coming, and the fluorescent red lighting gives the entire place a surreal feel that’s extremely Instagrammable.
5. Visit the Most Beautiful Cafe in the World
Also in the 7th District, the New York Cafe in Budapest has twice been named the most beautiful cafe in the world and is a breathtakingly pretty place to enjoy a quick drink or leisurely meal.
Back at the beginning of the 20th Century, the New York Cafe was one of the most-loved coffee houses in the city and was where writers would gather since many of the biggest newspapers at the time were edited upstairs. World War II brought those glory days to an end, and it wasn’t until 2006 that the cafe was restored to its former splendor.
Reservations can be made on the website and are recommended as the place can book up. And be warned, prices here are extremely high as you’re paying for your surroundings as well as the menu. But for a treat, it’s worth the splurge.
6. Explore Margaret Island on a Segway
Margaret Island, which floats in the middle of the Danube River, is far from a hidden gem and is a highly popular place to visit and enjoy a walking tour. However, for something a little more fun and a little less expected, why not try a Segway tour instead?
This green oasis makes a perfect escape from the hectic city, and the tranquil maze of pathways is smooth and flat, which makes Segway riding a breeze. The tour takes 90 minutes plus an additional ten minutes at the start to get comfortable with the Segway. During the journey, you’ll take in sights, including the Chapel of St. Michael, Margaret Island Mini Zoo, and the Dominican monastery.
Pro Tip: Head to Margaret Island in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the time of year, to catch sight of the sun setting over the Buda Hills.
7. Relax in the Rudas Thermal Baths
Most tourists visit a thermal bath during their stay in Budapest, and the most popular spots are the Széchenyi and Gellert Thermal Baths. If you’d like to get off the beaten path and try a lesser-known spa with fewer tourists, Rudas is the perfect choice.
This wellness center on the Buda side of the city on Gellért Hill is a stunningly beautiful and historically important thermal bath that dates back as far as the 16th Century. The octagonal pool from the site’s days as a Turkish bath still takes pride of place in the center of the spa, while modern renovations ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxing visit.
Book tickets online ahead of your visit to guarantee your spot, and be sure to check which genders are permitted on the day you wish to go, as the space isn’t always co-ed.
8. Explore Budapest’s Best Art Galleries
The Hungarian National Gallery is the city’s best-known art gallery, but if you’re looking for something more contemporary and/or offbeat, Budapest has got you covered. Here are some of the best galleries to explore.
ACB Gallery
This contemporary art gallery has three small exhibition areas and focuses on up-and-coming artists that favor avant guard subjects and techniques.
Várfok Gallery
The Várfok Gallery was opened by Károly Szalóky in 1990 when communism in Hungary ended. Szalóky’s gallery now consists of two spaces plus 19 glass boards positioned on 19 trees along the street where the gallery is located. Make time to stroll along the streets of the Castle Hill District if nothing else.
Vintage Photo Gallery
Run by Attila Pőcze, The Vintage Photo Gallery is one of the biggest names in contemporary photography. Focusing solely on modern imagery and 20th Century prints, this is a great addition to any art lover’s travel itinerary.
Deák Erika Gallery
Close to a busy and popular neighborhood known as ‘The Broadway of Pest’ is where you’ll find the Deák Erika Gallery. This international gallery represents Hungarian and foreign artists, including Attila Szűcs, who is a major figure in Budapest’s art scene.
Knoll Gallery
Hans Knoll’s sister galleries in Budapest and Vienna are hugely influential in the European art scene, and temporary exhibitions cover a wide range of traditional and contemporary mediums. The Budapest Knoll Gallery in Terezvaros has a quirky location in a first-floor apartment which adds a few extra ‘cool points’ to the attraction.
9. Children’s Railway
The Budapest Children’s Railway isn’t only for kids but is very much run by them. Since 1948, this official rail line has been operated by children with adult supervision. It began life as a communist youth program called ‘The Pioneers’ that was designed to help youngsters develop a work ethic. Nowadays, kids in uniform still operate the railway and it is a highly popular activity for local families with children.
This nostalgic train ride is located in the Buda Hills and takes riders on a 45-minute-long journey through the forest and into Hungary’s past. Trains depart from Hűvösvölgy and run through the Buda Hills to Széchenyihegy, providing picturesque views along the way. There’s also a museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the Children’s Railway.
Trains run all year, including public holidays, and on some days, the steam locomotive is also operating.
Discover Budapest’s Hidden Gems
As you can see, the Hungarian capital has plenty of options for visitors looking to get off the beaten path and do some alternative sightseeing. Whether you visit one or all of the locations on our list, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Budapest’s many hidden gems.
