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Welcome to Budapest, the stunning capital city of Hungary. Budapest is quite literally a city of two halves, separated by the mighty Danube River, and there’s plenty to do on both sides of the waterway.
This world-class city captivates visitors with its grand architecture and rich cultural heritage. There are historical landmarks galore and a thriving cultural scene to explore. So, grab your walking shoes and head out on a memorable adventure through the heart of Budapest. Here are ten of the best things to do in Budapest.
1. Stroll Along Andrássy Avenue
No visit to Budapest would be complete without a stroll along Andrássy Avenue, often called Budapest’s Champs-Élysées. This 1.4-mile grand boulevard connects the city center with Heroes’ Square and the City Park and, in many ways, feels like the heart of the city.
Andrássy Avenue is lined with impressive Renaissance Revival buildings, many of which were commissioned by wealthy Hungarian businessmen due to the urban renewal plan in the 1870s. Nowadays, these stunning mansions are home to luxury boutiques and quaint cafes.
There’s plenty to do on this street alone, including:
Hungarian State Opera House
This architectural masterpiece reflects the grandeur of the late 19th century and makes for a fabulous photo opportunity. Venture inside and you will find a world of lavish chandeliers, intricate paintings, and sumptuous red velvet seating. If you don’t have time to take in a classical music performance here, a guided tour of the Opera House offers a glimpse into the city’s rich musical heritage.
The House of Terror Museum
This is another Andrássy Avenue highlight. This museum is a haunting reminder of Hungary’s dark past and showcases the cruelty and ignorance of the Communist regime during the 20th century. Exhibits here are poignant and thought-provoking and include personal stories, photographs, and preserved interrogation rooms.
From Erzsébet Tér to Heroes’ Square
To appreciate all that Andrássy Avenue has to offer, start your trip at Erzsébet tér and wander all the way to Heroes’ Square, a monumental landmark that pays homage to Hungary’s historic figures.
The first section of this walk will take you past various luxury shops, where you can pick up a Louis Vuitton bag or Gucci sunglasses. There are excellent restaurants and cafés all along Andrássy Avenue serving up some of the best local dishes, including goulash, chimney cake, and langosh. The walk should take around 30 minutes, but longer if you stop for shopping or something to eat.
2. Take the Funicular to Budapest Buda/Castle Hill
The Buda Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobblestone streets that transport you back to the medieval era. The castle sits proudly atop Castle Hill and has been home to the kings of Hungary since it was built in the 13th century. It offers some of the best views over the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion, a restored terrace built between 1895 and 1902.
Buda Castle itself is a sprawling palace complex that houses two of Budapest’s best museums. The Budapest History Museum contains the remains of the original Gothic and Renaissance halls, most of which were decimated in World War II. The Hungarian National Gallery features Hungary’s top artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day and offers incredible views of the Pest side skyline.
If you don’t fancy the walk to the top of the hill, head to the end of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and take the Buda Hill Funicular, which runs every ten minutes up and down Castle Hill. The queue might seem big but don’t be put off, it moves quickly along. The funicular is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm and return tickets cost around €8.
3. See the Sights on a Walking or Bike Tour
Budapest is a great city to explore on foot, and a budget-friendly way to see the main sights is to take a free walking tour. Local experts will guide you through the highlights of the city, such as St. Stephen’s Basilica — one of the city’s most important religious sites and a neo-classical architectural masterpiece. Climb the steps to the dome, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Budapest.
For a tour of Budapest’s quirkier, hidden gems, join a Secret Gardens walking tour that will take you to tranquil private gardens that are usually closed to the public. Battered facades and hidden gateways obscure the entrances to stunning secret parks and gardens with magical old trees and botanical marvels. Your guide will entertain you with true tales of love and death, and glory and defeat in this ancient town.
Budapest is a great city for cyclists, with plenty of scenic routes easily discoverable by bike. Bike tours are led by experts who will take you past major landmarks such as Vajdahunyad Castle and Gellért Hill. Roads tend to be open and traffic-free, so you can relax and enjoy the sights.
4. Soak in the Thermal Baths
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. The bathing culture here dates back to the Romans, who enjoyed soaking in the mineral-rich hot water. The baths tend to be busy at weekends, so visit on a weekday if you can. Admission prices range from €10 to €20. This will include a small locker for your valuables, and the use of cold swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
Budapest has nine medicinal baths to choose from. The Széchenyi Baths in City Park is the largest medicinal bath in Europe, with 15 indoor pools and almost 3,000 square meters of water surface.
The Baroque Revival building is accessible from Kós Károly Walkway and displays some stunning interior mosaics. Other popular thermal baths are the Gellert Baths, an Art Nouveau landmark with indoor pools that receive plenty of sunshine through sky windows, or the Rudas Baths, an octagonal bath chamber with a men-only Turkish section.
5. Party at the Ruin Bars
The vibrant nightlife in Budapest comes alive as the sun sets and is among the best in Europe. There is simply no better place to experience it than in the city’s unique ruin bars.
Located in the old Jewish Quarter, these eclectic, quirky establishments are tucked away in abandoned buildings and courtyards, creating an unpretentious atmosphere that is lots of fun, even if you aren’t a big drinker.
Favorite spots include Szimpla Kert, the pioneering ruin pub, with its mismatched furniture and live music, and Grandio Jungle Bar & Grill, with its leafy, tree-shaded courtyard.
6. Take a Day Trip to Szentendre
If you have a few days in Budapest, you might want to consider the short trip to Szentendre, a small, picturesque town about 45 minutes away on the Danube riverbank. Szentendre is easily accessible by public transport via the HÉV suburban rail line, and tickets are very reasonable at around €1.
Szentendre showcases some fantastic Baroque architecture and has a vibrant art scene with numerous art galleries, museums, and shops selling handmade crafts. The Main Square has plenty of outdoor cafes and is the perfect setting to soak in the town’s unique ambiance.
From April to September, Szentendre is also accessible by river cruise which takes about an hour and a half. A sightseeing cruise ride is an attraction in itself and will take in major sights including the Hungarian Parliament building, Matthias Church and Margaret Island. Legenda provides a comfortable experience and audio guides in 30 languages. Book tickets in advance if you want to travel by boat.
7. Visit a Museum
Hungary’s history provides a wealth of museum-worthy materials including two world wars, the Holocaust, and more than four decades of Communist rule in the last century alone.
Most of Budapest’s public museums are open Tuesday to Sunday from around 10 am to 6 pm and admission fees range from a few euros up to €20 (for the Houses of Parliament and the Dohány Street Synagogue). Highlights include:
Hungarian House of Parliament
This enormous Neo-Gothic Revival building is Hungary’s largest building and was erected when Budapest was the capital of Austria-Hungary. We recommend the 45-minute guided tour, featuring Hungary’s Holy Crown and the unforgettable interior of what used to be the Upper Chamber.
Museum of Fine Art
The collection at the Museum of Fine Art is considered among the best in Europe and features works by old masters Raphael, Bellini, Rembrandt, and Velázquez. The Romanesque Hall has recently been renovated and now glows after decades of neglect.
Dohány Street Synagogue
Europe’s largest synagogue encloses the Garden of Remembrance, a mass grave for Hungarian Jews murdered in 1944-45. The Jewish Museum is attached to the great synagogue and is one of Europe’s most-visited Jewish museums. It features objects that were bravely hidden from the Nazis by museum employees in 1942.
Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art
This relatively modern museum is Budapest’s main outlet for modern artworks and boasts pieces by Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. Access is via the Danube promenade from the Great Market Hall.
Hospital In The Rock
This hospital was built on the eve of World War II, and hundreds of people were treated here during the siege of Budapest. It remained a government secret for decades and doubled as an atomic bunker during the Communist era. A word of warning, this facility is underground and is not the museum for you if you suffer from claustrophobia! Museum capacity is limited, so you might want to book tickets in advance.
8. Explore the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
Situated just outside the city center, Budapest Zoo dates back nearly 150 years, making it one of the oldest zoos in Europe. The zoo was almost entirely destroyed during World War II but has been lovingly restored and now serves as an oasis in the heart of Budapest.
The zoo is home to diverse animal species and offers unique exhibitions and interactive programs to entertain visitors of all ages. Animals here are housed in elaborate Art Nouveau buildings, so visiting this zoo is also a tour of Hungary’s famed architecture.
The lush Botanical Garden is the oldest in Hungary and showcases a vast collection of more than 7,000 plant species in themed sections, highlighting the importance of conservation.
The serene garden has been a nature conservation area since 1960 and is a great choice if you want a break from the bustle of the city. Don’t miss the butterfly garden for close encounters with these colorful beauties!
9. Fill Your Shopping Bags at The Great Market Hall
The Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall, is the largest and most beautiful of all the Budapest market halls. This is the perfect spot to buy fresh goods, shop ‘til you drop, or simply grab a Hungarian snack and watch the world go by. This is a fantastic option on a rainy day.
The market is open from Monday to Saturday and tends to be quieter early in the day. Guided tours are available on Saturdays and offer a chance to discover some authentic Hungarian flavors with food and drink tastings. Pick up a souvenir, some Hungarian paprika, or Tokaj wines to take home with you. Tours start from €20 and last around two hours.
10. Take in the Views From the Ferris Wheel of Budapest
For a scenic ride with panoramic views of the entire city, take a ride on the Ferris Wheel in Erzsébet Square, in the heart of the city. The Ferris Wheel offers amazing views of Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament Building from one of 42 partially open cabins. You can also buy evening tickets for views of the city sparkling with lights.
The ride lasts up to ten minutes and guarantees at least three full turns on the wheel. Tickets are around €10 for adults and priority tickets can be purchased for a little extra. Tickets can be purchased from the Ferris Wheel of Budapest website.
There’s so Much to Do in Brilliant Budapest
Budapest is a truly captivating city and offers fantastic experiences for travelers of all ages. Whether you are in search of architectural splendors, tantalizing cuisine, or vibrant nightlife, Budapest will not disappoint. So pack your bags and embark on your Hungarian adventure.
