Budapest, the capital of Hungary , is one of those places you never get tired of. Crossed by the poetic Danube River and with an extraordinary history behind it, Budapest is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And rightly so. Do you want to know what its main attractions are? Here we tell you the best things to see and do in Budapest . So you can say later that we didn't take care of you.
On the map and in books, Budapest is the capital of Hungary and was (along with Vienna) the capital of the powerful but short-lived Austro-Hungarian Empire . It is a city divided in two by the Danube River: on its western bank, Buda occupies several hills, including the Castle Hill , which, with its cobbled streets, still retains its medieval appearance. Pest extends on the eastern side of the river and forms the liveliest part, the soul and the indomitable spirit of the city.
But for us Budapest is much more than that…
Bipolar. In one corner you feel like you're in Vienna, in another in Krakow. And a little bit in Paris. And a little bit in Moscow. One and many. Woman . There are male cities and female cities and in Budapest there are no doubts. Daughter and mother. Sister and friend. There is the stately Budapest , daughter of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the mischievous Budapest , which tastes like shots of Unicum and Soproni (if it can be IPA, so much the better). There is the institutional Budapest , that of the Parliament , of the embassies that dot Av. Andrassi , the medieval Budapest , of the castle, the guilds, the cobblestones, the Budapest of the thermal baths, of the statues, of the bridges and of paprika.
And of course, there is the wounded Budapest , the Jewish quarter , which, although covered with colorful murals, is still soaked in that atmosphere that can only be breathed in places that have suffered too much.
No matter the colors, no matter the trendy bars, no matter the shouting of people and the carefree laughter, there those who know how to listen will hear loud and clear the loudest noise that exists: the silence left by those who are no longer here. Oblivion is man's worst enemy, and we should tattoo that on ourselves.
We think that most of these sightseeing tours fit perfectly into a 3-day Budapest itinerary or even a weekend getaway. However, if you want to get to know the city in detail, visit museums and most of the sites, perhaps 5 days is the ideal time. Remember that at the end of the article you will find a lot of useful information to plan your trip.
Now let’s go, there are a lot of things to do in Budapest waiting for us …
1. Free tour of Budapest
This is the best recommendation we can give you to get to know the main attractions of a city in a couple of hours. On these tours guided by locals or people who have lived in Budapest for years, you will visit emblematic places and learn about the history, curiosities and local culture.
The good thing is that there are several free tours in Budapest and we find them all very interesting. From the essential Budapest free tour to the one that covers the Jewish quarter and its history, or even another one where you can stuff yourself with the local cuisine.
→ Here we tell you which are the best free tours of Budapest in Spanish
2. Buda Castle
Visiting the magnificent Buda Castle, once the residence of the Hungarian kings and now open to the public, is without a doubt one of the best things to see and do in Budapest. And what's more, you get some of the best views of the city from there. Several parts of the castle are currently being restored, so keep that in mind.
In the castle courtyard, which is free to enter, is the Budapest History Museum , an interesting place to learn more about the capital of Hungary.
To go up, people usually go by funicular (the idea costs about 2000 HUF, about 5€ at the current exchange rate), although walking is not crazy either (or you can go up by bus, just remember to validate the ticket if you want to avoid fines).
Tip: An original place to visit near Buda Castle is the Castle Labyrinth, a network of tunnels and caves that lie beneath Buda Castle. We recommend doing this only if you already know the city well and have time to spare. It costs approximately €13.
3. Fisherman's Bastion
If you want to take the best photo of the Parliament, you should definitely go up to the Fisherman's Bastion , which with its 7 towers commemorates the 7 tribes that founded Hungary. If you can, visit it at night as well.
It is called this because the fishermen's guild was in charge of defending this part of the city. For us, and surely a few others, it is in the top 3 of things to see in Budapest: it is a magical place. The Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest is probably the most photogenic place in the city , don't miss it for anything in the world.
4. Matthias Church
Right next to the Fisherman's Bastion you will find another building that is a must-see in Budapest: we are talking about the magnificent Matthias Church , built in a mixed style, where neo-Gothic elements predominate and which was the scene of some of the most important royal coronations of the Habsburg dynasty, such as that of Charles IV.
5. Chain Bridge
Walking across the famous Chain Bridge for stunning views of the Danube is another Budapest experience that everyone visiting the city should do.
Fun fact: German bombings during World War II destroyed all the bridges in Budapest, but luckily, in 1949, the Chain Bridge was rebuilt just as beautiful as the original. It has also just been restored and now looks beautiful.
→ In this post we leave you a few curiosities about Budapest
6. Parliament, a must-see in Budapest
The Parliament of Budapest is another of the must-see places in Budapest. From the outside it is a true neo-Gothic gem , but inside it is no less impressive. So don't hesitate and book a guided tour in advance on the official website . Don't be ripped off with other more expensive tickets!
In the unfortunate event that you cannot find any availability on the Parliament's website, there is still hope. But you have to pay and try your luck by buying tickets on external sites, as they usually have certain daily tickets reserved. Info and prices here.
Fun fact: during the tour we discovered that until the 90s the parliament's cooling system was very rustic, as blocks of ice and fans were used to cool the crowd 😉
7. Monument of the shoes
On the banks of the Danube, not far from the Budapest Parliament, stands the Monument of the Shoes. Simple but brutal: these bronze shoes represent those Jews who lived in Budapest and, during the Nazi madness, were thrown into the river after being executed.
8. St. Stephen's Basilica
Visiting St. Stephen's Basilica, the tallest in Hungary at 96 metres, is another must-do in Budapest. And don't just stay on the ground floor: you can climb the towers to have Budapest at your feet (of course, you'll have to pay around 2000 HUF). Entering the church is technically free, but you have to make a donation (if we remember correctly, it's suggested to donate around 200 HUF).
Did you know that a unique relic is kept inside the Basilica ? We are talking about the right hand of King Stephen , the first king of Hungary. A bit morbid, yes!
During the Christmas season they usually put up a really nice market in front of the Basilica, so you know what to expect.
Remember to bring your Revolut card and/or N26 card so that you are not charged commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad.
9. Budapest Central Market
It is touristy, yes, but you cannot miss a stroll through the Central Market , where you can buy some souvenirs and take a look at the local delicacies . Although, to be honest, we do not think it is the best place to fill your stomach, since there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat in Budapest and sink your teeth into some of the typical Hungarian dishes.
You'll eat better and save money. So, as Rober's aunt Encarni says: you'll look but you won't taste!
10. Jewish Quarter, a must-see in Budapest
One of the experiences we recommend everyone do in Budapest is to wander around the city's Jewish quarter , a place as interesting as it is full of sad memories. You can't leave without having seen the Budapest Synagogue , the largest in Europe.
→ Here is a free tour of the Jewish quarter of Budapest to delve into this important part of Budapest's history and not forget the past. We did it on our last trip and we really enjoyed it.
We know that looking for accommodation can be a real headache, so we have put together a great post with the best areas to stay in Budapest and a few accommodation recommendations (tourist apartments and hotels).
11. Boat trip on the Danube
And we come to one of the most fun activities in Budapest: taking a cruise on the Danube, the mythical river that divides the city in two. We are increasingly fans of seeing cities from the water, and what better way to do it than at night! And if it's cheap like this boat ride on the Danube , even better.
We did it with our friends Claudia, Ester and Jordi and it was one of the most fun moments of the trip, although I can't help but remember when I went on an end-of-year trip with my Italian friends. Back then we drank all the glasses of Tokaj we found there (if I did it now I would end up in the hospital). Blessed youth!
12. Ruins Pub Route, a must-do in Budapest
If you prefer a beer, where better to have it than in one of Budapest's Ruin Pubs ? Don't know what they are? A brilliant idea: after the fall of communism in Hungary, there were many old and abandoned buildings in Budapest. Instead of letting them fall into disrepair, the city council decided to rent them out at very low prices to young entrepreneurs.
These young visionaries began to transform them into modern, creative and characterful bars . The result was the creation of the famous “ ruin pubs ” , which have become an iconic part of Budapest’s nightlife . Each one has its own unique style , with eclectic decorations and a cheerful atmosphere.
Nowadays, it must be said that they are no longer so shabby , nor so cheap ... but they are still a must-see for tourists and locals. We like them a lot 🙂 Do you have time to see just one? We recommend having a beer at “ Szimpla Kert ”, perhaps the best known and with the most atypical decoration!
→ Here we recommend some of the best Ruin Pubs in Budapest
13. Budapest Spas
Relaxing in the pools of the Szécheny Baths will be an addictive plan to start or end any day of your route. Yes, because Budapest is a spa city, did you know that? Here you can buy cheap tickets without having to queue! We also recommend visiting the Gellért spa .
→ Here we tell you which are the best thermal baths and spas in Budapest
14. Heroes' Square
A place that often impresses, thanks to its typical communist architecture, is the majestic Heroes' Square , named after the statues of the 7 tribal chiefs who founded the country. It is located on Andrássy Avenue .
The Museum of Fine Arts ( Szépművészeti Múzeum ), which houses works by El Greco, Rubens and Renoir, and the Kunsthalle, a contemporary art exhibition centre, are located on the edge of Heroes' Square and, with their neoclassical style, give the complex a special touch.
15. City Park
Tired? There are still some interesting places to see in Budapest, so we recommend you take a break in the City Park , also known as Városliget Park . It is one of the most relaxing green spaces in Budapest.
Don't miss Vajdahunyad Castle , which was built in the park as a temporary structure for the Millennium Exhibition in 1896. But as you'll see, it's still standing. It features a mix of different styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. To me it always felt like Count Dracula's summer residence hehe.
And if you are a writer or would like to be one… don't miss the opportunity to make your dream come true: touch the pen at the Statue of Anonymous and you will be guaranteed inspiration. Well… it's not very scientific, but there's nothing to lose by trying!
More things to do in Budapest
We already told you: there are many tourist sites to see in Budapest, so if you have more time, take note of these other ideas:
- Váci Utca and Av. Andrássy are two of the main streets to see in Budapest , always full of life, shops and where some of the most impressive buildings in the city are located.
- An original thing to do in Budapest is to stroll and relax on Margaret Island , which can only be accessed via the bridge of the same name. The best thing to do is to rent a bike and pedal along quietly… although in winter it is not a good idea, unless you don't mind having hands colder than the snowman from Frozen (Olaf is even nicer).
- In order not to forget the past, it is worth visiting the “ Haza Terror ”, a museum dedicated to the victims of Nazism and the Soviet occupation . It has a permanent collection with an entrance fee of 3,000 HUF, but also organizes temporary exhibitions that are usually free.
- Another thing to see in Budapest is one of the most emblematic squares: Vörösmarty tér. It is named after the statue of the poet Mihály Vörösmarty , which is located in its center.
- The Hospital Museum in the Rock is often one of the most impressive visits to make in Budapest: it's not every day that you have the opportunity to visit a World War II and Cold War hospital-bunker . At the end of the tour, the nuclear alarm is triggered... don't be scared 😉 The entrance is not one of the cheapest, but it is certainly a very curious place to visit in Budapest. There is even a theory that says that the Nazis here prepared the foundations for creating the first atomic bomb.
- If you like Art Nouveau , Budapest will not disappoint you: you can enjoy some real works of art as you walk around the city. You only have to look at the facades of the buildings and look up to the rooftops to find some fabulous architecture. Our favourite buildings are the Bedö House, the Walkó House and the Royal Postal Savings Bank .
Take out IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here . Whatever your destination
Excursions from Budapest
Finally, if you have a few days to spare and you've already done everything there is to see in Budapest, take advantage of your time in the city to go on an excursion and get to know Hungary better . Here are 3 that we find very interesting:
✓ Tour to Lake Balaton
It is the largest lake in Central Europe and has some typical villages. This tour , for example, lasts about 9 hours and includes transportation and a guide in Spanish.
✓ Visit to Sissi's Palace
Have you always dreamed of visiting Sissi's Palace? Now is a good time 😉 Here is a good, nice and cheap tour of Sissi's Palace .
✓ Excursion to Vienna
It's not crazy to visit Vienna from Budapest, especially if you have a few days to spare 😉 Here you have everything to see and do in Vienna.
✓ Memento Park
To enjoy the most communist side of Budapest , visit Memento Park, where you'll be surrounded by statues of Lenin, Marx and other communist leaders. However, if you look for Stalin, you'll only find his boots, as there's no trace of him left after the 1956 revolution! It's located quite far from the centre of Budapest, so it's advisable to visit it if you're spending a few days in the city.
Before finishing the post, let us tell you that if you are thinking of traveling to Budapest during Christmas , it is a great idea 🙂 A couple of years ago we spent the December long weekend there and the atmosphere was great.
Useful information for your trip to Budapest
To help you organize your stay, we are going to leave you with some information pills. If you need more information or have any questions, we are sure that you will find answers in the post with tips for traveling to Budapest.
✓ How to get to Budapest from the airport
The best option to get to the centre of Budapest from the International Airport is to take the 100E bus , which takes you to the centre in approximately 30-40 minutes. The ticket costs around 3€ ( 900 HUF ).
✓ Food in Budapest
Hungary's capital is a destination where you'll eat very well and at low-cost prices . The first thing we recommend you try is the typical Hungarian goulash ... only to discover that it's not what you thought: if you were expecting a dish of stewed meat with paprika sauce and potatoes, you should know that this is the tourist version! The authentic one has the consistency of a soup, with some meat!
You also have to try lángos , the Hungarian version of pizza.
By the way, we talked about beer earlier, but if you're more of a wine lover, you're in luck! Hungary produces delicious wines like Tokaj, Kadarka, Merlot, Kekfrancos ...
✓ Accommodation in Budapest
The best areas to stay in Budapest are those close to the centre. The Jewish Quarter (Erzsèbetvàros, District VII), Belvàros or Inner City and Lipòtvàros (District V) are good options as you will be close to the main attractions, such as the Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica or the Opera House.
Recommended hotels: Nova Apartments or Maverik Aparments .
✓ Tours and activities to book in advance
There are several tickets and tours that we recommend you book at least a few days before traveling. Specifically, they are:
- Free tour of Budapest
- Széchenyi Baths (if you travel in low season you can book directly at the ticket office).
- Hungarian Parliament : it is essential to book your guided tour in advance on the official website.
- Boat trip on the Danube
✓ 3-day itinerary in Budapest
In our post on the Budapest itinerary in 3 days you have the detailed itinerary explained day by day, but here is a mini-summary:
- Day 1: Budapest Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica and Jewish Quarter free tour + cruise
- Day 2: Buda Hill, Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Gellert Baths + ruin pub crawl
- Day 3: Szechenyi Spa, Heroes' Square, Városliget Park + Budapest Opera
Have we missed anything? We're sure we have! Can you suggest more things to see and do in Budapest ? We've been there twice and can't wait to go back: Budapest is a city worth experiencing more than once!
