Dave and I have been fortunate enough to visit Budapest on three separate occasions and we've compiled a list of the best things to do in Budapest.
Budapest is actually made up of two cities straddling the Danube River. Buda on the West bank and Pest on the East. Together they create one of the most romantic and beautiful cities on the continent.
Things to do in Budapest
We've been to Budapest in both summer and winter and each season is a beautiful time to visit.
As a matter of fact, Budapest has a very popular Christmas market. In the months of November and December, it's a thriving tourist destination and many Danube river cruises visit Budapest.
Having spent quite a bit of time exploring the city, we thought we'd share some of our favorite things to do in Budapest.
1. Enjoy the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
The most famous is the Széchenyi Bath and it's located just a 5-minute walk from Hero's Square through City Park. A trip to Budapest wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Thermal Baths.
Hence the reason we have to go back! The city is filled with hot springs and you can experience authentic Turkish Baths here.
While visiting City Park, pop in to see Vajdahunyad Castle on the lake that dates back to 1896 to celebrate 1000 years of Hungarian History.
Things can get busy during peak season. Buy tickets in advance and skip the line.
Check out the most romantic getaways around the world.
Make sure to pick up a Lonely Planet guide book to help you plan your Budapest Trip.
2. Heroes' Square
Heroes' Square can be found at the end of Andrássy Avenue: an excellent walking street. Heroes Square is one of the world's oldest squares.
The Millennium Monument in the centre of the square surrounded by statues honoring the seven chieftains of the Hungarian tribes who conquered the area now known as Hungary.
- Enjoying Things to do in Budapest? Check out a Tour Through Budapest's Communist Past
3. Andrassy Avenue
Speaking of Anrássy Avenue, this is a beautiful walking promenade stretching from Erzsébet Square.
A walk along this street will take you through an architectural journey of Budapest relishing the mansions, townhouses, and embassies.
The architecture dating back to 1872 is so important that the Avenue was named a World Heritage Site in 2002.
4. Take a Danube River Cruise
There is nothing more romantic than watching the lights of the city from the Danube River.
Many week-long river cruises go through Budapest and that is how a lot of people see the city, but you can take dinner and sunset cruises in Budapest as well.
If you do a river cruise, we suggest booking a cruise at night to see the lights of Budapest. It truly is beautiful once the sun goes down.
Want a closer look at the Parliament Building? Check out this skip-the-line guided tour of the Budapest Parliament Building through Get Your Guide.
Enjoy our round up the world's most romantic cities
5. Liberty Square
This Russian monument honors the soldiers of the Red Army who died during the liberation Budapest from the Nazis.
It is ironically located directly across from the US embassy and a statue of Ronald Reagan stands on the other side of it.
Reagan played a key roll in putting an end to communism in the Soviet Union.
6. Ronald Reagan Statue at Liberty Square
Well, Ronald Reagan wasn't the first thing I thought of when looking for things to do in Budapest.
I mean, who would have thought there'd be a statue of an American President on display?
But Ronald Reagan played an intricate part in the fall of Communism and Budapest is communist no longer. So, while you are visiting the Russian monument to the Red Army, check out the nearby statue of Ronald Reagan.
It's an odd site but a fun photo spot.
Check out 18 Pictures of Budapest That Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags.
7. Imre Nagy Memorial
Speaking of politics, something you must do in Budapest is probe further into its communist past. Just a short walk from the Ronald Reagan statue you'll find another noteworthy monument of Imre Nagy.
This statue of a man standing on a bridge looking over to the Parliament Buildings longing for freedom attracts crowds each day on walking tours to learn about the city's communist past.
He led the failed Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and was executed for treason two years later. This monument symbolizes the difficult road to freedom.
8. The House of Terror Museum
The House of Terror is a memorial to those who fought and died during the Communist era of Budapest.
It was the former headquarters of the Nazis and was used as a prison. Many atrocities happened behind these walls.
Be prepared for a somber visit to a building where prisoners were tortured and killed.
but it is an important reminder to visit memorials like this to make sure this type of human atrocities never happens again.
9. Visit St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen's Basilica is one of Hungary's most significant tourist attractions and a site you must see when planning your things to do in Budapest.
Can you believe it is the highest building in the city? It shares that position with the parliament buildings standing at 96 meters (316) feet high.
The church was named after the first King of Hungary, Stephen I and is the most important church in the country.
We're not huge churchgoers and there is a back story to this place, but honestly we didn't listen to much. It was pretty though!
You can find out more about it here.
10. Take a free walking tour
A free walking tour of Budapest is an excellent way to learn about the history of the city.
We took a walk with Get Your Guide's free walking tour where we met at Vörösmarty Tér in central Budapest. (The meeting point was the white lion.)
As advertised it is a free tour and guides make their money off of tips. Whatever you feel it is worth, you pay.
They are great guides and it doesn't feel like a free tour at all.
They're working hard for your tips and it's polite to give them something useful.
As an alternative, try a bike tour of Budapest instead.
11. Trabant Tour
One of the coolest things to do in Budapest is to hire a Trabant Car.
A chauffeur will drive you around town and let me tell you when people see you in this car, they are going to wave and laugh and point.
This was the big car of choice during the Communist era of Budapest and many people will have fond memories of owning their first Trabant.
It's a tank and it sounds like one. It was known as “The Paper Jaguar” back in the day.
Some tours, like this one, will even let you drive the car!
Get around Budapest with a 24, 48 or 72 hour Budapest Card. It also offers free entry to a thermal spa and other discounts. Details here.
12. Walk Across the Szechenyi Chain Bridge
The Budapest Szechenyi Chain Bridge was the first bridge to connect the towns of Buda and Pest. Spanning across the Danube River, this bridge is a thing of beauty.
It's a pleasant stroll across the bridge giving you a view of both sides and down the river. But make sure to walk it at night when the bridge is all lit up.
13. Walk Along the Danube Promenade
There is nothing more romantic than a stroll along the Danube. Spanning from the Chain Bridge to Elizabeth Bridge, it is a good way to see the main attractions along the river.
The Promenade is located along the Pest side of the river passing cafes and high-end hotels. From here you will see great views of Buda Castle across the river in Buda.
14. Shoes on the Danube Bank
This memorial is dedicated to the people killed by the fascist Arrow Cross during World War II.
It is a sad reminder of just how evil humanity can be. 3500 people, (including 800 Jewish people) were shot into the Danube River in 1944 and 1945.
60 pairs of shoes line the Danube paying tribute to the people killed on the River's Banks.
Photo by Always Wanderlust, Check out more of his images of Budapest.
15. Buda Castle
Behind the bridge is Buda Castle another site not to be missed! This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 1265 and was once home to Hungarian Kings.
The Hungarian National Gallery is located inside Buda Castle and is worth a visit while you are there.
You can visit the castle grounds any time of the day, but the opening hours for inside are open daily from 10 – 6 pm.
16. Buda Castle Funicular
Take the funicular up for another fun attraction in Budapest. Dating back to 1870, it was the 2nd funicular built in all of Europe.
The funicular is a great way to get up to Buda Castle and take in the sites of the river without having to walk up yourself.
It runs continuously each day every 10 minutes so the long queues move quickly.
17. Views from Fisherman's Bastion
Located above Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion is an excellent spot to take in city views. It's also a great walking destination with a fairytale setting.
Seeing Budapest from above is an excellent way to take in the beauty of the city. It's a unique location with beautiful buildings on either side of the river.
It's no wonder so many people are falling in love with Budapest.
A great way to explore Gellert Hill, Fisherman's Bastion, Castle Hill, and more is by taking a Budapest sightseeing tour.
18. Hungarian State Opera House
The State Opera House is now reopened and visitors can check out performances at this historic theatre.
Tourists can take guided tours through one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest.
19. Go to a Ruin Bar
Ruin pubs are funky and trendy bars that have popped up in previously abandoned buildings.
Go to Kazinczy Street for nightlife in Budapest, and look for Szimpla Kert. It was the first ruin bar in Budapest that started it all and today it is still the most popular.
Ruin bars are decorated with old eclectic furniture and have a funky vibe.
A ruin bar is where the hipsters and cool cats hang out, listen to music and have some drinks. This is where you should too!
20. Jewish Quarter
Many cities of Europe have a historic Jewish Quarter and Budapest is no exception.
It is a colorful neighborhood dotted with shops and synagogs. The largest synagog in Europe is located on Dohany street.
It is in this quarter that you will find many ruin pubs as well.
21. Central Market
The covered Central Market Hall is an excellent spot to shop for souvenirs and nick-nacks.
From here you can escape the cold in winter and heat in summer and it's bustling with shops and eateries and a lot of places to buy meat and cheese. It's the largest indoor market in Budapest.
Located right at the river, ships used to sail right into the market back in the day.
Dig a little deeper into the history of the market and Budapest's food culture with a fun and tasty food tour.
22. Gellert Hill Liberty Statue
Gellert Hill offers great views of the city and the Danube.
There is also a monument paying tribute to the Soviet soldiers who liberated the city from the Nazis. Erected in 1947.
It's a good place to explore just outside the city on the here's a cave church, old army barracks, the citadel and the Gellert monument to see up there.
23. Eat at the Gundel Restaurant
The Gundel Restaurant dates back to 1894 and is considered one of the pioneers of Hungarian gastronomy.
It is the premier spot for traditional Hungarian food in Budapest and if you want to savor authentic Hungarian cuisine in a historic grand fashion. This is the place to do it.
24. Learn Hungarian
Hungarian is one of the hardest languages in Europe to learn, and there is nothing more fun than meeting your language coach at a cafe to learn a bit of Hungarian.
We met with Fungarian Language Tours to learn the basics helping us make the most of our stay and to learn a bit more about Hungarian culture while mispronouncing the Hungarian language.
25. Attend Europe's Coolest Music Festival
For 7 days each summer, the island of Obuda turns into Europe's largest music festival, the Sziget Festival. With headliners like Ed Sheeran and the Foo Fights, it attracts the biggest names in the music industry.
It also is a freedom festival of love and laughter with many other activities to do than watch the bands play.
check out this post telling you everything you need to know about the Sziget Festival
26. Chill out at Margaret Island
Margaret Island sits in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest. The 2.5 km long piece of green space is a quiet retreat from the city and is accessed by Margaret Bridge.
Margaret Island's water tower is one of the most distinct features on the island. Built-in 1911, the art nouveau style building was open to visitors in 2012.
Margaret Island even has its own thermal baths that you can visit if you don't want to go to the more popular ones in tow.
Video: Things to do in Budapest
Before you go, check out our video of the very best things to do in Budapest.
If you enjoyed our article, be sure to save it to Pinterest for future Hungary travel planning.
What's your favorite European City? Do you have a suggestion for things to do in Budapest?
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John Smith says
I am planing to visit Budapest in 2020. This guide will really help me very much.
Thanks for help to plan my trip.
Barb & Jon says
We just returned from Budapest. In planning our adventures we used your guide as one of our resources and it was helpful. Thank you.
Evan Kristine says
This is a really detailed guide! I wish I stumbled upon this before I visited Budapest not long ago. By the way, may I ask, do you guys accept guest posts?
Gyöngyi Grigalek says
I’m a local from Budapest. My aim to show my beloved city to the visitors, that is why i started to work a program organiser company in Budapest. I recommend for visitors many interesting programs/events under this link, you can discover some of them:
http://www.gotohungary.net/index.php?partnerid=1166
i agree that Danube cruise and bath visit is the must.
Have a nice planning!
Dejan from ZanteHolidayInsider says
Great guide!
I was in Budapest for the New Year’s Eve, and it was fantastic! Didn’t managed to visit all the things from this list, (it needs more than a day) but Budapest is the city that you must visit more when you come for the first time, definitely!
Dian Emery says
Budapest is so lovely, I was there a couple of months ago, but only for a day. Must go back to see it properly!
Dave and Deb says
You must go back. Budapest is one of those places that needs time to sink into your bones. It’s sort of like Paris that way, the longer you are there, the more you love it.
Andrew says
My wife and I are moving over to Europe soon and look forward to trying out each of your 16 suggestions. I like that you included the free walking tour – always a great way to see a city.
An additional one I could add for your readers comes from a daily (365 places to see before you die) calendar that sat on my former cubicle desk: Enjoy a coffee at the famous Gerbeaud Cafe. No doubt touristy and overpriced, but I will try it anyways and report back!
Rebecca says
Haha, the picture accompanying the “Go to a ruin pub” section is certainly… interesting! I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on there 🙂 Budapest looks quite amazing.
david says
I would add to this:
1. Take the Millenium underground railway (the oldest metro in mainland Europe) from Vörösmarty Tér to Hösök tere (Heroes Square).
2. Take the number 2 tram from Margaret Bridge round the Parkiament and down the river, past the shoes installation to the Central Market.
3. Spend a bit of time at the shoes installation (near the Parliament on the river bank) reflecting on man’s treatment of man and what happened to the Jews here.
Renuka says
My favorite European city would be any city in Italy, but I’d love to explore Budapest too! I’d like to photograph its architecture, sip coffee at its various cafes and just do things on impulse. You guys are really lucky to have visited it twice!
Dave and Deb says
I have to agree with you there, you can never go wrong with Italy. I was actually daydreaming about Italy the other day and how I want to go back and see more.
The Guy says
Great selection for an itinerary there Deb. I particularly love the statues of famous people which I don’t remember seeing before.
I visited Budapest 14 years ago and fell in love with the place. Would love to go back for all those wonderful views and buildings.
I remember spending most nights in a jazz club which I think was called Jazz Garden. It was a restaurant as well and really reflected how funky and cool this city is.
As for my favourite city in Europe? At the moment I think that is still Prague. Which I actually combined with my trip to Budapest 14 years ago.
Dave and Deb says
Great choice for a city. We only spent 2 days in Prague, but we loved what we saw. We have to go back! That Ronald Reagan statue is cool eh. I’ll have to check out the Jazz Garden next time for sure and you are so right, this is one funky and cool city.