The Best Things to Do in Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary, divided into two sides by the River Danube: Buda and Pest. Top attractions of Budapest include its thermal baths, historical buildings along the River Danube, museums and cruises on the River Danube. Budapest also has a great nightlife with lots of bars and pubs in the city centre. Check out this post on the best things to do in Budapest.
Looking for advice on taking the public transport in Budapest? Check out my post on how to get around Budapest.
The Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary
Visit the Hungarian Parliament
The Parliament is designed in neo-gothic style and was opened in 1902. The architecture is really beautiful, especially in the evenings. It is possible to walk around the Parliament and see the design up close, however, you can get the best views from the other side of the river at Batthyany Square. Another option is to take a boat trip along the River Danube and see the Parliament and other historic buildings from the boat. I always love going on boat trips in the evenings as the buildings look very beautiful with the lights on.
How to get to the Parliament:
By public transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Kossuth Lajos Square, it will drop you right at the Parliament. Alternatively, if you want to see the Parliament from the other side of the river, then take Metro Line 2 to Batthyany Square.
See the Shoes on the Danube Bank
The Shoes on the Danube Bank is near the Parliament building. It is a memorial to honour Jews that were killed during World War II in Hungary. During World War II., Jews were taken to the Danube river bank, ordered to take off their shoes and were executed on the spot, their bodies falling into the water.
Go on Top of the St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica was built in neo-classical architecture between 1851-1905. The Basilica is dedicated to king St. Stephen who was the founder of the Hungarian State. There is a lookout on top of the Basilica if you want to get some views of the city.
Entry fee: HUF 2,000 to visit the Basilica. If you also want to go to the rooftop, the ticket costs HUF 4,500
How to get to St. Stephen’s Basilica: Take Metro Line 2 to Deak Ferenc Square, or Metro Line 3 to Arany Janos Utca and walk from there.
Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular places to visit in Budapest. It is not only that the Bastion is built in a beautiful Neo-Romanesque style, but you also get great views of Budapest. It can get very crowded during the day, so the best time to visit is in the early morning.
Entry fee: free to walk around. (HUF 1,200 entry to the upper part of the bastion if you want to get a better view)
How to get to the Fisherman’s Bastion:
- Take bus 16 from Deak Ferenc Square to Szentháromság tér. It will drop you very close to the Fishermen’s Bastion.
- Take the Metro Line 2 to Batthyányi Square and walk from there. The walk is about 10 minutes.
See the Matthias Church
Matthias Church is right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion. It is a Roman Catholic Church, built in the 13thcentury and used to be a site of coronations. Classic music concerts are held at the church often as it has great acoustics.
Entry fee: HUF 2,500
How to get to the Matthias Church:
- Take bus 16 from Deak Ferenc Square and get off at Szentháromság tér. Walk from there to Matthias Church.
- Take the Metro line 2 to Batthyányi Square and walk from there. The walk is about 10 minutes.
Visit the Buda Castle
The Buda Castle was first completed in 1265, although the current castle complex was built between 1749-1769. The Castle houses the Budapest Historical Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Szechenyi National Library.
Entry fee: It is free to walk around in the courtyard of the Buda Castle, but there is an entry fee if you’d like to go inside or see the museums.
How to get to the Buda Castle Take Bus 16 or 105 from Deak Ferenc Square to Clark Adam Square. From Clark Adam Square, you can either walk up to the Buda Castle or get on the Funicular to take you up.
Go on the Funicular
The Funicular in Budapest is like a combination of a cable car and tram. It was completed in 1870, and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1987. The Funicular takes you up on a 95 metres long path to reach Buda Castle. It is a short ride and it takes you up to the Buda Castle in just about 2 minutes. I remember I was a bit disappointed for it being such a short ride up to the hill, but it is a good alternative if you are too tired to walk up to the Buda Castle.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 22:00 pm
Price: HUF 4,000 one way
How to get to the Funicular:
- By bus: Take Bus 16 or 105 from Deak Ferenc Square to Clark Adam Square. The Funicular is just by Clark Adam Square.
- By walk: if you are already in the city centre around the Parliament or the Basilica, it is also possible to walk to the Funicular. Cross the Chain Bridge and you arrive at Clark Adam Square where you can get on the Funicular.
Go up to the Citadella (Statue of Liberty)
The Citadella, built in 1851, is a fortress located on top of the Gellert Hill. If you have some time, and want to be in a bit of nature, you can walk up to the Citadella. There are lookout points on the way from where you can see Budapest.
Once on the top, you will also find the Statue of Liberty on the tip of the Citadella. The Statue of Liberty was built in 1947 to commemorate the end of the Soviet rule in Hungary. If you are short on time, the Statue of Liberty can be easily seen from alongside the river, so it is also an option to just see it fom afar.
How to get to the Citadel: Take Metro Line 4 to Gellert tér station and walk from there.
Walk Around Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a popular spot for locals coming to enjoy the park or to go for a run. There is also a water fountain pretty close to the entrance where there is a light show every hour.
From the Margeret Island, it is also possible to take a public boat that takes you on the River Danube and pass the most iconic buildings such as the Parliament and Buda Castle.
How to get there: Take the tram 4-6 and get off at the middle of the bridge.
Take a Boat Trip on the River Danube
There are several cruises ships that go along the River Danube. There are options to sign up for a cruise with a dinner or live music. The best time to go on a cruise is in the evening as then you can see the historic buildings along the river in the evening lights.
Taking a public boat in Budapest: The cruises can be quite expensive but there is an alternative to take a public boat along the River Danube. The public boat operates only between Tuesday to Sunday (no service on Mondays), and runs between the National Theatre and Margaret Island on a circular route: Vigadó tér – Akadémia – Margitsziget (Sportuszoda) – Batthyány tér – Vigadó tér. The boats run between 11:00 am – 19:00 pm, and departs every 2 hours.
Price:
- Tuesday – Friday: free if you have a monthly Budapest travel card. HUF 1,500 if you do not have a monthly Budapest travel card.
- Saturday – Sunday: HUF 1,500 for all (you have to pay HUF 1,500 even if you have a monthly Budapest travel card)
See a Play at the Hungarian State Opera
Visit the Hunagrian State Opera if you want to watch a play such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake or Aida. You have to book the tickets well in advance as the sell out quite fast. Tickets to a ballet show such as The Nutcracker cost between HUF 17,000 to HUF 45,000.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Opera station.
Visit the Heroes’ Square
The Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere in Hungarian) is an iconic spot in Budapest. The monument features the statues of the Seven chieftains of the Magyars, and other Hungarian national leaders. The construction of the Heroes Square began in 1896 to commemorate the anniversary of the foundation of the Hungarian state in 896. Most of the construction was completed in 1900, with further statues added in 1906. The square is located right next to the City Park, and it also hosts 2 museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Arts.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere station.
See an Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is Hungary’s largest fine arts museum and it is located next to the Heroes’ Square. The collection includes artwork from pre-history to present.
Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 am – 18:00 pm (it is closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: Prices vary according to exhibition. Free entry to the permanent exhibition with Budapest card.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere station.
See an Exhibition at the Hall of Arts
The Budapest Hall of Arts (or Palace of Arts) is a contemporary art museum. It is also located next to the Heroes’ Square.
Opening times:
- Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 18:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 – 20:00 pm
- Mondays and Tuesdays: closed
Entry fee: Prices vary according to exhibition. Free with Budapest card.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere station.
Relax in One of the Thermal Baths
Budapest has many thermal baths and is popular for both locals and tourists. If you are visiting Budapest, going to a thermal bath is a must. In the thermal baths, you will find different pools with hot and cold water pools, steam rooms and jacuzzi. Some of the baths have outdoor areas as well. I love the baths with hot water outdoor pools in the winter, as you are enjoying the warm water outside as the snow starts to fall.
Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Gellert Thermal Baths and Szechenyi Thermal Baths. If you are looking for some less touristy, smaller baths, check out Veli Bej Baths, Lukacs Baths or Kiraly Baths.
Have a Picnic at the City Park
The City Park is located just behind the Heroes’ Square. It is a popular spot among locals in the summer for hanging out with friends and having a picnic. There is a lake where you can go boating in the summer time, while in the winter time, the lake is turned into an ice skating ring.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő station.
Visit the Vajdahunyad Castle
The Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the City Park behind Heroes’ Square. The Castle is a beautiful view just over the pond in the City Park. It was built in 1896 to celebrate 1,000 years of Hungary since the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin in 895. It was built in different architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Originally was built in wood and cardboard, but was rebuilt in stone and bricks due to its popularity between 1904-1908. The Vajdahunyad Castle also houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture inside, which is the biggest agricultural museum in Europe.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 17:00 pm
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő station and walk from there.
Get Hungarian Delicacies at the Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is full of Hungarian delicacies, salami, wine and spices. The market is not only for tourists, but many Hungarians also go there to do their shopping. Follow your stomach and discover the market. On the upper level you can also find some restaurants to try delicious Hungarian food.
Opening times:
- Monday: 6:00 am – 17:00 pm
- Tuesday – Friday: 6:00 am – 18:00 pm
- Saturdays: 6:00 am – 15:00 pm
- Sundays: closed
How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to Fővám Tér station.
Visit the House of Terror
The House of Terror is a memorial to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes of the 20th century Hungary. Visiting the museum can be very moving as it depicts torture, interrogation and those killed in the building. I would recommend visiting the museum if you want to learn more about those times, but be ready as it can be an emotionally heavy experience.
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 18:00 pm
Entry fee: HUF 4,000, plus optionally HUF 2,000 if you want to get an audio guide.
How to get here: Take Metro Line 1 to Vörösmarty utca station.
Have a Drink at Bálna on the Riverside
Bálna is the perfect place to relax by the river with good food and drinks. There are a couple of restaurants to choose from and it is usually pretty busy on warm summer days.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to Fővám Square and walk from there.
