The 20 Best Things to Do in Budapest

LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BUDAPEST?

You’ve come to the right place! I was born and raised in Budapest, and although I have not lived in Hungary for more than 15 years, Budapest remains my hometown. I try to make it home at least once a year and I am always amazed by how beautiful Budapest is.

So, what are the best things to do in Budapest? Some of the best places to visit in Budapest are the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, thermal baths and going on a boat cruise on the Danube River.

Budapest also has a great nightlife with lots of bars and pubs in the city centre. Budapest is famous for its ruin bars where you can find furniture stuck to the ceiling and chairs made out of bath tubs.

Here are the must-see attractions and best things to do in Hungary’s capital!

The Best Things to Do in Budapest

1. Visit the Hungarian Parliament

One of the best things to do in Budapest is visiting the Hungarian Parliament by the River Danube. 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: It is easy to get around by public transport in Budapest.

To get to the Parliament, 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.

2. See the Shoes on the Danube Bank

The Shoes on the Danube Bank is near the Parliament building. It is a memorial to honour Jewish people that were killed during World War II in Hungary.

During World War II., Jewish people 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.

3. Go on Top of the St. Stephen’s Basilica

• St. Stephen’s Basilica Ticket Price: HUF 2,000 to visit the Basilica (If you also want to go to the rooftop, the ticket costs HUF 4,500)

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.

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.

4. Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion

• Fisherman’s Bastion Ticket Price: free to walk around. (HUF 1,200 to enter the upper part of the bastion if you want to get a better view)

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.

How to Get to the Fisherman’s Bastion:

1. Take bus 16 from Deak Ferenc Square to Szentháromság tér. It will drop you very close to the Fishermen’s Bastion.
2. Take the Metro Line 2 to Batthyányi Square and walk from there. The walk is about 10 minutes.

5. See the Matthias Church

• Matthias Church Ticket Price: HUF 2,500

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. 

How to Get to the Matthias Church:

1. Take bus 16 from Deak Ferenc Square and get off at Szentháromság tér. Walk from there to Matthias Church.
2. Take the Metro line 2 to Batthyányi Square and walk from there. The walk is about 10 minutes.

6. Visit the Buda Castle

• Buda Castle Ticket Price: 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.

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. 

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.

7. Go on the Funicular

• Budapest Funicular Ticket Price: HUF 4,000 one way
• Budapest Funicular Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 22:00 pm
• Budapest Funicular Distance and Duration: 95 metres, 2 minutes

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.

How to Get to the Funicular in Budapest:

• 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.

8. 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 Citadella in Budapest:

Take Metro Line 4 to Gellert tér station and walk from there.

9. 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 Margaret 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 to the Margaret Island:

Take the tram 4-6 and get off at the middle of the bridge.

10. 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. Going on a river cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest.

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.

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Taking a Public Boat in Budapest:

If you don’t want to take a cruise, there are also public boats along the River Danube.

The public boat runs between 11:00 am – 19:00 pm (departing every 2 hours) between Tuesday to Sunday (no service on Mondays).

It operates between the National Theatre and Margaret Island on a circular route: Vigadó tér – Akadémia – Margitsziget (Sportuszoda) – Batthyány tér – Vigadó tér.

Budapest Public Boat Ticket 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)

11. 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 to the Hungarian State Opera:

Take Metro Line 1 to Opera Station. The Opera is just by the metro station as you get out.

12. 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 to the Heroes’s Square: 

Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere station.

13. See an Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts

• Budapest Museum of Fine Arts Ticket Price: Prices vary according to exhibition. Free entry to the permanent exhibition with Budapest card. (Check current ticket prices on their website)
• Budapest Museum of Fine Arts Opening Times: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 am – 18:00 pm (closed on Mondays)

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.

How to Get to the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest: 

Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere station.

14. See an Exhibition at the Hall of Arts

• Budapest Hall of Arts Ticket Price: Prices vary according to exhibition. Free with Budapest card. (Check current ticket prices on their website)
• Budapest Hall of Arts Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 18:00 pm, Thursday: 12:00 – 20:00 pm, Mondays and Tuesdays: closed

The Budapest Hall of Arts (or Palace of Arts, it is called ‘Műcsarnok‘ in Hungarian) is a contemporary art museum. It is also located next to the Heroes’ Square.

How to Get to the Budapest Hall of Arts:

Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere station.

15. Relax in 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. The thermal baths are one of the most relaxing things to do in Budapest.

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.

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If you are looking for some less touristy, smaller baths, check out Veli Bej Baths, Lukacs Baths or Kiraly Baths.

16. 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 also a small lake in the City Park 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 to the City Park in Budapest:

Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő station.

17. Visit the Vajdahunyad Castle

• Vajdahunyad Castle Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 17:00 pm

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.

How to Get to the Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest:

Take Metro Line 1 to Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő station and walk from there.

18. Eat Hungarian Delicacies at the Central Market Hall

• Budapest Central Market Hall 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

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 explore the market. On the upper level you can also find some restaurants to try delicious Hungarian food.

Visiting the Central Market Hall is one of the unique things to do in Budapest as you can see what a Hungarian market is like and you can try many different Hungarian delicacies.

How to Get to the Central Market Hall in Budapest:

Take Metro Line 4 to Fővám Tér station. The Central Market Hall is right next to the station.

19. Visit the House of Terror

• House of Terror Ticket Price: HUF 4,000 (plus extra HUF 2,000 for an audio guide)
• House of Terror Opening Times: 10:00 am – 18:00 pm

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.

How to Get to the House of Terror in Budapest:

Take Metro Line 1 to Vörösmarty utca station.

20. 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.

Apart from Balna, there are also a couple of great “ruin bars” in Budapest that are a fun place for drinks. The ruin bars have a unique atmosphere with funny furniture, like bath tubs for chairs, and even furniture stuck to the ceiling.

Some of the best ruin bars in Budapest are Szimpla Kert and Instant. The ruins bars are one of the fun things to do in Budapest at night and are usually full of people enjoying a night out.

How to Get to Balna in Budapest:

Take Metro Line 4 to Fővám Square and walk from there.

Hotels in Budapest

Looking for a place to stay in Budapest? Here are my top recommendations for every budget:

FAQs: Best Things to Do in Budapest

Can you do Budapest in 3 days?

Yes, you can visit Budapest in 3 days! It might be too tight but if you only have 3 days in Budapest, you can still explore the major tourist attractions in the city.

If you only have 3 days in Budapest, some of the best places that you can fit in include the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, thermal baths, boat cruise, and ruins bars.

You can also hire a taxi for a day to take you around the must-see attractions at an affordable cost and that will help you cover many things in one day.

What you cannot miss in Budapest?

If you are visiting Budapest, some of the places that you cannot miss include the thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, trying Hungarian food and going on a boat cruise on the River Danube.

What is Budapest best known for?

Budapest is best known for the thermal baths, Parliament, Heroes’ Square and the Fisherman’s Bastion. There are many places to visit in Budapest but these are some of the must visit attractions.

Do they speak English in Budapest?

Yes, people speak English in Budapest! The older generation in Budapest has no or limited knowledge of English but the younger generation speaks English well.

In case you have to ask for directions or any help in English, ask younger people and they will be able to guide you and give you information in English.

Is Budapest a walkable city?

Yes, Budapest is a walkable city! Many tourist attractions in the city centre can be explored on foot and if you get tired, the public transport in Budapest is also well-connected.

Some places you can explore on foot are:

• Option 1: Deak Ferenc tér – Bazilica – Parliament – Shoes on the River Danube
• Option 2: Deak Ferenc tér – cross the Chain Bridge – take the Funicular to Buda Castle – Buda Castle – Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church
• Option 3: Fisherman’s Bastion/Matthias Church – Buda Castle – Gellért Hill/Citadella – Gellert Bath

What are the best places to visit in Budapest?

The best places to visit in Budapest are the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, thermal baths, ruin bars and going on a boat cruise on the Danube River.

What food is Budapest best known for?

The food Budapest is best known for is the Hungarian goulash soup, halászlé (which is a fish soup), kürtöskalács (chimney cake in English, it is a sweet dessert), cherry soup, pörkölt (which is like a meat stew), and lángos (which is a salty snack).

Conclusion

In conclusion, some of the best places to visit in Budapest are the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, chilling in the thermal baths and going on a boat cruise on the Danube River.

Budapest also has a great nightlife with lots of bars and pubs in the city centre. Budapest is famous for its ruin bars where you can find furniture stuck to the ceiling and chairs made out of bath tubs.

Budapest is a walkable city and if you stay in the city centre, you will be able to explore many of the attractions on foot. Budapest also has a good public transport system and it is an easy and affordable way to get around.