12 Best Things To Do in Budapest, Hungary

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Budapest, Hungary, you’ve come to the right place. Budapest is a breathtaking capital city known for architectural wonders like the Hungarian Parliament Building and historical landmarks like Buda Castle. However, that’s not all the city offers.

Budapest is also home to relaxing thermal spas like Szechenyi Bath and unique attractions like the Hospital in the Rock. To help you plan the perfect trip, here are 12 things you don’t want to miss in Budapest.

From bustling food markets to iconic European tourist attractions, we have it all. We curated our list using our personal experiences and expert recommendations.

Table of Contents

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Snap pics of Parliament 1/5

Best Things To Do in Budapest Hungary Visit St. Stephens Basilica

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica 2/5

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Soak at Széchenyi Bath 3/5

Best Things To Do in Budapest Hungary Explore Buda Castle

Explore Buda Castle 4/5

Best Places in Europe for Your Bucket List, Budapest, Hungary - The Danube's Gem

Walk the Danube River 5/5

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Snap pics of Parliament

19 3

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

18 4

Soak at Széchenyi Bath

15 7

Explore Buda Castle

16 6

Walk the Danube River

17 5

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Budapest, Hungary: Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, a tranquil spa with an indoor pool and jacuzzi, and a quiet garden, all within walking distance of Budapest’s main attractions.
Mid-Range Hotel in Budapest, Hungary: Stories Boutique Hotel offers stylish family rooms, a Mediterranean restaurant, a spa with a sauna and hot tub, and a central location near top landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Budget Hotel in Budapest, Hungary: Czakó Bed & Breakfast offers cozy, air-conditioned rooms, a diverse dining experience with international cuisine, and a garden setting, all within walking distance of Buda Castle and the History Museum.

Here are three things you don’t want to miss during your Budapest city break:

Explore Buda Castle – Buda Castle is one of Budapest’s most famous attractions.
Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica – St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest.
Photograph the Hungarian Parliament Building – The Hungarian Parliament Building is Budapest’s most famous landmark.

Explore Buda Castle

Exploring Buda Castle is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest. Formerly known as the Royal Castle, Buda Castle is a historic castle and palace complex first constructed in the 13th century. However, the Baroque palace that dominates most of the site today was built in the 18th century.

This iconic castle features a grand green dome, pointed arches, and tall columns. Visiting the castle is a must for multiple reasons. Firstly, it offers a fascinating insight into Budapest’s history. On a Buda Castle tour, you’ll explore the palace’s elegant rooms, including St Stephen’s Hall and the royal bedrooms.

Second, Buda Castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, containing over 100,000 artworks. Finally, the castle offers spectacular city views.

Take the Funicular for a Scenic Ride – The Buda Castle Hill Funicular departs from Clark Ádám Square and offers a quick yet picturesque way to reach the castle while avoiding the steep uphill walk.
Explore the Castle Grounds for Free – While museums and exhibitions require tickets, you can wander through the castle courtyards and enjoy stunning city views without paying an entrance fee.

Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful sights in Budapest. Named after Stephen, the first king of Hungary, this breathtaking Roman Catholic Basilica was constructed between 1851 and 1905. St. Stephen’s right hand is kept in the reliquary 1,000+ years after his death.

St. Stephen’s Basilica has a neoclassical and neo-renaissance architectural style with a Greek cross plan. Its exterior features a sizable green dome with a cross. The main facade features two bell towers, Corinthian columns, and clocks. However, the inside is arguably more impressive.

The Basilica has vibrant mosaics, paintings, statues, and religious relics. Interestingly, iconic Hungarian soccer player Ferenc Puskás is buried inside. Entry tickets to the Basilica cost 2,400 HUF ($6.20).

Climb to the Panorama Terrace – For breathtaking 360° views of Budapest, take the stairs or elevator to the Basilica’s dome. It’s one of the best vantage points in the city.
Visit During an Organ Concert – The Basilica hosts regular organ concerts, showcasing its incredible acoustics. Check the schedule in advance for a unique experience.

Photograph the Hungarian Parliament Building

During your Budapest city break, you must photograph the Hungarian Parliament Building. One of Hungary’s most famous landmarks, this stunning structure was constructed between 1885 and 1904. Not only is the building magnificent, but its location alongside the Danube River is also beautiful.

Designed in a Gothic Revival style, it’s 879 feet (268 meters) long, 315 feet (96 meters) tall, and 404 feet (123 meters) wide. You can take photographs from right outside the parliament building. However, you might struggle to capture it to its fullest.

That said, we recommend snapping some shots from Buda Castle. Trust me, the view from the Buda Castle walls is phenomenal. At night, you can take photographs of the building illuminated by hundreds of golden lights.

Capture the Best Viewpoints – For the most iconic shots, head to Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, or across the river on Batthyány Square. These spots provide stunning panoramic views.
Visit at Sunset or Night – The building looks breathtaking when illuminated after sunset. Arrive early in the evening to capture both golden hour and nighttime shots.

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Relaxing at Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the best things for couples to do in Budapest. Hungary is well known for its thermal springs, and Budapest is home to over 120 springs. As such, it earned the nickname “City of Spas.”

Therefore, relaxing at a spa is a right of passage in the Hungarian capital. The best place to experience the city’s thermal springs is Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe’s best and largest spa baths. Opened in 1913, this luxurious facility has 15 indoor baths, three outdoor pools, a rooftop spa greenhouse, and several saunas and steam rooms.

The property also has a garden restaurant. Why don’t you and your partner indulge in a traditional massage, pool session, and a romantic dinner?

Bring Flip-Flops and a Towel – While you can rent towels on-site, bringing your own saves money and ensures comfort. Flip-flops are required for hygiene reasons.
Book Tickets Online to Skip the Lines – Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of Budapest’s most popular attractions, and lines can be long. Buying tickets in advance saves time and ensures a smoother entry.

Walk Along the Danube River

In my opinion, one of the nicest things to do in Budapest is walk along the Danube River. The Danube River runs right through the heart of Hungary’s capital and is lined with some of the city’s most famous attractions. For example, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Bálna sit at the river’s edge.

If you start your walk at Petőfi Bridge, you can follow the river all the way to the Hungarian Parliament Building. Then, you can cross over the Danube River at Széchenyi Chain Bridge and walk all the way back on the other side, passing Buda Castle. This walk takes less than two hours, but you’ll still walk along the Buda and Pest sides of the city.

Walk at Night for Stunning Views – Budapest’s landmarks, like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere along the river.
Stop by the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial – This poignant WWII memorial is located near the Parliament Building and is worth a quiet moment of reflection.

Enjoy the Views From Gellert Hill

Least Walkable Cities in Europe_Budapest, Hungary — © zgphotography / Adobe Stock

If you’re looking for the best views of Budapest, consider hiking to Gellert Hill. Located on the city’s Buda side (west), this hill overlooks the Danube River and most of the city. It stands proudly above the city at 770 feet (235 meters), offering exceptional views of the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle.

Furthermore, the hill has many scenic walking paths to follow should you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also home to Citadella, a 19th-century fortification. However, it’s likely the views you’ll visit the hill for.

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To reach the top of Gellert Hill, follow the walking path that starts next to Gellert Thermal Bath. This path is steep, but takes less than 20 minutes to reach the top.

Go at Sunset for the Best Views – The panoramic view is especially stunning at sunset when the city lights start to glow, making for incredible photos.
Wear Comfortable Shoes – The hike up is steep and uneven in places, so sturdy shoes will make the climb much easier and more enjoyable.

Go On a Tour of the Hospital in the Rock

The Hospital in the Rock is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Budapest. Since 1939, this cavern built into a natural cave system underneath Castle Hill has had several historically significant uses.

It served as an air raid emergency Hospital during WWII, a vaccine institute, a hospital during the Hungarian Revolution, and a nuclear bunker. Today, it’s a fascinating museum that details Budapest’s history. On a tour of the Hospital, you can learn about how it functioned, the hero doctors who worked tirelessly, and the patients they treated.

The expert guides will lead you through the cave system, showing you machinery, tools, and accommodation while telling the most amazing stories. Tours cost 9,635 HUF ($25) for adults and 4,818 HUF ($12.50) for children.

Buy a Travel Pass for Public Transport: Budapest’s trams, buses, and metro are efficient and well-connected. A 24-hour or 72-hour Budapest travel pass saves you money and hassle compared to buying single tickets.
Dress for the Temperature – The cave system stays cool year-round (around 12°C / 54°F), so bring a light jacket, even in summer.

Learn More About Hungarian History in the House of Terror

The House of Terror, known locally as Terror Haza, is another excellent place to learn about Hungarian history. Located at No. 60 Andrássy Road, this museum commemorates two tragic periods in Hungarian history. From 1944 to 1990, Hungary’s freedom and independence was robbed, first by Nazi Germany and then by the Soviet Union.

Sadly, the House of Terror was just one location in Budapest where innocent civilians would suffer. For example, many civilians were tortured and executed in the basement. The basement has been reconstructed so visitors can witness the atrocities civilians suffered.

Within the museum, you’ll also find the Hall of Tears, which remembers the names of those who were executed. You can also step inside a reconstructed cell and explore the rooms of Soviet advisors.

Rent the Audio Guide for Context: While exhibits are powerful, many descriptions are in Hungarian. Renting the audio guide (or downloading an English-language guide in advance) ensures you fully understand the historical context.
Prepare for an Emotionally Intense Experience: The museum deals with heavy subject matter, including torture and executions. Give yourself time afterward to process—perhaps with a quiet walk down Andrássy Avenue.

Visit the Shoes On the Danube Bank Memorial

One of the hardest-hitting tourist attractions in Budapest is the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial. You’ll find this somber monument and memorial alongside the Hungarian Parliament Building at the river’s edge. It’s dedicated to the Hungarian Jews who were shot along the Danube river bank by the Arrow Cross Party between 1944 and 1945.

During this period, the river was referred to as the ‘Jewish Cemetery.’ The monument comprises approximately 60 pairs of old-fashioned men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes made from iron. The shoes appear rusted, scattered, and abandoned and symbolize the individual Jews who were murdered.

You’ll often find respectful messages and candles placed inside the shoes, so the experience can be emotional.

Go at Dusk for a Reflective Atmosphere: Visiting at sunset or after dark adds to the memorial’s emotional impact, with the city lights reflecting on the Danube, creating a quiet, contemplative mood.
Bring a Small Candle or Flower: Many visitors leave tributes like candles or flowers in the shoes as a sign of remembrance. If you want to pay your respects, a small gesture like this is a meaningful way to do so.

Explore the Fisherman’s Bastion

Planning a June Trip? These 12 European Destinations Will Make You Reconsider Everything — © Orpheus26 / Adobe Stock

Exploring the Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most magical things to do in Budapest. Built in the 19th century, this fairytale-esque structure belongs in a Disney movie. Since 1987, it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bastion was built to celebrate the 1,000th birthday of the Hungarian state. As such, it was inspired by early medieval architectural styles. Its name comes from the fishermen responsible for defending the city from the bastion’s location.

During your visit, make sure you walk up the grand staircase, photograph the marble white towers, and admire the spectacular city and river views from the archways. The lower part of Fisherman’s Bastion is free to visit.

Visit at Sunrise for Crowd-Free Views: Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s most popular landmarks, so it gets packed during the day. Arriving early in the morning not only gives you stunning sunrise views over the city but also lets you enjoy the architecture without the crowds.
Skip the Paid Towers, the Free Areas Are Just as Good: While the upper terraces require a ticket, the lower bastion and many of the best viewpoints are completely free. Unless you’re set on climbing every tower, you won’t miss much by sticking to the free sections.

Watch a Soccer Match

Soccer fans will be pleased to hear that Budapest is home to several clubs, including the current Nemzeti Bajnokság I champions Ferencváros and sixth-placed Újpest FC. Admittedly, you’ll want to watch the champions in action if you can, but the matchday experience at Újpest FC is excellent, too.

Ferencváros play at the 23,700 Groupama Arena. You can watch the team play in the league or on the European stage in the UEFA Europa League. To watch Ferencváros, you must first purchase a Fradi Supporter Card for 2,000 HUF ($5.20).

You can only purchase this card at the stadium. That said, Újpest FC, who play at the 12,670 seater Szusza Ferenc Stadion, are easier to watch because you can easily buy tickets online.

Bring Your Passport for Ticket Purchase: If you’re buying a Ferencváros Supporter Card at Groupama Arena, you’ll need a valid photo ID, such as a passport. Security checks are strict, so keep it handy to avoid delays.
Experience the Local Fan Culture: For a true Hungarian football experience, join the home supporters’ section (if you’re up for it). Ferencváros’ Green Monsters and Újpest’s Ultra Viola Bulldogs create an electric atmosphere with chants, flags, and pyro displays—just be ready for some passionate energy!

Go On a Prosecco Cruise

One of the most romantic things to do in Budapest is to go on a prosecco cruise. This is an excellent way to end your Budapest city break and a fantastic way to see the city at night. This evening sightseeing cruise with unlimited prosecco allows you to travel the Danube River in style.

The journey starts at the dock on Carl Lutz Rakpart. You’ll travel down the river, passing famous attractions like Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Gellert Hill, and Bálna. Aside from unlimited prosecco, you’ll enjoy music and an audio guide.

One of the best things about traveling at night is seeing the city’s main attractions illuminated by bright lights. I recommend arriving early for your tour so that you can secure a seat on the top deck.

Pick the Right Side of the Boat: When heading north from the dock, sit on the right side for the best views of the Hungarian Parliament Building as you approach. On the return trip, the left side offers a stunning perspective of Buda Castle.
Opt for a Later Cruise: The later the cruise, the more dramatic the city lights. A departure after 8:30 PM ensures Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle are fully illuminated, making for unbeatable photos and a more romantic vibe.