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Budapest travel guide
Guide me through Budapest
Budapest is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most fascinating cities thanks to its fusion of opulent architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. By strolling the two halves of the capital, divided by the Danube, statues of communist leaders, ruin pubs, gilded palaces, unique museums, and thermal baths shake hands. Hungary’s capital with its nostalgic character tells a story everywhere you look – with bullet holes scarring the facades, Jewish shoes lining the river bank, and castles that tell of times long gone.
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Budapest Top 5
Relax in thermal baths
Stroll the Great Market Hall
Tour the Parliament
Party at a Ruin Pub
Visit Castle Hill
Best things to do in Budapest
The Highlights
There are so many things to do and see in Hungary’s capital that it is hard to decide which to choose.
One of Budapest’s main attractions is Castle Hill, a must-visit neighborhood of the city. Winding cobblestone streets connect Trinity Square, the emblematic Matthias Church with its colorful roof, the Buda Castle, and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Located inside Buda Castle, there are a handful of interesting museums to visit with the National Gallery – a fantastic art museum – and the Budapest History Museum well worth a visit.
If your feet allow, hike Gellért Hill and visit the nearby Garden of Philosophers for spectacular views of the city, especially during sunset.
While in Budapest, don’t miss touring the Parliament, Budapest’s iconic building located on the river bank. On the other side of the river, see the changing of the guard at the Hungarian Presidential Palace, admire St. Stephen’s Basilica from the outside and inside and sample your way through local delicacies at the colorful three-story Great Market Hall. Relax at City Park featuring the famous Széchenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Budapest’s zoo.
To learn more about Hungary’s Jewish population, wander through the Jewish Quarter where you can find Jewish shops and food, memorials, and the Great Synagogue, which can be visited from the inside. Another chapter of Hungary’s rich history is the times of communism. You can visit the House of Terror, a museum and memorial taking you through its history.
Budapest boasts plenty of lavishly decorated buildings from many architectural periods. Visit Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, Budapest University Library, and the Hungarian State Opera House for great examples.
More fun activities to do in Budapest
Other Activities
Being one of the oldest zoos in Europe and featuring a unique cafe, the Budapest Zoo is fun for both, the young and old. Or take a cruise on the Danube with options ranking from boat parties to dinner on board.
If you need some rest after a day of sightseeing, relax on Margaret Island, a public park located in the middle of the river with lots to see and do. Find the Palatinus baths, a Japanese or rose garden, the historic water tower, and a beach among other things.
If you have more time on hand, take a day trip to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake home to a beautiful landscape and many outdoor activities.
Top unique experiences in Budapest
Unique Experiences
While visiting Hungary’s capital, you get the chance to experience some unique and fun activities you won’t forget too soon.
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. The Széchenyi and Gellert Baths are the most popular ones and a must-do while in the city. Be part of a sparty, a wild party at Széchenyi Baths taking place each Saturday night.
A second great option for an unforgettable night out is a visit to Budapest’s eclectic ruin bars with Szimpla Kert and Instant-Fogasház being among the favorites of tourists and locals.
Another reminder of World War II are the shoes on the Danube bank, a monument for the 3500 executed citizens that had to take off their shoes before the execution. Visit Budapest’s Memento Park to see a vast collection of communist statues that once were spread around the city.
It may sound morbid, but beautiful Farkasréti Cemetery and Kerepesi Cemetery are perfect places for a relaxing walk or to take some unique photos of magnificent gravestones and sculptures.
Budapest’s cave system is often overlooked but has its own stories to tell. Visit the Hospital in the Rock Museum which was used during World War II or see the Cave Church, a unique underground church having been sealed up for ages. In the Panoptikum, Buda’s cave labyrinth located under the Buda castle, visitors have to navigate their own through myths and stories displayed underground. If that is not enough action, take a tour to explore the more secluded cave system beneath the city.
Above ground, the idyllic Buda Hills can be explored by taking the extraordinary Children’s Railway, a miniature train operated by children aged 10 to 14. Visit one of the biggest flea markets in Central Europe – Ecseri Flea Market – to hunt for a unique souvenir.
Best food to try in Budapest
Local Delicacies
Hungarians are proud of their cuisine – and rightly so! Try hearty comfort food such as goulash (soup with meat and vegetables), lángos (flatbread topped with cream, cheese, and garlic), or lecsó (vegetable stew). A good way to sample some of Hungary’s classics is by visiting the food court at the Great Market Hall, located on the upper floor.
Try flodni, a traditional Jewish layered cake, or visit one of Budapest’s many fantastic cafés, all of them with their special atmosphere and charm. Two Budapest gems worth mentioning are the confectionary Ruszwurm -one of Europe’s oldest cafés – and Café New York, a magnificent coffee house full of elegancy. A visit to the Zoo Café is a unique experience because not only are drinks served, but animals are brought to the table with every order.
The Budapest Makery – a DIY restaurant – offers an alternative restaurant experience. Here you follow step-by-step cookery lessons on a tablet with ready-to-use ingredients prepared by the staff.
Best travel tips for Budapest
Useful travel tips
Buda and Pest – the two halves that make up the city are great on their own, but to understand what makes Budapest shine you have to explore them together – which makes walking through the city and taking in its atmosphere the perfect way to start your adventure.
Take a Free Walking Tour or one of the many specialty tours to explore the city and learn about its history. Walk the UNESCO-listed banks of the river Danube which are dotted with some of Budapest’s major sights. A great way to explore the city is by taking a ride on Tram #2 which offers fantastic views along the river. Head to the Danube at night to get beautiful views of the city lights. A walk over the Széchenyi chain bridge is always a great thing to do, whether during the day or at night.
Stroll Andrássy Avenue, as well UNESCO World Heritage site, which connects the Opera House with the City Park. At the end of the boulevard, Heroe’s Square is located showing the Millenial Monument.
Transportation tips for Budapest
Transportation
Budapest has an expensive network of public transportation that connects both parts of the city and its surroundings. You can choose between buses, trams, metro, and trolleybusses. Get your ticket at any metro station, newsstand, street stand, or ticket vending machine, and don’t forget to validate your ticket before using it.
Public water transport in form of ferries between Újpest and Millenniumi Városközpont and between Boráros tér and Pünkösdfürdo is offered as well. If you plan on doing lots of sightseeing and using public transportation a lot, get the Budapest Card. Student cards can be used to save on the cost of admission to some attractions.