The capital of Hungary and nestled on the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is an incredible city to visit. It’s the kind of city that’s the perfect mix of beautiful, east to explore and has heaps of foodie spots, too. This makes it a great place to visit for a weekend trip; especially with all the best things to do in Budapest that are dotted across the city.
Over the years, we’ve visited Budapest many times; and we love it. The city centre is incredibly beautiful but also has an edge about it that makes it so cool. After all, it’s the kind of city where you can explore the beautifully ornate Buda Castle whilst then popping over to a Ruin Bar in an old abandoned building.
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the city, I’m sharing my top places in Budapest you don’t want to miss. This way, you can focus on having fun, without being bogged down with any of the planning.
1.) Parliament of Budapest
Home to the Parliament of Hungary, the Parliament Building is one of the iconic neo-gothic buildings in all of Europe. It’s incredible to see whilst strolling around the city near the River Danube.
Now, one of the best ways to see the parliament building is by booking this guided tour that’s so incredible. You see, this tour takes you around all the top places in Budapest whilst also including a 1-hour tour of the Parliament Building itself.
Now, I’d recommend booking this tour of the Parliament Building as it’s just so iconic; and not just in Hungary. It’s the largest parliament building in the entire world.
Once inside, you’ll be able to learn about Imre Steindl’s designs, which he based on the Palace of Westminster in London. Oh, and best of all, you’ll get to visit the famous Cupola Room. This is where the Crown Jewels of Hungary are kept (under lock and key).
Finally, make sure to see the vast vaulted hall within the Parliament itself. Tours typically include this so you really can’t miss it.
Just be sure to book this parliament tour well before you visit Budapest. You see, these tickets sell out fast as there’s only an allotted number of entries per day.
Read more: Cheapest cities in Europe to visit
2.) Shoes on the Danube
Sculpted by Gyula Pauera and envisioned by Can Togay, Shoes on the Danube is a sombre installation you have to see when visiting Budapest.
The memorial remembers the atrocities of those killed during World War II where people were told to take their shoes off before being killed and thrown into the river. It’s the most awful thing to consider, but I always feel it’s important to remember the atrocities of the past and never allow them to happen again.
It is a touching and emotional installation and easy to see as you stroll the banks of the River Danube.
Afterwards, head over to the traditional Hungarikum Bisztró for a pipping hot goulash. If you’re still hungry, they also have yummy beef stew with homemade dumplings that you have to try.
Read more: Best places in Hungary to visit
3.) Buda Castle
If you love art, then Buda Castle is easily one of the best things to do in Budapest which overlooks the banks of the River Danube.
You see, right inside Buda Castle is the National Gallery, which is a stunning place to stroll around for paintings dating back to the 1400s. It’s quite incredible to see and the perfect spot to visit on a lazy afternoon.
Once here, make sure to see the Gothic art from the Hungarian Kingdom which is beautiful. Here, you’ll get to see a portion of the panel of Madonna. It dates back to 1409.
Also, make sure to visit the marble statues section which includes pieces from the 1800s. You’ll get to see pieces like the figure of Venus and so much more.
Alternatively, join this Buda Castle walking tour and learn more about the castle and the wider Budapest area. It’s such a great tour and the guides are so knowledgeable and friendly.
Looking for something a little different? Then head beneath Budapest’s city streets and book this cave-walking tour that goes right under Buda Castle and Castle Hill.
Afterwards, head back over the River Danube and pop over to Mazel Tov for dinner. It’s in the historic Jewish Quarter of Budapest and is one of my favourite places to eat when in the city. Not only is the restaurant cool, but the food is also delicious. Make sure to try loads of their mezze dishes. Just be prepared for a queue for a table.
Read more: Best places in Hungary to visit
4.) Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya)
Perched on Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion (known locally as Halászbástya) is a gorgeous spot and viewpoint to look over all of Budapest.
The whole site is beautiful to visit and can easily pop over to Fisherman’s Bastion without a tour. In fact, I’d say to do it without a tour and just stroll around.
Once here, make sure to explore some of the original walls of Fisherman’s Bastion that date back to the 1700s and explore the terraces that overlook Budapest.
Now, most of the terraces are free to visit; so you don’t need to pay to have an incredible time at Fisherman’s Bastion. You see, the lower walkways and even some of the upper towers are open with no need to buy any tickets.
That being said, if you want to explore every inch of Fisherman’s Bastion, then grab a ticket once you’re here. After all, it’s only around $5 USD.
Oh, and don’t forget, head across here in the late afternoon. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset; especially with the stunning views across Budapest.
Hankering for a sweet treat? Then head over to Ruszwurm. It’s just opposite the verandas of Fisherman’s Bastion and they serve up some of the best homemade cakes this side of Budapest. In fact, they’ve been serving cakes at this site for over 200 years!
Read more: Cheapest cities in Europe to visit
5.) Budapest’s ruin bars
Visiting a Ruin Bar is easily one of the best things to do in Budapest when you visit. You see, they’re an integral part of the city’s history and make up the more ‘edgy’ and fringe spots that have, over time, become quite popular.
Long ago, Budapest’s ruin bars were temporary bars that were hastily made and opened in derelict buildings that were lying empty. Now, lots of these didn’t have any formal planning when originally built. Though, nowadays, they are firmly part of Budapest’s plans and an even more permanent part of a night out in the city.
Primarily within the Jewish Quarter of Budapest, the ruin bars are best explored as you wander the neighbourhood.
Now, to make things easier, book this Budapest ruin bar tour that’s so much fun. You’ll get to go all around the city’s famous ruin bars, stopping for a tipple in each one. It’s so much fun and well worth it for a lively night out.
Alternatively, if you fancy going it alone, make sure to visit Szimpla Kert, the most famous in the area. Alternatively, pop into Csendes Létterem and stop by for one of their local brews. Both are incredible and really fun to visit.
Read more: Cheapest cities in Europe to visit
6.) Ervin Szabó Library
Possibly one of Hungary’s most stunning libraries, Ervin Szabó Library is well worth a visit in Budapest.
A stone’s throw away from the Central Market, it’s totally easy to visit the Ervin Szabó Library as you wander the central neighbourhoods. It’s housed in a former palace of Budapest and dates back to the 1800s.
Now, there’s a small fee to enter, but it’s well worth it to see the gorgeous reading rooms inside. Though, keep noise to a minimum; it’s still used to this day.
Visits will take around 30 minutes, but it’s well worth giving yourself a little more time to just chill out and wander slowly around the reading rooms. It really is one of the best things to do in Budapest. We loved it.
Read more: Best places in Hungary to visit
7.) St. Stephen’s Basilica
If you want to explore some of Budapest’s iconic buildings, then head straight over to St Stephen’s Basilica. It’s one of the best things to do in Budapest that took over 50 years to build.
The neo-classical architecture is honestly stunning. Although St Stephen’s Basilica was heavily destroyed during World War II, it still managed to protect some of the country’s archives and people who flocked for shelter.
Today, you can head around the interiors of the basilica and explore.
Not only that, it matches the same height of the Hungarian Parliament; making them (jointly) the tallest buildings in all of Budapest.
Now, if you’re up for a climb, then head to the top of St Stephen’s Basilica. Yes, there’s a small fee to get to the dome but it’s well worth it for the views.
Oh yeah, and keep your eyes peeled for a (rather macabre) mummified hand that is said to be from a saint.
Afterwards, for a unique little pub, stop off at
Head over to the For Sale Pub which is so cool. It’s filled with hundreds of thousands of letters and drawings that flutter from every wall and ceiling. Yes, it’s popular, yes, lots of visitors go, but it’s got a really lovely vibe that’s unique.
Plus, you get unlimited peanuts inside.
8.) Sail the Danube
Sailing down the Danube River is easily one of the best things to do in Budapest when you visit. You see, it’s a great way to see some of the city’s iconic landmarks without any stress or hassle of getting around.
Join this incredible river tour that is lovely around sunset. Though, as it can be quite a popular activity in Budapest, make sure to book these cruise tickets before arriving. Plus, you’ll get a free welcome drink when you board.
Afterwards, warm up with some piping hot goulash from Gettó Gulyás. It’s such a delicious place in Budapest. Not only that, it’s pretty inexpensive too.
Read more: Best places in Hungary to visit
9.) Budapest Baths
One of the things that makes Budapest so amazing is its geothermal baths. It even has some of the biggest hot-spring baths in all of Europe.
This makes it one of the best things to do in Budapest and something of a pastime for each trip we take to Budapest.
Now, the largest is Szechenyi Baths, which is over 100 years old. It’s huge and has a massive pool area that’s right within the city itself. What I would say is that it can get super busy; especially on weekends. So be prepared for crowds. If you want to avoid most of them, head over first thing for a morning dip.
Another gem to visit is the Gellert Bath Palace. Here, you can hop into the geothermally heated pools and chill out after a day strolling the city. We love the vibe here. Though, as with most of the iconic baths in Budapest, it can get busy too.
So, make sure to book your spa tickets ahead of your visit and head across earlier in the day.
Read more: Best places in Hungary to visit
10.) New York Café
Okay, so the New York Café is iconic to visit. The building is absolutely stunning and it’s one of the best things to do in Budapest that’s been around for well over 100 years. Not only that, it’s considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and a spot you shouldn’t miss when visiting Budapest.
Once inside, you’ll be greeted with live music and a gorgeous, ornate, hall in which you dine. Now, the food isn’t necessarily the best in all of Budapest; but you go for the experience.
That’s not saying the food is bad, by the way. Just not the best. We went for the New York kolbász (sausage) and a cake for a sweet treat.
Oh, and a heads up! It does get busy here; so make sure to reserve a table a day or two before. This way, you won’t have to queue when waiting for a free table.
We just popped in a few days before and they slotted us in for a reservation.
11.) Central Market Hall
Opposite the For Sale Pub, Central Market Hall is well worth a gander as you wander the shoreline here. The hall itself is huge and the market inside spans a few different floors to explore.
Long ago, the market was primarily a fresh produce stop for people living in Budapest. Nowadays, it has a little bit of everything. You can still find street food-style stalls and fresh produce but you’ll also find heaps of other traders, too.
If you’re looking for a souvenir, or just want a wander, then this is the place to go.
Afterwards, head over to Ensō Budapest which is quite hidden away (in Patyolat bar). It’s a local haunt that serves up some of the best pan-asian cuisine in Budapest. Their kasca ramen and nori chicken tacos are delicious.
We ate here a few times when staying nearby at Kozmo Hotel Suites, which was once the largest communications centre in Eastern Europe.
Read more: Best places in Hungary to visit
12.) Vajdahunyad Castle
Perched within City Park, visiting Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the best things to do in Budapest as you wander City Park.
In the winter months, there’s a gorgeous ice rink right outside the castle, whilst in the summer you’ll have a gorgeous view of the lake, over to the castle.
Also, you can grab a ticket onsite to some of the internal exhibits within the castle the Gatehouse Tower. It’s not essential, especially if you’re not too interested in the Forestry or agriculture exhibits. I’d avoid going inside if you’re not too interested in them.
Oh, and make sure to look out for some of the statues that line the walkways here. Nestled inside is a statue of Béla Lugos who was famed for playing Dracula in the early 20th Century.
Also, whilst you’re in the area of City Park, pop over to the Heros Square which is pretty close by. From here, you can see huge statues of the seven leaders who helped create Hungary.
13.) Castle Hill Funicular
If you don’t fancy trekking up Buda Hill (to Fisherman’s Bastion) pop onto the Castle Hill Funicular that’ll drop you right at the top. It’s really handy if you’ve had a long day of walking and pretty quick.
Like I said, the ride is pretty short but honestly, it’s a nice little way to get to the top of the hill (and I’m not just saying that because I felt lazy).
Plus, how often can you say you’ve ridden on the second-oldest funicular railway in the entire world?
Read more: Cheapest cities in Europe to visit
14.) Hungarian National Museum
If you love to visit museums during your weekend trips, then the Hungarian National Museum is a spot you can’t miss.
One of the largest, and most prestigious museums in Hungary, it houses everything from medieval history, right up to the present day.
Not only that, the building is gorgeous. Give yourself around 1-2 hours to stroll around and see all the exhibits. It’s well worth the trip.
Alternatively, if you’re more into your natural history, pop over to the nearby Hungarian Natural History Museum. It’s great to explore if you’re visiting Budapest with kids and the dinosaur exhibits are incredible.
Afterwards, head over to Pingrumba for their shakshuka. We loved the vibe here and it’s a lovely little restaurant that’s often overlooked by visitors to Budapest.
Read more: Best cities in Hungary to visit
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