Hungary’s capital, Budapest, draws visitors with its mix of grand architecture, thermal baths, lively ruin bars, and history at every turn. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Budapest, this guide covers must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and local favorites divided between Buda and Pest, plus the storied Danube River that splits the two.
1. Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Set in Városliget / City Park, the Széchenyi Baths are one of Europe’s largest bath complexes, with 15 indoor pools and three grand outdoor pools. The Neo-Baroque building offers saunas, steam rooms, and medicinal thermal springs. Warm up among locals whether you go midday or evening.
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2. Wander through Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Step into Budapest’s storybook side with a walk through Castle Hill. Here, cobbled lanes and charming Baroque houses lead you to Buda Castle, a sprawling palace complex housing the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the National Széchényi Library. Nearby, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and the colourful roof of Matthias Church add drama to the skyline. From this high perch, the views of Pest and the Danube are spectacular, especially at golden hour.
3. Explore the Jewish Quarter & its Ruin Bars
The Jewish Quarter in District VII is Budapest at its most layered. By day, explore the majestic Great Synagogue—the largest in Europe—and pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial Garden. By night, the same streets come alive. Head into legendary Szimpla Kert, a pioneer of the city’s ruin bar scene. These eclectic, graffiti-filled spaces, set in abandoned pre-war buildings, pulse with art, live music, and energy. Try a pálinka, Hungary’s fiery fruit brandy, or sip a craft beer from a local microbrewery.
4. Marvel at St. Stephen’s Basilica
Named for Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Its neoclassical dome dominates the Pest skyline, while inside you’ll find intricate mosaics, marble columns, and the king’s preserved hand. Climb to the panoramic terrace for one of the best rooftop views in the city. On Sunday evenings, classical concerts and organ recitals fill the space with music, creating a powerful atmosphere in this fusion of sacred and civic beauty.
5. Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building sits beside the Danube River and is stunning in both scale and detail. Take a guided tour inside to see the ornate main chamber, the Holy Crown of Hungary, and neo-Gothic architecture. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks when listing best things to see in Budapest.
6. Heroes’ Square & Museum of Fine Arts / Hall of Art (Műcsarnok)
Anchoring the end of Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square celebrates Hungary’s founders and national figures with grand statues and colonnades. It’s also flanked by two cultural heavyweights: the Museum of Fine Arts, with its classical and Renaissance works, and Műcsarnok (Hall of Art), dedicated to contemporary exhibitions. This whole area is part of Budapest’s UNESCO-listed heritage.
7. Float in Gellért Thermal Bath
Budapest’s spa culture is unrivalled, and Gellért Thermal Bath is among its most elegant. Located within the Gellért Hotel, this Art Nouveau gem features indoor pools with stained glass, Roman columns, and ceramic-tiled domes. Fed by mineral-rich springs, the waters are said to ease ailments—but it’s just as much about soaking in the beauty.
8. Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
This simple, powerful memorial along the Pest side of the Danube River features 60 pairs of iron shoes. They honour the Jews who were executed by fascist militia during WWII, their bodies cast into the river. The shoes—scattered, worn, abandoned—are a haunting visual that brings history close.
9. Take a Cruise on the Danube River
Whether at sunset or under starry skies, a Danube River cruise is a must. You’ll glide between Buda and Pest, passing illuminated landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. With audio commentary or live guides, it’s a peaceful and informative way to take in the city.
10. Tour Matthias Church
More than just a place of worship, Matthias Church is a landmark steeped in Hungarian history. It was the coronation church for many kings, and its gothic exterior hides a richly painted interior. Look up and you’ll see vaulted ceilings in teal, ochre, and gold. Outside, the colourful Zsolnay-tiled roof stands out across the city.
11. Countless Views from Fisherman’s Bastion
Climb a few steps above Matthias Church and you’ll find Fisherman’s Bastion, a fairy-tale terrace with pointed turrets, arches, and panoramic views. It was built to commemorate the medieval guild of fishermen who once defended this part of the wall. Come early for sunrise or linger at dusk—it’s one of the most photogenic spots in all of Budapest.
12. Walk Across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent link between Buda and Pest, and remains a city icon. Walk or cycle across for views both ways along the river, and pause midway for photos of passing boats and landmarks on either side. It’s particularly stunning when lit up at night.
13. Visit the Aquincum Ruins
History runs deep in Aquincum, an ancient Roman city located in Óbuda. The open-air museum reveals remnants of amphitheatres, baths, temples, and houses—some dating back nearly 2,000 years. With fewer crowds and a peaceful setting, it’s a great way to escape modern Budapest for an afternoon.
14. Enjoy Traditional Hungarian Food & Markets
Hungarian cuisine is rich and satisfying. Start at the Great Market Hall, where vendors sell paprika, sausages, fresh produce, and handmade souvenirs. Order goulash, chimney cake, or lángos with sour cream and cheese. Markets and eateries tell Hungary’s story through taste.
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15. Experience the Opera & Arts Scene
The Hungarian State Opera Houseis an architectural jewel, recently restored and home to world-class performances. For a modern twist, explore smaller venues like Erkel Theatre, browse the Műcsarnok for rotating contemporary exhibitions, or find bold murals and underground art in the 7th District.
16. Relax in City Park (Városliget) including Vajdahunyad Castle
City Park (Városliget) is Budapest’s green heart. Walk under canopies, rent a paddle boat on the lake, or visit Vajdahunyad Castle, which fuses Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles. Nearby is the Budapest Zoo, the circus, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath—perfect for a long afternoon of soaking.
17. Day Trip to Szentendre or Óbuda
Want a change of pace? Head north to Szentendre, an artsy riverside village with cobblestone lanes, museums, and cafés. Or stay closer with Óbuda, home to local restaurants, quiet corners, and the Roman Aquincum ruins. Both give you a feel for life outside the capital’s buzz.
Common questions about Budapest
What is Budapest best known for?
Budapest is known for its thermal spas, grand architecture, nightlife in ruin bars, the sweeping Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and its split personality with Buda on one side and Pest on the other.
When is the best time to visit Budapest?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) have mild weather, fewer crowds, and many events. Summer is busy but warm; winters are cold but magical for Christmas markets and baths.
See our new Christmas Market river cruise: Danube Christmas Markets
How many days should I spend in Budapest?
To see the major attractions—Parliament, Buda Castle, thermal baths—and get a taste of local life, 3 full days is a good minimum. If you have 5–7 days, it lets you add day trips like Szentendre and deeper exploration of best things to see in Budapest.
What languages are spoken in Budapest?
The primary language is Hungarian. English is commonly spoken at hotels, restaurants, and with guides. You might also hear German or Russian, especially among older generations and in border regions.
What currency is used in Budapest?
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Even though many tourists ask about Euros, prices are set in Forint. Credit cards accepted widely, cash useful for small purchases.
What should I pack for a trip to Budapest?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for cobblestones and stairs. Include layers for both cool mornings and warm afternoons, swimwear for thermal baths, an umbrella for rain, and a power adapter (type C & F).