{"id":884322,"date":"2025-09-18T16:19:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T15:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=884322"},"modified":"2025-10-03T09:43:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T08:43:00","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-budapest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-things-to-do-in-budapest\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Best Things to Do in Budapest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hungary’s<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Relax at Sz\u00e9chenyi Thermal Baths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Set in V\u00e1rosliget \/ City Park, the Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths<\/a> are one of Europe\u2019s 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.

You may also like: The best Budapest thermal baths and hot springs to visit<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Wander through Buda Castle & Castle Hill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step into Budapest\u2019s 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 Sz\u00e9ch\u00e9nyi Library. Nearby, the turreted Fisherman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Explore the Jewish Quarter & its Ruin Bars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Jewish Quarter in District VII is Budapest at its most layered. By day, explore the majestic Great Synagogue\u2014the largest in Europe\u2014and 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\u2019s ruin bar scene. These eclectic, graffiti-filled spaces, set in abandoned pre-war buildings, pulse with art, live music, and energy. Try a p\u00e1linka, Hungary\u2019s fiery fruit brandy, or sip a craft beer from a local microbrewery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Marvel at St. Stephen\u2019s Basilica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Named for Hungary\u2019s first king, St. Stephen\u2019s Basilica<\/strong> is one of Budapest\u2019s most iconic landmarks. Its neoclassical dome dominates the Pest skyline, while inside you\u2019ll find intricate mosaics, marble columns, and the king\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Hungarian Parliament Building <\/a>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\u2019s one of the most iconic landmarks when listing best things to see in Budapest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Heroes\u2019 Square & Museum of Fine Arts \/ Hall of Art (M\u0171csarnok)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anchoring the end of Andr\u00e1ssy Avenue, Heroes\u2019 Square celebrates Hungary\u2019s founders and national figures with grand statues and colonnades. It\u2019s also flanked by two cultural heavyweights: the Museum of Fine Arts, with its classical and Renaissance works, and M\u0171csarnok (Hall of Art), dedicated to contemporary exhibitions. This whole area is part of Budapest\u2019s UNESCO-listed heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Float in Gell\u00e9rt Thermal Bath<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Budapest\u2019s spa culture is unrivalled, and <\/strong>Gell\u00e9rt Thermal Bath<\/a> <\/strong>is among its most elegant. Located within the Gell\u00e9rt 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\u2014but it\u2019s just as much about soaking in the beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014scattered, worn, abandoned\u2014are a haunting visual that brings history close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Take a Cruise on the Danube River<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether at sunset or under starry skies, a Danube River cruise is a must. You\u2019ll 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\u2019s a peaceful and informative way to take in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Rhine vs. Danube river cruise: which should you choose?\u00a0 <\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n \n