100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Budapest Hungary
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, you’re lucky because this curated list of 100 things to do in Budapest Hungary will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Budapest Hungary. Short on time? Grab my 48 hours in Budapest itinerary and be ready to go. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Hungary Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Top 5 Things to Do in Budapest Hungary
- Visit Buda Castle and the Castle District.
- Tour the Parliament Building.
- Spend a night out in a Ruin Bar.
- Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- See the city lit up at night.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Budapest Hungary
- Watch the Changing of the Guards at Buda Castle.
- Explore the Castle District and walk the labyrinth of underground tunnels.
- Tour the Parliament Building and see the Crown Jewels.
- Climb to the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica for city views.
- Check out the panoramic views over the Danube from the Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Walk across the Chain Bridge connecting Buda and Pest.
- Check out the view from the Buda Hill funicular.
- Photograph the colorful tiled roof of the Matthias Church.
- See the Millennium Monument in Heroes Square.
- Hunt for Budapest’s mini statues.
- Photograph the Citadella fortress and Liberty Statue.
- Visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
- Catch a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House or take a guided tour.
- See the Gerard of Csanád Monument on the hillside.
- Check out Gresham Palace, now the Four Seasons Hotel.
- Photograph the Paris Courtyard architecture.
- Tour the Dohány Street Synagogue and photograph the Emanuel Tree sculpture.
- Get a bird’s-eye view of Budapest from the Budapest Eye.
- Check out Gellert Cave Church cut into the rock.
- Take tram number 2 for one of the most scenic rides in Budapest.
- Enjoy a Budapest by-night tour and enjoy the city lights.
- Watch a traditional Hungarian dance performance.
- Explore the abandoned Istvántelek Train Yard.
Best Museums in Budapest Hungary
- Browse the collection of European art at the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Check out the contemporary art at the Ludwig Museum.
- Learn Hungary’s history and heritage at the Hungarian National Museum.
- Learn Budapest’s history from Roman times to the present Budapest History Museum.
- Explore Hungarian folk traditions and culture at the Ethnographic Museum.
- Check out the Art Nouveau pieces at the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau.
- Browse decorative arts from Hungary at the Museum of Applied Arts.
- Visit the Hungarian National Gallery in Buda Castle for Hungarian art.
- See the ruins of an ancient Roman city at the Aquincum Museum.
- Learn about Jewish life in Budapest at the Ghetto Memorial Wall.
- Visit the Holocaust Memorial Center’s tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
- Tour the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.
- Learn about Fascist and Communist Regimes at the House of Terror.
- Check out the communist memorials at Memento Park.
Outdoor Activities in Budapest Hungary
- Grab a coffee and take a morning walk on the Danube Promenade with views of Buda Castle and the Parliament.
- Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe’s largest medicinal baths, or Gellért Baths known for its art nouveau design.
- Take a cruise down the Danube River.
- Visit the Füvészkert Botanical Garden.
- Video the Margaret Island Musical Fountain.
- Visit the courtyard of the Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park.
- See the Buda Castle Gardens, Szent István Park, and Károlyi Garden.
- Visit the Garden of Philosophy on Gellért Hill.
- Relax next to the Danubius Fountain in Elizabeth Park.
- Explore the ornate monuments in Kerepesi Cemetery.
- See Gül Baba’s Tomb and rose garden with city views.
- Go for a hike at the Sas Hill Nature Reserve or hike to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower.
- Take a day trip to Aquaworld Resort, one of Europe’s largest indoor water parks.
Where to Eat in Budapest Hungary
- Take a Hungarian cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like goulash and chimney cake.
- Stop in the New York Café, “the most beautiful café in the world”, for coffee and cake.
- Eat rose-shaped gelato from Gelato Rosa.
- Head to Café Brunch Budapest for a leisurely meal.
- Take an afternoon break at Café Gerbeaud, a historic café famous for its pastries and atmosphere.
- Have dinner and drinks at one of the restaurants in the Gozsdu Courtyard.
- Order Hungarian cuisine at Hungarikum Bistro or Menza.
- Splurge on a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, try Onyx, Borkonyha Winekitchen, or Costes Downtown.
Budapest Hungary Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Spend a night out in a Ruin Bar, try Szimpla Kert, Fogasház, Ellátó Kert, Anker’t or Doboz
- Enjoy cocktails with a view at Spoon Café, High Note SkyBar, or 360 Bar.
- Stop in a wine bar for a glass of Royal Tokaji, a Hungarian white wine.
- Sample craft cocktails to Boutiq’Bar, or Tuk Tuk Bar.
- Grab a beer and listen to live music at Fat Mo’s Music Pub, or Pótkulcs.
- Dance the night away at Aether Club, Akvárium Klub, or Ötkert.
- Discover Hungarian wines with a guided tasting tour
Shopping in Budapest Hungary
- Buy paprika souvenirs at the Great Market Hall.
- Spend some time on Váci Street, a pedestrian street with shops, and cafes.
- Do some high-end shopping in the boutiques on Andrassy Avenue, Budapest’s Champs-Élysées.
- Search for antique treasures on Falk Miksa Street or Ecseri Flea Market.
- Search the international brands on Fashion Street for a new outfit.
Instagrammable Places in Budapest Hungary: Lookouts, View Points, and Selfies
- Take Instagram selfies at the Museum of Sweets and Selfies and the Anonymus Statue.
- Enjoy the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica Dome, Gellért Hill, Elizabeth Lookout Tower, and the Buda Castle Hill Funicular.
- Photograph Ruin Bars, Liberty Bridge, Chain Bridge, Vajdahunyad Castle, Paris Courtyard, monuments in Kerepesi Cemetery, mini statues, and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
Special Events in Budapest Hungary
Check out one of Budapest’s many festivals, such as the Sziget Festival, Budapest Wine Festival, or the Budapest International Documentary Festival.
Note: Be Sure to check the Budapest Hungary Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.
Plan your Trip to Budapest Hungary
Why Visit Budapest Hungary
Budapest Hungary had approximately 7 million international visitors last year. Budapest is well known for its gorgeous Fisherman’s Bastion, and Chain Bridge connecting Buda and Pest. The city is full of gorgeous architecture for Instagram-worthy photos. You will also find a castle district, ruin pubs, thermal baths, a musical fountain, cafés, and goulash. If you are short on time here is a 2-day itinerary of the top attractions in Budapest.
How Many Days in Budapest Hungary is Enough
2 days in Budapest Hungary is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is Budapest Hungary Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Budapest Hungary is low. Risk of pickpocketing is medium and taxi drivers may overcharge or attempt to give you old bank notes that are not valid. Check their website for more information.
How to Get to Budapest Hungary
There are no nonstop flights from the US to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). A flight from LAX to BUD is 14.5 hours including the 2-hour layover; JKF to BUD is 11.5 hours including the 2-hour layover. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around Budapest Hungary
It is a 30-minute drive from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the city center. The airport is not connected to a train line. Budapest Keleti Train Station is a main transportation hub and a good base. Taxi is the fastest way to reach the station. At the time of this writing, expect to pay 20€. The Flibco.com Shuttle Bus provides a 45-minute direct route to the station for about €9.
There are also 2 airport buses, both require transfers to the Metro line. Bus 100E transfers to the Red Metro Line M2 to Keleti Pályaudvar and Bus 200E transfers to the Blue Metro Line M3 and then the Green Metro M4 to Keleti Pályaudvar.
Budapest is well connected by Metro. Travelcards are available for 24 or 48 hours. Budapest Cards including light rail, funicular, trams, and a boat ride are also available. Check all your options here.
Where to Stay in Budapest Hungary
Budapest Keleti Train Station is a main transportation hub and a good base. I stayed in an apartment and found it to be inconvenient. Check out the Hotel Bristol Budapest, it is close to the station and has good reviews.
What Should I Budget for Budapest Hungary
According to Budget My Trip, a one-week trip for two people costs $1,240. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Budapest Hungary
Budapest experiences all four seasons, pack for the season of your trip. The weather is unpredictable. Be sure to bring a rain jacket and umbrella for Spring, Summer, and Fall travel. Winter can be cold and windy, so consider bringing leggings to wear under your pants.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Budapest Hungary
- Rent a tandem bike on Margaret Island, visit the Japanese Garden, and stop for a picnic.
- Book a private wine-tasting session at Faust Wine Cellar, a hidden wine cellar.
- Dress up for a night out at the Hungarian State Opera House or a classical concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- Rent a row a boat on the lake in Városliget Park.
- Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at New York Café or Kollázs Brasserie & Bar with views of the Chain Bridge.
- Add your own love lock to the collection on Erzsébet Bridge.
- Watch the sunrise from Liberty Bridge.
- Book a couples spa day at the art nouveau Gellért Baths.
- Take a day trip to Miskolctapolca to experience the unique cave baths.
Things to Do in Budapest Hungary with Young Children
- Spend a day at the Budapest Zoo, one of the oldest in the world.
- Play on the Margaret Island playgrounds and watch the musical fountain.
- Play in the dancing fountain at Millenáris Park or the Palatinus Strand pool and water slides.
- Watch a performance at the Budapest Puppet Theater.
- Check out the Tropicarium tropical rainforest and the shark tank.
- Check out the interactive exhibits at the Palace of Wonders (Csodák Palotája) science museum.
- Climb around on old locomotives at the Hungarian Railway Museum.
- Catch a show at the Children’s Theater or spend a few hours at the interactive Fairy Tale Museum (Mesemúzeum).
- Ride a miniature railway, operate a handrail car, and try the turntable ride at the Railway History Park.
- Go for a scenic ride through the Buda Hills on the Children’s Railway, a train operated by children.
- Ride the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular with views of the city and the Danube.
- Book the Capital Circus of Budapest show featuring acrobats, clowns, and animal performances.
Things to do in Budapest Hungary with Young Adults
- Have lunch at a Ruin Bar and explore quirky decor.
- Explore Budapest’s landmarks on a Segway tour.
- Attend the Saturday night “Sparty” events with music and lights at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- Take a self-guided tour to see the vibrant street art and murals around the city, particularly in the Jewish Quarter and District VII.
- Get a panoramic view of Budapest from the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel.
- Cool off at Palatinus Strand on Margaret Island, an outdoor water park with slides, pools, and sunbathing spots.
- Try one of Budapest’s famous Escape Rooms.
- Discover the caves beneath Budapest with a guided caving tour, try Pálvölgyi Cave or Szemlő-hegyi Cave.
- Go Kayaking on the Danube.
Visiting More European Cities?
Check out our Europe Travel Guides with links to must see destinations and itineraries!
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