Things to do in Budapest

Explore a myriad of exciting activities and attractions in Budapest. From iconic landmarks to cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife, uncover the best things to do in this captivating city.
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Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city bursting with history, culture and amazing architecture. Whether you are on a short trip or a longer vacation, there is something for everyone in Budapest. Here is how your Budapest vacation can be more exciting-

Places to Visit in Budapest

Budapest Parliament

Budapest’s crown jewel is the Hungarian Parliament Building! This famous building sits right on the Danube River and is built in a Neo-Gothic style, which means it has a lot of pointed arches and interesting details. You can take a guided tour inside to see the amazing central hall, the old House of Lords room, and even the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is Budapest’s spot for feeling like you are in a fairytale. This terrace with its pointy towers sits in the Castle District and offers amazing views of the Danube River, Margaret Island, and even the Parliament Building. It is the perfect place to take stunning pictures! You are also right next to Matthias Church, which has a beautiful tiled roof and an interesting interior design, so you can easily visit that too.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest and most popular. Located in City Park, this sprawling complex features 15 indoor baths and three grand outdoor pools, all supplied by two thermal springs. The medicinal waters are reputed to have healing properties, and the Neo-Baroque architecture adds to the charm of the experience.

Buda Castle

On the Buda side of Budapest, sitting high up on a hill, is Buda Castle. This castle complex is like a trip back in time to Hungary’s royal days. Inside, you will find the Hungarian National Gallery, filled with Hungarian art from way back in the Middle Ages all the way to today. There’s also the Budapest History Museum, where you can learn all about the city’s long history. But the best part might be the view. From the castle grounds, you can see the Danube River and the Pest side of Budapest all sprawled out below, especially beautiful when the sun is setting.

St Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica, named after Hungary’s very first king, is a giant church built in a style called Neoclassical. This grand building holds the mummified right hand of St. Stephen himself, and you can even go up to the dome for amazing views of the whole city. The inside of the basilica is beautifully decorated with artwork and interesting details, making it a great place to visit whether you are interested in history or religion.

Heroes Square

Heroes’ Square is one of Budapest’s most important squares, honoring Hungary’s historical leaders and important events. The main attraction in the square is the Millennium Monument, which has statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important figures throughout Hungarian history. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle are on either side of the square, making it a center for culture in Budapest.

Other things to do in Budapest

Stroll Through the Streets

The Jewish Quarter in Budapest is a bustling area with a mix of history, cool street art, and great places to eat and drink. Here are some of the things you can’t miss:

  • Dohány Street Synagogue: This is the biggest synagogue in all of Europe!
  • Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park: A place to learn about the Holocaust and honor those who were lost.
  • Ruin bars: Budapest is famous for its ruin bars, which are basically bars and clubs set up in old, abandoned buildings. They are unique and a lot of fun to explore!

Explore Margaret Island

Margaret Island, located in the middle of the Danube River, is a peaceful escape from the busy city center of Budapest. The island features beautiful gardens, walking and cycling paths, a musical fountain, and the ruins of a medieval Dominican convent. It is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic lunch, or simply relaxing and enjoying nature.

Check Out the Market Hall

The Great Market Hall is Budapest’s biggest and oldest indoor market, and it is a bustling place to experience Hungarian culture. Here you will find a huge variety of things to buy.

  • Fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables
  • Meats and spices
  • Hungarian specialties like paprika, a spice, and salami, a cured meat
  • Upstairs, there are handicrafts, souvenirs, and even food stalls where you can try traditional Hungarian dishes.

Views from Gellert Hill

Gellért Hill offers some of the best panoramic views of Budapest. At the top, you will find the Citadella, a fortress built in the 19th century, and the Liberty Statue, which commemorates the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation. The hike up the hill is rewarded with stunning vistas of the Danube, Buda, and Pest.

House of Terror Museum

The House of Terror Museum is a place to learn about the dark side of Hungary’s history, under fascist and communist rule. It is located in the building that used to be the headquarters of the secret police, and the museum has exhibits that show the terrible things that happened during those times. It is a reminder of a difficult past, but an important one to learn about if you want to understand Hungary today.

Experience Budapest's Coffeehouse Culture

Budapest has a rich coffeehouse culture, with many historic cafes that have been frequented by famous writers, artists, and intellectuals. These grand cafes are not just places to get a cup of coffee, but also beautiful places to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Budapest is a city that will not disappoint! History, culture, and nature lovers will all find something to enjoy here. Budapest has amazing architecture and historical sites, plus lively neighborhoods and relaxing thermal baths.

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