16 Quintessential Best Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest may be one of the most beautiful European capitals with so much to offer. From thermal baths to Art Nouveau facades and ruin bars to epic sunset cruises, there’s no shortage of things to do in Budapest. In this Budapest travel guide, I’ve listed my top recommendations for the best things to do in Budapest, including historical landmarks, restaurants and tours. After several trips to Budapest, don’t worry – you’re in good hands! 

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Top 16 Things to Do in Budapest

Ready to explore Budapest? This European capital is home to a plethora of things to do. Not sure what to see? One of my favorite ways to see Budapest is by walking around. This walking tour covers it all – and comes with a strudel stop!

Fisherman’s Bastion

Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in Budapest, these Medieval-esque towers offer stunning panoramic views over the city.

Once built for defensive purposes, Fisherman’s Bastion  (Halászbástya) offers completely free, 180-degree views of the entire city, from the Hungarian Parliament Building to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and beyond.

At Fisherman’s Bastion, there are several upper terraces you can access for an added HUF 1000 (approx 2.5 EUR). It’s not necessary, in my opinion, unless the lower terraces are too busy. However, the terraces are free  in the morning before 9 am and after 7 pm in the evening. 

St. Stephen’s Basilica 

St. Stephen’s Basilica, named in honour of the first King of Hungary, Stephen, is absolutely one of the best sights in Budapest – and one of the top things to do in Budapest. 

At the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica sits a cupola (a dome-like structure) which gives you unparalleled views over Budapest and St. Stephen’s Square.

Want to soak it up? You’ll have to climb 364 steps or take a direct elevator to the rooftop. The entrance ticket costs 2000 HUF (€4.80) or 4500 HUF (€11) for access to the church, look-out and treasury.

Vajdahunyad Castle

The faux-castle Vajdahunyad Castle was first constructed out of cardboard in 1896 – but quickly became so popular that in the 1900s, it was rebuilt in stone. 

The architectural style is similar to the Hunyad-castle in Transylvania, making it a beautiful place to visit and snap some photos. 

Best of all? It’s free to enter. It’s also home to the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture as well as statues of famous Hungarian scientists and economists.

Heroes’ Square

Situated just outside the main city center, Heroes’ Square is on your way to City Park – and this giant square is hard to miss. The big draw here is the large statue of Archangel Gabriel, which sits atop a tall column, surrounded by statues of the chieftains of the seven Hungarian tribes who founded the country. 

Danube River Cruise

Is there any better way to see Budapest? Start your evening with a river cruise with drinks along the river with front-row seats to Budapest’s most beautiful landmarks such as Buda Castle, Gellert Hill and Margaret Bridge. It’s an inexpensive way to soak up the skyline (especially the Hungarian Parliament building at night!) and enjoy the ambiance of Budapest. 

Ervin Szabó Library

Budapest happens to be home to one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Ervin Szabó Library. This public library, originally the Wenckheim Palace, is an absolute architectural marvel. 

In the early 20th century, the palace was repurposed into a public library – opening up its opulent and breathtaking rooms into a haven for booklovers. 

The library is free to enter with a library membership; tourists can visit for a small fee of 1900 HUF (€4.65).

Buda Castle

Situated on top of Várhegy Hill lies Buda Castle, a Royal Palace that once served as the home for Hungarian kinds. Nowadays, Buda Castle is a popular culture home and acts as the home to several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library. No entry fee is required. 

Matthias Church 

You’ll find Matthias Church close to Buda Castle – so visit both, if you have the chance. The stunning, 700-year-old Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) is breathtaking. Here, the Hungarian King Matthias got married twice. Inside, you can also see replicas of the Hungarian royal crown and coronation jewels. Entry is HUF 1800 (approx 4.5 EUR) – though you’ll need a separate ticket if you want to climb the nearly 200 steps up the spire. 

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is perhaps one of the most iconic sights in Budapest thanks to its location on the water and its breathtaking Neo-Gothic architecture. 

If you have the time, I always recommend grabbing a guided tour of the parliament building (this one is my favorite!) – the building is packed with so much history! With a tour, you’ll see the Cupola room, Golden Staircase and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. If you don’t want to splurge on a tour, you can simply enjoy the beautiful building’s architecture. 

Central Market Hall

Many people consider Budapest’s Central Market Hall to be among the most beautiful market in Europe, and for good reason. Central Market Hall is the best spot to grab fresh local food, Hungarian snacks like langos and souvenirs. 

Budapest is a true foodie city, home to some of the best restaurants in the world. If you have the extra time, consider a foodie tour in Budapest to sample some of the best the city has to offer. 

The market is closed on Sundays. 

Etyek Wine Tasting

Hungary is famous for its wines, though often overlooked. Just 30 minutes from Budapest lies Etyek, a wine region known for its rolling hills and wine production. The area specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 

This is the best half-day adventure for wine tastings; you’ll visit two different family-owned wineries and sample up to eight different wines; transfers are included, too. 

Visit the Thermal Baths: Gellért Baths

You cannot visit Budapest without stopping at one of the iconic Budapest baths. Gellért Baths is one of the most beautiful baths in Budapest; the dreamy Art Nouveau-style thermal pools are a must-visit spot. 

Unlike the Széchenyi Baths, Gellert attracts an older, more local crowd – and offers a much more peaceful experience. One note: indoor pools will require a swim cap. You can also book smaller thermal baths privately if you’re on a romantic weekend getaway. 

Get your ticket to the baths here. 

Visit the Thermal Baths: Széchenyi Baths

Budapest’s Széchenyi Baths are perhaps the most iconic and most famous thermal spa in Budapest. Located in City Park, Széchenyi Baths offers 18 geothermal pools, both indoors and outdoors. 

During the summer, however, you’ll find the baths are often frequented by bachelor and bachelorette parties; Saturday evenings, the baths have pop-up bars with DJs. 

Get your ticket to the baths here. 

Try Traditional Hungarian Food

Budapest’s thriving culinary scene should not be skipped – and their inventive and traditional takes on Hungarian food should be on any traveller’s list. The best restaurants in Budapest bring out the best of the city’s inventive cuisine, steeped in their rich history. I’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Budapest, featuring some of the best traditional foods, here.

Ruin Bars: Szimpla Kert

Budapest is famous for its ruin bars, which opened within the abandoned ruins left behind after World War II. There are plenty of ruin bars in Budapest, but perhaps none as iconic as Szimpla Kert, the first to open. 

Inside Szimpla Kert, you’ll find a unique maze of eclectic rooms and courtyards filled with quirky art installations, sculptures and a disused Trabant car – and so much more. 

There’s no entrance fee here, but if you do want to visit, I highly recommend arriving early to beat the crowds. One other thing to note: Sundays, Szimpla Kert hosts a weekly farmers market with live music, produce and a special all-you-can-eat brunch. 

New York Cafe

New York Cafe just might be one of the most beautiful cafes in the entire world – and it’s truly one of the best things to do in Budapest. From the second you step in, New York Cafe is a completely overwhelming experience in the best way possible. 

Exquisite chandeliers, stunning frescoes and high ceilings make up this stunning building, which first opened in 1894 as part of New York Life Insurance Company’s European headquarters. 

Though Budapest is, on average, quite affordable, this cafe might be the exception. You will end up spending around 20 to 30 Euros for a coffee and pastry – but to soak up this atmosphere, it just might be worth it. 

If you do plan to visit, line up early – 30 minutes or more before they open – to beat crowds. Alternatively, reserve a dinner table here. 

Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.