Here are nine things to do in Budapest! Hungary's capital is home to stunning buildings, beautiful bathhouses and exciting ruin bars. We've just come back from another trip to this wonderful city, and now we're sharing our nine top tips for sightseeing in Budapest.
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Many attractions in Budapest
Hungary's capital offers a lot to see and discover. In addition to all the historical sights in Budapest, you can enjoy everything from shopping and thermal baths to restaurants and ruin bars during your visit. And the prices are really good compared to Sweden.
1. Castle Hill and Buda Castle
The castle hill on the Buda side is home to several fantastic sights. The first castle was built in the 13th century but the golden age was in the 15th century when King Matthias and his Italian Queen Beatrix of Naples lived here. Castle Hill has been destroyed many times in many wars, but always rebuilt better and more glamorous than before.
The castle hill has a thermal cave system with natural caves and the traces of human life found here are 500,000 years old. Below the castle is an old emergency hospital in the rock, which is open to the public as a museum.
The Buda Castle (Budavári Palótasom), also known as the Royal Palace, is one of Budapest's most famous sights and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Construction of the palace began in the 13th century and is a national symbol of Hungary. The castle houses a historical museum, the National Gallery and the Széchenyi National Library.
2. the Fisherman's Bastion
The Fisherman's Bastion is probably one of the coolest buildings in Budapest, looking almost like something out of a fairy tale. The building dates from the late 19th century and has seven tent-shaped towers, which are supposed to symbolise the seven Hungarian tribes that settled here in the 9th century.
The Fisherman's Bastion sits high up on the Buda side and offers magnificent views of the Danube River and the Parliament building on the other side. If you want, you can take the charming funicular railway up here, and you'll have several hours to wander around the sights.
3. Mattia Church
Many attractions in Budapest are close to each other. Right next to the Fisherman's Bastion is the Matthias Church. The church was originally built in 1015, but the impressive building that stands there today dates back to the 19th century. The church was originally "Our Lady's Church" but was renamed by King Matyás. In 1686, the "Miracle of Mary" occurred... A cannon salvo had loosened a wall and a statue of the Madonna became visible.
4. chain bridge
The great river Danube flows right through Budapest, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Several magnificent bridges cross the river, the most famous being the Chain Bridge (Lánchíd). Opened in 1849, the bridge is recognisable by its powerful stone lions.
5. Parliament
The Parliament is Budapest's largest and most photographed building. Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1904 with ice air conditioning that is still used today. It is the second largest parliament building in Europe, and you can see, among other things, the Hungarian Holy Crown and the opulent royal spire, which is adorned with precious stones.
The parliament building has 691 rooms and is one of Hungary's main attractions. The Hungarian Parliament is the third largest parliament in the world. You cannot walk freely here but need a guided tour, which can be booked on site.
6. Heroes' Square
At the end of Andreas Boulevard is Heroes' Square and Budapest City Park. There are several art museums here, but the most famous is the Millennium Monument with the equestrian statues of the chiefs of the seven Hungarian tribes. There is also the Archangel Gabriel on a tall column and statues of many important statesmen.
If you want, you can take the metro here. The line towards Heroes' Square (the yellow line) was built in 1896, making it the second oldest metro line in Europe (only London was ahead).
7th St Stephen's Basilica
St Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in all of Budapest and has the capacity to accommodate over 8,000 people. The church began construction in 1851, in honour of Hungary's first Christian king, King István, and was completed in 1905. The exterior of the church is adorned with several large statues and the interior is beautifully decorated. The church can be found on the Pest side of the city.
8. thermal baths
Hungary rests on an underground sea filled with thermal water, with hot springs and full of minerals. The water is widely believed to alleviate and cure a wide range of ailments, and there has been a tradition of taking healthful baths here since ancient times. One of the most famous baths is the Gellert Bath, and another famous bath is the Széchenyi Bath, located in the city park.
9. Ruin bars - also a kind of attraction in Budapest
If you want to enjoy the nightlife in Budapest, you must definitely visit one of the "ruin bars". These bars are housed in old residential buildings that have fallen into disrepair and are no longer fit to live in. While waiting for investors to take over, the buildings are rented out to bar owners who turn them into lively nightclubs. People party amidst raw concrete walls covered in graffiti and mismatched furniture from flea markets.
We visited the Szimpla ruin bar, (and there are several) a two-storey pub with a courtyard. The atmosphere was relaxed and people were drinking beer, smoking hookah or playing ice hockey. If you get tired of beer, you can of course drink the Hungarian fruit brandy 'palinka'. The whole city is alive with nightlife, but in a pleasant way.
More Budapest attractions for history buffs
There are, of course, other attractions in Budapest, in addition to those listed above. Here's a list of more things to see in Hungary's capital:
- Mountain railway to Slottshöjden
- The "Shoes" monument
- National Museum of Hungary
- House of Terror
- Holocaust Memorial Centre (Holocaust Museum)
- Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker
- Memento Park
More Budapest attractions for culture lovers
- The Jewish Quarter
- Large market halls
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Hungarian National Gallery
- Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art
- Zwack Unicum Museum
More Budapest attractions for nature lovers
Budapest also has a number of attractions to discover for nature lovers. Here are some tips:
- Budapest's caves
- Mount Gellert
- Margaret Island
See more of Hungary
Hungary is more than Budapest! If you have the time and opportunity to explore the country, we can recommend a visit to the city, among other things Pécs in the southern part of the country. It is also nice to visit wine regions, where you can try both wine and sparkling wine. Even more tips for both Budapest and Hungary can be found below.
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More tips for sights in Budapest?
Do you have any other tips for attractions in Budapest? Let us know!
Facts about Budapest
- Country: Hungary
- Residents: About 1.8 million
- Language: Hungarian (English often works)
- Neighbourhoods: Buda and Pest
Hotels in Budapest
- Hotel President, spa hotel with a lot of luxury for the money
- St George Residence, a 700-year-old and very old hotel.
- Hotel D8, modern and youthful hotel with a central location
Travelling to Budapest
- Flight: You can travel with many different airlines and it takes about 2 hours from Stockholm Arlanda to get here.
- Motorhome: It is of course possible to travel with a motorhome. We travelled without a motorhome this time and have not had time to test any campsites or pitches, but we have googled and found Camping Hallerwhich will be relatively central in Budapest. Have you been here with a motorhome and have any experiences to share?
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Ama de casa says:
Really good tips, especially 3 and 5 appeal to me 🙂 .
06 June 2016 - 8:14
Lina says:
So much I must have missed when I was there! But it is 16 years ago so simply must go there again! You seem to have had a good time !!! Hugs
06 June 2016 - 8:33
Seija Viitamäki-Carlsson says:
We have travelled east to Tokaj and Eder, absolutely wonderful, and campsites are also available in Eder. Wine tastings and beautiful scenery. Camping Haller in Budapest is great. Close to the concert hall and the Modern Museum and the tram. Thanks for the new tips on nightlife. Great motorhome country.
06 June 2016 - 8:36
Steve says:
There is no problem with spending a weekend in Budapest.
06 June 2016 - 8:41
Deciree says:
Budapest is on my wish list too :))
06 June 2016 - 8:53
admin says:
Ama de Casa, haha, they appealed to us too! 😉
Lina, there is a lot to see! Definitely a city worth visiting again!
Seija, oh thank you so much for your comment! How nice to hear that you liked this campsite and valuable with other camping experiences as well! We would love to visit Tokaj!
Steve, no absolutely not... the problem is how to find the time! 😉
Deciree, hope you get there, such a beautiful city!
06 June 2016 - 8:55
Ditte says:
Budapest is a nice city, but it's been a long time since I was there.
The ruin bars probably didn't exist then, or I didn't find them then. Now your tips are noted. Fiskarbastion with the cable car up is memorable and the view of course.
Kellerbadet, or something similar is recommended!
Living well is also important and you did that.
Thanks for this visit with great info and lovely pictures. The one with a view of the city taken from Fiskarbastionen is extra delicious.
06 June 2016 - 9:56
FANTASYDINING-En blogg om temarestauranger och resor says:
I really loved all the ruin bars and visited as many as possible. Saw that you were at Szipmla, did you get to visit Instant ?
Fisherman's Bastion was also a favourite, drinking fantastic drinks at a bar right next to the tower.
06 June 2016 - 10:14
admin says:
Ditte, thanks for your tips! I have no idea how long the ruin bars have been around, but they are worth a visit, if only to feel the atmosphere 😉.
FantasyDining, no Instant we missed... We only had time for one more place besides Szimpla and it wasn't a ruin bar but another more quiet place.
06 June 2016 - 10:44
Resfredag says:
But oh, the top picture. Looks like a great trip.
06 June 2016 - 11:08
Jenn - forever abroad says:
So - what I got most hungry for I must say is the nightclubs, fyyy so cool! Party weekend in Budapest next I feel!
06 June 2016 - 13:07
Matts Torebring says:
It is unbelievable what you are going through. That you have time to "digest", write and tell, you are admirable.
06 June 2016 - 13:22
Krisztina says:
Going up by cable car (libegő) to János Mountain is not bad either, so peaceful there and great views of Budapest. There are also caves to visit including Pálvölgyi. The zoo is well worth one or more visits even for adults!!! Have been several times in Budapest and never get tired, there is a lot to do.
06 June 2016 - 13:59
admin says:
Travel Friday, glad you like the picture! It's Peter who took it.
Jenn, yep, the nightclubs are really soooo cool! 🙂
Matts, yes it has been busy if you say so... But the blog helps you to digest all the impressions I think! When you go through all the pictures and write the texts, it is a bit like experiencing everything again 😉.
Krisztina, thank you for great and good tips!!!
06 June 2016 - 14:49
Anja says:
Saluhallar and Margaretaparken with its fountain "conducted" by classical music. Super nice! And there's also a playground if you have small children with you. Otherwise: just walk around, ride the tram, enjoy the atmosphere. Mmmmmmm!
06 June 2016 - 16:48
Eva – People in the Street says:
Hope you had time to rest a little after our hectic days in Hungary 🙂 The ruin bars were really cool place that I probably could have stayed a little longer actually.
06 June 2016 - 18:26
Frankie & Co says:
I haven't got there, yet ☺ Got hungry when I read the tips, understand that you had a great weekend, welcome home!
06 June 2016 - 18:35
admin says:
Anja, that fountain sounds super nice! Would have liked to have a little more time 😉
Eva, it feels like you need several days to rest, haha 😉.
Frankie & Co, we got very good food throughout the trip! Will show even more tomorrow 🙂
06 June 2016 - 19:48
BP says:
Some of my friends have been to Budapest and I read a blog a while ago written by an "expat" to the city. So far I haven't heard a bad word about this city.
Perfect post by you with useful info and great pictures. Oh point four and five are probably my favourites, as I am not particularly fond of food containing peppers;-)
06 June 2016 - 20:03
Emma, Sol som sol? says:
I have also only heard positive things about Budapest, that it is so beautiful. I know that my father was there for work several decades ago (madre mía!) and liked the city.
That room in the basement is absolutely marvellous! Feels like the perfect place for a film or one of those dinner mysteries (Who was the murderer?!). That's how you see big shaggy dogs running around, wine served in goblets, big steaks on the table ...
06 June 2016 - 20:42
nils-åke hansson says:
Would consider driving to Budapest
06 June 2016 - 22:31
admin says:
BP, I can agree, I haven't heard a bad word about this town either... If you don't like paprika, you have to check the menu carefully before ordering, haha. Of course there is food without paprika, but it is a very popular flavouring if you say so.
Emma sun like sun, wonder what it was like in Budapest at the time your dad was working there? Agree that the basement is cruel, really imaginative to be there! 😉
Nils-Åke, the whole time we were in Hungary we felt that it must be a great country to travel with a motorhome!
07 June 2016 - 8:28
Denandraresan.com says:
Great tips! Will definitely try the ruin bar if possible. Planning to go to Budapest for a couple of days together with a weekend in Bratislava also in July or Aug.
07 June 2016 - 9:10
Marias Memoarer says:
These are interesting tips, I'll try to remember them if I ever go to Budapest 🙂.
07 June 2016 - 13:04
admin says:
Denandraresan, what fun with the Budapest trip! I would also like to visit Bratislava 😉
Maria's memoirs, hope you get the chance to visit Budapest at some point! 🙂
07 June 2016 - 18:53
Isabel says:
Oh what great tips! I was in Budapest earlier this spring but now got lots of new reasons to come back! Especially liked District VII, Goamama and of course Szimpla!
07 June 2016 - 21:36
admin says:
Isabel, great to have even more tips from you! Thanks for that!
08 June 2016 - 8:45
Husbilen Helge says:
2011 we stayed in a w at Romai Camping, reasonably good sanitary facilities, close to Metro etc. Started with Hop On Hop Off to see what the city can offer. I think that the Riun bars were then called Farm Bars, visited all the musts I think, most fun Market Hall with the big pig head with sunglasses, the fall of the dictatorship Memento Park with the socialist statues that were removed from Budapest's streets 89-90., wine tasting at König Pince with fantastic empty bottles, yes of course also the content. There is much to see and do, wonderful city!
08 June 2016 - 12:47
Anna, Travel on a Cloud says:
Very good summary of Budapest tips! I was undeniably curious about your hotel. You must have felt like kings! Mine, on the other hand, did not go for hacks either. 😉
08 June 2016 - 13:59
admin says:
Motorhome Helge, oh how interesting to hear about your experiences in Budapest, and not least about the campsite! There is even more to see and experience in Budapest, I realise...!
Anna, it's nice to feel a bit royal sometimes, haha 😉 But I understood that your hotel in Budapest was also good!
08 June 2016 - 21:48
Roland Burman says:
How much does a Guide cost for a day if you are alone?
07 February 2018 - 20:27
Helena says:
Unfortunately, I do not know the price for a guide (we were on a press trip and had a guide on a slightly larger group). Many people do extra work as guides alongside their studies or other things and the price level is relatively low in Hungary, so it should not be so expensive.
08 February 2018 - 7:22