Must-See Attractions in Budapest: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Budapest Travel Guide: 30 Unmissable Experiences in Budapest

Budapest has quickly become a top destination for travelers from the UK, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning European capital effortlessly combines rich history, unique architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're soaking in thermal baths, admiring grand Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic buildings, sipping cocktails in quirky ruin bars, devouring delicious dishes like goulash and langos, or cruising along the iconic Danube River at sunset, Budapest offers something for every type of traveler.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the best activities to experience in Budapest, recommendations for amazing restaurants and bars, must-see landmarks, and useful tips on when to visit and how long to stay. Plus, I’ve included a handy 3-day itinerary, perfect for those short on time but eager to explore the city’s top sights. So, if you’re ready to make the most of your Budapest adventure, you’ve come to the right place!Must know things when visiting Budapest

Prime Time for a Visit:

• Oct-Dec – Enjoy stunning autumnal colors and explore the city's award-winning Christmas markets.

How to Get There:

• Fly directly to Budapest Airport (BUD).

Getting Around:

• Budapest is a very walkable city, and for public transport, a €6 24-hour pass will cover buses, trams, and metro rides.

Ideal Trip Length:

• 3 days is perfect for exploring Budapest's highlights.

Currency:

• 1000 Hungarian Forints (HUF) = £2 GBP / $2.50 USD.Restaurants

• Gundel – A Budapest classic, serving traditional Hungarian cuisine with a refined touch.

• Kiosk Budapest – Modern European dining with a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views of the Danube.

• Café Gerbeaud – A historic café offering a mix of Hungarian sweets and savory dishes, perfect for an afternoon break.

Bars

• Szimpla Kert – One of Budapest’s most famous ruin bars, set in a unique and eclectic space.

• Instant-Fogas Complex – A lively and vibrant ruin bar complex with multiple rooms and music genres.

• The Bourbon Bar – A cozy, sophisticated spot specializing in whiskey, offering a more intimate, upscale vibe.

My Top 3 Hotel Recommendations

• The Ritz-Carlton Budapest

• Aria Hotel Budapest

• Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

30 Must-Do Things in Budapest: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Budapest, with its breathtaking architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a few days, here's a carefully curated list of 30 must-visit attractions, activities, and places to eat and drink. For convenience, the attractions are arranged by proximity to one another, ensuring you can easily visit multiple spots in a single outing.

Top 30 Things to Do in Budapest

1. Fisherman’s Bastion (Historical Landmark)

A fairytale-like terrace with neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture offering breathtaking views of the Danube River and Pest side of the city.

📍 Location: Castle Hill

🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: Free for the grounds; €4 for the upper terrace

🚇 How to Get There: Take bus 16 or walk from Buda Castle (5 min)

⭐ Tip: Best for panoramic views of Budapest and the Danube River.

2. Danube River Cruise (Scenic Experience)

A relaxing boat ride along the Danube, passing famous landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.

📍 Location: Along the Danube River

🕒 Duration: 1-2 hours, various options available

💰 Ticket Price: Starts from €7 (basic cruise); €16 (dinner cruise)

🚇 How to Get There: Walk along the riverfront; various cruise companies available⭐

Tip: Sunset cruises offer the most breathtaking city views.

3. St. Stephen’s Basilica (Religious Landmark)

A magnificent Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to Hungary’s first king, home to stunning architecture and a panoramic dome.

📍 Location: Near the Parliament Building

🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: Free (church); €5 (dome access)

🚇 How to Get There: Metro line M1 to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út

⭐ Tip: Climb the dome for a stunning 360° view of Budapest.

4. Buda Castle (Historical Landmark)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal palace, now housing museums and offering stunning city views.

📍 Location: Castle Hill

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies by museum)

💰 Entry Fee: Free for the grounds; €5 for museums

🚇 How to Get There: Castle Hill Funicular or bus 16

⭐ Tip: A must-visit for history and architecture lovers.

5. Matthias Church (Religious Landmark)

A stunning Gothic church with colorful roof tiles and a rich history, dating back over 700 years.

📍 Location: Next to Fisherman’s Bastion

🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: €5

🚇 How to Get There: Bus 16 or walk from Fisherman’s Bastion

⭐ Tip: Admire its intricate stained-glass windows.

6. Vajdahunyad Castle (Architectural Landmark)

A picturesque castle showcasing different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance.📍 Location: City Park, near Heroes’ Square

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: Free (grounds); €3 (museum)

🚇 How to Get There: Metro M1 to Hősök tere station

⭐ Tip: A hidden gem for photographers.

7. Heroes’ Square (Historical Monument)

One of Budapest’s largest squares, featuring statues of Hungary’s most significant leaders.📍 Location: Near Vajdahunyad Castle

🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7

💰 Entry Fee: Free

🚇 How to Get There: Metro M1 to Hősök tere

⭐ Tip: Best visited during sunset for dramatic photos.

8. Ervin Szabó Library (Cultural Landmark)

A beautiful 19th-century palace transformed into a public library with stunning reading rooms.

📍 Location: Near Astoria & Jewish Quarter

🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: Free

🚇 How to Get There: Metro M2 to Astoria

⭐ Tip: A hidden gem for book lovers.

9. Shoes on the Danube Bank (Memorial Site)

A moving Holocaust memorial honoring Jews who were executed along the river during WWII.

📍 Location: Near Parliament Building

🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7

💰 Entry Fee: Free

🚇 How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Parliament

⭐ Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for a reflective experience.

10. Hungarian Parliament Building (Architectural Landmark)

A stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture and one of the largest parliament buildings in the world.

📍 Location: Near St. Stephen’s Basilica

🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed on holidays)

💰 Entry Fee: €9 (guided tour)

🚇 How to Get There: Tram 2 or Metro M2 to Kossuth Lajos tér

⭐ Tip: Book a guided tour in advance for access inside.

Thermal Baths in Budapest

11. Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Spa & Wellness)

Europe’s largest thermal bath, featuring 18 pools with medicinal waters.

📍 Location: Near Heroes’ Square

🕒 Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: €15 for a full-day pass

🚇 How to Get There: Metro M1 to Hősök tere

⭐ Tip: Go early to avoid crowds.

12. Gellért Thermal Bath (Spa & Wellness)

A historic bathhouse known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and healing waters.📍 Location: Near Gellért Hill

🕒 Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

💰 Entry Fee: €14 (prices vary for massages)

🚇 How to Get There: Tram 47/49 or bus 7 to Gellért tér

⭐ Tip: The thermal pools are naturally heated.

Other Must-See Spots

13. Margaret Island (Nature & Parks)

A tranquil island in the middle of the Danube, ideal for walking, cycling, or relaxing.📍 Location: In the Danube River🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Tram 4 or 6 to Margit híd⭐ Tip: Rent a bike for a fun ride around the island.

14. Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert) (Nightlife Experience)

Unique bars set in abandoned buildings, offering a bohemian vibe and eclectic decor.📍 Location: Jewish Quarter🕒 Opening Hours: 4:00 PM - 4:00 AM💰 Entry Fee: Free entry (drinks extra)🚇 How to Get There: Metro M2 to Astoria⭐ Tip: Try local Hungarian craft beers.

15. Great Market Hall (Shopping & Culinary Experience)

A large indoor market offering Hungarian specialties, local produce, and souvenirs.📍 Location: Fővám tér🕒 Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Metro M4 to Fővám tér⭐ Tip: Don’t miss tasting lángos (fried dough) from the food stalls.

16. Chain Bridge (Architectural Landmark)

An iconic suspension bridge connecting Buda and Pest, offering panoramic views of the city.📍 Location: Across the Danube River🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Walk from the city center or take tram 2⭐ Tip: Cross the bridge at night for spectacular views of the illuminated buildings.

17. Liberty Bridge (Scenic Landmark)

A beautiful, green-painted bridge connecting Buda and Pest, offering picturesque views of the Danube River.📍 Location: Connects Gellért Hill (Buda) to the Central Market Hall (Pest)🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Tram 47/49 to Fővám tér⭐ Tip: It's especially stunning during the evening when lit up, and it's less crowded than the Chain Bridge.

18. Budapest Opera House (Cultural Landmark)

A beautiful 19th-century opera house showcasing world-class performances.📍 Location: Andrássy út🕒 Opening Hours: Varies by performance💰 Entry Fee: €10–€50 (depending on the performance)🚇 How to Get There: Metro M1 to Opera station⭐ Tip: Book a tour to see the lavish interiors even if you don’t catch a performance.

19. Museum of Fine Arts (Art & Culture)

A major museum housing a vast collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the present.📍 Location: Heroes’ Square🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €8🚇 How to Get There: Metro M1 to Hősök tere⭐ Tip: The temporary exhibitions are often world-class.

20. House of Terror Museum (History & Memorial)

A museum dedicated to the history of Hungary during the Nazi and Soviet occupation.📍 Location: Andrássy út🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €6🚇 How to Get There: Metro M1 to Oktogon⭐ Tip: A powerful and moving experience—great for history buffs.

21. Dohany Street Synagogue (Religious Landmark)

The largest synagogue in Europe, rich in history and Jewish heritage.📍 Location: Jewish Quarter🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €10🚇 How to Get There: Metro M2 to Astoria⭐ Tip: Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.

22. Gellért Hill (Scenic Spot)

A hill offering one of the best views of Budapest, with the Liberty Statue and Gellért Citadel at the summit.📍 Location: Buda side of the city🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Bus 27 to Gellért tér⭐ Tip: Ideal for a sunrise or sunset walk with panoramic views.

23. Váci Street (Shopping Street)

One of Budapest’s most famous pedestrian streets, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.📍 Location: City center🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Metro M3 to Váci utca⭐ Tip: Perfect for a leisurely stroll and people-watching.

24. Kerepesi Cemetery (Historical Site)

A peaceful cemetery where many Hungarian national figures, including poets, artists, and political leaders, are buried.📍 Location: Kerepesi Út🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Metro M2 to Keleti pályaudvar⭐ Tip: A tranquil and reflective spot, away from the hustle and bustle.

25. Rudas Bath (Spa & Wellness)

A stunning thermal bath with a unique Ottoman influence and panoramic views of Budapest from the rooftop pool.📍 Location: Rudas utca🕒 Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €15 (weekdays); €20 (weekends)🚇 How to Get There: Tram 4 or 6 to Rudas fürdő⭐ Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop pool for a stunning view of the Danube.

26. Labyrinth of Buda Castle (Cultural Experience)

A mysterious underground labyrinth located beneath Buda Castle, with ancient chambers and eerie corridors.📍 Location: Buda Castle Hill🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €8🚇 How to Get There: Take bus 16 or walk from Buda Castle⭐ Tip: Best visited with a guided tour for a more immersive experience.

27. Károlyi Garden (Relaxing Park)

A quiet, peaceful park with beautiful greenery, perfect for a break from the city bustle.📍 Location: City Center🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7💰 Entry Fee: Free🚇 How to Get There: Metro M3 to Kálvin tér⭐ Tip: Perfect for a relaxing picnic in a central location.

28. Budapest History Museum (History & Culture)

The museum provides a deep dive into Budapest’s rich history, with exhibits from Roman times to the modern era.📍 Location: Buda Castle🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €6🚇 How to Get There: Castle Hill Funicular or bus 16⭐ Tip: Visit the medieval castle under the museum for additional insight.

29. Hungarian National Gallery (Art & Culture)

Located in the Buda Castle, the gallery houses Hungarian art from the medieval period to the 20th century.📍 Location: Buda Castle🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €8🚇 How to Get There: Bus 16 or the Castle Hill Funicular⭐ Tip: Don’t miss the incredible collection of Hungarian artists.

30. Pálvölgyi Cave (Natural Attraction)

A fascinating natural cave system located just outside Budapest, perfect for adventurous travelers.📍 Location: 10 km from the city center🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM💰 Entry Fee: €10🚇 How to Get There: Take bus 65 from the city center⭐ Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket—cave temperatures are cool!

31. Buda Hill Funicular (Historical Ride)

A charming, historic funicular that takes you up Buda Hill from the Chain Bridge, offering stunning views of the city.📍 Location: Buda side of the Chain Bridge🕒 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM💰 Ticket Price: €3.50 (one-way); €6 (round trip)🚇 How to Get There: Tram 2 to Clark Ádám tér⭐ Tip: Ride it at sunset for spectacular views of the city.

 Best hotels in Budapest

1. Matild Palace

This luxury hotel is definitely worth the splurge for a special occasion trip to Budapest. With regal rooms overlooking the Danube River, elegant decor, and a stunning rooftop terrace, you’ll struggle to find a more beautiful hotel in Budapest.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Located right next to the Chain Bridge, this opulent hotel offers breathtaking views of the Danube River and Buda Castle. Its prime location provides easy access to both Buda and Pest, making it ideal for exploring top attractions like the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen's Basilica

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

Just a short walk from the Hungarian State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica, this elegant hotel combines modern amenities with classic charm. Perfect for exploring both the Buda and Pest sides of the city with its central location.

4. Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Situated in Pest, this luxury hotel is just a few minutes away from major sights like the Hungarian State Opera House and Andrássy Avenue. The hotel is famous for its opulent spa and historical charm, offering both relaxation and convenience

5. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

A 5-star hotel located near Budapest's central square, Deák Ferenc tér, making it an ideal spot to explore the city's major tourist attractions. The stylish hotel offers a range of dining options and modern amenities, including a full-service spa and wellness center

Recommended: Budapest Travel CardThe affordable Budapest Travel Card is an excellent choice for travelers looking to save time and money. Valid for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours, the card offers unlimited use of public transport, a wide range of discounts, and free entries to various attractions. If it's your first time in Budapest, this pass will provide significant value, allowing you to explore the city's top sights without worrying about transportation costs.

GET THE BUDAPEST CARDWith the Budapest Travel Card, you can enjoy free entry to the Lukács Thermal Bath, a must-visit for relaxation and healing waters. The card also grants you free access to numerous museums and tours, plus discounts at various restaurants and attractions mentioned in this post, making it a fantastic all-in-one travel companion.

Best Time to Visit Budapest

Budapest is great year-round, but to avoid crowds, skip July and August. Spring (March-June) and Autumn (September-November) offer mild weather, longer days, and fewer tourists. Winter (January-February) can be cold, but the city's thermal baths offer a cozy escape. December is also magical with Christmas markets and festive charm.

How Many Days in Budapest?

Budapest is known for its vibrant nightlife, so if you plan to experience the full party scene, four days would be ideal. This will give you more time to explore the city's attractions at a relaxed pace while recovering from those late nights out. Otherwise, three days is perfect for a first-time visit, allowing you to comfortably check off most of the must-see spots.

Budapest 3-Day ItineraryHere’s an example itinerary for 3 days in Budapest, incorporating the top 31 things to do:

FRIDAY

• Brunch at TwentySix

• St. Stephen’s Basilica

• High Note SkyBar

• Stop for a Chimney Cake at Molnár’s kürtőskalács

• Shoes on the Danube Bank

• Evening Danube River Cruise

SATURDAY

• Fisherman’s Bastion

• Buda Castle

• Drinks at Leo Rooftop

• Lunch at Mazel Tov

• Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar

• Dinner at Karavan Street Food (try langos!)

SUNDAY

• Breakfast at New York Cafe

• Heroes’ Square

• Vajdahunyad Castle

• Széchenyi Baths

• Visit the Great Market Hall

• Gellért Hill and the Citadel

• Budapest Eye

• Visit the Hungarian National Museum

Getting to BudapestBudapest is a quick 2-hour flight from London, arriving at Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

• A taxi to the city center costs around €30 and takes about 35 minutes.

• For a budget-friendly option, take bus 100E from the airport. The 45-minute journey costs 2,200 HUF (€5.30) and stops at central locations like Kalvin Square, Astoria, and Deak Ferenc Square.

Traveling by TrainBudapest is well-connected by train, with several international train services running to the city.

• The main railway stations are Keleti and Nyugati. Trains from cities like Vienna, Prague, and Zagreb arrive regularly, making it easy to travel by rail into Budapest.

Getting Around BudapestThough the city is walkable, public transportation is easy to navigate.

• Download the BudapestGo app to purchase a 72-hour travel card for 5,500 HUF (€13.40), covering metro, buses, and trams.

• With the Budapest City Pass, public transport is free.

• For late-night travel, use the Bolt app for taxis.

• You can also use the BudapestGo or Google Maps app to find your way around public transport efficiently.