Budapest is the capital of the Central European country, Hungary. The city has long been a known destination and has attracted visitors for thousands of years. In the past, it was mostly the hot springs that attracted, but today Budapest has become both a fashion center and cultural center, and a city where there are a lot of things to do and many beautiful attractions.
The truth is rather closer that there are “too many” things to do in Budapest, so it can be difficult to choose if you only have a weekend in Budapest to explore. Fortunately, it’s very easy to get around in Budapest and even if only there for a few days, you have time to do much and see most of the city’s attractions.
To facilitate for anyone traveling to the capital of Hungary, we’ve put together a list of our favorites when it comes to things to do in Budapest. If you’re staying for 4 days in Budapest or longer, you’ll have time for all of them.
Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is one of Hungary’s most famous landmark. Every day guided tours where you get to take part of the statues, sculptures, paintings and fine architecture. It also here they keep the Hungarian crown jewels and the Holy Stefan Crown.
Pub Crawl in the ruin bars
Szimpla Kert is one of the most popular ruin bars in Budapest, but there are actually a lot more bars that are interesting and worth a visit. It’s recommended to join a Pub Crawl in Budapest to get the most of your night out and meet other people.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is situated in Budapest and is Hungary’s main church building. The church has a stunning architecture both outside and inside. It is also possible to go up in the church tower, where you are treated to an exceptional view. One of the more classical things to do in Budapest!
Visit the New York Palace Cafe
No matter if you want to eat breakfast or brunch in Budapest, the New York Palace Cafe is a classic place with an extraordinary interior. It’s built in eclectic Italian Renaissance-style and opened its doors already in 1894.
It’s one of the most popular cafes in Budapest.
Spa and thermal baths
Budapest has long been a destination for spa and wellness. The tradition goes back a long way and with over a hundred different thermal springs, Budapest is the city that gets your body and soul to smile. In Budapest, from ancient Turkish baths to traditional Hungarian spa facilities. Besides swimming and spa treatments met by history and beautiful architecture. Moreover, it is incredibly affordable, and the treatments and massages are inexpensive.
A visit to Budapest is not complete without a visit to a spa or one of the thermal baths. We recommend the Szechenyi bath, Kiraly Bath, Gellert Baths and Rudas. To try any of the spa and thermal baths found here is definitely something that should be on your list of things to do in Budapest.
Check out this Budapest spa guide
Buda Castle
Castle in Budapest is located on the Buda side and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you get a fantastic view of the Pest side and the Danube. The Castle area is very beautiful with lovely gardens and beautiful architecture. There are also activities such as archery (Hungarian bow) and numerous stalls selling Hungarian specialties and crafts.
Guided tours are available, but it is also possible to enter on your own.
Also Read: How to take the Night train from Budapest to Bucharest
Margitsziget
Margaret Island is a 2.5-kilometer long island in the center of Budapest. It is located in the middle of the Danube River and is popular with both tourists and locals. Margaret Island is mostly a park area, but also has a number of beaches you can swim and sunbathe at.
During the summer there are also parties and various events held daily.
Great Market Hall
In the Great Market Hall, everything from Hungarian street food and sausages to specialties and local crafts and novelties are being sold. If you get hungry or thirsty, enjoy some traditional Hungarian meals and drinks in several places.
The Great Market Hall is popular with both tourists and locals. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, and there is a lot of food from Budapest that you should try. To visit this ancient covered market is one of the must things to do in Budapest!
Budapest Zoo
Budapest Zoo is one of the world’s oldest and is home to over 1,000 different species. The zoo is divided into different zones with animals from all continents. A visit here for everyone, big and small. However, keep in mind that zoos, in general, are bad and there are better things to do in Budapest. Animals should live out in the wild.
Traveling to Budapest with kids? Read this 3 day Budapest itinerary
Hungarian State Opera House
The Opera House in Budapest is considered one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses. Many famous opera singers has visited the Hungarian State Opera throughout the years.
The Opera House is located on Andrassy Avenue and was built in the late 1800s. If you are curious or like the opera, we can heartily recommend the Hungarian State Opera, which offers a powerful and majestic experience at a low price.
Faust Wine Cellar
Hungary has many fine wines, from both large and small wineries around the country. Faust wine cellar is a cozy and small venue with a wide selection of Hungarian wines. If you like wine, you should definitely book a wine tasting at Faust wine cellar when visiting Budapest. There are both short and long wine tastings, but be sure to book in advance as the cellar is very popular.
This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Budapest if you are a true wine lover!
Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion
Both Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion looks like they’re taken from a fairy tale with their fantastic architecture. Matthias Church is one of Europe’s most beautiful churches which originates from the year 1015. The church is very beautiful both inside and out.
Fishermen’s Bastion might as well be a tower taken from Lord of the Rings, with a dreamlike architecture and a stunning view of the Danube and the Parliament, this is a must to see and do in Budapest.
Fisherman’s Bastion, pictured below is located just next to the Matthias Church.
Looking for more things to do in Budapest? Here’s a big list of 50 things to do in Budapest!