The 15 Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary in 2025: A Local’s Guide

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary. It is a very scenic city in Central Europe, often mentioned along with Vienna or Prague.

Walking through the streets of Budapest gives you a mix of feelings. On one hand, the old buildings, which are 100 to 200 years old, make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On the other hand, Budapest has modern things just like any other European city. The city also has an interesting mix of Eastern and Western Europe.

Budapest offers many opportunities for tourists, making it an ideal destination for almost anyone.

That’s why I’ve gathered in this article the best things you should do as a tourist in Budapest. You’ll find out the 15 top things to do when traveling to Budapest, all from the perspective of a local Hungarian.

First, let’s look at the 15 best things to do in Budapest. Then, in the second part of the article, we’ll go over some general things to know before you travel to the Hungarian capital, so you can be fully prepared for your Budapest trip.

The 15 best things to do in Budapest

Here’s the list of the best things to do in Budapest:

1. Visit Hungarian Parliament

Whether you want to admire the exterior or explore the interior, the Hungarian Parliament is a must-see when in Budapest.

Located on Kossuth Square on the Pest side of the city, along the eastern bank of the Danube, the Parliament building was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl in a neo-Gothic style and opened in 1902. Since its completion, it has been the largest building in Hungary.

For the best photos of the Parliament building, head to a boat on the Danube or the Buda side of the city.

2. Walk across the Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge spans the River Danube, connecting Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest.

Named after István Széchenyi, a major supporter of its construction, the bridge is most commonly referred to as the “Chain Bridge“. Its decorations are made of cast iron.

The bridge has been closed to private traffic for a few years now. So, take the chance to see it on foot—walk around the impressive bridgeheads, stroll across the bridge, and enjoy the stunning view of the Danube from there.

3. Walk around Castle Hill

The Buda Castle District is part of the 1st district of Budapest, known as the Castle, and is the oldest area of the Buda side. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

The main attractions here include the Buda Castle Palace, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Buda Castle Palace

The Buda Castle Palace is a historic royal residence in the Buda Castle District, home to Hungarian kings since the 14th century. It blends architectural styles like Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance.

Today, it houses museums such as the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

The palace offers stunning views of the city and the Danube River.

Matthias Church

The Matthias Church is a historic building in the Buda Castle District, on the Trinity Square.

One of the most famous churches in Hungary. Worth a visit if you are in Buda Castle.

Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, located in the Buda Castle. It’s a top tourist attraction, offering unique views of the city from its neo-Romanesque observation decks.

Built between 1895 and 1902 in the neo-Romanesque style, the Bastion stands on the site of the old Buda Castle walls. Its name comes from the fact that this part of the castle walls was once protected by the fishermen’s guild during the Middle Ages.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is also the most popular Instagram spot in Budapest. A walk around the Bastion offers the best views for photographing this historic monument and the Danube riverbank.

You can visit the Fisherman’s Bastion from the outside for free, but a ticket is required to access the upper level.

In addition, Castle Hill is home to several well-known hotels and restaurants. It’s worth taking a long walk around the area, as you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

For a special experience, you can take the Buda Castle funicular, which connects the castle to the Danube riverbank.

4. Visit Budapest’s most popular bars

Head to the Ruin Bars on Kazinczy Street and experience the city’s most unique bars, with Szimpla Kert being the most popular.

If you’re looking for something more elegant, try 360 Bar on Andrássy Avenue or The Duchess Rooftop Bar, which offers stunning views of the Elisabeth Bridge.

5. Climb Gellért Hill for the best view

Gellért Hill, standing 235 meters above the Danube, offers a breathtaking view of Budapest. At its summit sits the iconic Citadel, providing one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city.

At the base of the hill, you’ll find the renowned Hotel Gellért and the famous Gellért Baths, situated on Gellért Square, right next to the Liberty Bridge. The hill is also home to the intriguing Gellért Cave.

You can reach the Citadel on foot by ascending from St. Gellért Quay, or opt for a tourist bus that takes you close to the top. From the bus stop, a short walk of a few hundred meters will lead you to the viewpoint.

6. Visit the Danube Riverbank and take a boat ride on the Danube

Take a walk along the banks of the Danube and enjoy the views of Budapest from a unique perspective. Along the river, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Margaret Bridge, the Chain Bridge, the Elisabeth Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge.

A leisurely stroll will also bring you to the beautiful Margaret Island, a popular recreational spot in Budapest. From here, you can admire the majestic Parliament building, statues of renowned Hungarian writers and historical figures, as well as the Buda Castle and Gellért Hill.

One of the city’s most touching sights is the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

In Budapest, you can hop on a water bus that functions as both a city bus and a boat traveling along the Danube. There are also numerous opportunities for sightseeing cruises on the river, offering a different view of the city.

7. Travel with yellow tram

Tram 2 is a favorite among tourists, as it travels past many of Budapest’s main landmarks.

In the summer, you can also enjoy the nostalgic experience of the N18 and N19 tram lines, which offer a retro way to explore the city.

8. Visit Heroes’ Square

Located on the Pest side of the city, a bit farther from the main attractions, Heroes’ Square is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks.

It is the largest and most impressive square in the city, and it is home to the Millennium Monument. Together with Andrássy Avenue, which runs in front of it, Heroes’ Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Millennium Monument features statues and reliefs of some of the most important figures in Hungarian history and tells their stories.

Nearby, you can also visit Vajdahunyad Castle, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Ethnography.

9. Take a walk around the Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is just a short walk from Heroes’ Square, located in City Park.

The castle sits on Széchenyi Island, which you can reach by crossing one of four bridges. It was originally built for the Hungarian Agricultural Museum and still serves that purpose today. In the castle’s garden, you’ll find a statue of the famous Hungarian chronicler Anonymus.

If you’re visiting Budapest, it’s definitely worth taking a walk around this beautiful area.

10. Visit St Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic church in the heart of Budapest, named after Stephen, the first king of Hungary. It is home to his preserved right hand, which is kept in the church’s reliquary.

Today, it is the third-largest church in Hungary.

You can also take an elevator to the top of the basilica for a stunning panoramic view of Budapest.

The area around the basilica is lively and full of great restaurants, cafés, and entertainment spots. It’s a perfect place to spend some extra time, whether you’re enjoying a meal or exploring the vibrant surroundings.

11. Enjoy a meal at the iconic New York Café

New York Café is located in the heart of Budapest and has been crowned the most beautiful café in the world. Its stunning interior also makes it a popular spot on Instagram.

Reservations are required for dinner, but if you’re visiting for coffee or dessert, be prepared for a wait, as there is often a long line to get in.

The café offers more than just coffee and sweets – you can also sample some of Hungary’s most popular dishes while enjoying the elegant atmosphere.

12. Ride the Ferris Wheel in Budapest

While the Budapest Ferris Wheel may not be as famous as those in other cities, it still offers a wonderful experience.

Located near St. Stephen’s Basilica, it provides great views of the city and is definitely worth a ride while you’re exploring Budapest.

13. Taste traditional Hungarian dishes

Speaking of Hungarian cuisine, if you’re visiting Hungary, you should definitely try some traditional dishes. The most famous ones include langosh, goulash, chicken paprikash with dumplings, goulash soup, fish soup, and stuffed cabbage. Of course, there are many other Hungarian specialties, but these are must-tries.

For an authentic experience, seek out places that are not overly touristy, where the prices are reasonable, and the food truly represents Hungarian flavors. Some great options include Paprika Vendéglő, Regős Vendéglő, and Goulash & Langosh Bar.

For those looking for a more elegant dining experience, I recommend the historic Gundel Restaurant, Párisi Passage Restaurant, or one of the Vak Varjú restaurants.

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, I suggest visiting Bohémtanya Gluten-Free Restaurant or Kata Restaurant in the city center.

14. Visit one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths

Although there are many great thermal spas across Hungary, the thermal baths in Budapest are truly special.

If you’re looking to unwind during your trip, be sure to experience some of the best thermal baths the city has to offer.

The two most popular among tourists are the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the Gellért Thermal Bath. Though they can be a bit pricey, they are well worth a visit, especially if you’re staying in Budapest for a longer time.

15. Explore the Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall is Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market, located at the end of Váci Street. It’s an iconic spot where you can experience Hungarian culture firsthand.

Browse through a wide variety of fresh produce, traditional Hungarian delicacies like sausages, paprika, and cured meats, as well as souvenirs.

It’s also a great place to try Hungarian street food, such as lángosh or a hearty Hungarian snack. A visit here gives you a taste of local life and the chance to pick up some unique items to take home.

General tips for visiting Budapest

Here’s some helpful information you might want to know if you’re planning a trip to Budapest:

Best time to visit Budapest

Budapest is beautiful all year, but spring is probably the best time to visit. In March and April, many plants bloom, making the city colorful and lively. May and June are also good because of the pleasant early summer weather.

Summer can be hot in Hungary, especially in July and August, so walking long distances might be tough. It’s not the best time to visit.

September and October are great, with the trees changing colors and warm weather for sightseeing.

From November to March, the city is colder, gray, and less crowded. If you don’t mind the cold and earlier dark, winter can be a good time to visit because of the lower prices.

How much time to spend in Budapest

2-4 days are enough to see Budapest, depending on your budget and how much you want to do in the city or in the Hungarian countryside.

In fact, 2 days are enough for just the highlights, with a packed schedule.

3-4 days are ideal, giving you time to cruise on the Danube, try Hungarian food, walk around the city, and more. You won’t get bored during this time.

For those who love the city and want to explore every corner, at least 4 days are recommended. This also gives you time for some relaxation in the countryside.

How to get around Budapest

As you’ll see from our other articles, we’re quite car-oriented. While Budapest does experience traffic jams during weekday rush hours, getting around by car is generally easy, especially on weekends. There are plenty of parking spaces and garages, and cars haven’t (yet) been phased out of the city like in some other places.

However, public transport in Budapest is well-organized, though some vehicles can be quite old and not always the cleanest. The city boasts an extensive network of metro, trams, and trolleybuses. Among them, tram line number 2 is especially popular with tourists for its stunning views of the Danube.

For all public transport, you can conveniently manage your tickets using the BudapestGo app. You can also find schedules and other useful information on the BKK (Budapest Transport Centre) website.

Travel costs in Budapest

Budapest is not necessarily an expensive destination and can be a great option for a low-budget trip.

However, Hungary has recently experienced significant inflation, so Budapest is gradually catching up with European prices, especially in terms of restaurants.

Hotels, on the other hand, are still a bit cheaper compared to other major European cities.

Looking at average prices, for accommodation, you can expect to pay around 80-200 euros per night for 2 people. There are plenty of good hotels available in the 100-150 euro range.

When it comes to restaurants, you can expect Western European prices, which means around 15-25 euros per person per meal.

Transportation is only slightly cheaper than in other European cities.

So, if you look at the total cost of your trip, you can expect to spend around 200-400 euros per day for 2 people while visiting Budapest. Of course, the exact cost will depend on your individual preferences.

Other things to know about Budapest

Budapest = Buda + Pest

The Hungarian capital was formed in 1873 when the cities of Óbuda, Buda, and Pest were united. Over time, other cities were also incorporated, shaping the Budapest we know today.

Today, Budapest is essentially divided into two main parts: Buda and Pest. While there are more areas in the city, as a tourist, it’s most important to understand these two sides.

On the map, Buda is on the left side of the Danube River, while Pest is on the right. Buda is hilly, and Pest is flat. Both sides have attractions, but most are easily accessible on foot or with minimal transport, like trams.

Is Budapest safe for tourists?

Overall, Budapest is a safe destination, though you might encounter occasional petty theft, but these cases are rare. In just a few days, there’s little chance of encountering any major problems.

The general safety rules apply here as well: always keep an eye on your bag, avoid leaving valuables in your car, and so on. If you stay careful and aware, you really don’t have much to worry about.

What to expect from locals

Honestly, only a small percentage of Hungarians speak English well.

Another issue is scams. If you’re a foreign tourist, and they see you don’t speak Hungarian, some places might try to scam you. We’ve heard some bad stories from restaurants, bars, and taxis. In Budapest, always check the prices and make sure the bill includes exactly what you asked for and nothing extra.

So, this is everything you need to know about Budapest if you’re planning to visit. I’ve covered the 15 best things to do and highlighted several top spots to check out. We also clarified many other questions to make organizing your trip as easy as possible.

Finally, let’s take a look at what else is worth seeing in the Hungarian countryside if you’re staying in Hungary for a longer period:

Best day trip destinations from Budapest

Lake Balaton

When visiting Hungary, don’t miss the renowned “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. You can cycle or drive around its entire shore, and the many charming towns along the way offer a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors.

One of the most picturesque spots for tourists is Tihany, known for its stunning views. From the hilltop, near the Benedictine Abbey, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Lake Balaton. Tihany also hosts the annual Lavender Festival every summer, making it a destination worth visiting.

Visegrád and Esztergom

The towns of Visegrád and Esztergom are easily accessible by car from the north of Budapest.

Visegrád is home to the Visegrád Citadel, a 13th-century fortress perched on a hilltop. The citadel features small historical exhibitions and offers a picturesque view of the Danube River.

Esztergom is located right on the banks of the Danube, near the Slovakian border. The town’s most famous landmark is the Esztergom Basilica, a stunning neoclassical domed basilica built in the 19th century.

Budapest and its surroundings have a lot to offer for tourists. The city is full of sights, fun activities, and historic places that everyone will enjoy. The 15 best things to do in Budapest show you the city’s most beautiful and exciting spots, so you’re sure to have a great time.

Budapest is a perfect destination for a spring or autumn trip, with something special for everyone. We hope this article has given you helpful ideas and inspired you to explore the best activities in Hungary’s capital!