19 Best Things to Do in Budapest I Keep Coming Back To

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Budapest is one of those cities I keep coming back to and every time, I discover something new.

I’ve visited Budapest several times, often with different people, and no matter who I travel with, I always end up revisiting the same main sights. They’re just that good.

At the same time, I’ve also had the chance to slow down, explore beyond the highlights, and discover new places.

What I love most about Budapest is that it’s not just about ticking off landmarks like Parliament or Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s the little moments in between, walking across a bridge at sunset, relaxing in a thermal bath, or randomly stumbling upon a great viewpoint.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Budapest based on my own experiences, from must-see highlights to a few more unique spots that made me fall in love with the city even more.

🤩 See the best attractions on a guided walking tour!

1. See the Hungarian Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament building is easily one of the most impressive buildings in Budapest, and honestly, it still amazed me every time I saw it.

The best view, in my opinion, isn’t right in front of it but from the opposite side of the Danube. From there, you really get to take in the full scale and all the intricate details of the building.

I especially loved coming here in the evening. When the lights turn on and the reflection shimmers in the water, it’s one of those moments that just makes you stop and take it all in.

Even after visiting Budapest multiple times, this is still one of the first places I go.

2. Visit Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church

Matthias Church with a colourful roof next to a tower from the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, one of the best things to do in Budapest Hungary — Matthias Church viewed from the Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion looks almost like something out of a fairytale, with its white towers and arches overlooking the Danube. The view from here is incredible.

The lower terraces are free to explore. You can pay to go up to the higher sections, but honestly, the free areas already offer amazing views, so I don’t think it’s worth it.

Right next to it is Matthias Church, which immediately stands out because of its colorful tiled roof. It’s one of those buildings that looks impressive from the outside, but if you have the time, it’s worth stepping inside as well.

If you can, come here early in the morning. During the day it gets very crowded.

3. Explore Buda Castle and its Grounds

historic fence and wall — The best thing to do at the former Royal Palace is to walk in the grounds

Buda Castle sits on top of the hill overlooking the Danube, and while you can visit the museums inside, I honestly enjoyed just wandering around the grounds the most.

Walking through the castle area, you get some of the best views over the city, and the best part is, it’s completely free.

It’s one of those places where I’d recommend taking your time rather than rushing through. There’s always another viewpoint, small street, or detail to discover.

🧛🏻‍♂️ On this dark history walking tour you hear vampire stories about Count Dracula in Budapest!

4. Ride the Castle Hill Funicular

Two funiculars on a steep track up to Buda Castle in Budapest — The funicular cars kept their original design

Taking the funicular up to Buda Castle is a popular thing to do, but I’ve actually never taken it.

Every time I passed by, the queue was quite long, and since it’s only a short walk up to the castle, it never really felt worth the wait for me.

Instead, I usually just walk up and enjoy the views along the way. You can see the funicular cars going up and down, which is honestly enough to get a feel for it.

If you’re short on time or don’t feel like walking uphill, it can be a convenient option. Otherwise, I’d skip it and save both time and money.

5. Relax in a Thermal Bath

Szechenyi, one of the best thermal baths Budapest has to offer — Széchenyi Baths are the most popular thermal baths and therefore the most crowded

Visiting a thermal bath in Budapest is one of those experiences you shouldn’t skip.

There are quite a few to choose from, and they all feel a bit different. The most famous one is Széchenyi Baths, but it’s also the most crowded.

I personally liked Rudas Bath much more. It felt more authentic and a lot calmer, especially if you’re looking to actually relax rather than just take photos.

Some baths also offer thermal drinking water, which I tried once… let’s just say it’s definitely a unique taste.

6. Climb the Tower of the Cathedral

Tina at a viewing platform on a building, you can see the city skyline of Budapest. Is Budapest worth visiting? Yes it is for views like that — Viewing platform on St. Stephen’s Basilica

For one of the best views in Budapest, head up to the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

You can climb up, and from the top you get a panoramic view over the entire city. I still remember how surprised I was by how much you can actually see from up there, it’s definitely worth it.

Even if you don’t go up, it’s worth stepping inside the basilica. One of the most unusual things you can see in Budapest, the preserved right hand of Hungary’s first king, is inside.

7. Visit the Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is not just impressive in size, it’s also one of the most meaningful places to visit in the city.

Located in the Jewish Quarter, it’s the largest synagogue in Europe and also serves as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, which makes the visit feel quite powerful.

I’d definitely recommend going inside and joining one of the guided tours. They’re included in the ticket and give a lot more context to what you’re seeing. You can just sit down in the designated area and wait for it to begin.

🕍 This Jewish Heritage Walking Tour includes entrance tickets!

8. Learn about the Communist History

Building with a metal construction on the roof with the word "TERROR" cut out in Budapest — The House of Terror museum from the outside

Budapest’s history is quite heavy, especially when it comes to the 20th century.

One of the most impactful places to learn about this is the House of Terror Museum. It’s located in the actual building where people were imprisoned and tortured, which makes the experience feel very real and intense.

I found it to be one of the places that gives you a much deeper understanding of Hungary beyond the typical sightseeing.

If you’re interested in something a bit more unusual, you can also visit Memento Park. It’s located outside the city center and filled with statues from the communist era.

🤓 Lear more about communist history on a walking tour with a historian!

9. Ride the Oldest Metro in Continental Europe

Bright yellow metro train pulling into an underground station with green metal columns and tiled walls, while a digital sign in the background displays "-30" and a platform sign lists stops including "Örs vezér tere" and "Deák Ferenc tér". The train approaches along the tracks with headlights on as passengers wait on the opposite platform.

Budapest is home to the second-oldest underground railway system in the world, after London. The Metro Line 1, also known as the Yellow Line, opened in 1896 and has been in continuous operation ever since.

Not only is it a convenient way to get around the city, but it’s also an experience in itself. The stations are beautifully decorated, and the old train cars add a unique charm to the ride.

For an even more immersive experience, buy your metro ticket at the small wooden booths in the stations.

10. Take a Boat Tour on the Danube

The Hungarian Parliament building along the Danube River under a clear blue sky, with its white facade, pointed spires, and large red dome reflected in the water as people walk along the riverbank.

Tina wearing sunglasses and a plaid jacket smiling while leaning on the railing of a boat on the Danube River at sunset, with city buildings and church spires softly lit in the background.

Seeing Budapest from the water is a completely different experience, and definitely worth doing at least once.

I did a boat tour with a friend, and we actually chose one of the cheapest options. The audio guide didn’t even work, but honestly, we didn’t mind at all. It was still amazing.

We went just before sunset, and the light over the river, with the Parliament and bridges slowly lighting up, was incredible and easily one of my favorite moments from the trip.

🤩 See Budapest in a new light on this evening river cruise!

11. Walk Across Budapest’s Bridges

The pedestrian walkway on a busy bridge, with people sitting on the railing

Budapest is often called the “City of Bridges”. The city has several beautiful bridges spanning over the Danube River, connecting the Buda side and Pest side of Budapest. Those two sides of the river used to be separate cities before they got combined.

The most iconic one is probably the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which is also the oldest bridge. It’s a popular spot for photographers in Budapest.

That said, my personal favorite is the Liberty Bridge. I love its green color and the details. I noticed people just sitting on the bridge, chatting or reading, which made it feel less like a tourist spot and more like a place to slow down for a bit.

12. Explore Gellert Hill

Statue of a horse and man, in front of the Liberty Bridge in Budapest — View from the entrance of the cave church at Gellert Hill

A colonnaded structure and a statue on Gellert Hill in Budapest — View from the entrance of the cave church at Gellert Hill

If you’re looking for great views in Budapest, Gellért Hill is one of the best places to go.

It’s a bit of a walk to the top, but what I really liked is that you don’t have to wait until the summit, there are multiple viewpoints along the way where you can already stop and enjoy the view over the Danube and the city.

One spot I almost missed the first time is the St. Gerard Sagredo Statue. It’s tucked into the hillside and framed by columns, and the view from there is especially nice.
Another must-visit is the Cave Church, located inside Gellert Hill. This unique church was built into a natural cave and makes for a very interesting visit.
At the top, you’ll find the Liberty Statue and the Citadel, but for me, it’s really the walk up and the different viewpoints along the way that make this place so special.

🛺 This Tuk Tuk tour is ideal if you prefer not to walk up the hill!

13. Stroll Through the Central Market Hall

Central Market Hall in Budapest — The architecture of the Central Market Hall alone is worth seeing

The Central Market Hall is worth visiting for its architecture alone. The building itself is beautiful, with its large iron structure and colorful roof, and you can admire it even before stepping inside.

Inside, it’s all about the atmosphere. I really enjoyed just walking through the different stalls and getting a feel for local food and Hungarian souvenirs.

That said, it’s definitely a touristy spot, and I noticed that prices here are higher than in other places around the city.

I’d still recommend visiting, even if it’s more for the experience than for shopping.

14. Try Hungarian Food (Vegan Versions)

Tina eating chimney cake in Budapest, not that handy to pack but so delicious it's one of the best souvenirs from Budapest — Don’t miss out on a delicious chimney cake

Fried flatbread topped with a layer of white sauce, shredded yellow cheese, and fresh tomato slices served on a tray in a casual eatery. — Don’t miss out on a delicious chimney cake

Trying local food is one of my favorite parts of visiting Budapest, especially because you can find vegan versions of so many traditional dishes. There are even plenty of fully vegan restaurants in Budapest.

Some of my personal favorites are goulash and chimney cake, which I end up getting pretty much every time I visit at least once.

And if you haven’t tried lángos yet, you should, it’s a deep-fried dough topped with things like cheese and sour cream, and there are even vegan versions available.

15. Have a Drink in a Ruin Pub

Outdoor bar in Budapest — During the day time it’s rather quiet in the ruin pubs

Ruin pubs are one of the most unique things about Budapest, and definitely worth experiencing at least once.

I went to Szimpla Kert, the most famous one, and while the atmosphere is really fun and different, there’s one downside: a big part of it is in an open courtyard where people are allowed to smoke. When we got home, all our clothes smelled like it.

That said, it’s still a cool place to check out, especially in the evening when it really comes to life. During the day it’s much quieter, but at night it turns into a lively bar.

16. Visit Heroe’s Square

Heroe's Square in Budapest with a big column with a statue on top in the middle, surrounded by columns and statues — The most impressive square in Budapest is flanked by two museums

Hősök tere or Heroe’s Square is one of the most famous squares in Budapest at the end of Andrássy Avenue. It’s home to the iconic Millennium Monument.

The monument consists of a tall column topped by the Archangel Gabriel, who is believed to have visited Hungary and blessed the nation. At the base of the column, seven statues represent the Magyar tribes that founded Hungary.

Two colonnades flank the column, housing statues of Hungarian kings and other historical figures. Hungary’s first king, Stephen, can be found at the first spot on the left side.

On the sides of the square are two museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art. Both are worth visiting if you have extra time. And a short walk from the square is the City Park.

17. See Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park

Castle half overgrown with plants and a bridge leading to the castle gate in Budapest City Park — How magical does Vajdahunyad Castle look?

City Park is the largest park in Budapest and it’s a great place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, or visit some of its attractions like Vajdahunyad Castle and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

Vajdahunyad Castle is the most beautiful castle in Budapest, even though technically it never was a real castle. It was built in 1896 for the Millennial Exhibition as a copy of Hunyad Castle in Romania.

The castle looks like straight out of a fairy tale and wandering through its grounds is one of the top things to do in Budapest for free.

18. Explore Margaret Island

A statue of a woman in the middle of a pond on Margaret Island Budapest — Japanese Garden Margaret Island Budapest

Margaret Island is one of my favorite places in Budapest when I want a break from the city.

It’s right in the middle of the Danube and feels much quieter and greener than the rest of Budapest. I really enjoyed just walking around, but renting a bike is definitely the easiest way to explore the whole island.

If you’re visiting in summer, try to stay until the evening for the fountain show, it’s a really nice way to end the day.

19. Have a Coffee in a Beautiful Café

An elevated view of the opulent New York Café in Budapest filled with diners, capturing the grandeur of its gilded columns, intricate ceiling frescoes, and sparkling chandeliers. — New York Café

Elegant café interior with tall green patterned curtains framing a long room filled with small tables where people sit and eat, under ornate chandeliers and red drapes, with a sign reading "TOILETTE" on the right side. — New York Café

Having a coffee in one of Budapest’s historic cafés is a really nice experience, but it doesn’t have to be the famous New York Café.

It’s often called the most beautiful café in the world, and the interior is undeniably stunning. But it’s also very crowded, and when I visited, the long wait didn’t really feel worth it.

The good news is that it’s definitely not the only beautiful café in Budapest. There are plenty of other spots with impressive interiors and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re interested, I’ve put together a guide to the most beautiful cafés in Budapest, including a few alternatives that I personally enjoyed more.

🤩 Explore Budapest with this amazing walking tour!

Looking for Something a Bit More Unique?

While Budapest is full of iconic sights, some of my favorite moments in the city actually came from doing things that weren’t on the typical must-see list.

From spotting tiny statues hidden around the city to getting a Thai massage after a long day of exploring, there are so many little experiences that make Budapest feel even more special.

If you have a bit more time, I’d definitely recommend mixing in a few of these more unusual activities alongside the main attractions. It’s often those unexpected moments that end up being the most memorable.

I’ve put together a full guide to the more unique and quirky things to do in Budapest, including some of my personal favorites that most people completely miss.