17 Truly Unusual Things to Do in Budapest

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Budapest is a city that never ceases to amaze, even if you’ve visited countless times. Living just across the border in Austria, I’ve been fortunate to explore Hungary’s capital more than most and it’s the hidden gems that keep me coming back.

My favorite discoveries are the lesser-known thermal baths and the tiny statues scattered throughout the city, turning a simple walk into a fun treasure hunt. In this guide, I’ll share these and more unusual things to do in Budapest to help you see the city in a whole new light.

1. See the Hand of Hungry’s First King

A relic inside a intricate box inside of Budapest cathedral — The hand of the first King of Hungary

Yes, you read that right, in Budapest, you can see the mummified hand of Hungary’s first king! This quirky relic is housed inside St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the Budapest’s top attractions. I was really surprised to discover this relic as I didn’t know

When visiting, don’t miss the chance to climb the basilica’s tower. The panoramic views are stunning and well worth it.

🤩 One of the crazy things to do in Budapest is to explore the city from a jeep!

2. Find Forgotten Statues at the Memento Park

Three communist statues in a park in Budapest — See the old communist statues in the Memento Park

Ever wondered what happens to statues from defunct political regimes? In Budapest, they’re sent to Memento Park, a collection of monuments from Hungary’s communist era.

You can reach the park by public transport, but note that the statues lack descriptions. To truly understand their history, I recommend joining a guided tour.

For deeper insights into Budapest’s communist past, visit the House of Terror museum at Andrássy Avenue, it reveals how the terror continued even after the Nazi occupation ended.

3. Relax in a Lesser Known Thermal Bath

Woman in a hot tub on a roof top, in the. back is the skyline of Budapest with the Danube River — Rudas Bath, my favourite thermal bath in Budapest

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, but while Széchenyi is the most popular, I wouldn’t recommend it, it’s just too overcrowded.

Luckily, the city boasts many other beautiful, less crowded baths. After testing four of the most popular baths, I found my favorite: Rudas Bath.

And here’s a unique twist: Budapest’s thermal water isn’t just for soaking, you can even drink it for its supposed health benefits!

4. Read a Book on the Liberty Bridge

The pedestrian walkway on a busy bridge, with people sitting on the railing, this is one of the unusual things to do in Budapest — Many people just relax on the Liberty Bridge

Budapest’s seven bridges connect Buda and Pest, with the Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge being the most iconic. While crossing them is a must on any Budapest itinerary, here’s the unique thing: in summer, locals sit on Liberty Bridge to relax or read a book!

Just a heads-up, climbing the bridge is not allowed and can be dangerous, so you might just want to stick to crossing the bridge to be safe.

5. Look for the Small Statues

This image features a small, whimsical bronze statue of a reclining figure on Budapest’s Liberty Bridge, surrounded by colorful love locks attached to the green railing. In the background, Gellért Hill and the Danube River provide a scenic view, softly blurred to highlight the detailed foreground. — The little statue on Liberty Bridge

This image shows a small, dark-colored teddy bear statue mounted on a textured, weathered concrete wall. The wall is adorned with colorful, heart-shaped decorations, adding a whimsical and unexpected contrast to the urban setting. The artistic installation suggests a mix of street art and sentimentality. — The little statue on Liberty Bridge

Budapest is home to a cute collection of small statues created by Mihály Kolodko. Looking for these statues is a fun way to explore Budapest as it will lead you past many of the main sights in the city.

My personal favorite is the statue of Franz Ferdinand, Hungary’s former king, lounging in a hammock on Liberty Bridge. Another adorable find is Mister Bean’s teddy bear near the Budapest Ferris Wheel.

Click here to discover more of these hidden gems scattered across Budapest!

6. Read a Book in a Stunning Library

This image features an opulent library or study hall with ornate golden walls, intricate carvings, and grand chandeliers hanging from a detailed ceiling. The polished wooden floor reflects the warm light, and rows of students or visitors are seated at elegant wooden desks with laptops and study materials. The luxurious setting contrasts with the modern study activity, blending history and contemporary use. — How beautiful is this library?

For a quiet escape in Budapest, visit the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, a true hidden gem.

While the main library looks ordinary, the fourth floor reveals breathtaking rooms that feel like stepping into a palace. Clearly signposted and worth the small entrance fee, these elegant spaces are perfect for relaxing with a book.

What makes it even more special is the atmosphere, most visitors are there to work or study, there are hardly any tourists. It’s a stunning spot to enjoy Budapest away from the crowds.

7. Relax in the Park Next to the Ferris Wheel

A Ferris Wheel in the back and a tree surrounded by. a fence with many padlocks on it in the front

The little park next to the Ferris Wheel is a popular spot amongst locals. People meet there to relax in the grass, have a picnic or practice their skateboarding skills.

It’s a great place to experience the lively atmosphere of this amazing city. This cool and relaxed atmosphere is one of the reasons why I love Budapest.

One more thing, don’t forget to check out the tree which is surrounded by a fence covered in padlocks. It looks very cool.

8. Have a Drink in a Ruin Pub

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

Budapest’s Ruin Bars are a must-visit if you’re in the city. These old buildings turned pubs feature eclectic décor, art, and a laid-back vibe.

The most famous ruin bar is Szimpla Kert, it’s also the most crowded. A more authentic ruin pub is Auróra, they have some cool events.

The downside to some ruin bars with outdoor seating is that smoking is allowed. When we visited Szimpla Kert, it smelled bad even though we sat outside in the courtyard.

9. Visit Gelert Hill Cave Church

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

This image showcases a unique cave-like church interior with textured stone walls, a Hungarian flag prominently displayed, and various plants in decorative pots arranged on the tiled floor. A wooden statue of a saint is mounted on the rock wall, adding to the sacred atmosphere. The space blends natural elements with religious symbolism, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance. — View from the entrance of the cave church at Gellert Hill

Tucked inside a cave on Gellért Hill near the Gellért Baths is the Cave Church, a unique church inside a mountain!

For a small fee, you can explore this stone-carved sanctuary with an audio guide. While it’s not as grand as Matthias Church, its pretty cool to explore a church inside a cave.

10. Ride the Oldest Metro in Mainland Europe

This image depicts a vintage-style wooden ticket booth located inside a Budapest metro station. The booth is surrounded by tiled walls and features modern signage promoting contactless payment options alongside a classic design. The combination of old-world charm and contemporary functionality highlights the blend of history and modernization in public transport infrastructure. — A very historic ticket booth at the metro station

It’s widely known that the oldest metro in the world was built in London. It’s not so much known that the first metro in continental Europe was built in Budapest.

Line 1 of Budapest’s metro system maintained its art nouveau-style stations. So, you can experience the original charm of the metro while travelling through the city in a convenient way.

I really liked the ticket offices inside the station, they are so much more entertaining than the modern machines on other metro lines.

11. Go on Top of the Ethnography Museum

A pedestrian walk next to a green area on top of a museum in Budapest — Walking on the rooftop of the Ethnography Museum is one of the quirky things to do in Budapest

For a different perspective of Budapest, enjoy a walk on top of the Ethnography Museum, which is shaped like a half pipe. You don’t need to enter the museum to access the rooftop.

We discovered this gem by chance on our way to City Park, and its grass-covered roof looks so cool. It’s the unique spot for a walk or to relax. And from the top you have a great view of the park. From the rooftop, we saw several hot air balloons launch in the park.

12. Admire Vajdahunyad Castle

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

My favourite structure in Budapest City Park is the Vajdahunyad Castle. In my opinion, it’s so much prettier than the Budapest Castle.

This fairytale-like castle showcases a diverse range of architectural styles and offers a beautiful backdrop for photos. Inside is a museum for agriculture but I’ve never been inside.

Going for a walk in the City Park and having a look at Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the best things you can do in Budapest for free.

13. Visit the Hospital in the Rock

Another hidden gem in Budapest is the Hospital in the Rock, a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker built during World War II.

This fascinating attraction offers guided tours, where you can learn about Hungary’s war history and the role this underground facility played.

14. Explore the Underground Caves

For a bit of adventure, explore Budapest’s vast underground cave system. With over 200 caves beneath the city, you can join tours that take you through tight spaces and beautiful natural formations.

The Budapest Castle Cave is one of the most fun things to do in Budapest. It was once the prison of Vlad Tepes, the real-life inspiration for Count Dracula.

🤩 Explore the caves at Buda Castle on a guided tour!

15. Go for a Stroll on Margaret Island

Bridge leading to Margaret Island in Budapest — Margaret Island is very big, it takes over 30 minutes to walk from one side to the other

Margaret Island is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day in Budapest. Easily accessible via a bridge over the Danube, the island offers plenty to explore.

I was amazed by how big the island is! I walked the whole length and was so exhausted I took the bus back. Next time, I’ll rent a bike (you can rent one at the island entrance).

You’ll find bars, restaurants, a thermal pool, a cinema, a Japanese garden, and more. So take enough time to explore the island on a sunny day in Budapest.

16. Visit Dohány Street Synagogue

Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. Its stunning Moorish-inspired architecture sets it apart, but with so many other great sights in Budapest it often gets overlooked.

You have to pay an entrance fee but there’s a tour included in the ticket, which I loved. The tour was led by a member of the Jewish community. It was very informative and engaging.

If you need a quick break, there’s a great vegan restaurant right next to the synagogue serving falafel, perfect for recharging between sights!

🤩 Learn about the synagogue and find hidden things to do in Budapest!

17. Discover Street Art

This photo shows a vibrant piece of street art on a Budapest building, blending seamlessly into the architecture. The artwork depicts a local grocery shop scene at ground level, complete with painted figures interacting near the storefront labeled "Zöldség Gyümölcs" (Vegetables & Fruits), and a balcony above with a figure and flowers, creating a whimsical, lifelike illusion. The surrounding urban environment includes trees and a shop sign reading "Virág" (Flowers). — You can find some true hidden gems in Budapest like this building facade

Budapest’s street art scene is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. The Jewish Quarter, in particular, is full with colorful murals and creative graffiti that transform its walls into an open-air gallery.

You can wander on your own or join a street art tour to uncover the stories behind the city’s most striking pieces. Exploring this artistic side of the city adds a unique flair to your itinerary and you might just stumble upon the perfect photo spot in Budapest!

🤩 I love this street art tour since it’s one of the cool things to do in Budapest!

18. Take a Bus Tour in a River

A great way to see Budapest from a different perspective is from a boat. But since a normal boat isn’t unusual enough, you can take a bus tour on the river!

Yes, you read right, there’s a special bus that takes you along the streets of Budapest as well as along the Danube River. And how often do you get the chance to take a coach bus on the water?

🤩 I love this floating bus tour for being so unique!

19. Segway Tours

Looking for a more laid-back yet unconventional way to explore the city? Try Segway tours in Budapest. These self-balancing vehicles allow you to smoothly glide through the city’s charming streets, parks, and squares.

Segway tours are a fun and eco-friendly alternative to traditional sightseeing, and they make for a great conversation starter with fellow tourists and locals alike.

🤩 Explore the top sights and hidden gems Budapest has to offer on a Segway!

Off the Beaten Path Excursions

Szentendre

Szentendre, a charming riverside town near Budapest, is the perfect day trip to escape the city’s bustle. With cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and art galleries like the Marzipan Museum, it offers a uniquely artistic vibe.

Stroll through its quaint streets and unwind at one of the delightful cafes or restaurants, where you can savor Hungarian cuisine in a picturesque setting.

Visegrád

For those interested in history and stunning views, Visegrád is a great choice. The town, situated on the Danube Bend, boasts a medieval fortress and a 14th-century royal palace.

The Visegrád Castle offers a fascinating insight into medieval life, and from its hilltop location, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Danube River and surrounding countryside. Don’t forget to also explore the Royal Palace and its beautiful gardens during your visit.

Unusual places to stay in Budapest

While in Budapest, there are some unique and quirky accommodations that will surely enhance your travel experience. Here are a few places where you can reside in style and enjoy a distinctive stay.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Clark Budapest
Hotel Clark Budapest is an adult-only hotel with a stunning rooftop bar and a fitness studio. Most rooms have a great view either of the Danube River or the Budapest Castle Hill. The most impressive feature is the bathtub with a city view some rooms have.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Moments Budapest
Hotel Monuments is a chic and classy boutique hotel located on the iconic Andrassy Avenue. From the outside, you’d never guess how chic and modern the hotel is on the inside!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ T62 Hotel
T62 Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you love art. The public areas are decorated with really cool street art on the walls. Inside the rooms beautiful black-and-white pictures of Budapest give the rooms a unique look.

woman sitting on a stone wall with the Danube River and the Hungarian Parliament House in the back — I absolutely love Budapest

Final Thoughts: Unique Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest is a city full of surprises, offering unique experiences and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From relaxing in quieter thermal baths to spotting little statues and walking on a museum’s rooftop, these unusual activities will help you see a different side of the city.

Ready to start planing your trip to Hungary’s capital? Check out my 3-day itinerary for Budapest to uncover the city’s best attractions and hidden corners!

🤩 Explore Budapest off the beaten path on a jeep tour!