15 of the best things to do in Budapest

1. Explore the Castle District

Sitting high on Buda Castle Hill, a visit to the Castle District should be at the top of your to-do list. It’s home to some of Budapest’s most recognisable attractions, including Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace, which is now used to house some of Hungary’s best museums and galleries.

Delve into the detail with a guided tour before pausing for a pastry at Ruszwurm cafe – Hungary’s oldest confectionery store.

Top tip: The Castle Hill Funicular saves you the uphill walk, taking you up to the palace in minutes and offering fantastic views along the way.

2. Soak up the spa baths

If there’s one thing Budapest isn’t short on, it’s spa baths. Soak in the mineral-rich thermal waters of Széchenyi Baths, the city’s largest complex, where you’ll find huge outdoor pools, marble rooms and a list of treatments that will keep you feeling zen for hours.

Gellért Baths are equally worth a wallow, or try out the traditional Ottoman-style Rudas Baths for atmospheric steam rooms under an ancient domed roof.

Top tip: For fewer crowds and cheaper tickets, visit Széchenyi on a weekday if you can. Try to get in first thing (6am - 8am) or later in the evening (5pm - 7pm).

3. Pay the Parliament Building a visit

The enormous Hungarian Parliament Building – standing tall on the banks of the River Danube – is one of the best things to see in Budapest. Its neo-gothic structure, complete with towering spires and dome, is the city’s most famed icon.

Modelled on the UK House of Commons, you can take a tour through its impressive rooms and halls – its ornate interiors just as spectacular as the exterior. Book early as tours sell out fast.

Top tip: Visit from late spring to early autumn to see the parliament's lavender garden at its most vibrant.

4. Relax on a river boat tour

Sure Budapest is easy to explore on foot, but a boat trip down the Danube is one of the best ways to see this great river city.

Flowing across Europe from Germany’s Black Forest to its mouth in the Black Sea, the Danube divides Budapest’s two sides (Buda and Pest). Glide past riverside landmarks and under beautiful bridges – the twinkling lights of the iconic Chain Bridge are gorgeous come nightfall.

Boat tours range from one hour audio-guided trips to evening cruises with cocktails.

Top tip: If your budget allows, a sunset champagne cruise is hard to beat.

5. Hit the shops at Central Market and Vaci Street

Love to shop? Start in Central Market Hall, a vast indoor market selling a huge range of fresh produce, wine and everyday knick-knacks. On the upper level, snack bars serve everything from goulash soups and lángos (fried flatbread) to traditional sweets like chimney cake.

Next, stroll along pedestrianised Vaci Street to hit up fashionable high-street stores, luxury boutiques and souvenir shops.

Top tip: If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, Central Market is a great place to load up on cheap fruit, veg, cured meats and cheeses.

6. Admire St. Stephen’s Basilica

Situated in Pest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest in the country and is packed with religious artefacts and art including the mummified hand of Saint Stephen himself.

Its neoclassical architecture is equally as impressive, characterised by its two mighty bell towers and grand dome standing 96m (314ft) tall.

Take the 364 steps (or the lift) to the top for magnificent views over the city. Tickets for entry to the hall, terrace and treasury cost 6,000 HUF (£13.26).

Top tip: Visit for a classical concert or church service to experience the basilica at its best.

7. See the Shoes on the Danube Bank

Visiting the Shoes on the Danube Bank is perhaps one of the most poignant things to do in Budapest.

The harrowing sculpture features sixty pairs of cast-iron shoes – those of women, men and children, representing the thousands of Hungarian Jews who were executed at the side of the Danube by the fascist Arrow Cross Party during World War II.

You’ll often find flowers and candles laid among the shoes from the public paying their respects.

Top tip: See the memorial as part of a guided walking tour to learn more about Budapest during World War II.

8. Leisure like a local in the city’s parks and lidos

Need some downtime after all that exploring? Live like a local by chilling in the city’s parks or visiting its outdoor swimming pools.

City Park is the largest green space in Pest, home to gardens, a lake and attractions including Budapest Zoo and Vajdahunyad Castle. Or head across the river to wander the lush parks, hills and walking trails surrounding Gellért Hill.

Római Lido and Lupa Beach are popular choices for a refreshing swim.

Top tip: Don’t miss the row boats at City Park’s lake.

9. Get a history lesson at the House of Terror Museum

History buff or not, a trip to this chilling museum is a highlight of any visit to Budapest.

Set in a building formerly used by the Hungarian Secret Police, this is a challenging and thought-provoking exhibition of life under a fascist and communist regimes, and tells powerful stories of the Hungarian people.

State-of-the-art presentation and interactive design make it a truly educational experience well worth the 4,000 HUF (£8.84) admission fee.

Top tip: An audio guide will help you make the most of the museum. They’re available in English, German, Spanish, Russian, French and Italian, and cost just 2,000 HUF (£4.42).

10. Take a ride on the Number 2 tram

Starting from Jászai Mari Square, this iconic yellow tram travels along the Pest embankment, taking you past top sights including the Parliament Building, Charles Bridge and the Shoes on the Danube. You’ll also get to see Gresham Palace and the National Theatre, where the tram route ends.

The only thing more enticing than the views is the price, which is the same as a regular public transport ticket.

Top tip: Make sure to validate your ticket either at the metro station or when you get on the tram.

11. Go to the State Opera House

Inspired by both the Vienna and Paris opera houses, Budapest’s neo-renaissance State Opera House boasts a lavish interior decorated with paintings, statues and an abundance of gold.

Guided tours are available in several languages, although the best way to appreciate the building is by booking tickets to one of the performances. Opera recitals, symphonic concerts and ballet are all on the programme.

Top tip: Students get 50% off ticket prices both online and at the ticket office.

12. Check out the nightlife

A rundown of the best things to do in Budapest wouldn't be complete without mentioning the city’s unique ruin bars where great nights both start and end.

These boho drinking dens range from small side-street bars to open air courtyards blasting tunes – Doboz is one of the most popular in the Jewish Quarter. Come summer, you can pitch up for a pint at one of the city’s garden clubs too.

For more stylish evening tipples, seek out a rooftop bar. High Note Skybar is hard to beat with a winning combination of crafted cocktails and panoramic views over St Stephen’s Basilica.

Top tip: Don’t miss Szimpla Kert, Budapest’s original – and coolest – ruin bar.

13. Make a trip to Margaret Island

Sat between the two halves of the city, in the centre of the Danube, Margaret Island is one of Budapest's top recreation spots.

A sprawling park filled with age-old trees, walking paths and flower gardens, it’s a peaceful oasis for picnicking. Explore on two feet (or two wheels) and you’ll also discover the medieval ruins of a Franciscan church, a beautiful Japanese garden and a musical water fountain.

Top tip: The island hosts music festivals and concerts in summer. Check out the Margaret Island Theater programme for some of the shows in 2024.

14. Sip coffee at a historical coffeehouse

You don’t need to be an espresso enthusiast to enjoy Budapest’s coffee culture. The city’s elegant coffeehouses are an experience in themselves.

The New York Café is one of the best, where the coffee is just as lush as its crystal chandeliers, golden ceiling frescoes and marble pillars. It’s not cheap, but you won’t forget sipping a 24-carat-gold cappuccino anytime soon.

You’ll also find equally good brews and plenty more splendour at Café Gerbeaud or Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar.

Top tip: Reservations at New York Café are only available for dinner service, so be prepared to queue for a table during the day.

15. Spend time at Heroes’ Square

Head along Andrassy Avenue from the House of Terror and you’ll come to Heroes’ Square. This vast plaza has been used in countless films and videos and celebrates more than a millennia of Hungarian history.

Its highlight is the Millenary Monument – a 36m (118ft) pillar surrounded by statues of the leaders of Hungary’s seven founding tribes, flanked on either side by colonnades featuring historic heroes and rulers.

Located between the Museum of Fine Arts and Mucsarnok Art Gallery, it's a top destination for art lovers, too.

Top tip: The square is easy to reach via public transport – just take the M1 metro line to Hösök tere.

Please note: all prices are correct at time of writing and are based on the exchange rate on 17 May 2024.