Budapest sits as a grand center of history on the banks of the Danube River. It offers a mix of thermal springs, royal history, and a lively modern atmosphere. You will find many interesting things to do in Budapest while walking through its twin districts of Buda and Pest.
This guide helps you plan your visit by highlighting the most popular spots and local favorites. We have provided details on timings, prices, and locations to make your trip easier.
1. Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building stands as a massive symbol of the city on the Pest side of the river. This neo-Gothic landmark is the third-largest parliament building in the world and has 691 rooms. Its red dome and white stone walls dominate the riverfront view.
You can take a guided tour to see the grand interior of the building. The tour shows you the central hall where the Hungarian Holy Crown is kept under guard. The gold leaf decorations and red carpets give you a feel for the royal history of Hungary.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: For non-EEA citizens, HUF 14,000/ INR 3,975, for non-EEA citizen students aged 6 – 24, HUF 7,000/ INR 1,987, and free for visitors under the age of 6.; set aside 1.5 – 2 hours to explore this parliament building
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2. Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Buda Castle sits on a hill overlooking the river and was the home of kings for centuries. The massive palace grounds now hold the National Gallery and the History Museum of the city. You can walk through the open courtyards to see the statues and fountains.
The district around the castle has cobblestone streets and old medieval houses. It is a quiet area with many small museums and hidden gardens to see. Visiting the castle remains one of the must-see places in Budapest for any traveler.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Budapest, Szent György tér, 1014 Hungary
- Timings: Courtyards open 24/7; Museums open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: Courtyards are free; Museum tickets vary by exhibit; set aside 3 to 4 hours to explore the area
3. Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a white stone structure with seven towers that look like a fairy tale fort. These towers represent the original tribes that founded the nation of Hungary long ago. It provides the best panoramic views of the Parliament and the Pest side.
The arches and stairs make this a very popular spot for photography. You can find small cafes on the terraces where you can sit and look at the river. Most parts of the bastion are open for you to walk through for free.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Budapest, 1014 Hungary
- Timings: Open all year and 24 hours
- Price: For a ticket covering both locations, HUF 2,700/ INR 765. For Fisherman’s Bastion Lookout Tower only, HUF 1,700/ INR 481, children under 6 years are free; set aside 1 to 2 hours to explore the attraction
4. Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Széchenyi is a famous medicinal bath complex located inside the greenery of City Park. It features large outdoor pools where the water stays warm even during the cold winter. It is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest, Hungary.
The neo-Baroque building houses many indoor steam rooms and smaller thermal pools. You can spend your day soaking in the mineral water or getting a massage. It is a social place where locals often gather to chat and relax.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Location: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday, 7:00 AM –10:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Price: For Basic Ticket, HUF 13,200/ INR 3,722 (Weekdays) or HUF 14,800/ INR 4,177 (Weekends). For Premium, HUF 29,000/ INR 8,185 (Weekdays) or HUF 36,000/ INR 10,161 (Weekends). For Luxury/Private option, HUF 40,800/ INR 11,505, or Deluxe room, HUF 47,000/ INR 13,237; set aside 3 – 5 hours to spend in the thermal bath
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5. St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in the city and can hold thousands of people. It is named after the first king of Hungary and houses a sacred relic of his hand. The massive dome is a major part of the city skyline.
You can take an elevator or climb the stairs to the top of the dome. From there, you get a full view of the Pest side and the hills of Buda. The square outside the church is a great place to stop for a coffee.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:45 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Price: For adults, HUF 2,600/ INR 733 for the church and all-in-one tickets is available for HUF 6800/ INR 1,919; set aside 1.5 to hours for exploration
6. Great Market Hall
The Great Market Hall is a busy indoor market that has served the city since 1897. The ground floor is full of stalls selling fresh fruit, local spices, and traditional meats. It is one of the things to do in Budapest for tourists who want to try local food.
The upper floor has many stalls selling Hungarian crafts and embroidery. You can find many small eateries here that serve warm meals to shoppers. The colorful roof tiles make the building easy to find from the street.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Location: Budapest, 1093 Hungary
- Timings: Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday a0:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore this famous market
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7. Danube River Cruise
Taking a river cruise is one of the top things to do in Budapest at night. The city lights make the historic buildings look very different from the water. You can find many boats leaving from the docks near the city center.
The boats pass under the famous Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth Bridge. Some cruises offer dinner and live music while you sail along the river. It is a very peaceful way to see the main sights without walking.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Docks are mainly between Elizabeth Bridge and Margaret Bridge
- Timings: Daily, usually from 10 am until late at night
- Price: Varies according to the operator; set aside 2 – 3 hours
8. Heroes’ Square & City Park
Heroes’ Square is a grand landmark featuring statues of the founders of Hungary. It sits at the end of Andrássy Avenue and leads into the large City Park. You will see the tall monument with an angel at the top.
The park behind the square has a lake where you can rent boats in the summer. You can also visit the nearby zoo or the Vajdahunyad Castle. It is a perfect place for a long walk on a sunny afternoon.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146 Hungary
- Timings: Square is open 24/7; Park timings vary
- Price: Free entry to the square and park; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore the park
9. Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a green park located in the middle of the river. It is a car-free zone where you can find gardens and a musical fountain. Many people come here for fun things to do in Budapest, like biking.
You can find the ruins of an old convent and a small zoo on the island. The musical fountain plays shows several times a day with lights and water. It is a quiet place to escape the noise of the city.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Budapest, 1138 Hungary
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; set aside 2 – 3 hours to explore the park
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Budapest for first-time visitors?
First-time travelers should focus on the “Golden Triangle” of landmarks: the Hungarian Parliament Building for its neo-Gothic grandeur, the historic Buda Castle district, and a relaxing session at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. For a truly unique experience, visit the Hospital in the Rock, a former secret nuclear bunker carved into the caves beneath Castle Hill.
What shouldn’t you miss in Budapest?
You should definitely not miss the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a moving memorial consisting of 60 pairs of iron shoes dedicated to victims of the Holocaust. To see the city’s architectural beauty, a nighttime cruise along the river is essential, especially as the lights of the Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament reflect off the water.
What are the best things to do in Budapest during the day?
Daylight hours are perfect for exploring the Castle District on foot, where you can admire the colorful Zsolnay tiles of Matthias Church. If you enjoy the outdoors, a walk up Gellért Hill leads to the Liberty Statue and offers the most famous panoramic views of the city.
What are the best things to do in Budapest at night?
Budapest’s nightlife is defined by its ruin bars, particularly Szimpla Kert, which transforms a derelict building into a labyrinth of vintage art and neon lights. For a more sophisticated evening, catch a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House, widely considered to have some of the best acoustics in the world.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Budapest?
Families with children should head to the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, which features a stunning Art Nouveau elephant house and over 1,000 animal species. Another highlight is the Children’s Railway in the Buda Hills, where school-aged children operate the tickets, signals, and stations under adult supervision.
What are the best cultural things to do in Budapest?
To immerse yourself in local culture, visit the Museum of Fine Arts at Heroes’ Square or the House of Terror, which documents the city’s history under fascist and communist regimes. You can find many more cultural things to do in Budapest today by checking the seasonal schedules for folk dance performances at the Danube Palace.
What are the top food experiences in Budapest?
For an authentic taste, seek out a “kifőzde” (traditional lunchroom) to try Chicken Paprikash served with nokedli dumplings. Food lovers should also try Lángos, deep-fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese, at a local street food market like Karaván. For dessert, a fresh Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) coated in cinnamon and sugar is a must.
What are the best shopping areas in Budapest?
Andrássy Avenue is the premier destination for high-end luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, set within a UNESCO World Heritage boulevard. For those searching for unique antiques and art, Falk Miksa Street is home to dozens of specialized galleries and rare bookstores.
What’s the best time of year to visit Budapest for sightseeing?
The ideal windows for exploring are May to June and September to October, as the weather is mild enough for long days of walking. Spring brings the Budapest Spring Festival, filling the streets with music and art, while autumn offers the International Wine Festival at the castle. These months are perfect for exploring all the best things to do in Budapest while avoiding the peak crowds of the summer months.
