Explore the Best of Budapest with iBestTravel

Hungary’s capital is renowned for its romantic architecture and charming streets. Divided by the River Danube, the city is dotted with beautifully illuminated bridges, making exploring on foot an absolute pleasure. Moreover, with endless cultural activities, historic sights, and the chance to soak in muscle-melting waters at centuries-old thermal baths, as well as a vibrant food and drink scene, it’s hard to decide how to pack everything into just one trip. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are our picks for the 13 best things to do in beautiful Budapest.

1. Visit Budapest’s Neo-Gothic Parliament Building

Budapest’s neo-Gothic Parliament building dominates the curve of the Danube and stands as a true postcard superstar. It houses the Holy Crown, used to crown the country’s monarchs since the 12th century, along with other royal jewels.

Nearby, you’ll find the moving Shoes on the Danube memorial, which honors Holocaust victims who were marched to the riverbank and ordered to remove their shoes before tragic events unfolded. This poignant monument reflects a deep history worth remembering.

Planning tip: English-language guided tours of the Parliament are available, so it’s best to plan ahead.

2. Soak at One of the City’s Incredible Thermal Spas

Budapest rests on a patchwork of thermal springs, hence the many thermal spas available, many of which date back to the Turkish era. These mineral-rich waters are said to offer therapeutic benefits, making a soak in a thermal pool one of the top experiences in Budapest.

The world-famous Széchenyi Baths is the largest spa complex in Europe. Although it can be touristy, its majestic architecture and outdoor pools make it a must-visit. Other spas throughout the city offer unique amenities, such as the rooftop hot tub at Rudas Baths.

Planning tip: Gellért Baths is an excellent choice for a more tranquil experience, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and colorful porcelain tiles.

3. Explore the Castle District

The Buda side’s rolling hills are crowned by the former Royal Palace, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. It has been razed and rebuilt throughout history and now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and various temporary exhibitions.

Don’t miss iconic sites like Fishermen’s Bastion with its breathtaking panorama of Pest’s skyline. Just steps away lies the Gothic Matthias Church, located on charming cobblestone streets.

For a delightful coffee and cake experience, stop by Ruszwurm, Hungary’s longest-running confectionery. Additionally, the Hospital in the Rock Museum provides insight into Budapest’s medical history beneath the Royal Palace.

4. Take a Ride Through Downtown on Tram 2

Cited often as one of the most scenic tram rides globally, Tram 2 runs along the Danube shore between Margaret Bridge and south Pest. The journey offers remarkable views, ensuring you don’t miss the city’s highlights—all for the price of a standard public transport ticket.

Planning tip: A boat trip along the river also presents a lovely alternative. Public boats are available, catered within the regular transport ticketing system.

5. See the Religious Relics of the Basilica

The ornate St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in the city and located just steps away from Deák Square. Inside, it houses the embalmed right hand of St Stephen, Hungary’s founding king. Climb the 193 steps or opt for the lift to reach the dome for panoramic views of Budapest.

6. Stroll Along Andrassy Avenue and in City Park

The elegant Andrassy Avenue is Budapest’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées, lined with upscale shops, cafés, and stunning architecture. Stretching from behind the basilica to Heroes’ Square, you’ll witness landmarks like the Hungarian State Opera and the impactful House of Terror museum.

At the Avenue’s end, City Park awaits, showcasing attractions such as a picturesque lake, an ice rink in winter, the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle, and Széchenyi Baths.

Planning tip: If the walk seems lengthy, the Millennium Underground, the oldest metro system in continental Europe, runs the entire length of Andrassy.

7. Enjoy Coffee at a Historical Coffeehouse

Budapest’s coffee-drinking culture boasts a long history, with classic coffeehouses standing as cultural hubs. The New York Café is renowned for its beauty and opulence, featuring gilded surfaces and live Hungarian music. Other significant coffeehouses include Gerbeaud, Hadik, and Centrál.

8. Experience the City from a Viewpoint or Rooftop Bar

Budapest is exceptionally photogenic from above, thanks to the curving Danube and stunning architecture. Climb to the Citadella on Gellért Hill for breathtaking views or relax at one of the city’s many rooftop bars, offering front-row seating to this beautiful city.

Planning tip: Be aware that parts of the Citadella may be under renovation.

9. Spend a Day on Margaret Island

Margaret Island serves as Budapest’s largest green oasis and is easily accessible from the middle of Margaret Bridge. This expansive park features the ruins of a medieval church, a serene Japanese garden, and plenty of space for picnics.

Planning tip: Don’t miss the large fountain on the island that lights up and “dances” to music every hour from spring to winter, especially the captivating 9 PM show enhanced with multimedia displays.

10. Admire the Distinctive Architecture of the Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue, the largest place of Jewish worship outside New York City, showcases impressive Moorish architecture. The building, completed in 1859, features a striking red-and-yellow facade and two enormous towers. Adjacent to it stands the Hungarian Jewish Museum, and a poignant Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial can be found in the courtyard.

11. Dive into Budapest’s Vibrant Nightlife at Ruin Bars

Budapest’s nightlife is renowned worldwide, particularly in the summer months. The city is filled with kertek (gardens) that transform outdoor spaces into unique entertainment zones, often emerging from abandoned buildings. These popular ruin pubs may change from year to year but continue to thrive throughout the seasons.

12. Discover History in Memento Park

Memento Park serves as a compelling outdoor museum featuring statues and memorials from Hungary’s communist past, often described as a cemetery of socialist mistakes. Visitors can explore an array of statues representing historical figures like Lenin and Karl Marx, offering a glimpse into the nation’s intriguing history.

13. Ride the Rails in the Buda Hills

While the sights may be fewer in the Buda Hills, this area provides a welcome respite from Budapest’s bustling atmosphere. Utilizing a narrow-gauge cog railway dating back to the late 19th century, visitors can access stunning views while a system of charming transport takes you through this scenic landscape.

Explore the beauty, history, and culture of Budapest with iBestTravel. This bustling city offers something for everyone, from historic landmarks to vibrant nightlife, ensuring unforgettable experiences.