57 Amazing Must-Do Things in Budapest for Travelers

(Last Updated On: October 28, 2022)

The historic Hungarian capital Budapest tells fascinating stories about historical architecture and is a paradise for explorers. There are many must-do things in Budapest.

Must-do things in Budapest

This article will give an overview of a list of must-do things in Budapest with useful descriptions.

Located on the banks of the Danube, Budapest, Hungary’s most populous city, blessed by the hot springs, known as the “city of Bath”.

The natural beauty of the city is not all natural but to some extent man-made. History is complex and there are many layers to unfolding. Before planning to pack your bags, read these fascinating and amazing facts about “East Paris,” Budapest:

1. Ton World Heritage Site

Budapest City has many UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Danube, Heroes Square, Buda Castle, and many more. It is a city filled with many beautiful places to visit which makes it one of the most fascinating places in the world.

2. Buds and pests

The word ‘Budapest’ comes from the combined city of Buda and Pest. In 1873 the two cities were merged into a single city. The name ‘Buda’ comes from the name Buda, the founder of the brother of Attila, the ruler of Hanik. The name “pest” comes from the term “Pession” of the Roman period fort.

3. The largest is a thermal cave

The largest aquatic caves are located in Budapest.

4. Take a hot bath and get rid of the illness!

In Budapest, it is a matter of importance that if you take a Turkish bath, the rich water content of naturally heated fountains will cure body, skin, and muscle ailments, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest. If you visit Budapest, make sure you visit the Gjecheni Medical Bath in the largest in the herbal bath in Europe.

5. Vampires in Budapest

Yes, you will see vampires in Budapest. One of Roman Polanski’s most successful movie screenings, “The Fearless Vampire Killers,” was transformed into a theater titled “Vampire Ball Musical.” About five million people around the world have seen the vampire ball musical.

6. The oldest subway line

Budapest is home to one of the world’s oldest subway lines in 1896 when Hungary celebrated its 1000th anniversary.

7. Europe’s largest synagogue

Another interesting information about Budapest is that it has the largest synagogue in Europe. The Dohni Street Synagogue has a capacity of 2964, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

8. A brand new way to drink tap water!

In addition to hot temperatures, drinking tap water in Budapest is also a healthy option. Budapest people have found a new way to cool down by putting drinking calls on fire hydrants on a hot summer day. Now, local people and tourists can enjoy the refreshing waters of Budapest.

9. Check Out the Hungarian Parliament Building

Hungarian Parliament Constructing is a beautiful Neo-Gothic construction. Which nearly makes up for them. Virtually. It is the third-largest parliament in Europe – and by far the prettiest for my part. It is precisely 96m tall – symbolically referring to 896 (the 12 months Hungary was born). You possibly can take a tour of Hungarian Parliament Constructing to see the crown and no matter else is inside.

10. Don’t miss the Sziget Festival!

It is a weekly celebration of music in Budapest every week in August. When you will have Instagram story design, it would be fantastic to capture memorable moments.

11. “Every 5th person in Hungary is a Budapestre”

The data suggest that 20% of the Hungarian population lives in Budapest. So, every 5th person in Hungary is a “Budapestre”. Meet with them as much as you can, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

12. The oldest zoo is here!

Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It was opened in 1865. In addition to animals, the zoo has a number of art buildings and structures such as the Elephant House, Palm House, etc.

13. See Matthias Church

One other one of many free issues to do in Budapest is trying Matthias Church. Like Budapest, this church has an extended historical past of being occupied and utilized in alternative ways (together with at one level as a horse secure). Undoubtedly one of many cool issues to do in Budapest for my part, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

14. Explore More of Hungary

Do not simply cease with doing issues in Budapest, discover the entire of Hungary – it is simply as lovely and has beautiful buildings and type locals in each nook. Take a look at our information to traveling around Hungary to search out our suggestions of the place to go, the place to remain, and what to do while you get there.

15. Watch the Sunset Over the Danube

Budapest has some beautiful sunsets. Significantly good from the bridges or Fortress Hill, or any of the pre-mentioned excessive spots in Budapest, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

16. Marvel at the Largest Synagogue in Europe

Nagy Zsinagoga or Great Synagogue is the biggest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the entire world, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

17. Pamper Yourself on the Four Seasons

One other resort that appears to prefer it’s straight out of the Grand Budapest Lodge is the 4 Seasons. Keep right here for top quality service and to be pampered past your wildest desires.

18. See the View of Pest from Buda

For a beautiful view of Pest (and the Parliament Home), it’s best to climb up Buda. Fortress Hill affords some superior insta-good lookouts.

19. Test Out the Paprika on the Nice Market Corridor

One of many free issues to do in Budapest is to take a look at the Nice Market Corridor – Budapest’s oldest and largest indoor market, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

Right here you will discover tonnes of Hungary’s favorite spice: paprika. Though you’ll discover vacationers right here, additionally, you will discover that locals come to buy right here – thus on regular basis objects like fruit and veg (and olives) are cheap right here.

You’ll want to try the several types of peppers right here – you may discover some you have by no means seen earlier than.

20. Drink Native Handcraft Beers at Eleszto

Head over to Eleszto for non-touristy expertise, it is probably not near the primary sights or the smash bars, and thus it is primarily solely actual locals that drink right here. Strive the cherry beer – it is unbelievable.

21. Take a Picnic to Margaret Island

Margaret Island is a huge island within the center o the Danube. It is named after Saint Margaret – a daughter of one of many Kings of Hungary who lived in a convent on this very island, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

Margaret Island is gorgeous and the right place to take a picnic, be sure you try the Japanese backyard and music fountain while you are there!

22. Visit Gondor, Fisherman’s Bastion

Proper subsequent to Matthias Church is Fisherman’s Bastion which was really the inspiration for Gondor :O at the least within the movies anyway, I do not suppose Tolkien went to Hungary?

23. Try Homemade Pálinka

An absolute should do in Budapest is to strive Pálinka – the Hungarian nationwide drink which is available in all several types of flavor – give a Hungarian a fruit they usually could make Pálinka out of it.

The perfect flavor of Pálinka although is one made and drank together with your new Hungarian buddies, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

24. …and Do not Forget about Unicum!

Nowhere close to as beloved as Pálinka, however nonetheless positively price a strive is Unicum – it is also a Hungarian spirit and tastes lots like Jägermeister, however higher. Any time I get sick now I attain for the Unicum, chilly? Solved by unicum. Sore abdomen? Unicum. Heartache? UNICUM.

25. Embarrass Your self by Attempting to Say Cheers in Hungarian

With all of the ingesting and pal making you will be doing in Budapest, you will learn to say cheers, it is actually exhausting.

26. Escape from the Escape Rooms

In search of a factor that is enjoyable to do in Budapest however, may even be good to your mind? Strive one of many many escape rooms – enjoyable for all of the household.

27. …Then Head to the High of St Stephen’s

Speaking of St Stephens, head to the highest – the views from the highest are unbelievable! That is considered one of our favorite issues to do in Budapest. And though it is not a free factor to do it is solely a quid and it nicely prices it for the views.

28. Make a Day Journey to Lake Balaton!

Do you know that landlocked-Hungary has a sea? Okay, it is a lake, however, it’s completely gigantic, it is lovely and it is lower than an hour and a half away from Budapest!! You probably have a bit of additional time, that is positively one thing you should do.

And in case you go in the summertime, you must try Balaton Sound considered one of Europe’s largest open-air electrical music festivals.

29. Pig Out On a Meals Tour

So you have handled your self to an elaborate dinner, checked out the vegan foodie scene, and had some goulash. Now, how a couple of meals tour?

Style Hungary provides one of the best meal excursions in Budapest for sure. We extremely suggest this as a factor to do in Budapest, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

30. Admire the Danube

Even in case you do not go on a cruise on the Danube, you should at the least cross one of many bridges to admire it from both facets. The Danube is Europe’s second-longest river and cuts straight by Budapest.

31. Sit on Liberty Bridge

While plenty of individuals love Chain Bridge, we have determined that Liberty Bridge is our favorite. Just because we love the structure, but additionally as a result of on sure days they shut it down and solely pedestrians can cross.

32. Assist the Homeless

Like most large cities, Budapest sadly has numerous homeless individuals. However, as a substitute for being a garbage vacationer and simply ignoring them, you may really make a distinction by becoming a member of up with Budapest Bike Maffia – these guys make a giant distinction biking across the metropolis serving to the homeless.

They gather donations, make meals, distribute the meals, hearken to the individuals, and see how they might help.

You may be any a part of this operation. We have been alongside a few occasions – you may learn extra on this put up, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

33. Drink Espresso with Cats

Cat cafes are not only a factor you discover in Asia – they’re taking up Europe too! Head over to the Cat Cafe – it’s extremely central, between Opera and the Cathedral – and pet your coronary heart out. Perfect for people who love cats.

34. Do not Miss Out on the Best Flight Deal

When reserving flights be sure you try Kiwi – this web site compares all of the charges to search out you one of the best deals, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

It is an actually versatile web site – you may be versatile together with your dates and even the place your flying from. Unsure which metropolis is greatest to fly from? Put each within the search bar. And it is a lot extra than simply discovering the most cost-effective flights.

35. Take a Distinctive Walking Tour

Distinctive Excursions Manufacturing unit provides distinctive strolling excursions throughout Europe, together with within Budapest!

We went alongside at some point and beloved it – it was a non-public tour of Pest that ended with our favorite factor ever (Hungarian wine), which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

35. Take a Bath with a View

While Széchenyi is the tub that is the most well-liked with vacationers, Budapest has many different superior thermal baths like Rudas.

The pros- Fewer vacationers, superior view of Budapest from the rooftop swimming pools, and it was constructed by the Turks within the 1500s.

Cons- Combined is simply on the weekend – although really that may be a professional for you. We really most popular this one to Széchenyi as a result of it is so rattling fairly.

36. Deal with Yourself to a First Class Meal

Backing it as much as the start the place I spoke concerning the low costs in Hungary, at the least for Westerners, right here is your likelihood to do all these fancy issues you have not been in a position to afford a house.

Like going out for a seven-course meal for a fraction of the value. Hungary might not be famed for its delicacies. One which significantly stands out was on the Corinthia. A should do in Budapest for my part.

37. Keep at a Grand Budapest Hotel

Okay so you may keep on the Grand Budapest Lodge, as a result of it would not exist, however, you certainly can keep at a Grand Budapest Lodge – just like the Corinthia, for instance, probably the most luxurious resorts in the entire of Hungary – and one of many resorts that really impressed the Grand Budapest Lodge.

38. Discover Budapest’s Vegan Foodie Scene

One of the many cool issues to do in Budapest is to try the vegan foodie scene. Surprisingly, contemplating that this nation is in a longterm non-monogamous relationship with pork and bitter cream, Budapest is a haven for vegan foodies – from burgers to goulash to falafel, from eating places to cafes and the whole lot in-between.

Budapest really has over 20 Vegan eating places and a vegan market each month. Here’s a complete weblog put up about vegan Budapest – which incorporates low-cost eats, ‘conventional’ eats (each by accident vegan and veganized variations of conventional dishes), and opinions of just about the entire vegan eating places in Budapest.

39. Take a Bike Tour

Budapest may be very flat, or at the least Pest is – which makes it excellent for biking around. Budapest is a superb dimension for a metropolis – not so large that you possibly can by no means discover all of it (like say London, New York, or Bangkok), however not so small you can simply see all of it in a few hours on foot. It is someplace within the center, and thus you may see one of the best bits in a day by bike. Undoubtedly one of many cool issues to do in Budapest.

40. Pub Crawl: the Ruin Bars of Budapest

These bars are in buildings that had been deserted and going to be torn down, however, college students purchased them for pennies and made what’s presumably essentially the most hipster-friendly bar on the earth. You possibly can book a Pub Crawl in Budapest right here or book a Personal Pub Crawl right here, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

41. Take a Dip: the Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Budapest is the one metropolis on the earth with therapeutic thermal baths. So, in fact, it should go on this record of issues to do in Budapest.

Go the day after you go to the smash bars, as a result of they’re one of the best for curing hangovers. And different issues most likely.

Relating to which tub to go to, most say Széchenyi as a result of it is essentially the most well-known tub in Budapest and is definitely the biggest medicinal tub in Europe.

42. Gorge on Goulash!

One of many prime issues to do in Budapest is to strive Goulash. Goulash is Hungary’s nationwide dish. It is a stew seasoned with Hungary’s nationwide spice: paprika, it is normally meat-based mostly however you may as well discover a vegan model at Kozmosz.

Goulash is not my favorite Hungarian dish (lángos is), it is heavy and in the summertime, it’s kind of a lot. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless a should do in Budapest

43. Go On a Wine Cruise Alongside the Danube

Pair up two of Hungary’s gems: the wine and the Danube. The Danube is the river that splits Budapest in two. As for Hungarian wine, you will be stunned to find it is a number of the greatest in Europe, however that is as a result of most of it stays in Hungary, so it is sort of a secret.

When you’re a wino like me, convey an additional suitcase in case you need to take a bottles house with you. You possibly can book a Wine Cruise On The Danube right here, however in case you’re not so into the ocean, take a look at this put up about one of the best Wine Tasting in Budapest!

44. See a 1000-Yr-Previous Mummified Hand at St Stephen’s Basilica

Many go to Stephen’s Cathedral as a result of it is lovely, however, do you know you may really see a 1000-year-old mummified hand inside :O it is really the hand of St Stephen himself, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest!

45. Take a Cable Car up Castle Hill

While the Pest facet of Budapest is extraordinarily flat, the Buda facet is extraordinarily hilly – critically it may give San Francisco a run for its cash.

Clearly, the fortress is strategically positioned on one of the best hills, and in case you do not fancy strolling up that hill there’s another choice: cable automotive.

That is usually advisable to guests to Budapest by actual locals, together with Barbara who additionally wrote prime issues to do in Budapest put up, in case 50 is not sufficient for you haha.

46. Uncover Bullet Holes from WW2 and the ’56 Uprising

Budapest is a metropolis scarred by historical past – actually in some locations. For instance, at Fortress Hill and subsequent to the Parliament, you may nonetheless see the bullet holes left behind from World Warfare Two.

47. Make New Mates on the Tasting Desk

When you’re on the lookout for one thing that locals and vacationers alike love, head to the Tasting Desk on a Thursday night time, the place they placed on dinner, and a wine tasting for a small fortunate group, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

48. Trip the Waves at Gellert Bath

A should do in Budapest is Gellert Bathtub. Gellert Bathtub is our favorite thermal tub in Budapest – far much less crowded than Széchenyi and much more lovely than Rudas, this tub has a wave machine too!

49. Learn Hungarian

As soon as you have learned a little bit of Hungarian you may not need to cease. Hungarian is an attractive language and really distinctive. When you’re on the lookout for a language that is uncommon and spectacular Hungarian is for you. I can not suggest Catch Budapest’s Sensible Hungarian Audio Course extremely sufficient. It is excellent for everybody from novices to superior!

50. Go Underneath Budapest

When you’ve seen Budapest from above you might as nicely see it from under, there are lots occurring beneath therefrom caves to church buildings to bunkers and even a hospital, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest!

51. See an Opera at Budapest Opera Home

Budapest has an attractive opera home and from what I’ve heard tickets are lots cheaper right here than say London or Vienna. So in case you’ve at all times needed to see an opera however by no means carried out it, maybe Budapest is the place for you.

52. Check Out Heroes’ Square

You will need to cease off at Hosok Tere or Heroes’ Sq. It is a gigantic sq. with monuments to essential historic figures – good to have a look at, extra attention-grabbing in case you go on a tour and discover out who they’re.

53. Study Your Historical past on the Home of Terror

Budapest has a really unhappy historical past, the Home of Terror is a museum that concentrates on the fascist and communist regimes in 20th century Hungary, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest.

54. Ice Skate within the Winter

Among the finest issues about Hungary is the climate: sweltering scorching in the summertime, blistering chilly within the winter.

While a type of may not be your cup of tea, you may not deny Hungary does traditional European summertime and winter climate completely. Within the winter you may even ice skate in Budapest!

55. Climb As much as the Liberty Statue

Climb up Gellért Hill to see the Liberty Statue and to be rewarded with epic views of Budapest. We have not really carried out this but, it is on our record of issues to do in Budapest, which is one of the must-do things in Budapest

56. Go Dog Recognizing in Városliget

Budapest is blessed with many lovely parks. Varosliget or Metropolis Park is our favorite, it is huge! And you may be sure you spot many tremendous cool dogs right here. The Hungarian Vizsla is Hungarian and an extremely popular breed in Hungary.

57. Pay Your Respects on the Shoes Along the Danube

The Footwear Alongside The Danube is a symbolic memorial – it is there to honor the individuals killed throughout World Warfare II.

They had been ordered to depart their sneakers on the banks of the river, the place they had been then shot on the edge so the water would take their bodies away.