17 BEST Things to Do in Budapest in 2025 (+What to Skip)

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17 Best Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest is packed with things to see and do, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. But don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down for you. Here are our picks for what to see in Budapest if it’s your first trip:

1. Take a tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most beautiful buildings we’ve ever seen! Its beautiful neo-Gothic architecture, massive size, and riverside location make it stand out.

It reminded us of the iconic Houses of Parliament in London (which we love!), but we must admit the Hungarian Parliament is even more breathtaking.

Construction began in 1885 and took 17 years to complete, involving thousands of workers and artisans. It’s a must-see Budapest landmark and a symbol of Hungarian history!

We highly recommend exploring the Parliament Building via a 45-minute guided tour. You’ll see the lavish halls, including the grand main staircase, the lounge of the Chamber of Peers, and the magnificent Dome Hall, where the Hungarian Crown Jewels are kept.

2. Cruise along the Danube River

3. Relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths

A Budapest city trip isn’t complete without experiencing one of its thermal baths! In fact, more than 60% of tourists in Budapest visit at least one of the city’s historic spas during their trip.

Soaking in the warm thermal waters is a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Plus, visiting a bathhouse is an essential part of Budapest’s culture and history, so you can experience a local tradition.

Budapest has many thermal baths, each with its own unique character. Some focus on relaxation with saunas, steam rooms, and massage services. Others have more historical significance or a lively atmosphere.

We believe Széchenyi Baths is the best if you can only visit one. It’s Europe’s largest spa bath, with 15 indoor baths and 3 large outdoor swimming pools. 

Located in the heart of City Park, it’s housed in a magnificent neo-baroque building. And it has outdoor pools that let you enjoy the fresh air while soaking in warm water.

4. Wander around the fairytale towers of Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is one of those places that feels like it belongs in a storybook. With its white stone towers and sweeping views of the city, it’s an absolute must when visiting Budapest.

We went early in the morning once and had the place almost to ourselves. By the time we left, it was swarming with people. The difference was night and day.

Admission and Opening Hours: All lower terraces and towers are free to enter. The upper towers and walkways have an entrance fee of 1,500 HUF (about £3, €4 or US$4). The lower terraces are open 24/7, and the upper towers from 9am-7pm.

5. Grab a drink in Budapest’s ruin bars

Ruin bars are a Budapest original. Set in old, often crumbling buildings and courtyards, they’ve been turned into vibrant, eclectic hangouts.

You’ll find most of them in the Jewish Quarter, each with its own mix of mismatched furniture, quirky décor and laid-back charm.

Inside the ruin bars, you’ll typically find multiple rooms with a blend of vintage furniture, unique decor, and lively artwork. Many of them feature live music, making Saturday nights in Budapest unforgettable.

6. Go up St Stephen’s Basilica for panoramic views

St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Hungary and is named after Hungary’s first king, King Stephen. Its massive size and grand Neo-Classical architecture make a strong impression.

The real highlight of the basilica is, without a doubt, the panoramic view from the dome. You can either climb the 364 stairs or take the lift to the top. The 360-degree view over Budapest is especially impressive at sunset.

We walked up the stairs, but on the way down we took the lift. Honestly, the stairs felt part of the experience. If you can manage the climb, go for it!

7. Explore Buda Castle and its underground caves

Perched on Castle Hill, Buda Castle is a grand historic complex that overlooks the Danube and offers brilliant views across to the Pest side.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 13th century and has been rebuilt several times, resulting in a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

8. See the stunning roof of the House of Music

Located in City Park next to Vajdahunyad Castle, the House of Music is one of Budapest’s newest attractions. Designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto, the building opened in January 2022.

The complex features concert halls, exhibition spaces, and an open-air stage. Most importantly, it has a stunning roof structure and extensive glass panels. The contemporary design of the building is truly impressive!

Fujimoto designed the roof as a continuation of the landscape. It has 100 crater-like holes to accommodate trees and allow natural light. Over 30,000 gold-coloured leaves cover the underside of the roof, giving it a futuristic look.

9. Take a tour of the Hungarian State Opera

You don’t need to be an opera lover to admire the beauty of the Hungarian State Opera. Opened in 1884, it’s a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture with grand interiors and incredible attention to detail.

While the entrance hall is free to enter, we highly recommend joining a guided tour. In just under an hour, you’ll get to see the breathtaking auditorium, complete with red velvet seats and a stunning ceiling fresco.

During the tour, the guides share fascinating stories and little-known facts about the opera’s history. You’ll also get to enjoy a short performance by one of the opera’s soloists at the end, which is a lovely way to round off the visit.

If you’ve been to the Vienna State Opera House, you might spot some familiar features. Both buildings were constructed during the reign of Franz Joseph I, who was Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

10. Step inside the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library (a real hidden gem)

The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, located in the former Wenckheim Palace, is one of Budapest’s best hidden gems. It’s not in every travel guide, but it really should be because the interior is absolutely stunning.

11. Go inside the Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, is the largest in Europe and the second-largest in the world. It can hold up to 3,000 people.

Built in 1859 in the Moorish Revival style, it’s known for its striking architecture and rich detail. During World War II, it served as a place of refuge for many Jews during a time of deep persecution.

The entrance ticket included a guided tour, which we really appreciated. It gave us insight into the synagogue’s history, the Jewish community in Budapest, and the events of World War II.

12. Wander through Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is a picturesque architectural gem located in City Park, Budapest’s largest green area.

Contrary to its name, it’s not a single castle but rather a complex of buildings. The complex is a great place to experience a range of Hungarian architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

The design is inspired by Hunyad Castle in Transylvania (often linked to Count Dracula), known for its stunning Gothic architecture.

During the winter months, Vajdahunyad Castle has a fairytale feel, especially with the City Park Ice Rink right in front.

13. Explore the Great Market Hall

We love exploring food markets when we travel. So, on our Budapest trip, we made a beeline for the Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall.

The neo-Gothic building itself is stunning, and the lively atmosphere makes it worth visiting. However, we found some of the food stalls and souvenirs a bit overpriced compared to other spots in the city.

14. Learn about Hungary’s past at the Hungarian National Museum

If you’re curious about Hungary’s complex history, the Hungarian National Museum is the best place to start.

The museum is housed in a beautiful neo-classical building with elegant staircases and a central dome inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. The peaceful garden in front is also a great spot to relax, especially in summer.

15. Walk across the Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge to span the Danube in Hungary, linking Buda and Pest in the mid-19th century.

Named after Count István Széchenyi, who played a major role in making it happen, the bridge marked a turning point in the city’s development.

It was destroyed during World War II by retreating Nazi forces but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949, exactly 100 years after it first opened. Today, it’s one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks and offers great views of the river and city on both sides.

Stone lions sit at each end of the bridge, acting as symbolic guardians of the city.

16. Stroll along the Danube Promenade

The promenade on the east bank of the Danube is a peaceful place for a walk with views of Buda Castle and other landmarks across the water.

As you walk along, you’ll come across several statues and memorials. One of the most moving is the Shoes on the Danube, a tribute to the Jewish victims who were murdered during World War II.

The memorial features 60 pairs of iron shoes placed at the river’s edge. They represent the shoes left behind by those who were shot and thrown into the Danube. It’s a simple but deeply powerful reminder of the city’s past.

17. Sip a coffee while admiring the interior of the New York Café

The interior is pure Italian Renaissance drama, with gold detailing, huge chandeliers, and ceiling frescoes that are almost too much – but in the best way.

Interactive Map: Must-See Attractions in Budapest

Other Sights & Activities Worth Checking Out

In our “Best things to do” city guides, we only include the sights and experiences we think really stand out. But if you’ve got a bit more time in Budapest, these spots didn’t quite make the main list (still, they’re definitely worth checking out!)

Margaret Island – A peaceful escape right in the middle of the Danube. You can rent a bike, walk through leafy paths, visit the Japanese Garden, or just relax by the river.

Sightseeing Tour by Bus – If your feet are feeling the strain, hop on a sightseeing bus for great city overviews.

Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út) – Budapest’s answer to the Champs-Élysées. A long, tree-lined street with historic buildings, fancy shops, and cafés. You’ll probably walk part of it on your way to the Hungarian State Opera.

5 Things You Might Want to Skip

You’re probably curious about what you can skip in Budapest (who doesn’t love a good efficiency hack, right?). Here’s a heads-up on a few things we weren’t too keen on. Remember, these are just our thoughts – you might find them enjoyable! But if you’re tight on time, consider giving these a miss:

Heroes’ Square – This grand square is packed with statues of Hungarian heroes. You’ll probably see it anyway if you’re heading to City Park (it’s right at the entrance), but it’s not worth a special detour.

House of Terror – This museum explores the dark chapters of Nazi and Soviet rule in Hungary. While the museum is interesting and informative, it’s not presented well. If you do go, definitely get the audio guide – most things aren’t in English otherwise.

Gellért Hill – Gellért Hill features the Liberty Statue, a monument commemorating Hungary’s liberation during World War II. It offers great views of Budapest. But if you plan to visit Buda Castle or Fisherman’s Bastion (which you should!), you’ll get stunning city views from there too, so skip Gellért Hill.

Memento Park – This open-air museum outside the city centre displays communist-era statues and symbols. It’s interesting but relatively small and quite far out, so only worth it if you’ve got a big interest in Cold War history.

Vaci Street (Váci Utca) – This pedestrian street is lined with shops and restaurants, but it’s very touristy and overpriced. There are better places to shop or eat in Budapest without the crowds.

Best Time to Visit Budapest

Perfect month to visit: June

If you’re trying to pick the ideal month to visit Budapest, we’d say June is your best bet. The days are long with around nine hours of sunshine, there’s less rain than usual, and the city’s summer buzz hasn’t quite hit full swing yet.

September is another great option. The weather is still warm, but the crowds have thinned after the summer peak, making it easier to enjoy Budapest’s main sights without the rush.

April is quieter, with fewer tourists and decent sunshine, although the average temperature of 13°C (55°F) can feel a bit on the cool side.

How Long to Stay

Where to Stay

Best Neighbourhoods in Budapest

Budapest is easy to explore on foot, and walking is hands down the best way to experience it. But the city also has a great public transport system, so it’s worth picking accommodation near the centre or close to tram or metro lines.

For your first time in Budapest, these are our top neighbourhood picks:

• District V (Inner City) – Right in the middle of things, this area puts you close to landmarks, shops, and plenty of food spots. It’s ideal if you want to stay central and keep things simple.
• District VII (The Jewish Quarter) – This is where you’ll find the famous ruin bars, loads of cafes and street art. It’s perfect for a more lively and youthful vibe.
• District I (Castle District) – Quieter and more historic, this hilly area on the Buda side offers beautiful architecture and amazing views across the river.

Recommended Budapest Hotels

FAQ: Visiting Budapest

Now that you’ve got a good idea of what to do, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about planning a city break to Budapest.

What to Do After Budapest