The Best Things to Do in Budapest: A Complete Guide
- Margaux Delang
- 12 mrt
- 4 minuten om te lezen
Budapest is a city that effortlessly blends history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring its famous landmarks, soaking in thermal baths, or cruising along the Danube with a glass of Prosecco in hand, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll share the highlights of our trip, including must-visit sights and our personal experiences.
Vajdahunyad Castle & City Park
Nestled in the heart of City Park (Városliget), Vajdahunyad Castle is a fairytale-like castle that looks centuries old but was actually built in 1896 for the Millennium Exhibition. It showcases different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Visitor information:
* Price: Entrance to the castle grounds is free, but the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, located inside the castle, charges a fee. Tickets are around HUF 1,200 (€3.50).
* The surrounding City Park is a beautiful green space, perfect for a relaxing walk. You’ll also find the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the Budapest Zoo, and the Museum of Fine Arts nearby.
Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)
One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, Heroes’ Square is a vast open space dedicated to Hungary’s history. The centerpiece is the Millennium Monument, featuring statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who founded Hungary, along with other important historical figures.
Visitor information:
* Price: Free to visit, although the Museum of Fine Arts and Hall of Art surrounding the square charge an entry fee (around HUF 1,500-2,500 depending on the exhibition).
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
A visit to Budapest’s famous thermal baths is a must, and Széchenyi is the largest and most famous. Located in City Park, this Neo-Baroque bath complex offers both indoor and outdoor pools, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 38°C.
Our experience:
* We booked a full-day ticket with a private cabin for around €36 each. This was convenient for changing and storing our belongings.
* While the outdoor pools (38°C) were amazing—especially in colder weather—we found that spending a whole day here was a bit much. Two hours felt perfect.
* The indoor area has multiple pools and saunas, but it was quite crowded when we visited, so we mostly walked through to admire the beautiful architecture.
Tip: Bring your own slippers and towel to avoid buying them on-site.
Unlimited Prosecco Boat Tour
One of the best experiences we had in Budapest was the Unlimited Prosecco Cruise. For around €20 per person, you get a 75-minute boat ride along the Danube while enjoying unlimited Prosecco.
Why we recommend doing it at night:
* Budapest’s landmarks—Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge—are breathtaking when lit up.
* The atmosphere on the boat is relaxed yet lively, and your glass is never empty!
We booked our tour via GetYourGuide: Unlimited Prosecco Cruise with Carl Lutz Rakpart Departure for €20 per person.
Citadella, Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion
Exploring Buda’s historic sites is a must when visiting Budapest.
* Citadella – Located on Gellért Hill, this fortress offers panoramic views of the city. We hiked up, and while it’s a bit quieter than other tourist spots, it’s totally doable. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during our visit.
* Buda Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buda Castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. The architecture and city views make it worth the visit.
* Price for Buda Castle: Entrance to the castle grounds is free, but tickets to the museums inside range from HUF 1,000-3,000 (€2.80-€8) depending on which section you wish to visit.
* Fisherman’s Bastion – One of the most picturesque spots in Budapest, this terrace offers fairytale-like towers and stunning views of the Parliament building. While the entry to the bastion itself is free, there is a small fee for access to the upper viewing platform: HUF 1,000 (€3).
Tip: The walk from Citadella to Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion makes for a great sightseeing route.
Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament Building is easily one of the most beautiful buildings we’ve ever seen. With its neo-Gothic design, intricate details, and massive dome, it’s a true architectural masterpiece.
* It looks stunning during the day, but even more magical when lit up at night—one of the best photo spots in the city!
* You can visit the interior on a guided tour for around HUF 2,500 (€7) to see the Holy Crown of Hungary and the ornate chambers.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) is Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market. Inside, you’ll find fresh produce, traditional Hungarian food, souvenirs, and local specialties.
Our experience: It’s a fun place to walk through, but we expected a bit more. While the food stalls are interesting, it felt quite touristy. Still, it’s worth a quick visit if you’re in the area!
* Price: Free entry. You can purchase goods at individual vendor prices.
Liberty Bridge
Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) is one of Budapest’s most photogenic bridges, connecting Gellért Hill with the Central Market Hall. The green iron structure makes it stand out, and it’s a great spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Many people even sit on the bridge’s ledges to enjoy the view (though be careful!). It’s a less crowded alternative to the Chain Bridge and has a unique charm.
Tip: It’s free to walk across and enjoy the views!
Final Thoughts
Budapest is a city full of history, culture, and unique experiences. From soaking in thermal baths to sipping Prosecco on a boat, exploring castles, and admiring breathtaking architecture, there’s so much to see and do. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, we highly recommend adding these places to your itinerary!