Best things to do in Budapest
Find out more about those top places in Budapest
Budapest: Where Medieval Magic Kisses Cosmopolitan Cool (and the Thermal Baths are Basically Soup for the Soul!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to the Pearl of the Danube!
Welcome, culture vultures and lovers of a good soak, to Budapest, the dazzling Hungarian capital that's like a perfectly paired couple dancing on the banks of the majestic Danube River! This city isn't just pretty; it's got two distinct personalities that complement each other like paprika and goulash (trust us, that's a good thing!).
On the "Buda" side of the river, prepare to be transported back in time. We're talking medieval fortifications that look like they've seen a dragon or two, baroque palaces dripping with old-world grandeur, and glorious monuments built for Hungary's epic millennial celebrations back in 1895 – think of it as a birthday party that lasted a century and left behind some seriously impressive souvenirs.
Then, sashay across one of Budapest's stunning bridges to the "Pest" side, and BAM! You've landed in the city's cosmopolitan beating heart. Pest is where the energy is high, the nightlife is legendary (we're talking hedonistic in the best possible way!), and the dynamic culinary scene is so good, it's practically unrivaled in Central Europe. Your taste buds are in for a serious adventure!
Many of Budapest's biggest top attractions whisper tales of its time as the Habsburg Empire's glamorous second city. But beyond the imperial splendor, a new wave of poignant museums focusing on the Nazi occupation and the 1956 Soviet invasion are bravely unlocking the city's traumatic 20th-century history for visitors, offering a deeper and more meaningful sightseeing experience.
And let's be real, no trip to Budapest would be complete without a good, long soak in one of the city's many legendary thermal baths. We're talking everything from atmospheric medieval Turkish bathhouses that feel like stepping into a secret Ottoman spa, to the opulent bathing palaces of the 19th century that could rival a royal residence, and even quirky Communist-era sanatoriums that offer a unique glimpse into the past. Think of it as soup for the soul – warm, relaxing, and guaranteed to leave you feeling like a brand new person (or at least a very relaxed one!).
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating capital. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring ancient castles to partying in ruin bars and soaking in thermal waters, all while uncovering the unique charm and vibrant energy of Budapest.
Top Attractions: Castles, Parties, and Steamy Escapes!
Budapest offers a dazzling array of sights and experiences. Here are some of the top places to visit you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Buda Castle District: Medieval Majesty with Panoramic Views
Explore the historic Buda Castle District, home to Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion. Wander through cobblestone streets, admire the stunning architecture, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Pest across the Danube. It's a quintessential Budapest sightseeing experience.
The Hungarian Parliament Building: Gothic Grandeur on the Danube
Marvel at the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, a stunning Gothic Revival masterpiece that dominates the Pest skyline. Take a tour to admire its opulent interiors and learn about its fascinating history. It's a must-see attraction and a photographer's dream.
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths: A Palatial Soaking Experience
Indulge in a relaxing soak at the grand Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of Europe's largest and most impressive bathing complexes. With its numerous indoor and outdoor pools, it's a perfect way to unwind and experience Budapest's famous thermal bath culture. Definitely a top thing to do!
The Ruin Bars of Pest: Underground Cool and Unique Vibes
Discover the quirky and atmospheric ruin bars of Pest, unique establishments housed in abandoned buildings and courtyards. Each bar has its own distinct personality, offering a vibrant nightlife experience unlike any other. Exploring these is a must for a taste of Budapest's modern culture.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Bridges, Markets, and History Lessons!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Budapest vibe:
- Walk Across the Chain Bridge: Take a stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge, connecting Buda and Pest, and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Great Market Hall: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Great Market Hall, a fantastic place to sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and experience Hungarian daily life.
- Visit the House of Terror Museum: Confront the dark chapters of Hungary's 20th-century history at this poignant museum, housed in the former headquarters of the Nazi and Soviet regimes.
- Take a Danube River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Danube River, offering a different perspective of the city's stunning architecture, especially at night.
- Explore St. Stephen's Basilica: Climb to the dome of this impressive basilica for panoramic city views and admire its beautiful interior.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Central Europe that offer a captivating blend of history, culture, vibrant nightlife, and relaxing thermal baths, Budapest is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with unforgettable sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with its charm, its energy, and its unique ability to soothe your soul in a steaming pool! Egészségére! (Cheers!)
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Buda Castle
Perched high above the mighty Danube, Buda Castle has been Budapest’s core since at least the reign of King Bela IV in the 13th century. While the original medieval castle was destroyed during the battle to expel the Turks from the city in the 17th century, the Habsburg’s replaced it with one of Europe’s most jaw-dropping baroque palaces that now contains the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum and the National Library.
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Hungarian Parliament Building
Seemingly floating atop the surface of the Danube, Hungary’s vast neo-gothic parliament is one of the world’s most spectacular seats of government. Completed in 1902 and inspired by London’s Palace of Westminster, the parliament has nearly 700 grand rooms that can be explored via regular guided tours. Make sure to watch out for the Golden Staircase and the Dome Hall, which houses Hungary’s national icon – the Crown of Saint Stephen.
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Fisherman's Bastion
Looking like it has been torn straight from the pages of The Lord of the Rings, Fisherman’s Bastion is Budapest’s most picture perfect location. However, while the gleaming white ramparts and turreted towers may look medieval, they were actually built as a viewing platform in 1905 to mark the millennial anniversary of the founding of the Hungarian Kingdom.
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Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Although the Hungarian capital is not short on thermal spas, the grandest of them all is the palace-like Széchenyi. Located in the idyllic City Park, the thermal baths have numerous indoor and outdoor pools ranging in temperature from 40 °C to freezing plunge pools. What is more, beyond being one of Budapest’s most memorable attractions, the high calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate content of the thermal baths allegedly works wonders for joint pains and blood circulation.
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Heroes' Square
Sitting atop the architecturally eclectic UNESCO World Heritage listed Andrássy Avenue is Heroes’ Square. The square is bounded by the City Park and two of Budapest’s finest museums, the Kunsthalle and the Museum of Fine Arts, and contains a treasure trove of monuments celebrating Hungary’s history. In order to get the best understanding of the square’s rich symbolism guided tours are recommended.
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Mary Magdalene Tower
Located opposite the Museum of Military History, the Mary Magdalene Tower is one of the landmarks of the Buda side of Budapest. While the tower lay derelict for decades, in 2017 it reopened as a breathtaking viewing platform and exhibition space that details the site’s rich history, including its role as a mosque during the Turkish occupation.
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The Great Synagogue
Before World War Two, Budapest was one of Europe’s most multicultural cities. To get a feel for the Budapest of yesterday, visit the Oriental-style Great Synagogue, the world’s largest Jewish house of worship outside of New York. The synagogue today is also home to the fascinating Hungarian Jewish Museum and the poignant Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial.
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St. Stephen's Basilica
Situated in the heart of Pest, Saint Stephen’s Basilica is Hungary’s most revered Catholic church as it contains the country’s most important religious relic: the mummified hand of King Saint Stephen. The church itself was built in the neoclassical style in the late 19th century and the view from the dome across Budapest’s commercial center is one of the city’s most romantic.
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Underground Caving
Underneath the city streets of Budapest is one of Europe’s largest urban cave systems with almost 100 kilometers of caverns, tunnels and grottoes to be explored. Guided tours give visitors access to this phantasmagoria of stalagmites, stalactites and other magical rock formations and explain how the cave system works to fuel the city’s hot springs.
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Hungarian Folk
Hungarian folk culture is amongst Europe’s most charming and there is no better way to experience it than through a traditional performance of music and dance by the famed Hungarian Folk Ensemble. Held in the gilded surroundings of the Danube Palace Theater, the show is one of Hungary’s most unforgettable experiences.
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Etyek Wine Tour
Just beyond Budapest’s city boundaries is the Etyek wine region that can be explored through half-day tasting tours. Visitors can expect to explore two or three family run vineyards, sample some of Hungary’s finest wines in historic wine cellars and get treated to a traditional Hungarian meal at a local farmstead.
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City Park
Built as the venue for many of Hungary’s millennial anniversary celebrations, City Park is today known as Budapest’s green lung. Stretching from Heroes’ Square into the suburbs, the park contains a treasure trove of historic and cultural attractions ranging from the mock-Transylvanian Vajdahunyad Castle to a picture perfect botanical gardens and one of Central Europe’s most biologically diverse zoos.
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Royal Sissi Tour
At the baroque Gödöllo Palace visitors can take a trip back to the heyday of the Habsburg Empire with the Sissi Tour, which offers unique insights into the life of Empress Elizabeth, known affectionately as Sissi. The palace is the world’s second largest baroque chateaux and while it was left to rot and ruin during the communist era it has since been painstakingly renovated.
