27 Best Things to Do in Budapest

"The Pearl of the Danube" and "Paris of the East" are just some of the nicknames given to Budapest: the city is a little gem nestled between its renowned older sisters Vienna and Prague, and has nothing to envy other European capitals. Here is a list of the 10 essential activities for your trip to Budapest:

At the end of a trip, many images will come to mind, but after a while, will we know what they mean? Will we remember the names of the places? Probably not, and that's because visiting a city and getting to know it are not the same thing. The difference between the two concepts lies in a guided tour in which an expert teaches us to look at the city as a local would , revealing its true history and meaning.

With these tours, you can discover the city centre, the Hungarian Parliament, the Jewish quarter, Buda Castle, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the Chain Bridge, among many other things.

• Want to know more? Take a look at this article on the best tours and excursions from Budapest

Visiting Buda Castle and the Castle District in Budapest is like taking a journey through the history, architecture and culture of one of Europe's most captivating cities. This historic complex, located on Buda Hill, is an architectural treasure trove that has witnessed centuries of influences and transformations.

The castle's structure combines elements from different periods and styles, from Gothic to Baroque. There you can explore the different parts of the building, such as the Budapest History Museum, which houses a collection of historical artefacts that tell the story of the country.

• Want to know more? Take a look at this article about Buda Castle

What in any other city might be considered a "filler" activity, in Budapest becomes a must-see attraction on par with the Parliament or the Danube River. The baths in this city are simply breathtaking: sumptuous décor and outdoor pools make for a unique experience.

Visiting Budapest in winter when the temperature is several degrees below zero and bathing outdoors in a steam pool is something you will never forget. It's also a great idea if you want to add it to your list of things to do at Christmas in Budapest. You can buy your full-day ticket for a Budapest spa online, whether it's the Széchenyi Spa or the Gellért Hotel Spa.

• Want to know more? Check out this article on the best spas in Budapest

The Hungarian Parliament is unmistakable; the first time you visit the city, it's impossible not to notice this enormous building, which is also the largest in the country. Its façade is impressive and its night-time views are a real treat for the eyes, but the interior is just as impressive.

I recommend a guided tour of the Parliament to learn interesting details about the country's political organisation and to appreciate its luxurious rooms, whose decoration and architecture blend neoclassical, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

• Want to know more? Take a look at this article on guided tours of the Budapest Parliament

There's no accounting for taste, but if you could only visit one building in Hungary, I would personally recommend this church. Located on the Buda side of the river, the exterior is neo-Gothic in style and already catches the traveller's eye with its harmonious forms, but the interior... is incredible.

When you enter the Catholic Church of Matthias, also known as the Church of Our Lady, you will find it difficult to decide where to look. All the walls are covered with mosaics, and walking through the arcades of this church is like going down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland.

Walking along Váci Utca and Andrássy Avenue in Budapest will allow you to discover the local idiosyncrasies in two emblematic thoroughfares that capture the essence and history of the city. Váci Utca, a pedestrian street in the heart of the Old Town, is a bustling commercial epicentre.

Andrássy Avenue, on the other hand, is an elegant thoroughfare that stretches from the city centre to Heroes' Square. Known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, this avenue is home to numerous historic buildings, luxury shops and cultural sites.

Both Váci Utca and Andrássy Avenue offer visitors a multifaceted view of Budapest. One of the best ways to explore them is to choose one of the best bike tours in Budapest.

Exploring St. Stephen's Basilica is an unmissable experience in Budapest. This majestic cathedral, dedicated to the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen, is an emblem of the city and a masterpiece of neoclassicism.

One of the highlights is the reliquary of St. Stephen's right hand, located in a side chapel and an object of devotion for the faithful. There you can also climb to the dome to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

If you want to see the most representative image of Budapest, you cannot miss the popular Chain Bridge. Located above the river, this iconic bridge connects the two parts of the city: Buda and Pest. As you cross its ornate arches and admire the unmissable views, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the capital.

Built in the 19th century and rebuilt after World War II, this bridge combines functionality with architectural beauty. Its intricate details, elegant guardian lions and characteristic hanging chains make it a visual masterpiece that is also one of Budapest's best attractions at night, when it is illuminated by artificial light.

In addition to its historical and aesthetic value, this bridge also offers you the opportunity to explore both sides of the city. In Buda, you can climb Castle Hill and discover the historical and cultural treasures that surround it. In Pest, you will find yourself in the heart of the city.

The Danube River is the soul of Budapest and the reference point for locating yourself in the city, as it separates the two banks corresponding to the two parts of the city: Buda and Pest.

To enjoy the river in Budapest, and if you visit the Hungarian capital in summer, the best thing to do is take a cruise on the Danube. Some include dinner, particularly many of the night cruises, others offer live shows, and others are simpler and just take you on a tour of the city's main points of interest.

• Want to know more? Take a look at this article on cruises and boat trips in Budapest

Located in the heart of the city, the Hungarian State Opera House is an architectural gem that combines neo-Renaissance grandeur with a rich musical tradition. This site is also a cultural centre that has been a focal point of the Hungarian art scene for over a century.

Its façade and magnificently decorated interiors, such as the auditorium with its dome and ornate balconies, provide a spectacular backdrop for performances. Attending an opera or ballet performance here is an experience that will transport you to another era and immerse you in the magic of music and stage performance.

Heroes' Square is located at the end of Andrássy Avenue and is one of the city's central points. Flanked by majestic buildings and monuments, this site pays tribute to the leaders and historical figures who have shaped Hungary. This monument is a symbol of national identity and pride, and an essential stop for anyone interested in Magyar culture.

Heroes' Square is also a meeting place and venue for events and celebrations. From open-air concerts to cultural festivals, the square comes alive on various occasions throughout the year.

Once you have arranged your transfers from the airport to the city of Budapest and are organising your trip, I recommend that you consider purchasing the Budapest Card, which allows you to enjoy free public transport.

However, if you don't want to miss any of Budapest's attractions and want to enjoy the sights of the city in comfort, without crowds or long walks, then a tour of Budapest by tourist bus is an option worth considering. No matter how much you walk around the city centre, there will always be more distant tourist attractions that you can see during a guided bus tour with panoramic views.

• Want to know more? Take a look at this article about Budapest's tourist buses.

When visiting a city, there are always those who prefer to go shopping and others who are more inclined to sightsee or enjoy the local cuisine (guilty). A visit to the Central Market is ideal for both types of travellers because it is a point of interest in itself. It is not your typical tourist market, although you will also find souvenir stalls; it is more of a meeting point for all the city's humble traders, whether they sell fabrics, prepared food, fruit, juices or handicrafts.

Budapest's City Park, covering more than 100 hectares, is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a place where locals and visitors alike can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature in all its splendour. There you will also find Vajdahunyad Castle, a structure that combines elements of different architectural styles.

Its extensive trails are perfect for walking, running or cycling, while the wide meadows are ideal for picnics and games and, during the warmer months, for enjoying special events and festivals. The park is also home to the Széchenyi Baths, one of Budapest's best-known thermal spas.

Walking around Margaret Island will allow you to find an oasis of serenity and nature in the middle of Budapest. This river island is a haven offering a variety of outdoor activities, lush forests and panoramic views that will allow you to disconnect and relax.

In addition, on the island you will find monuments and attractions, such as the Music Fountain and the Open-Air Theatre, which add an artistic and cultural touch to the experience. You can also explore the Dominican Monastery and the Water Tower, which provide a connection to the history and architecture of the city.

Visiting the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest is like stepping into an architectural fairy tale that combines medieval elegance with an unparalleled panoramic view of the city. This neo-Romanesque viewpoint , located on Buda Hill, is one of Budapest's landmarks.

Trinity Square, at the base of the Fisherman's Bastion, is a charming space featuring an equestrian statue of King Saint Stephen and Matthias Church, an architectural gem in its own right. You can get there on Budapest's hop-on hop-off buses.

Whether you want to relax or take a break between excursions, taking a break in Vörösmarty Square will allow you to experience the beauty of this iconic public space. Located in the heart of the historic centre, this square is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

Vörösmarty is famous for being home to Café Gerbeaud, a historic café in Budapest. Sitting on its terraces and enjoying a coffee or a delicious cake is a typical local experience.

You've probably heard of Szimpla Bar; it's one of the most famous ruin bars in Budapest, but it's not the only one. At night, the city transforms, leaving behind its stately air in favour of a more alternative and daring vibe. Various dilapidated buildings in the city have been converted into alternative bars, with interesting décor and a special charm.

• Want to know more? Check out this article on Budapest's ruin bars

Located on the banks of the Danube River, this unique and moving monument consists of a series of cast iron shoes scattered along the river walk. Each pair of shoes symbolises the Jewish people who were executed at this location during the Nazi occupation, when they were forced to remove their shoes before being killed and thrown into the river.

The Shoes Memorial is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and a tribute to the thousands of lives lost in the genocide. The empty shoes evoke a sense of loss and emptiness, but also a call to remember and acknowledge the tragedy that occurred at this site.

Exploring Budapest's Jewish Quarter will allow you to delve into an area rich in history, culture and authenticity that reflects the city's vibrant Jewish identity. This district, located in the heart of Pest, is a testament to the Jewish community in the capital throughout the centuries. Despite the historical vicissitudes and challenges it has faced, the Jewish Quarter has maintained its unique character.

One of the most notable attractions in the Jewish Quarter is the Great Synagogue of Budapest. Next to it is the Temple Garden, a memorial space that honours the victims of the Holocaust.

• Want to know more? Check out this article on the best tours of Budapest's Jewish Quarter

If you want to learn about Hungary's past under Soviet occupation, don't miss Memento Park. This open-air museum preserves an important fragment of Hungary's political and cultural history and houses a collection of monuments and sculptures that once adorned the streets of Budapest during the communist era.

Memento Park features a variety of sculptures depicting political figures and symbols of the communist era, such as Lenin, Marx and proletarian heroes. These works, once revered as symbols of the regime and relocated there after the fall of the Berlin Wall, now serve as visual reminders of a controversial political past.

Visiting the House of Terror in Budapest will allow you to enter a place of deep historical introspection that chronicles the horrors and oppression that marked the 20th century in Hungary. This memorial museum, located in a building that was once the headquarters of the Hungarian political police and later the Nazi Gestapo, offers an intense and moving experience.

Through interactive exhibits, authentic documents, and personal testimonies, the House of Terror offers a raw and moving perspective on the struggle and suffering experienced by the Hungarian people. This site offers a tribute to the lives lost and an invitation to reflect on the dark events that occurred in this place.

The exhibitions are arranged in a powerful and visceral way, allowing you to understand the brutality of totalitarian dictatorships and the devastating impact they had on society. Admission to this museum is included in the Budapest Card attractions.

If you are interested in alternative experiences, don't miss the exhibitions at the Rock Hospital Museum. This site offers intriguing exhibitions that will allow you to learn about the history of an enigmatic underground hospital. The museum is located in a hospital built during World War II in the natural caves and tunnels under Buda Castle.

The exhibition offers a moving insight into life in Budapest during the darkest moments of history, as the hospital cared for wounded victims and refugees during air raids and sieges. The exhibits feature recreated spaces including operating theatres, treatment rooms and patient rooms.

Medical objects and tools from the period, along with photographs and documents, provide a vivid insight into how the hospital functioned under extremely difficult conditions.

Taking a walk to discover the Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest will allow you to immerse yourself in an era of elegance and architectural creativity that left a lasting mark on the city. Known in Hungarian as Secession, Art Nouveau flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the Hungarian capital has a collection of buildings that reflect this unique aesthetic.

One of the most iconic buildings is the Palace of Arts, located in Heroes' Square. This building boasts an intricate façade and a decorated dome that are notable examples of Art Nouveau.

The Museum of Decorative Arts, designed by Ödön Lechner, is another Art Nouveau architectural monument. Its colourful ceramic façade and organic motifs are representative of the style. Other notable buildings include the Royal Palace, the Brüdern building and the Gellért Baths, all of which feature architectural details that capture the essence of Art Nouveau in Budapest.

Enjoying the cuisine of each country is a tourist experience in itself. In this case, although tastes vary, in Hungary you will find a variety of hot dishes, all different, at a very low price and of excellent quality.

The one you've probably heard most about is goulash: a soup seasoned with paprika that can contain meat or vegetables, but its true flavour lies in the broth. Even if you're not too keen on the ingredients, you have to try the soup, just as you have to try the city's official snack: langos, a hot fried bread with toppings that will remind you of a kind of pizza.

• Want to know more? Check out this article on the best food tours in Budapest.

The city of Budapest has a lot to offer travellers, but the surrounding area is not far behind. The geographical location of this city allows you to discover a different part of the Hungarian landscape on day trips from Budapest. From a visit to Gödöllö Palace, Queen Sissi's favourite, to an excursion through the villages of the Danube Bend, there is plenty of variety on offer.

Or even if you have more time to spend in Budapest – for example, if you have three days in Budapest, four, or if you are lucky enough to have five days in the Hungarian city – and you want to visit another European capital, check out this post for information on how to get from Budapest to Bratislava.

• Want to know more? Take a look at this article about tickets and visits to Godollo Palace.

If you found the city of Budapest fascinating, don't end your trip without visiting other points of interest near the city. Here is a list of the best excursions to explore the surroundings of the Hungarian capital:

• Excursion to Lake Balaton and Herend from Budapest
• Excursion to Szentendre from Budapest
• Excursion to Vienna from Budapest

The list of things to do in Budapest doesn't end here. Depending on the time of year you visit, you'll also find a range of activities to enjoy in the city. Here's a selection of the best things to do by month of the year:

• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in February
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in March
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in April
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in August
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in September
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in October
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in November
• 10 things to see and do in Budapest in December