Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with its turbulent history, fairytale architecture, healing thermal waters and exciting nightlife, has something to offer to everyone.
This fascinating city is situated in Central Europe. The famous Danube River flows through the city, dividing it into three parts: Pest, Buda and Obuda.
Lively Pest is on the East side of the Danube and is where you will find many of the city’s major attractions, nightlife and the business district.
On the West side of the Danube are Buda and Obuda. This side is hillier and quieter than Pest, but there are still plenty of sights and experiences worth crossing the river for.
Budapest is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. A significant contributing factor to this reputation is the architecture, which features many incredible Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings.
Budapest’s Essential Experiences: Your Complete Guide
Budapest offers an incredible range of experiences beyond the must-see attractions. Begin your exploration with a walking tour of Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases medieval monuments and the Royal Palace.
Then there’s the Great Synagogue, built in 1859, which stands as the largest Jewish house of worship outside New York City, featuring stunning Moorish architecture and housing the Hungarian Jewish Museum.
For panoramic city views, climb to the Liberty Statue atop Gellert Hill, or immerse yourself in Hungarian culture at the ornate State Opera House.
Explore the historic Great Market Hall on Váci utca for local flavors and souvenirs, or try something completely different at the award-winning Hospital in the Rock museum.
Budapest even claims the title of escape room capital, with over 160 themed rooms throughout the city.
When you’re ready to unwind, the city’s legendary thermal spas, cozy cafes, and restaurants serving excellent Hungarian wines provide the perfect respite.
But first, here are the top 10 attractions you absolutely can’t miss.
1. Explore the Historical Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is a significant historical site where you can see the Millennium Memorial monument, featuring statues of Hungarian leaders and kings who founded and ruled the country throughout the centuries.
The Millennium Memorial was established in 1896 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin in Europe. The square is dominated by a 36-meter-tall column of Archangel Gabriel.
The Heroes’ Square is located at the end of Andrassy Avenue, near the City Park and the Museum of Fine Arts.
2. Stroll the Danube Promenade
The Danube Promenade was developed in the 19th century on the left bank of the Danube River, between the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and the modern Erzsebet Bridge. It offers wonderful views across the Danube, where you can see the Buda Castle, Tabán church and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Many important landmarks are located here, such as Vigado Concert Hall, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the beautiful Art Nouveau Gresham-Palota palace.
At the Danube Promenade, you can also find sculptures of the notable poets Attilla Jozsef and Petofi Sandor, as well as the statue of the most famous Hungarian politician, Istvan Szechenyi.
The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial on the Pest side of the promenade, with sixty iron pairs of shoes. The memorial was built in 2005 in memory of the crimes against the Jews by Arrow Cross Militiamen in World War II. Today, it is one of the most important places among tourists who visit Budapest.
3. Visit the Best Ruin Bars
Following the Cold War period, several buildings in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter were damaged. People began to transform these buildings into bars and pubs with interesting and unique interiors.
Thanks to their unique atmosphere, many travelers choose those Budapest landmarks as nightlife spots instead of fancy restaurants and nightclubs.
Szimpla Kert is the first and the most popular ruin bar in Budapest. It also hosts farmers’ markets and flea markets. You can enjoy delicious pizzas and live music events here.
We recommend visiting the Instant and Fogas, the largest ruin bar in Europe, with two gardens, seven floors, and 18 bars. You can also visit Anker’t, known for themed nights and DJs, and the Ellatto Kert & Taqueria ruin bar, where you can eat Mexican food.
For a stunning panoramic view of Budapest, visit the 360 Bar. Besides the city’s best views, you will also drink top cocktails.
4. Get the Buda Castle Hill Funicular Ride
Did you know that the Buda Castle Funicular was the second funicular railway in Europe? It has operated since 1870, between Adam Clark Square on the west side of the Danube River and the Buda Castle.
The original funicular was destroyed during World War II, but it was reconstructed in the vintage style in 1986. There are two cabins with a capacity of 24 passengers each, which run every 10 minutes on a 95-meter route.
The Buda Castle Hill funicular also offers a stunning view of Budapest, Margaret Island and the Danube.
Buda Castle was constructed in the 13th century, and in 1987 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buda is the latest of the Hungarian royal residences of the Middle Ages.
The fortress, set at the top of Castle Hill, and the settlement extending along the bank of the Danube feature several fascinating sights, such as Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
5. Visit the Hungarian National Museum
The Hungarian National Museum was founded in 1802. It is situated in the Neoclassical building in the VIII district on the Pest side of the Danube, surrounded by luxurious palaces.
The museum has seven permanent exhibits. You can learn more about the history of Hungary, including the period under the Turkish occupation and the ages of the Arpad ruling dynasty.
You can also see many archaeological artifacts from the ancient Roman period, as well as the carvings and stone relics from the Medieval era.
The displays also feature priceless items, including a collection of ornate Roman silverware, the coronation mantle of Saint Stephen, and the coronation cloak used by the Kings of Hungary.
Take a moment to relax in the splendid garden outside the palace and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
6. Enjoy Thermal Baths
Budapest became a popular destination for wellness vacations thanks to mineral-rich thermal waters. The benefits of balneotherapy on relaxation have been recognized and used for centuries, even by Romans in their public baths and Turks in their Turkish hammams.
Thermal spas gained popularity during the communist era, following the Second World War. People come here to discuss political themes without fear of being spied on or arrested by the regime.
Today, Budapest boasts nine medicinal baths and 123 hot springs, with water temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. You can use swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas and get a massage.
Additionally, you can purchase mineral-rich water to drink or refill empty bottles at thermal water fountains.
We recommend visiting the Szechenyi Baths with 15 indoor pools and the Gellert Baths, known for turquoise ceramics and Instagram-friendly spots. Other favored thermal baths in Budapest are Rudas, Lukacs, Kiraly, and Veli Bej baths.
7. Explore the Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets in Budapest are some of the best in Europe, along with those in Prague, Vienna and Zagreb. Thanks to the many culinary and artisan stands, a wide variety of tasty food and crafts are available at the market.
You will enjoy beautiful decorations and concerts, which contribute to a magical atmosphere.
At Vorosmarty Square, you will find the most famous Budapest Christmas Market, with Santa Claus programs for kids, folklore performances and traditional Hungarian handicrafts.
There are many tables and benches where you can sit and enjoy delicious Hungarian food, such as Chimney cake.
The Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica is the second most popular in Budapest. It is located within a 10-minute walk of Vorosmarty Square. You will love the amazing ambiance, complete with lights, ice skating and numerous gourmet food stalls.
The Budapest Christmas Markets are open from November 20 to January 1. You can expect temperatures ranging from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by wind, so be sure to dress for the weather.
As a bonus, check out some of Budapest’s skating rinks. Városliget Ice Skating Rink is a must-visit.
Read More: 10 Christmas Markets Along the Danube
8. Visit the House of Parliament
Image by niki_emmert from pixabay via Canva
The Hungarian Parliament Building is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. It is located in Kossuth Square on the Pest side of Budapest.
The building was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century in the Gothic Revival style and is renowned as the most beautiful building in Hungary. It is also the third-largest Parliament building in the world.
The House of Parliament has 691 rooms, 13 elevators, ten courtyards and 242 sculptures that represent Hungarian rulers and military leaders.
Every year, around 700,000 visitors book guided tours to explore this amazing building. The most famous part of the building is the central hall, where you can see the Holy Crown of Hungary.
9. Visit the Museum of Terror
House of Terror is a memorial to the victims of fascist and communist regimes, located at Andrassy 60. You can reach it by public transport via Metro Line 1 to Vorosmarty station.
The museum was opened in 2002 in the building that was used by the ultranationalist Arrow Cross Party, which collaborated with Nazi Germany, and by the AVH secret police, similar to the Soviet Union KGB.
Throughout the visual and emotional experience, you can see what life was like for Hungarians under the two terror regimes. There are many images of victims, rooms used for torturing and killing, and one T-55 tank.
Although heartbreaking, a visit to the Museum of Terror can provide a deeper understanding of Hungary’s complex political history.
10. Day Trip to Lake Balaton
If you visit Budapest in summer, don’t miss a day trip to Lake Balaton. The largest freshwater lake in central Europe is located 80 km southwest of Budapest, or just over an hour’s drive from the Hungarian capital.
It is safe to swim in Lake Balaton, plus you can enjoy various activities, including sailing, surfing and kayaking. You can also hike the nearby mountains and hills or taste local wines in the Badascony wine region.
For the best nightlife spots in the Balaton region, you can visit resort towns like Siofok and Veszprém. In Zamardi, you can find an adventure park and Balaton’s longest beach.
If you want more adventure, you can explore the Lake Cave in the charming town of Tapolca.
And, if you love museums, make sure to visit the Nostalgia Museum and the Marzipan Museum in the town of Keszthely.
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Author Bio: Based in Serbia in Europe, Marija Stojanovic Petkovski worked as a journalist but realized writing about the most beautiful places in the world is something that inspires her. She is sure that a pint of good craft beer perfectly accompanies a tasty home-made lasagne. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her children and spending time outdoors with her family.
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