Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is a city of grand architecture, rich history, healing thermal waters, and a nightlife like no other. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or planning a longer stay, Budapest offers a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, relaxing experiences, and hidden cultural gems.
In this guide, you’ll discover 15 of the very best things to do in Budapest, updated for 2025 with practical tips, highlights, and insider suggestions to make the most of your visit.
1. Soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
If you’re only going to do one classic Budapest thing, make it a visit to the Széchenyi Baths. This iconic spa is among the biggest and best-known thermal bath spots anywhere in Europe, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. With its iconic steaming outdoor pools, surrounded by a stunning yellow Neo-Baroque palace, it’s a must for any Budapest itinerary.
Local tip: Go early in the morning or after 6 PM to dodge the crowds. Don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and a waterproof phone pouch (you’ll want pics!).
Closest metro station: Széchenyi fürdő (M1 line, the yellow one)
Best photo spot: From the edge of the outdoor pool, with steam rising and the historic building behind you, pure magic.
2. Walk Across the Chain Bridge
You can’t come to Budapest and skip the Chain Bridge(Széchenyi Lánchíd), it’s the city’s most iconic landmark and the first permanent bridge to connect Buda and Pest across the Danube. Built in 1849, it’s got serious history and even better views.
Why go: Whether you’re strolling across at golden hour or snapping photos of the Parliament lit up at night, this spot offers postcard-worthy views on both sides.
Local tip: Walk across both ways, head toward Buda at sunset (for that warm light on the Parliament), then cross back to Pest once the city lights turn on. Total vibe shift, both are stunning.
Best photo spot: Midway on the bridge, facing north toward the Parliament and Margaret Bridge.
3. Explore Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Step into another world on Castle Hill, where medieval streets, royal courtyards, and sweeping views of the city come together. Whether you take the historic funicular or hike up the hill (it’s short but steep!), this area is a must-see.
Top highlights:
- Buda Castle: This historic palace is home to key cultural institutions, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
- Matthias Church: With its colorful roof tiles and rich past, it feels like a page from a storybook.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: the ultimate lookout point over the Parliament and the Danube
Local tip: Most of Fisherman’s Bastion is free, so you can enjoy epic views without spending a forint. Want more panoramas? Combine this with a walk to Gellért Hill for an all-day view-chasing adventure.
Closest transport: You can reach it easily via the funicular at Clark Ádám Square, or by taking bus 16 from Deák Ferenc Square.
Best time to go: Morning for fewer crowds, or late afternoon to catch the golden light over Pest
4. Take a Danube River Cruise at Sunset
There’s something magical about seeing Budapest from the water, especially at sunset. A Danube river cruise gives you front-row views of the Parliament, Buda Castle, and the bridges, all lit up in warm evening light. Most cruises include audio guides and drink options.
Local tip: Book in advance if you’re visiting in summer, the best time slots fill up fast.
Want to level it up? Look for a wine or dinner cruise for a romantic spin.
5. Explore the Iconic Ruin Bars Hidden in the Jewish Quarter
No night out in Budapest is complete without checking out the city’s legendary ruin bars. Wild, artsy spots set up in old, crumbling buildings filled with mismatched stuff.
Start with Szimpla Kert, the original and still iconic, but don’t stop there, Instant, Fogasház, and Mazel Tov all offer something unique.
Local tip: Head over early in the evening if you want to explore before the crowds hit. These places are more about creative drinks and good conversations than full-on clubbing. Think quirky drinks and chill vibes.
6. Stroll Andrassy Avenue to Heroes’ Square
Stretch your legs on Andrássy Avenue. A tree-lined, elegant boulevard packed with stunning architecture, designer shops, and cultural gems. Begin your walk at the Opera House and follow Andrássy Avenue all the way to Heroes’ Square and the green expanse of City Park (Városliget). It’s a scenic stroll with plenty of photo stops.
Local tip: Pop into the House of Terror Museum for a powerful look at Hungary’s 20th-century history. After Heroes’ Square, relax in City Park or circle back for a soak at the nearby Széchenyi Baths.
7. Admire the Parliament Building by Day and Night
The Hungarian Parliament Building towers over the Danube with its stunning design and sheer size, you literally can’t miss it. The third-largest parliament building in the world. And even more impressive in person. By day, its neo-Gothic spires dominate the skyline; by night, it glows golden over the Danube.
Local tip: Take a guided tour inside to see the crown jewels and learn the building’s fascinating political backstory; tours in English run daily (book online in advance).
Best view: Head to the other side of the river (Buda side). Especially around Batthyány Square, for that perfect Parliament photo.
8. Eat Your Way Through the Great Market Hall
Step inside the Great Market Hall (Nagycsarnok), and you’ll instantly be hit with the scent of spices, sizzling sausages, and something frying (that’s probably lángos). Built in 1897, it’s still the go-to spot for fresh produce, local delicacies, and edible souvenirs.
Must-tries: Lángos (fried flatbread) with garlic and sour cream, spicy sausages, paprika everything, and maybe a bottle of Hungarian wine for later.
Local tip: The ground floor is for fresh goods and spices; head upstairs for hot food stalls and street food.
Best time to visit: Morning or lunchtime, skip Sundays, it’s closed!
9. Relax in Margaret Island’s Green Spaces
Need a break from sightseeing? Margaret Island is your calm, leafy escape right in the river’s flow. Tucked between Buda and Pest, its offers the perfect nature break without ever leaving the city. Locals love it for walks, jogs, and lazy afternoons under the trees.
Things to do: Watch the musical fountain, rent a bike or a goofy “bringóhintó” (multi-person pedal cart), or just stretch out in the grass with a snack.
Local tip: Entry is totally free, and it’s especially chill on weekday mornings or at sunset when locals come out to relax.
10. Discover the Jewish Quarter’s History and Art
There’s more to the Jewish Quarter than nightlife, it’s a neighborhood full of history, creativity, and quiet resilience. Wander its side streets to find murals, tucked-away courtyards, local Jewish cafés, and meaningful memorials.
Start with the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe, and take time to visit the Tree of Life, a moving Holocaust memorial just behind it.
Local tip: Stop at a Jewish-style café nearby for a slower moment. Perfect for reflecting or just enjoying a really good coffee.
11. Watch the Sunset from Gellért Hill
If you’re after the kind of view that makes you stop and just stare, climb up Gellért Hill to the Citadel viewpoint. Even though the old fortress is under renovation, the lookout is open, and the sunsets here are unreal.
Local tip: Bring a tripod if you’re into photography, twilight shots of the Parliament and Danube from this spot are next level.
The path up is steep but manageable. You will need comfortable shoes and just take it easy.
12. Visit the Shoes on the Danube Memorial
Simple, powerful, unforgettable. The Shoes on the Danube Bank is one of Budapest’s most moving memorials, 60 pairs of iron shoes placed along the river to honor Jewish victims of the Holocaust who were executed here during World War II.
Local tip: Visit early in the morning for a peaceful, quiet moment. You’ll find it just steps from the Parliament Building, right along the riverbank.
13. Try Traditional Hungarian Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss kürtőskalács, aka chimney cake, which is a must-try street food.
This sugary spiral pastry is baked fresh over hot coals, then rolled in cinnamon, cocoa, crushed nuts, or even filled with ice cream.
Where to find it: Street vendors around Deák Ferenc tér, Váci Street, or at seasonal markets.
Best enjoyed: Warm and straight from the oven, the outer crunch and soft inside are unbeatable. Some are filled with ice cream, Instagram-worthy!
14. Ride Tram 2 Along the Danube
Hop on Tram 2 for hands-down one of “the most panoramic public transport rides in the world.” (1) It glides along the Pest side of the Danube, giving you perfect views of Buda Castle, the Parliament, and the city’s iconic bridges.
Local tip: Ride it around golden hour for magical light and photos that look straight out of a movie.
It’s fully covered by the Budapest Travel Card, so no extra ticket is needed.
15. Snap Instagram Photos at Fisherman’s Bastion
With its dreamy turrets and panoramic balconies, Fisherman’s Bastion feels like it’s straight out of a fantasy novel, but it’s real. No surprise, it ranks among the top photo spots in all of Budapest.
Entry: Most of it is totally free.
When to go: Early morning = no crowds, but come back in the afternoon for live street music and golden light on the Parliament.
These are just a few of the unforgettable things to do in Budapest. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the city never stops surprising.
From steamy thermal baths and dramatic castle views to buzzing ruin bars and riverside strolls, Budapest is the kind of city that sticks with you. Whether you’re into history, food, photography, or just soaking up the vibe, there’s something here for you.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out my local tips on hidden gems, food spots, and off-the-beaten-path adventures in Budapest.