Budapest Stuff to Do: A Guide for First-Time Travellers

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe. With its stunning architecture, world-renowned thermal baths, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and plethora of things to do, it’s no wonder that Budapest is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Whether you’re a culture buff, an adventurer, or just looking to relax and enjoy some of the city’s legendary thermal baths, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Budapest.

Explore the City on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus

A great way to get an overview of the city is to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This type of tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace, hopping on and off at any of the stops along the route. Most bus tours offer audio commentary, so you can learn about the history and culture of the city as you ride. One of the most popular hop-on hop-off bus tours in Budapest is the Big Bus Tours. This tour has two different routes, with stops at all the major attractions, including the Royal Palace, Great Synagogue, Heroes’ Square, and more.

Visit the Famous Thermal Baths

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and visitors to the city should make sure to experience this part of the city’s culture. The city is home to several thermal baths, such as the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Gellert Baths, and Kiraly Baths. Each of these baths offers a unique experience, with different types of water, treatments, and amenities. You can book a private tour of the thermal baths, which will give you an in-depth look at the thermal baths and their history, or you can simply buy a ticket and enjoy the baths on your own.

Explore the Great Market Hall

One of the best places to experience the culture of Budapest is the Great Market Hall. Located on the banks of the Danube, the Great Market Hall is one of the largest markets in Europe, and it is packed with stalls selling everything from local Hungarian specialties to souvenirs and handicrafts. The market is also a great place to find delicious Hungarian food, such as lángos (fried flatbread), chimney cakes, and various pastries. You can also find plenty of souvenirs, such as Hungarian paprika, embroidered tablecloths, and hand-painted ceramics.

Visit the Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest, and it is certainly worth a visit. The building is an impressive example of neo-Gothic architecture, and it is the largest building in Hungary. The guided tour of the building is a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the building and its importance to the city. The tour includes visits to the main hall and the Upper House, as well as a look at the Crown Jewels.

Visit the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is one of the most vibrant and interesting neighbourhoods in Budapest. The quarter is home to several historic synagogues, including the Great Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. You can also explore the many cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards of the neighbourhood, which is full of galleries, cafes, and shops. The Jewish Quarter is also home to the Jewish Museum, which is dedicated to the history of Jewish culture in Budapest.

Explore the City’s Parks and Gardens

Budapest is home to several beautiful parks and gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The two most popular parks are City Park and Margaret Island. City Park is a large park located in the middle of the city and is home to several attractions, such as Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, and more. Margaret Island is a large island in the middle of the Danube, and it is full of walking paths, gardens, and plenty of places to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Visit the Buda Castle

The Buda Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest and it is certainly worth a visit. The castle is a large complex of buildings, including the Royal Palace, the National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum, and more. The castle is located on the Buda side of the Danube, and it offers stunning views of the city from its ramparts. You can explore the castle on a guided tour, which will give you a look at some of the castle’s most famous attractions, such as the Royal Palace and the Hungarian National Gallery.

Take a Cruise on the Danube

One of the best ways to experience Budapest is to take a cruise on the Danube. The river winds its way through the city, and there are plenty of boat tours to choose from. You can take a sightseeing tour of the city, or you can opt for a dinner cruise, which will take you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. A cruise on the Danube is a great way to experience the city at its best and to get a panoramic view of Budapest.

Tips for First-Time Travellers

Budapest is a wonderful city to explore and there are plenty of things to do and see. To get the most out of your trip, here are some tips for first-time travellers:

• Make sure to book your tickets for attractions and activities in advance, as many of the city’s most popular attractions can sell out quickly.
• If you’re visiting during the summer, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat, as the heat and sun can be intense.
• Make sure to bring a map of the city, as it can be easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleyways.
• Be sure to try some of the local food and drinks, such as goulash, chimney cakes, and palinka (traditional Hungarian fruit brandy).
• The city is very walkable, so make sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

Conclusion

Budapest is a wonderful city to explore and there are plenty of things to do and see. From the famous thermal baths to the vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Budapest. Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or just a chance to relax and enjoy some of the city’s legendary thermal baths, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Budapest. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Budapest today!