Non Touristy Things To Do In Budapest

Budapest is a stunning city that has been growing in popularity over the years as tourists flock to explore its beauty and vibrant culture. The city is filled with stunning architecture, picturesque bridges, and lots of history. Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and is split into two distinct sections, Buda and Pest, by the Danube river. The city has a turbulent history, having been occupied by multiple different countries throughout its existence, yet it still retains its own unique cultural identity, with a mix of influences from the countries that occupied it.

Budapest is known for its rich history, and has a variety of landmarks and attractions that reflect this. The most famous landmark in the city is the Chain Bridge of Budapest, which was built in 1849 and connects Buda and Pest. Other popular tourist attractions include the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is the third-largest parliament building in the world; Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace with stunning views; and St Stephen’s Basilica, which is the largest church in Hungary.

Budapest also has a thriving cultural scene, with plenty of theaters, art galleries, and museums to explore. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of clubs and bars to explore. While these are some of the more well-known aspects of Budapest, there are still plenty of non-touristy things to do in the city if you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path.

Explore The Ruins Bars

If you’re looking for something different to do in Budapest, then exploring the city’s ruin bars is a must. Ruin bars are old buildings that have been repurposed into bars and clubs, often with eclectic furniture and artifacts from all over the world. These bars are often located in old abandoned buildings or courtyards, so they have a unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. Some of the most popular ruin bars in Budapest include Szimpla Kert, Instant, and Fogas Haz.

Visit The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter in Budapest is an area filled with history and culture that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. There are a variety of synagogues, monuments, and memorials to explore in the quarter, as well as plenty of restaurants and bars. The Jewish Quarter was once home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe before World War II, and visitors can learn more about the history of the area by taking a walking tour of the area.

Attend A Live Music Performance

Budapest is home to a vibrant music scene, with plenty of live performances happening all over the city. From jazz clubs to traditional Hungarian music performances, there are plenty of options for those looking for something a bit different from the more traditional tourist spots. Some of the more popular live music venues in Budapest include Akvárium Klub, Dürer Kert, and A38 Ship.

Take A River Cruise

Budapest is situated on the Danube river, so one of the best ways to explore the city is to take a river cruise down it. There are plenty of boat tours available on the river that allow you to explore both Buda and Pest from a different perspective. These cruises can be anything from an hour-long tour of the city’s most famous sites to an overnight tour with dinner and drinks included.

Visit The Thermal Baths

Budapest is home to some of the best thermal baths in Europe, so if you’re looking for something unique then this is definitely worth checking out. The thermal baths are all heated by natural hot springs that have been around since Roman times and offer visitors a chance to relax and unwind in the warm waters. Some of the most popular thermal baths in Budapest include Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Baths, and Kiraly Baths.

Go Shopping In The Markets

Budapest is home to some of the best markets in Europe, with everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing available for purchase. The Great Market Hall is one of the most popular markets in the city and is a great spot for those looking for souvenirs or traditional Hungarian food. The Ecseri Flea Market is another popular spot for marketgoers and offers plenty of antiques and vintage items for purchase.

Visit The Cemeteries

While this may not seem like a typical tourist activity, Budapest has some of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe and they offer visitors a chance to learn more about Hungarian culture and history. The most famous cemetery in Budapest is Kerepesi Cemetery, which is home to many famous Hungarian figures such as scientists and politicians. Other notable cemeteries in the city include Fiumei Utcai (The Jewish Cemetery) and Nagytemetö (The City Park Cemetery).

Explore Margaret Island

Margaret Island is one of Budapest’s most beautiful natural attractions and it’s perfect for those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The island is home to plenty of green spaces, gardens, and monuments as well as some restaurants and cafes where visitors can relax and enjoy the views. Other activities on the island include biking, jogging, swimming, or simply walking around admiring its beauty.

Popular Tours In Budapest

In addition to all the above activities, there are also many popular tours available for those looking for a more immersive experience when visiting Budapest. Here are two popular tours that we recommend checking out during your visit:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

This hop-on hop-off bus tour allows visitors to explore all of the major attractions in Budapest at their own pace. You’ll have unlimited access to all of the stops along the route including Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, City Park, Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill, Great Market Hall, Andrássy Avenue and more. Along the way you’ll also get live audio commentary so you can learn more about each attraction as you go. You can book this tour here.

Danube River Cruise

A Danube river cruise is an excellent way to explore Budapest from a different perspective. You’ll get to see all of the major attractions from a different angle as you sail down the Danube river. There are also two stops along the way where you can explore on your own – Margaret Island and Szentendre Island – both of which offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. This tour also includes live audio commentary so you can learn about each location as you go. You can book this tour here.