The Best Things to Do in Budapest – A Comprehensive Guide

If you are planning a trip to Budapest, then you have definitely come to the right place. Hungary’s capital city is full of culture, history, and entertainment– something for everyone! From architectural wonders to ancient ruins to its dynamic nightlife, Budapest can easily be transformed into a getaway that will leave you wanting for more.

In the following guide, you will learn about the best attractions and activities to do while in the city of Budapest. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Ultimate list of the top attractions in Budapest

First and foremost, Budapest has an impressive lineup of attractions and points of interest. Many of these are located in the city’s two distinctive districts: Buda and Pest. From marketplaces and grand museums to thermal baths and bustling nightlife– here’s a look at some of the top attractions in Budapest.

1. Fisherman’s Bastion

Built in 1905 in memory of fishermen who once defended a part of old Buda, Fisherman’s Bastion is located on Castle Hill and offers one of the most remarkable views of Budapest. It features seven towers representing the seven Magyar tribes who settled in this area many centuries ago. The bastion is surrounded by a grand promenade featuring neo-Gothic staircases linked by galleries.

2. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge over the River Danube and connected the modern cities of Buda and Pest for the very first time. The bridge measures 262 meters long and remains one of the most visited sites in Budapest even today.

3. Gellert Hill

Located near the western bank of River Danube, Gellert Hill is famous for its views of the city and for its iconic Statue of Liberty. The Liberty Statue was built in 1947 to commemorate the liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II. The hill is filled with many attractions including the Chapel of Gellert Hill, Liberty Monument, Traditional Cave Bath, Cave Church, and others.

4. Margaret Island

The tranquil Margaret Island is a popular leisure attraction in Budapest that serves as an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This 2 kmlong island was named after St Margaret of Hungary who establish her convent on this site many centuries ago. Today, it serves as an escape for locals and visitors alike, offering plenty of picnic spots, walking trails, gardens, and even manmade attractions such as swimming pools, jogging routes, and more.

5. Hungarian National Museum

Take a trip down history lane with a visit to the Hungarian National Museum located on famed Muzeum Korut Boulevard. The museum houses a wide range of artifacts and documents with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to recent centuries. Its impressive collections include Bronze Age artifacts, coins, books, oil paintings, photographs, tapestries and other objects significant to Hungarian history and culture.

6. Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall stands out as one of Budapest’s oldest markets, having opened its doors back in 1897. On its three levels you will find a variety of products sold by butchers, fishmongers, bakers, vegetable and fruit merchants , as well as hungarian souvenirs and delicacies made by local artisans– making it an ideal place to pick up a unique item or find some local delicacies.

7. St Stephen’s Basilica

Admirer of architecture? Then make sure to visit St Stephen’s Basilica—the pride of Budapest! St Stephen’s Basilica is a 19th-century Neo-Classical Roman Catholic church designed by Miklós Ybl, featuring one of Europe’s tallest domes towering 95 meters above ground level, as well as mosaics, frescoes and murals for visitors to admire inside its sprawling galleries, making it a must-visit for all architecture fans.

8. House of Terror Museum

A chilling reminder of Hungary’s dark past is provided by the House of Terror museum located on Andrassy Avenue. The museum offers an immersive look into Hungary’s first half of the 20th century political regime as well as a look into the rule by the Nazis during World War II and the secret police during its Communist period.

Interesting activities to do in Budapest

Aside from its multitude of attractions, Budapest also offers plenty of activities that will make your visit memorable– sights that include everything from adventurous cycling tours to tranquil boat rides through the city’s majestic riverside landscapes. Here are some interesting activities that you can undertake while in Budapest:

1. Boat Rides

Explore Budapest’s riverside landscapes on a boat ride along the Danube River or Cruise for an up-close feel of Hungary’s most impressive sights like the Chain Bridge or Margaret Island in a tranquil evening or night boat ride. You can even tour through some of Budapest’s oldest monuments such as Castle Hill or Fisherman’s Bastion on a special evening cruise during summer nights.

2. Cycling Tours

Explore downtown Budapest on two wheels with one of numerous cycling tours available in the city! Adventure enthusiasts will particularly appreciate routes such as Budapest Bike Tour which takes them on scenic trails away from tourist-heavy areas and towards places like City Park and Margaret Island. You can even rent bicycles for leisurely rides around town if you know your way around town!

3. Sightseeing Tours

Take your appreciation for Budapest’s heritage sites to a whole new level with a private guided tour led by experienced tour guides! City Wonders offers captivating private tours that take you from Fisherman’s Bastion—along the banks of the Danube—to gorgeous hidden gems like Hold Street Market with exclusive bonus stops along the way for photo opportunities or souvenirs to pick up!

4. Ruin Pub Hopping Tour

Venture off the beaten path with a four-hour ruin pub hopping tour courtesy Unseen Walking Tours! This bopping tour takes visitors on a journey through Budapest’s vibrant nightlife as they hop between some of its hippest venues such as Academy Pub and SuperU Bar while indulging in appetizers specially prepared by their guide!

Conclusion

Budapest has something for everyone; sights that range from its opulent heritage sites to its bustling nightlife venues! From quaint boat tours along River Danube to sightseeing trips that bring you up close with some of its most iconic monuments—there’s certainly no shortage of things that can be done while visiting one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities! And for even more excitement, why not experience Budapest’s amazing Ruins and Bars Private tour? Book this Budapest Ruins and Bars Private Tour offered by Viator to discover jewels underground bars while learning interesting facts about Hungary’s past!

As you’ve seen throughout this guide, there are countless activities to do while visiting Budapest that will certainly keep you entertained throughout your stay. So if you’re planning an upcoming trip to this fantastic city, make sure to check out some or all of these attractions—it’s sure to be an adventure that you won’t forget!