A Guide to Budapest: Top 10 Attractions

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is an enchanting city packed with culture, history, and plenty of exciting attractions. Located on the banks of the Danube, Budapest is split into two sides – Buda on the western side and Pest on the eastern side. Visitors to the city can explore its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and historical sites, all while taking in the stunning views of the Danube. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s majestic castles, take a ride on the iconic Chain Bridge, or relax in one of Budapest’s many thermal baths, this city has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 attractions in Budapest that you won’t want to miss.

History and Culture

Budapest has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. The city was founded in 1873 when three separate cities – Buda, Pest, and Óbuda – were unified. The unification of Buda and Pest marked the beginning of a period of growth and development that continues to this day. Budapest is now home to over 1.7 million people and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Budapest is known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture. The city is full of beautiful historical sites, monuments, and museums that offer a glimpse into Hungary’s past. Budapest is also home to a thriving music and arts scene, with plenty of opportunities to experience local culture. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s majestic castles, take a ride on the iconic Chain Bridge, or relax in one of Budapest’s many thermal baths, this city has something for everyone.

1. Castle Hill (Várhegy)

One of the most popular attractions in Budapest is Castle Hill. Located on the Buda side of the Danube, Castle Hill is home to a number of impressive structures including Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and the Labyrinth of Buda Castle. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and take in the stunning views of the city from atop Castle Hill. The grounds are also home to a number of museums and galleries that are worth visiting.

Book a Castle Hill & Buda Castle tour here.

Book a Castle Hill & Buda Castle tour to explore the area in depth with an expert guide. This tour includes a comprehensive look at the history of Budapest from its Roman roots to its modern-day identity. The tour also includes a visit to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and more.

2. Chain Bridge (Lánchíd)

The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Connecting Buda and Pest across the Danube, this stunning bridge was built in 1849 and is one of the oldest bridges in Hungary. Visitors can take in the beautiful views of both sides of the city while crossing the bridge on foot or by taking a ride on one of Budapest’s iconic trams. There are also plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants located near the bridge where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while taking in the views.

Book a Chain Bridge & River Cruise here.

Book a Chain Bridge & River Cruise for an up-close look at this beautiful bridge from the comfort of a boat. Cruising along the Danube, visitors will enjoy stunning views of Budapest’s skyline as well as sights like Margaret Island and Gellért Hill. The tour also includes an exploration of some of Budapest’s most iconic bridges and monuments as well as live commentary about the city’s history and culture.

3. Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere)

Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue in Pest, Heroes’ Square is one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks. This impressive square was built in 1896 to commemorate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary and features statues of some of Hungary’s most important historical figures as well as a 36-meter-tall column topped with a statue of Archangel Gabriel. The square is also home to two impressive art galleries – the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art – both of which are worth exploring.

Book an Andrássy Avenue & Heroes’ Square Tour here.

Book an Andrássy Avenue & Heroes’ Square Tour for an in-depth look at this famous area of Budapest. On this tour, visitors will learn about the square’s history and explore some of its most stunning monuments including statues of Hungarian heroes such as Stephen I and Charles IV as well as monuments dedicated to important figures like Franz Liszt and József Eötvös. The tour also includes entry to both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art to explore their impressive collections.

4. City Park (Városliget)

City Park is Budapest’s largest park and one of its most popular attractions. Located on the outskirts of Pest, City Park is home to some of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks including Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes’ Square as well as plenty of green spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. The park also features a number of fun activities such as boat rentals, ice skating, roller skating, and more.

Book a City Park Tour here.

Book a City Park Tour, which includes an exploration of some of the park’s most interesting sites such as Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes’ Square as well as visits to other notable attractions like Széchenyi Thermal Baths and Városligeti Lake. The tour also features plenty of photo opportunities around City Park as well as live commentary about its history and culture.

5. Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok)

The Great Market Hall is one of Budapest’s most popular attractions and an absolute must-see for foodies visiting the city. Located on Vámház körút in Pest, this iconic market is full of stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, souvenirs, antiques, and more. Visitors can also enjoy some traditional Hungarian cuisine at one of the many cafes located within the market hall or simply wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

Book a Great Market Hall Tour here.

Book a Great Market Hall Tour to explore this iconic market in depth with an expert guide who will provide lots of interesting information about Hungary’s traditional cuisine as well as live commentary about its history and culture. The tour also includes visits to some of Budapest’s other food markets such as Ráday Street Market and Paprika Market where visitors can sample some delicious local delicacies.

6. St Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika)

St Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city for the first time. Located on Szent István tér in Pest, this impressive basilica was built in 1905 and is one of Hungary’s most important religious sites. Visitors can explore the basilica’s stunning interior which features ornate altars, mosaics, frescoes, and statues as well as take in the stunning views from its 96-meter-tall dome.

Book a St Stephen’s Basilica Tour here.

Book a St Stephen’s Basilica Tour) for an in-depth look at one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks with an expert guide who will provide lots of interesting information about its history and culture as well as provide insight into some of its hidden architectural details such as its intricate mosaics and frescoes. The tour also includes entry to the basilica so visitors can explore its beautiful interior in detail before taking in the stunning views from its 96-meter-tall dome.

7. Margaret Island (Margitsziget)

Located on the Danube between Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is one of Budapest’s most popular attractions and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the city for the first time. This picturesque island is home to plenty of green spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy nature as well as numerous attractions such as museums, an adventure park, waterpark, music fountain shows, hot springs spa baths, and more.

Book a Margaret Island Tour here.

Book a Margaret Island Tour for an up-close look at this beautiful island with an expert guide who will provide lots of interesting information about its history and culture as well as provide insight into some of its hidden gems such as its hot springs spa baths and music fountain shows. The tour also includes visits to some of Margaret Island’s most popular attractions such as its adventure park, water park, Japanese Garden, Japanese Zoo, Museum of Music History, and more.

8. Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum)

The Hungarian National Museum is one of Budapest’s most popular attractions and an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Hungary’s history and culture. Located on Múzeum körút in Pest, this impressive museum was founded in 1802 and is home to an extensive collection covering Hungarian history from prehistory to modern times as well as works by famous Hungarian artists such as Mihály Munkácsy and Lajos Gulácsy.

Book a Hungarian National Museum Tour here.

Book a Hungarian National Museum Tour for an up-close look at Hungary’s history with an expert guide who will provide lots of interesting information about its collections as well as provide insight into some of its hidden gems such as its paintings by Mihály Munkácsy and Lajos Gulácsy or its detailed archaeological exhibits covering Hungarian prehistory from ancient times to modern day Hungary. The tour also includes entry to all areas of the museum so visitors can explore it in detail before taking in some stunning views from its rooftop terrace overlooking Pest’s skyline by night.

9. Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő)

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of Budapest’s most iconic attractions and an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to relax and unwind during their stay in Hungary’s capital city. Located within City Park on Állatkerti körút in Pest, this impressive thermal bath was built in 1913 and is home to 18 thermal pools filled with natural hot spring water that are perfect for relaxation and wellness treatments such as massages and facials.

Book a Széchenyi Thermal Bath Tour here.

Book a Széchenyi Thermal Bath Tour) for an up-close look at this impressive thermal bath with an expert guide who will provide lots of interesting information about its history and culture as well as provide insight into some of its hidden gems such as its sauna rooms or its range of wellness treatments including massages, facials, mud baths, and more. The tour also includes entry to Széchenyi Thermal Bath so visitors can explore it in detail before taking advantage of some relaxation time in one of its many pools filled with natural hot spring water from nearby Gellért Hill or simply lounge around on one of its many terraces overlooking Pest’s skyline by night.

10. Gellért Hill (Gellérthegy)

Located on Gellérthegyi út near Liberty Bridge in Pest, Gellért Hill is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks that you won’t want to miss during your stay in Hungary’s capital city. This impressive hill was named after Saint Gerard who was thrown off it during medieval times by invading Mongols but today it offers spectacular views over both sides of the Danube from atop its 235-meter-high peak as well as plenty of opportunities for relaxation thanks to its numerous parks, cafes, bars, restaurants, gardens, monuments, statues, museums, galleries, churches, caves, spas, thermal baths, pools, terraces, fountains, etcetera that are all located within it or close by it especially near nearby Gellért Square (Gellérthegyi tér).

Book a Gellért Hill Tour here.

Book a Gellért Hill Tour) for an up-close look at this impressive hill with an expert guide who will provide lots of interesting information about its history and culture as well as provide insight into some of its hidden gems such as its numerous monuments dedicated to prominent figures from Hungary’s past like Saint Gerard himself or even more modern ones like István Széchenyi or Sándor Petőfi whose names are closely associated with it due to their influence throughout Hungarian history or even more recent figures like Imre Nagy whose memorial can be found atop Gellért Hill’s peak