What To Do in Budapest, Hungary? A Comprehensive Guide To The City’s Attractions and Day Trips

Budapest is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in all of Europe. Located on the Danube River and close to the Alps in Austria and Slovakia, Budapest has everything any traveler needs – from entertainments for the weekenders, to culture for the aesthetes, and food with a unique Hungarian flair.

But with so much to do in this lively city, it might be hard to choose what to do during your stay. That is why we have crafted this guide; it will provide you with information about the top attractions and activities in Budapest, as well as suggestions for day trips from the city.

One-Day Tours of Budapest

For travelers who are only in town for a limited period of time and want to experience the best of Budapest in a single day, here are some of our top picks.

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – The sightseeing bus tour is one of the most popular options for visitors who want to condense as much sightseeing as possible into a relatively short period of time. A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour gives travelers the flexibility to explore various attractions along the way, going in and out of the tour buses freely. This two-hour tour is a great way to get an overview of the city center and its major monuments.

2. Food Tours – Budapest is a paradise for foodies with its unique cuisine, unrivaled pastries, and wonderful selection of local artisanal foods. A guided food tour offers travelers a chance to learn about Hungarian culture through its flavors – from its hearty goulash to its sweet pastries – and also provides them with exclusive tips on where to go for the best local flavors.

3. Pub Crawl Original Budapest – Even in the light of liberalizing laws and regulations, pub crawls remain popular events in Budapest! Join this Original Budapest Pub Crawl and explore some of the cities’ best bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues with a professional guide. Check out one of the many awesome bars this vibrant city has to offer and have an experience that’ll last you a lifetime!

Attractions in the City Center

Budapest is full of attractions, making it hard to choose where to start exploring! So here’s our take on what must-see attractions there are in the city center.

1. Gellert Hill – One of Budapest’s most iconic spots, Gellert Hill gets its name from St. Gellert – a Christian martyr who was thrown over its slopes in a barrel. It’s a great spot for breathtaking views over the city and its Danube River. Atop the hill, one can also find Liberty Statue – a tall commemorative statue dedicated to the celebration of Hungary’s liberation from the Soviet Union after World War II.

2. The Royal Palace – A large complex and beautiful landmark of Budapest standing on top of Castle Hill, the Royal Palace is home to some of the city’s most famous museums and art galleries. It’s a must-see if only for St. Matthias Church – the most popular church in Budapest known for its fantastic stained glass windows and delightful Turkish bath interior estate.

3. Heroes’ Square – Heroes’ Square is a large square located at the entrance of City Park, west of downtown Budapest. The square commemorates seven Hungarian rulers from medieval times to the Present Day which is featured on the backside of Hungarian coins displayed on a long semicircular row along with statues of seven Hungarian war generals from different periods. Visitors can also enjoy a day out by heading out to City Park – an expansive public green area adjacent to the square with plenty of attractions for all ages like boat rides, outdoor cafes, ice skating rinks, open air cafés and restaurants, activity trails, playgrounds, and green meadows.

Day Trips from Budapest

One definite highlight during a trip to Hungary is taking day trips out from the capital. Here are five destinations that are popular among travelers looking to explore beyond Budapest’s boundaries.

1. Szentendre – If you’re looking for small town charm outside of Budapest, Szentendre is just the right spot only 25 kilometers outside of the city center by car or train. Szentendre is an old-town filled with winding cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture and plenty of cozy cafés for you to choose from for refreshment time during your visit.

2. Esztergorm – Another charming medieval town located just 45 kilometers from Budapest by road is Esztergorm – Hungary’s former capital with centuries of preserved history around every corner! Make sure to explore the nearby Esztergom Basilica – one of Hungary’s most iconic landmarks that stands guard over centuries-old religious monuments within its walls.

3. Balaton Lake – One of Central Europe’s largest bodies of water, Balaton Lake is filled with natural wonders like waterfalls, grottos and dreamy forests that stand idyllic against its gentle glassy surface! This lake is ideal for anyone who’s looking to explore beyond Hungary’s urban landscape towards a fairytale-like setting; however make sure to check conditions before taking a dip since there isn’t any “lifeguard on duty’.

4. Pecs – For art lovers, Pecs is one of Hungary’s most picturesque cities boasting not one but seven UNESCO World Heritage sites! Pecs lies some 260 kilometers southwest from Budapest making it an ideal destination if you have more than a day to spare.

5. Velence – Located only 60 kilometers southwest from Budapest by car, Velence offers travelers with forests fringed by perfectly calm lakeside views full of greenery and lush ecologies! The nearby fishing villages are also well worth exploring even if you’d rather not go for fishing itself – just take in all the local culture and sit back with a beer or maybe some freshly caught lake trout!

No matter what activities you pursue during your visit to Budapest, make sure you experience the beautiful Hungarian atmosphere surrounded by amazing monuments. The city will definitely not disappoint! If you’re feeling like adding an extra layer to your trip, check out the Original Budapest Pub Crawl – an amazing tour with professional guides that’ll show you some incredible nightlife venues! Discover a fantastic journey into Budapest’s vibrant nightlife with friends while taking part in an unforgettable adventure — book this Budapest Pub Crawl tour today!