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Budapest is a place that really grabbed my attention from the get go. It is weirdly wonderful in all its uniqueness. The city really leans into the unusual, so if you’re wondering what the most interesting things to do in Budapest are, I’ve got you covered.
While I definitely won’t get a chance to cover everything there is to do in this fabulous city, I’m excited to highlight my favorite things. The things that make it special, and make it a city that I vow to return to again and again.
What to expect in Budapest
As an ex Soviet Bloc country, Hungary has regained many freedoms since the early 1990s, along with other neighboring nations. And similar to the likes of Latvia and Estonia, Hungary is still relatively cheaper than many other European countries.
For that reason Budapest is a great place to visit, as your money will go further than in other major European capitals. It also means the city has an interesting and diverse culture.
Looking at some of the architecture you can definitely see a Soviet influence. But pre-Cold War influence is still alive and well too, with reminders of the more opulent Austro-Hungarian empire period.
Hungarians are friendly, but modest about their language skills. So if someone says they only speak “a little” English, they probably speak more than a little.
The main tourist areas are very walkable, and the transit system is good. Between trams, buses and the metro system you’ll get about just fine. To make it really easy if you’re on limited time I always recommend a hop-on/hop-off bus tour to get you to the major tourist stops.
Top Tip: For an easy (and cheap) way to get from the airport to the city center or vice versa, book a shared airport shuttle with miniBud. Sprinter Vans with room for 8 people group together people staying in proximity to each other to make a quick drop off experience. I was at my hotel in 30 minutes and was the second of three drop offs.
How many days do I need in Budapest?
Don’t be fooled by the city, there is a LOT to do. For that reason I would say the bare minimum you should book is 3 days in Budapest. You can do it in less but you’ll be rushing around without time to stop. Instead, book a little longer and really take the city in.
I paired my trip to Budapest with a visit to nearby Vienna, Austria. The benefit of more time in Budapest was that the hotel prices are much cheaper than Austria. Plus in my opinion it’s a much more interesting city, although I did love them both.
Travel distance between Vienna and Budapest is just over two and a half hours. For that reason you might be tempted to tackle a day trip from Vienna. Please don’t. You really won’t get enough of a sense of how incredible Budapest is in that short amount of time. Do the city justice and plan for at least three or four days.
Unusual things to do in Budapest
Buckle up, because this will be a wild ride of some of the best sights in Budapest. The wide range of things to do in Budapest will keep you on your toes – mostly as you’re walking from one amazing place to the next.
These are by no means hidden gems. I hate to tell you this, but everyone else found Budapest first. It’s a busy place, but absolutely amazing to spend time in. Don’t let the popularity put you off, Budapest is a kooky place. It embraces the uniqueness of some of its favorite activities.
Just don’t forget to refuel on some fabulous Hungarian food while you do. Don’t worry, I’ve got recommendations in here too.
House Of Terror
The name is the first clue that this place has a past. A past that might not be the easiest to digest. However, if you’re a 20th Century history buff and want to discover a place with equal ties to Nazi Germany and the Communist Soviet era, House of Terror needs to be on your list.
Take a tour of this building which was used by both the Hungarian Nazi Party and the Communist Party’s secret police throughout the 20th Century. Learn of the terrible things that happened here as well as an overview of these periods of history from a Hungarian perspective.
It’s a fascinating place to experience, and well worth the 4000 Forints (~$11 USD) to get in. An additional 2000 Forints ($5.50 USD) gets you an audio guide which is the best way to follow along.
There is an App you can download to use instead and each room has printed material explaining what this app would, but the audio guide is probably the way to go. Expect to spend about 2 hours here.
Cave Church
It’s a church that’s in a cave. I really could stop right there and likely hold your interest, but I’ll go on. Head deep into the hillside church on the Buda side of Budapest. It’s going to be the most unique church you’ll see this year.
Gellert Hill Cave is the former home of a monk – and the church is still operational. The fee to get in is 850 Forints ($2 USD) and includes an audio tour available in a variety of languages. It won’t take longer than about half an hour to visit, but pause for some stunning views at the entrance.
For those with mobility issues it is a short climb up a steep path to get there, but there aren’t any steps involved in accessing the church (only a couple of the smaller exhibits inside).
Funicular ride
Why walk up the steep hill to Buda Castle when you can take a more fun way to get there? The Budapest Castle Hill funicular takes a minute or two to ascend, and with a gorgeous view along the way. There are three compartments on each train with some seating – but at busier times this will be standing room only.
A ticket costs 1200 Forints one way, or 1800 return ($3 USD/$5 respectively). If you don’t specify they’ll likely give you the return ticket which is what happened to me.
The cost to time spent on the ride ratio might seem a little off, but it is a more fun way to reach the castle and saves you the climb.
Top Tip: The website lists the closing time as 10pm but it was closed at 7pm when I was there in November, so it may have seasonal changes to the operating times.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Hungary has a dark history from during the Second World War. The Arrow Cross Party was in power during the last years of WWII – a party holding anti-Semitic fascist views like the Nazi party. Shoes on the Danube Bank is a monument that honors the victims of that time here in Budapest.
If they weren’t deported to concentration camps, Jews were often shot along the banks of the Danube in Budapest. Before they were, they were forced to remove their shoes (a valuable item at that time). This hauntingly poignant monument depicts 60 pairs of shoes left at the banks of the river like they would have been at that time.
Top Tip: I found a lot of the areas along the river banks to be under construction during my time in Budapest, I recommend walking to the Parliament building and accessing the river from there. The Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial is only a couple minute walk.
Ruin bars
Tell anyone at home you’re going to some dilapidated looking building for a drink and they’d think you were crazy. Yet, that pretty much sums up Budapest’s so-called Ruin Bars. Mismatched cheap furniture, graffitied walls and eclectic décor make up the city’s best Ruin Bars – the coolest places to drink.
There are a number of them around Budapest, however one of the top bars is Szimpla Kert. Dark and dingy, and looking awfully like everyone’s favorite club from their university days, this place is worth checking out. Grab a drink and make some friends – the best way to enjoy your time in Budapest.
Top Tip: Next to Szimpla Kert is Karavan – a street food area filled with food trucks. Local Hungarian cuisine can be tried as well as the usual food truck favorites. I found quite a lot of vegetarian and vegan food including some good burgers and sweet treats.
Chimney cake making class
The Hungarian Chimney Cake is possibly one of the most widely seen treats around Budapest. You’ll smell the sweet pastry baking on every street corner, inviting you in. Don’t resist, they are delicious. These crispy pastry cones are often dipped in flavored sugars or piped with delectable chocolate or cream fillings. But how about trying to make them yourself?
Family run Kato Neni offer a traditional Chimney Cake making class each day. Taking place in their basement kitchen an hour before the shop opens, the class is only 45 minutes long. In that time you get to make 3 different types of Chimney Cake. It’s easy, fun and something completely unique.
The price might seem a little steep but I had a great time and would highly recommend it. It was a great place to learn a new skill and meet other travelers. Also, getting to eat warm pastries you made yourself makes them taste even better.
The fact it’s only 45-minutes long is even more of a reason to do it. Even on a short trip to Budapest it doesn’t take up much of your day like many classes can.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Hands down the best views of Budapest can be found at Fisherman’s Bastion. It also happens to be an absolutely stunning piece of architecture. Although it isn’t as old as it looks, it’s still been here for over 120 years. The bastion is a short walk from Buda Castle and is worth visiting during the day as well as at night.
You can explore the bastion viewpoints for free and get some wicked shots of Pest on the other side of the river. Take special notice of the Parliament on the opposite bank as this is one of the best places to see it in all its glory.
Top Tip: There is a charge for access to some higher up parts of Fisherman’s Bastion. But in the grand scheme of things you don’t get too much more elevation, so I would save your money on this one and stick with the free areas. The only thing you might get is a little more space from all the other photographers.
City View from St Stephen’s Basilica
Fisherman’s Bastion isn’t the only place to get a birds’ eye view of Budapest. The wonderfully ornate St Stephen’s Basilica can be climbed to look down on the rooftops of the busier part of the city. Sure, you can just check out the church, but it would be rude to come all the way here and not go to the lookout.
A ticket to the cathedral only is 2300 Forints ($6.50 USD) or a ticket for the treasury and lookout is 4300 Forints ($12). The best deal to see all three things is the combination ticket for 6000 Forints ($16 USD).
You’ll get almost dizzy from the spiral staircase leading to the tower (there is an elevator if you need it), but I promise it’s worth the effort. It can be a tight squeeze walking around the ever-busy lookout, but the blast of fresh air will invigorate you as you gape in awe of how pretty Budapest really is from above.
Budapest Labyrinth
Have you read Dracula? It’s one of my favorite books. So imagine my delight when I found out you can descend into the labyrinth of tunnels under the Buda castle district where he was supposedly once held captive.
That’s right, Dracula was real – although better known as Vlad the Impaler. You see Transylvania was part of Hungary at the time, not Romania.
Now though, the Labyrinth is a creepy maze tunnel system that is well worth a visit. Allow your eyes to adjust to the lack of light as you follow a series of (sometimes confusing) arrows and info boards and become completely disoriented.
There’s a whole section about Dracula in there as well as a number of interesting relics and historical info. If you’re super brave there’s also a completely unlit corridor you can wander into – I’ll admit I only made it so far before turning back.
House of Houdini
Budapest’s other famous former resident was a little less blood-thirsty. Perhaps the world’s greatest escape artist, Harry Houdini was born here under the name Erik Weisz.
Houdini might have emigrated to the US aged 4 with his family, but that doesn’t mean Budapest has given up celebrating him as one of their own. The House of Houdini is not where he was born, or even lived, but it does have a collection of items formerly belonging to the magician.
The museum is only part of the reason to visit – the main one being the magic shows put on for visitors. It’s a little more light-hearted than most tourist stops in the Buda Castle district, so is a great place to be entertained for an hour or so.
Vampire tour
Budapest is really leaning into the whole Dracula/Vampire thing, and it’s such a unique aspect of the city’s past. I’m always one for a weird and wonderful historical walking tour, so taking a vampire and dark history tour of the Buda Castle district at night was a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours.
Our enthusiastic guide showed up in period costume and armed to the fangs (sorry, couldn’t help it!) with cool stories. He was engaging, funny and somehow managed to keep a group of 25 together in the dark.
Listen to ghost stories and wickedly wonderful happenings in Budapest centuries ago. See the castle and Fisherman’s Bastion at night as you hear vampire tales that’ll make you look over your shoulder on the walk home – or at least pick up the pace.
Top Tip: I visited in November and it was chilly. Wear layers and extra socks as standing around will leave you colder than Dracula’s tomb.
New York Café
Possibly the most beautiful café in the world – according to many people, but mostly those of Budapest. The New York Café is as stunning as it is overwhelmingly popular. Lines form outside most of the day, but with a little patience you too can experience the unique and wonderful charm of this ostentatious setting for tea and cake.
Yes, you can go in and take a photo, but if you’ve spent that much time and effort getting in you might as well stay for a drink and snack. It’s pricier than most places in Budapest, but what place like this isn’t?
Whether it’s worth eating there really depends on your views on extravagant dining, but a drink will leave you relatively unscathed and it is a fabulous experience.
Strudel House
I didn’t really place Hungary and strudels together, but Budapest has an absolutely amazing restaurant known for this hearty pastry. Strudel House not only has to-die-for sweet strudels but also savory strudels if you really want to go all out. My favorite thing – the counter on the wall of the total number of strudels ordered so you can see the most popular flavors.
Strudels are made fresh all day, and as proof you can watch the bakers hard at work in the main restaurant while you eat. There are of course other things on the menu, but you don’t come to a strudel house and not get strudel, in my opinion.
Top Tip: For a really unique and delicious dessert try the sour cherry strudel with chili chocolate sauce. The perfect balance of sweet, sour and spicy.
Great Market Hall
This is the place to get both some traditional Hungarian food and some souvenirs to take home. The Great Market Hall is a fantastically large building which on the outside is pretty and decorative, and on the inside is surprisingly bright.
The lower level is more of a traditional market with fresh produce, meats, bakeries and spices. The upper floor is bustling with visitors fawning over all manner of Budapest trinkets. In the back corner of the upper floor are places serving hot traditional dishes, don’t leave without trying something.
Top Tip: In all the tourist shops you will see Hungarian Paprika. The nation’s famed spice is everywhere. This market is the place to buy it. It’s way cheaper than most other shops. Head deeper into the market and you’ll likely get a better deal as the front few stalls had much higher prices.
Most beautiful parliament in Europe
Budapest, it seems to be unofficially agreed, has the most beautiful parliament building in Europe. The grand and opulent building by the banks of the Danube is glorious. While not too far out of the way, it is a little walk from the main central area of Budapest, but worth the stroll.
See it during the day as you get to admire the intricate details of this sublime architectural gem, but also make sure you visit at night when it’s all lit up. Fisherman’s Bastion is a great place to see it from above – which really helps you see the scale of it – but it’s just as important to see it up close. And, I think, more impressive.
Top Tip: Want to see inside? Take a guided tour – currently the only way to get in the parliament building. Tours are available in a variety of languages and can be booked in advance to make sure you get a spot.
Bonus activity – Budapest thermal baths
One of the top things to do in Budapest is one I didn’t include in my main list. The thermal baths you can find around the city. That’s because I didn’t personally visit any.
While in Iceland I visited the Blue Lagoon Spa, but as a solo traveler I didn’t think it was as good an experience. For that reason I decided to skip the baths in Budapest on this trip.
But if you like a spa day make sure to add these to your list. The top choice is Széchenyi Baths, but I heard Gellert Baths are also really nice – and located right next to the Cave Church. For something even more unique there is even a beer spa!
The best things to do in Budapest
Budapest stole a piece of my heart. The city is quirky and unapologetically unique. I appreciated learning of the slightly macabre histories that make up the city. And as a fan of the supernatural, all the vampire talk was very appealing.
This list certainly doesn’t cover all the amazingly fun things to do in Budapest. But it will start you off nicely, and show you just how cool a city this is.
I went to Budapest with very little expectations of a place I really didn’t know a lot about. But I’ve found a city I can’t wait to explore again. Hopefully very soon.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What are your top picks for things to do in Budapest? Which would you not leave without experiencing?
Before I went to Budapest, just about everyone told me it was their favourite city, and I guess my expectations were too high because I did not like the city at all. But after reading this, it’s clear I need to give the city a second chance. Next time I’ll pass on Széchenyi and go to a smaller thermal bath instead, and I’d like to try more of the food and markets you’ve highlighted here.
I had no real expectations when I visited, which might have been the difference for me. I know I’ve had the same let down with other places that people have talked up a lot. The magic of the Christmas markets probably was part of it for me. Even in late November it was busy, so I would probably suggest avoiding the peak tourist season as Budapest is still a very popular place so likely much more enjoyable when not fighting against the crowds
You are right. Budapest has a ton of cool things to see. I think the cave church would be a unique one of a kind place to see. The museum would be very depressing. I’m not sure I would be able to go as much as I’d like to. I’ve never heard of a vampire tour before so that would be on my list. I’ll have to add Budapest to my bucketlist.
I was in Budapest a couple of months ago and I found it has lost much of its charm from 10 years ago. However, it’s still a great city to visit and I agree with you that 3 days in the right amount of time to see the city, as it has lots to explore and very walkable.
You saw some things I didn’t and the Ruins Bars sound fun. I never got there as was always up early and early to bed! Pity.
We stayed at the new York Hotel and its was fabulous. Dining in their restaurant was a highlight and you are so correct in saying it is stunning – don’t miss it!
Budapest is just filled with so many cool things to see and do! A church cave, house of horror museum, a memorial along the river, a beautifully designed cafe, I wouldn’t have thought that any of these things would be in Budapest. I can see why you’d probably want more time to explore this place, I couldn’t imagine doing it all in under 3 days.
I love Budapest! It is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It still retains the true character of the city, without having “sold out” to the masses of tourism. It’s a very easy city to visit, with excellent accessibility. I did the activities in the post and I would repeat everything without blinking! The studel is phenomenal 🙂
Budapest is an underrated European city and even tho I haven’t been yet, I’ve heard lots of positives from other travellers. I agree with you, don’t dismiss it as a day trip from Vienna. It would be too much time spent on travelling followed by an impression heavy sightseeing tour around town. The Chimney cake class looks fun and something I would do.
Carolin
I love Budapest so much! I didn’t know about all the vampire-related places so that was fun to read about! I have to say the baths are amazing and so, so much better than the Blue Lagoon (which I was also pretty indifferent to). So I’m afraid to say you’ll have to go back, what a shame. 😉
Such a shame! Darn! 😉 I will have to try them out next time
Budapest is definitely on my list! Good to know that 3 full days is needed to see most of the city and it looks like you covered a lot of ground from the top sites to the most unusual sites. Brave girl going into the ruin bar- but it looks like a fun place to grab a drink.
I fell in love with the architecture of the Fisherman’s Bastion and New York Style cafe. And, strudel and chimney cake, yes, please!
I loved Budapest, much more that I did Vienna! I remember those wonderful views from the top of the Basilica. The cable car to the hill wasn’t in operation when I was there so we climbed the hill but it was great because we could stop as often as we wanted and take photos from different angles. We saw the change of guards at the Buda castle which was quite a show! But I missed the New York cafe, it looks stunning from your pictures. Another excuse to go back I guess! 🙂
Ummm I didn’t realize Budapest is stunning! Your pictures are beautiful. The Great Market Hall sounds like my ideal way to spend a morning – getting local snacks and treats! I agree with you about the Blue Lagoon in Iceland but the baths might be a good idea in the shoulder or off season with less crowds?