30 Best Attractions in Budapest, Hungary

30 Attractions in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital of Hungary which forms the centre of the Budapest metropolitan area with an estimated population of 1,752,286. The city is quite beautiful with so many fun things to do and remarkable attractions.

From thermal baths to underground caves, ruin bars, castles, Hungarian cuisines, beautiful coffee shops, street food and hiking spots, there is something for everyone.

The city gets most of its visitors during the summer season as compared to the winter months. Tourists get around using the metros, trams or buses by purchasing tickets at any of the stations.

Tourists can also purchase a Budapest Card that grants the cardholder unlimited public transport around the city and discounted charges to different places, all in all moving around is easy. Here are the top 30 attractions in Budapest, Hungary.

1. Spa day at The Szechenyi Thermal Baths

Budapest is a major tourist attraction because of the famous spas located all over the city. The most famous is the Szechenyi thermal spa due to its large swimming pool and the fact that it is Europe’s largest thermal spring bath.

The Lukács Baths were established by the Knights of the Order of Saint John, who settled in the area in the 12th century with the aim of curing the sick.

The thermal spa hosts a lot of tourists and locals with 13 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. There is a secluded area where men can play chess in the spa. The spa is also known for hosting the wildest parties at the night.

These parties are known as sparties and they attract a lot of tourists and locals. Read more about The most Amazing Thermal Baths in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary

open:Mon-Fri;7am-7pm/sat-sun;9am-8pm

phone:+36 1 363 3210

website: SZÉCHENYI BATHS

 

2.A Tour of The Vajdahunyad Castle

The Vajdahunyad Castle is located close to the Szechenyi thermal baths in the city park of Budapest. It was modelled after Romania’s Hunyard Castle. The castle has a fairy tale kind of look built as a feature for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition.

Vajdahunyad Castle was built using an eclectic design that combines architectural features from several different periods. Tourists can also visit the small museum or the watchtower.

The grounds are also beautiful and visitors can walk around enjoying the view or stroll near the lake. Read more about  30 Amazing things to do in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary

open:Mon- closed all year; Tue – Fri: 10 am – 4 pm (1 Nov – 31 Mar), 10 am – 5 pm (April 1 – October 31); Sat – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm

phone:+36 1 363 3210

website: Vajdahunyad Castle

3.Visiting the Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohany Street Synagogue in Pest is not only the largest and most impressive in the nation but also the second-largest synagogue in the entire world. The Dohany synagogue serves as the starting point for all of the tours in Budapest’s Jewish neighbourhood.

The interior of the Dohány Street Synagogue is undoubtedly the grandest of all the beautiful places of worship in the city. Read more about 30 Amazing things to do in Budapest Here.

practical information

address:  Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary

open:Mon-Fri;10am-6pm;saturday;closed

phone: +36 1 413 1515

website: DOHANY STREET SYNAGOGUE 

4.A Tour of St. Stephens Cathedral

St Stephen’s Cathedral offers an impressive 360-degree view of the city. In addition, the cathedral’s interior is quite beautiful and impressive. Visitors are charged just a couple of euros to go inside the cathedral.

There are mainly two ways to get there; using an elevator or hiking up the steps. The elevators are however always crowded with tourists and only those who had pre-booked a tour of the St Stephen’s online can skip the line. Read more about 30 Amazing things to do in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary

open:Mon-Fri;7am-7pm/sat-sun;9am-8pm

phone:+36 1 363 3210

website: St Stephen’s Cathedral

5.A Tour Of The Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the top attractions in Budapest. At times there are too many tourists at once making it hard to take pictures except in the morning or during the off-season.

The Neo-Romanesque structure is quite unique and many have equated it to a reminiscent of medicinal times or something out of a harry potter movie.

It was constructed in 1905 and its name originates from a guild of fishermen who protected the castle back then. The views at the platform are incredible from every possible angle, especially at sunset. Read more about Top 10 things to do in Budapest During ashort stay Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;9am-8pm

phone: +36 1 458 3030

website: FISHERMAN’S BASTION

6.Watching a Movie At The rooftop cinema

The Budapest Rooftop Cinema is one of the most loved spots to watch films. The fact that it is not structured like the usual cinema makes it a unique experience altogether. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the starry skies.

The cinema plays different movies both old and new depending on what day and season it is. It is most common during summertime when everyone is out and about compared to the cold seasons.

practical information

address: Budapest, Lövőház u. 2-4, 1024, 1024 Hungary

https: BUDAPEST ROOF TOP CINEMA

7.Dining At the Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov restaurant in Budapest is one of the top restaurants where tourists come to grab a bite as they tour the city. It is an Israeli restaurant with a variety of cuisines.

Usually, there are long lines outside if one did not reserve a table but the food is absolutely worth the wait. The dishes are well prepared and well presented. Read more about 30 Amazing things to do in Budapest Here.

Practical Information

Address: Budapest, Akacfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary

Contact: [70] 626 4280

8.Danube River Dinner Cruise

The Danube River has the most remarkable views of Budapest, especially at night. Several companies offer evening Danube river cruises along the river to both tourists and locals around.

During the cruise, tourists are able to see the beautiful illumination of the parliament building from the banks of the river.

There are many cruises along the river available from the cheapest option to the most expensive cruise. The full cruise includes a multi-course meal and live entertainment from musicians, folklore dancers, and an operetta. Read more about top 10 things to do in Budapest during a short stay Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Hungary

website: DANUBE RIVER DINNER CRUISE

9.Visiting The Matthias Church

Matthias Church is quite popular in Budapest with a Gothic revival interior. It’s a 700-year-old Church making it an important landmark in Budapest.

It is eye-catching with two places to visit in which one must get two separate tickets to explore the tower and the church itself.

practical information

address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;9am-5pm

phone: +36 1 355 5657

website:  MATTHIAS CHURCH

10. Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial

The Danube Bank Memorial monument honours the history of the Jews who were killed in World War II. The monument can be found along Dunabe on the south of the Hungarian parliament building an idea first conceived by film director Can Togay.

The history of the monument dates back to World War II when 3,500 people, mostly Jews, were killed by fascists. They were instructed to take off their shoes by the Arrow Cross fascist militia and were thereafter killed on the river bank and their bodies pushed into the Danube.

practical information

address: Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Hungary

open: 24 hours

11.Visiting the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó central library

Not many people are fond of visiting the library, however, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó central library is must visit when touring Budapest. It gets most of its visitors in the afternoon. The library is harboured in the neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace, which was constructed around 1887.

The elements of the palace are well preserved and can be explored on the fourth floor of the building after purchasing a ticket at the reception. The rest of the building functions like a regular library.

There are several books at the library that cover various topics including the history of the country and like any other library one can carry their own books and laptops and use them to work or study.

practical information

address: Budapest, Szabó Ervin tér 1, 1088 Hungary

open:Mon-sat;10am-8pm

phone:+36 1 411 5000

website:  Metropolitan Ervin Szabó central library

12.Dinner at The New York Cafe in Budapest

The New York Cafe in Budapest has been dubbed the most beautiful cafe in the world. The cafe was first opened around 1894 where it was a popular coffee house where people met and reconnected.

Tourists visit the cafe mostly to enjoy its beauty, the coffee and the Live gipsy melody that fills the air every hour between 11 am and 5 pm. Just like other restaurants in Budapest, it would be better to pre-book a table online to avoid waiting in line when the cafe as gets busy.

practical information

address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary

open:Mon-sun 8:00 – 24:00

phone:+36 1 886 6167

website: THE NEW YORK CAFE

13.Visit The Szimpla Ruin Bar

Many can attest to Budapest’s unique and thriving nightlife. It is an impossibly funky and eclectic bar with room for every taste in nightlife. The city is filled with several pubs mainly referred to as ruin pubs which are mainly active at night.

Szimpla Ruin Bar is one of the most popular pubs in Budapest. The interior is decorated with works of art made from junk. Like many of the existing pubs, it was transformed from an abandoned post-war building to the structure that exists today. Read more about 10 best non-touristy restaurants in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary

open:Mon-thur;3pm-4am/ fri-sat;12pm-4am/sun;9am-4am

phone: +36 1 352 4198

website: SZIMPLA RUIN BAR

 

14.A Tour of The House of Terror

House of Terror sounds like a Halloween house but it’s actually a museum. It is located at Andrássy Avenue in Budapest, Hungary. The Museum is a perfect way to learn and educate oneself on the terror that reigned in Budapest as a result of the two repressive regimes.

Like other museums, it collects exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary. The Museum also serves as a memorial to the victims who were detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building during the fascist and communist regimes.

practical information

address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;10am-6pm

phone: +36 1 374 2600

website:  House of Terror

Read more about 30 Amaizing things to do in Budapest Here.

15.Visiting The Buda Castle

The Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the best views of the city, especially at night. The castle can be accessed using the Buda Castle Hill funicular when one does not feel like climbing where the public can enjoy a stroll on the castle grounds and the view at the top for free.

Tourists can enjoy a tour of the castle which includes a vampire tour. The castle can be accessed from Buda Castle Hill and once you climb up, you can enjoy the stunning views. It is therefore a must-visit and a good recommendation on how to end the day after a long day of exploring.

practical information

address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary

phone: +36 1 458 3000

website: The Buda Castle

 

16.Watching The Margaret Island Musical Fountain

The Margaret Island Park’s fountain musical feels the air every hour from 11 am. It acts as an escape from the busy city life for both locals and tourists. True fans can catch the musical at around 9 PM as the show can last a bit longer as compared to the morning performance.

The choreographed fountain, light, and music show are set to popular songs from a variety of genres which attracts a large audience. The fountain is close to several parks that are stroll worthy and is therefore a must-visit while in Budapest.

practical information

address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;10am-6pm

phone: +36 1 374 2600

website:  House of Terror

17.Site seeing at The Heroes’ Square

Heroes Square is located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, just south of the City Park of Budapest. It has several large statues of the seven chieftains of the Magyars. The square is quite large and therefore hard to miss.

practical information

address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;10am-6pm

phone: +36 1 374 2600

website:  House of Terror

18. The Underground Caves In Budapest

The Underground Caves are an extensive cave system situated under the city of Budapest. Many tourists are not aware of this hidden gem.

Tourists can explore the system with a tour guide with extensive knowledge of the limestone rock formations left behind by geological activities and the source of Budapest’s hot springs. The caving tour can last up to 3.5 hours. Read more about  top 10 things to do in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 35, 1025 Hungary

 

19.Pontoon Bar

Pontoon bar is an open-air bar located in Budapest and it stretches to the Danube riverbank it is therefore open during warm seasons of the year.

It is one of the most exceptional sunset spots in Budapest. Just on the side immediately north of the Chain Bridge, one can enjoy the most spectacular sunsets in Europe. Read more about 30 Amaizing things to do in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest Vigadó 1/A kikötő, 1051 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;4pm-4am

website: Pontoon bar

20.Füge Shop and Café

Mostly known to the locals, Füge Shop and Café is a little shop located at the top of Gellert Hill. It offers a delightful alternative to gourmet food products.

In addition, the place is known as the spot for the city’s best gelato. The gelato is quite different and wonderful, especially for hikers who just hiked up Gellert hill during the summer.

practical information

address: Budapest, Szirtes út 19, 1016 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;7am-9pm

phone: +36 20 555 9599

website:  Füge Shop and Café

21. Retrorock Vintage Store

Retrorock Vintage Store is one of the many stores in Budapest that are perfect for thrifting. Thrifting in Budapest is unique with a lot of vintage stores where visitors can bargain and score amazing prices on really unique items.

practical information

address:  Budapest, Anker köz 2-4, 1061 Hungary

open:Mon-sat;11am-8pm sun12-8pm

phone: +36 30 472 3636

website:  Retrorock Vintage Store

22. Hungarian National Parliament Building

Hungarian Parliament is one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe from the inside and outside. Tourists book ahead of time to retain a spot for the tour as it can fill up fast, especially during the peak summer season.

The tour is available in many different languages depending on what the tourist checked while booking the ticket. Read more about the Hungarian Parliament  30 Amaizing things to do in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary

open:Mon-fri;8am-6pm/sat-sun;8am-4pm

phone:+36 1 441 4000

website: Hungarian national Parliament building

23. Rudas Bath Rooftop Hot Tub

Budapest is mostly known for the several thermal spas that are scattered all over the city Rudas Baths Thermal Spa is one of the most common spas. Tuesday is women’s day at the Turkish pools while on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only men are welcome.

The Rudas Baths are supplied by the healing thermal waters of around 21 medicinal springs found below ground. Currently, the Rudas is more modern with a new treatment area and restaurant.

The spa has a number of pools and thermal baths that visitors can enjoy, however, the hot tub on the roof has stunning views out over the Danube. In order to enjoy the different areas of the spa one would need different tickets for each zone.

practical information

address: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;6am-8pm

phone:  +36 20 321 4568

website: Rudas Baths Thermal Spa

24. Drum Cafe – Langosh and Gulash Bar

Drum Cafe is one of the cafes that offer affordable and authentic Hungarian food like mushroom Goulash. The setting inside is warm and cosy setting the mood for an authentic experience. Drum Cafe has a lot of customers and at times m, especially at peak times, there is a long line outside.

practical information

address:Budapest, Dob u. 2, 1072 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;8am-11.30pm

phone: +36 20 318 6648

website:  Drum Cafe

25. Portobello Coffee and Wine

Tourists and locals can enjoy brunch with friends and family at the Portobello Coffee and Wine. The food served is quite impressive with a variety of cuisines.

One of their speciality is the creamy cilbir eggs served with a thick hunk of sourdough bread and a flavour explosion of chilli scrambled eggs with greens and raclette.

practical information

address: Budapest, Veres Pálné u. 16, 1053 Hungary

open:tue-sat;9am-5pm/ sun 9.30am-3pm

phone: +36 70 275 5343

website: Portobello Coffee and Wine

 

26.Exploring The Gellért Hill Cave Church

The Cave Church is located inside Gellert Hill in Budapest, Hungary, immediately opposite the Gellert thermal baths. The church is very extraordinary as it is constructed inside a cave, Saint Ivan’s cave.

It was later named after a supposedly-healing hermit who lived there. The church is open to guests except during mass times with both physical and audio tours. Read more about top 10 things to do in Budapest during a short stay Here.

practical information

address:  Budapest, 1118 Hungary

open:Mon-sat;9.30am-7.30pm

27.Relaxing At The Gellert Thermal Spa Baths

The Gellért Thermal Bath is one of the most visited thermal spas in Budapest. It is unique and categorically offers more traditional ways and treatments. The exterior and interior are both exquisitely fitted with smaller pools and a large pool. The interior is adorned with stained-glass windows and mosaic-lined floors and walls.

The spa is located on the Buda side of town. It offers an ornate Art Nouveau design and style on the inside.  It is closely packed with other historical sites such as the Budapest Cave Church and Gellert Hill. Read more about  the most amazing thermal bayjs in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;9am-7pm

phone: +36 1 466 6166

website:  The Gellért Thermal Bath

28.The scenic Tram Number 2

Budapest’s Tram Number 2 is one of the best tram lines in the world. It runs the length of the Danube on the Pest side. It is part of an expansive system of metros, trams and buses in Budapest.

It is a great and affordable way, a ticket may cost only about 1 Euro per ride, to commute between the top sites in Budapest. The incredible river views along the way take the ride to a whole new level.

practical information

address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary

open:Mon-sun;10am-6pm

phone: +36 1 374 2600

website:  House of Terror

29.Exploring The Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall is a top tourist attraction in Budapest Hungary.  It is packed with vendors selling a variety of goods. It is filled with the best street food especially the famous treat known as Langos.

Langos is a deep-fried dough crowned with lashings of garlic, cheese and sour cream. The market is open every day of the week except on Sunday because it is usually closed. Tourists can enjoy this market with a quick tour done by a local in order to experience the true flavour of the Hungarian people.

Read more about  10 unmissable markets for shopping in Budapest Here.

practical information

address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary

open:tue-fri;6am-6pm/sat 6am-3pm/ mon 6am-5pm

phone: +36 1 366 3300

website:  The Great Market Hall 

30.The Sziget Festival

Budapest is the host of the world’s 7th largest music festival. It features a variety of talented artists from across the world. The Sziget festival is a week-long music festival that reaches a 108-hectare island on the Danube every year.

Budapest is truly an amazing city with lots of stunning places to visit. Moving from one spot to another is not as exhausting because the city is compact; therefore places are located near each other. Here are some options for day trips.