The Top 25 Things to Do in Budapest

Just a few days ago, Viking River Cruises formally invited us aboard the 15-day Grand European Tour cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. And now that I’m sitting here, looking over our itinerary, I can’t decide if I’m more excited to embark on this cruise, or if I just can’t wait to return to Budapest; but I’m going to conclude that it’s a little bit – or a lot – of both.

To say that I like Budapest would be the understatement of the century. Oh, no, no, no. I love Budapest. Deeply. Budapest is absolutely beautiful, wildly underrated, and most of all, it’s my favorite city in all of Europe (other than Paris, of course!).

I’m feeling quite inspired by my anticipation to return, so without further ado, here are the top 25 things to do in Budapest!

The Top 25 Things to Do in Budapest

Luxurious hotel room at the Aria Hotel Budapest. Staying in this top-rated hotel is one of the top 25 things to do in Budapest.

#1 Check into the Aria Hotel Budapest

The Aria Hotel Budapest was just voted the #1 hotel in the world by TripAdvisor. The Aria also made Travel + Leisureโ€™s list of top 10 Best City Hotels in Europe the year we visited. We couldnโ€™t agree with those selections more!

When only the best will do, check into the Aria. From that moment on, youโ€™ll be whisked away into a luxurious, musically-inspired paradise that positively dazzles. And itโ€™s smack in the center of the city, too.

Book your stay at the Aria Hotel Budapest here.

Read more about our stay at the Aria here.

You can find other deals on Budapest accommodation here.

Hungarian Parliament Building by the azure waters of Budapest

#2: Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building

While in Budapest, you can’t miss the Parliament Building. As one of Europe’s most beautiful architectural works, the Parliament Building is something to be marveled at. If simply looking isn’t enough, you can also take an educational tour of the inside where you’ll see the main staircase, the coronation jewels, the Dome Hall, and more! Tickets are sold here.

Chicken paprikash - a delicious Hungarian dish. Eating traditional Hungarian food is one of the 25 best things to do in Budapest.

#3: Eat traditional Hungarian food

There isn’t a cuisine on the planet that’s more hearty, comforting, or fierce than Hungarian. And while it might not be the healthiest of foods, it is one of the most delicious. Goulash, chicken paprikash, hortobagyi palacsinta (savory crepes), tรถltรถtt kรกposzta (stuffed cabbage), and apple strudel will be among the most tantalizing options.

Chain Bridge - an iconic symbol of Budapest

#4 Walk across the Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is more than just your typical bridge. The Chain Bridge has connected Buda and Pest since 1849, and after WWII bombs damaged it in 1949, it was rebuilt to its original splendor. Day or night, the Chain Bridge is a sight to behold; the bridge stands as an iconic symbol of Budapest and its history, and from the bridge, beautiful views of the city and the Danube River can be viewed.

People swimming in the Szรฉchenyi Thermal Baths. Visiting a thermal bath is one of the top 25 things to do in Budapest.

#5 Swim in the Szรฉchenyi Thermal Baths

Budapest is known worldwide as the “City of Baths,” so of course, you must visit a thermal bath during your trip! Budapest’s thermal spring water possesses healing qualities, and some of the Turkish baths even date back to the 16th century! Szรฉchenyi Baths is the world’s largest medicinal bath, and from June to August on Saturday nights, pool parties with music run from 10:30 pm to 3:00 am.

#6 Drink at a ruin pub

For a fun night out, a ruin pub is the place to go. These bars have opened up in old, abandoned buildings and often have live music, very unique atmospheres, and stay open until the early hours of the morning!

The historical Buda Castle and its beautiful architecture

#7 Visit Buda Castle (the Royal Palace)

Up on Castle Hill, Buda Castle’s history dates back all the way to the 13th century; however, after WWII, the palace was left in ruins, and was rebuilt in 1950. Outside the palace, you’ll see fountains, statues, gardens, beautiful architecture, and incredible views overlooking Budapest. Inside four wings of the palace resides the Hungarian National Gallery, an art museum showcasing artwork from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Maddy, blogger, walking down the stairways of the Fisherman's Bastion. Exploring this lookout point is one of the 25 best things to do in Budapest.

#8 Explore Fisherman’s Bastion

Also located on Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion is a favorite lookout point for most visitors. The beautiful structure and its seven fairytale towers are reason enough to visit, but the views here are spectacular.

Shoes on the Danube

#9 See the Shoes on the Danube

This is one of the more somber activities on this list of the top 25 things to do in Budapest, but nevertheless, you must not miss it. This memorial is dedicated to innocent Jewish people who were shot in their tracks, exactly where the replicas of their shoes remain. Visit the Shoes on the Danube to remember the atrocities of WWII and to glimpse into Budapest’s horrific past. If nothing else, these shoes will remind you just how precious your time here on earth is.

Crowd of people at the Central Market Hall. Exploring food stalls and shops at this place if one of the top 25 things to do in Budapest.

#10 Feast at the Central Market Hall

What’s better than a huge hall full of Hungarian food stalls, fresh produce, and specialty shops? Absolutely nothing. End of story.

#11 Visit the Holocaust Memorial Center

Visiting the Holocaust Memorial Center is one of the best and most important things you can do while in Budapest. Though this experience will undoubtedly weigh on your emotions, and perhaps bring tears to your eyes, the Holocaust is deeply ingrained into Budapest’s history, and it’s something everyone should learn more about while there. Ticket information can be found here.

Landscape of Budapest buildings by the Danube River

#12 Stroll along The Danube

A stroll along the Danube River – which splits Buda and Pest in two – shouldn’t be missed. There aren’t many cities as visually stunning as Budapest, and there’s no better place to experience its beauty than on its historic waterfront. Of all the places you’ll travel to in your lifetime, I promise that you’ll never forget Budapest.

#13 Go to the Hungarian National Museum

Take a walk through Hungary’s history, from antiquity to present day, at the Hungarian National Museum. If you’re at all interested in learning about Hungary’s history, there is no better institution to visit. We explored every exhibit in this museum in around four hours, but I think we could have stayed longer. This place is absolutely captivating, so don’t miss it! You can find ticket information here.

#14 Visit the House of Terror Museum

“Having survived two terror regimes, it was felt that the time had come for Hungary to erect a fitting memorial to the victims, and at the same time to present a picture of what life was like for Hungarians in those times.” This description was taken straight from the museum’s website, and I couldn’t have explained it better myself. Don’t miss the House of Terror.

Colorful, intricately designed roofs and exterior of the Matthias Church

#15 See Matthias Church

Matthias Church is located in the heart of the Castle District, just next to Fisherman’s Bastion. This church, which was originally built in 1015, is absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

View of Budapest and all its beauty from the Castle Hill

#16 Take in the views from Castle Hill

Could there be a city view more gorgeous than this one? Probably. But when you inevitably fall head over heels for Budapest, you won’t think so. In all your years, you’ll always remember this view. It’s a sight – and a city – that’s impossible to forget.

People dining in the Alexandra Bookcafรฉ. Having your coffee break in this beautiful cafe is one of the top 25 things to do in Budapest.

#17 Have a coffee/tea and pastry at the Alexandra Bookcafรฉ

Fancy a coffee break in a cafรฉ that looks like this!? Unless you knew about this place beforehand, you’d never find it. The Bookcafรฉ is located atop the Alexandra bookstore on Andrรกssy Avenue, and it’s among Budapest’s best-kept secrets. Don’t forget to take your eyes off the ceiling and actually eat your pastry!

#18 Explore the Jewish Quarter

Explore Budapest’s Jewish Quarter to learn about the city’s rich Jewish history, including WWII and the Holocaust. See Budapest’s most important synagogues, visit memorials, and see a ghetto wall that still stands today. Free walking tours of the Jewish Quarter are offered daily; find more information here.

View of the Parliament Building from the Danube River

#19 Cruise the Danube

Give your feet a break and take a scenic cruise along the Danube! Sit back, have a beer or two, and listen as a guide tells you a brief rundown of Budapest’s history and its important monuments. You won’t find a better view of the Parliament Building than while cruising the Danube!

#20 Drink Tokaji wine

Complex, historic, delicious, and world-famous among wine lovers, you must try Hungary’s Tokaji wine during your trip to Budapest. It’s that simple!

#21 Watch a performance at the Opera House

If you’re a fan of the opera, I can’t think of a better place to see a performance. While in Budapest, make sure to score tickets to a show at the Opera House. Just look at that venue!

#22 Go spelunking

Not many people know that Budapest is built atop a complex underground cave system, formed by the warm thermal spring water that rushes up to fill Budapest’s baths. It’s rumored that the system is over 120 kilometers long, but it’s a fact that you can book a tour to go under Budapest and explore the caves, an activity also known as spelunking.

#23 Window shop on Andrรกssy รบt

Reminiscent of Champs-ร‰lysรฉes in Paris, Andrรกssy รบt is Budapest’s widest, most elegant street. Once you’ve tired of visiting museums and memorials, put on your best outfit and shop on this historic street.

People roaming around and admiring the statues at the Heroes' Square

#24 Visit Heroes’ Square

At the end of Andrรกssy รบt, you’ll run into Budpest’s largest and most impressive square: Heroes’ Square. In 1896, the statues were erected to celebrate Hungary’s 1000th birthday, and to commemorate the country’s heroes. Once you’ve taken your photos here, explore the two art museums (Museum of Fine Arts and Kunsthalle) and the City Park, which surround Heroes’ Square.

#25 Relax on Margaret Island

When you need a break from Budapest’s bustling downtown, escape to Margaret Island for romantic strolls, leisurely bike rides, refreshing swims, performances at the Budapest Summer Festival, and more. Margaret Island is the perfect place in Budapest to have a picnic under shady trees and get back to nature!

Bonus! #26 Enter Dracula’s lair (Labyrinth of Buda Castle)

This was one of my favorite experiences during our trip to Budapest. The Labyrinth of Buda Castle once held Vlad the Impaler (A.K.A. Count Dracula) as prisoner for many years under the city of Budapest. If you dare, enter the pitch-black labyrinth, armed with nothing but an old-fashioned, candle-lit lantern, and explore the creepy (and possibly haunted) labyrinth. I hope you make it out alive, my friends!

Statue of Eugene of Savoy in front of Buda Castle

So there you have it! These are the top 25 things to do in Budapest!

I have fallen hopelessly in love with this city, so having the opportunity to revisit it with Viking River Cruises seems like an absolute dream.

Over to you: How many of these activities have you tackled while in Budapest? Do you love Budapest as much as I do?

*This post contains affiliate links. Maddy’s Avenue experienced the Grand European Tour, the Aria Hotel Budapest, and Budapest 101 as guests, however, as always, all opinions are our own.

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14 Comments

  1. Ah Budapest!

    How can one not fall in love with that city.

    I was there a few years ago but only for two days and clearly need to go back.

    I only saw a fraction of the 25 places you suggest in your post.

    Got to spend most of the time in Pest but must explore Buda next time!

    Love the photos!

    All the best :)

  2. Beautiful pictures and great info and tips – thanks! I can see why you LOVE Budapest so much. Unfortunately, I have not been there to reminisce with you but it’s on my list, much like everything else haha

  3. I LOVE this post. I stopped at Budapest on my backpacking trip this summer and I think it may have been my favorite city. I wish that I knew about the shoes on the Danube beforehand. The cuisine is delicious! What’s your favorite Hungarian food?

  4. Okay, okay, you have me officially swooning over Budapest now! Those thermal baths, oh my word, count me in! If I ever receive an invite like that from Viking River Cruises, and Budapest is on the list, I won’t even hesitate! Enjoy your trip :)

  5. What an amazing opportunity to explore Europe with Viking Cruises! Budapest certainly looks like an amazing place which I would love to visit someday. I haven’t tried too much Hungarian food before but it sounds delicious! Love your photos :)

    https://www.mintnotion.com

  6. this is so helpful because when we went to budapest, we barely scratched the surface! we weren’t feeling well and it was super rainy! so i will save this list for future reference :)

    also, the river cruise sounds AMAZING! xo

    welltraveledwife.com

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