What to do in Budapest

Activities, attractions and tours

Budapest showing a river or creek, a city and heritage architecture
Budapest showing a river or creek, a city and heritage architecture
Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, flowers and a castle
Matthias Church showing heritage architecture, a statue or sculpture and a monument
Budapest

Budapest Attractions

The lovely city of Budapest is located in the heart of Europe. This capital city of Hungary is the pearl of Danube culture and scenery, and has captured the interest of many visitors throughout the years. The city is often referred to as the “Capital of Festivals” and the “Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths”. The specials featured on Expedia allow you to make reservations for Budapest excursions at affordable prices.

One of the top places you must see in Budapest is the Chain Bridge. This beautiful bridge spans across the River Danube and links the Buda and Pest sections of the city. Some of the most remarkable locations in the city are visible from this bridge. You can also take Budapest tours along the river to see some of the most spectacular views of the bridge.

Heroes’ Square is one of the main gathering spots in the city and is also one of the top tourist attractions in Budapest. Magnificent statues of warriors and notable figures in Hungarian history can be seen in many parts of the square. You can also find the Kunsthalle art museum and the Museum of Fine Arts at this location.

A detailed map of the city will help you locate some of the best spas and thermal baths in the city. The Rudas Baths have been in existence since the 16th century and still draw large numbers of visitors each year. You can also check out the Lukács and Széchenyi baths.

If you are in the mood to celebrate, head to one of the local festivals held throughout the year. Notable annual festivals hosted by the city include the Budapest Summer Festival, Septemberfest, and the Budapest Christmas Market.

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Budapest. When you book your hotel stay, airline tickets, and transportation through Expedia, you can take advantage of amazing deals. The money you save will enable you to enjoy all of the wonderful Budapest activities to the fullest.


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Top places to visit

1. Gellért Thermal Bath

Famed for its art nouveau design, the Gellért Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool has been an important fixture for locals and visitors since it was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. These baths use the thermal springs from Gellért Hill to fill the pools in its majestic rooms. Spend a day taking advantage of the treatment options in this tranquil spa.
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Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool featuring swimming and a pool

2. Parliament Building

Hungarian officials wanted to create a grand celebration of the country’s Millennial in 1896 so they constructed the Parliament Building (Orszaghaz) using London’s Westminster Palace as inspiration. Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl, created plans for the impressive structure and built it in a prominent position along the Pest side of the Danube River. The site was selected on this flat central location as a symbol of the city’s new democratic government rather than the lofty hilltop castles of royalty.
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Parliament Building which includes an administrative building, night scenes and heritage architecture

3. Buda Castle

The Buda Castle (Budai var) is part of Budapest’s internationally protected World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The beauty of the large castle, with the Chain Bridge in the foreground and both structures reflecting in the Danube River, is a sight that shouldn’t be missed, especially when city lights have come on after dark. Find these inspiring views from many spots on the Pest side of Budapest, particularly from the Parliament area, or observe them while on a river cruise on the Danube.
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Buda Castle which includes a castle, heritage architecture and a park

4. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is among the largest thermal spring spas in Europe. Its natural hot water is used for medicinal purposes to aid degenerative joint illnesses and inflammations. Admire the neo-Baroque style of the buildings and the pools that date back to the turn of the 20th century.
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Szechenyi Thermal Bath which includes a day spa, heritage architecture and a pool

5. St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a neoclassical church with an imposing dome and elegant turrets. With a height of 315 feet (96 meters), it is the tallest building in the city and among the largest churches in the country. Admire the opulence of this majestic church that features stunning stained-glass windows and works of art.
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St. Stephen\'s Basilica showing heritage architecture, religious aspects and interior views

6. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge connecting the two sides of Budapest across the River Danube. Opened in 1849, it was considered a triumph of engineering and played a huge role in the growth of the city. Admire the elegant classicist design of this cast iron suspension bridge that has become an icon of Budapest.
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Chain Bridge and Royal Palace, Budapest, Hungary

7. Hungarian State Opera House

Hungary’s 300-year-long and very strong operatic tradition was given a major boost when the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) opened in Budapest in 1884. The building was designed by Mikós Ybl with influence from the Vienna Opera House. It now houses both the Hungarian State Opera and the Hungarian State Ballet. Its acoustics are considered among the finest in Europe, nearly as good as Milan’s La Scala and Paris’s Palais Garnier.
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Hungarian State Opera House featuring interior views and theatre scenes

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What to do in Budapest


Discover the most popular places to visit in Budapest

Explore areas of Budapest

Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, flowers and a castle

Budapest City Centre

Known for its stunning cathedral, charming cafes, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Budapest City Centre. Top attractions like Gellért Thermal Bath and Ferenc Deak Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Deák Ferenc tér M Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Budapest City Centre
Budapest featuring an administrative building, a bridge and heritage architecture

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(217 area reviews)

Situated on the east bank of the Danube, this central area offers sightseeing at landmarks like Buda Castle and shopping on Váci Street. Easily accessible via Ferenc Deák Square, where three Budapest Metro lines converge.

Inner City Budapest
View of The Dohany Street Synagogue also known as the Great Synagogue, is a historical building in Erzsebetvaros and the largest synagogue of Europe

Erzsebetvaros

4.5/5(87 area reviews)

Situated on the Pest side of the Danube, this densely populated district boasts the historic Jewish quarter and the largest functioning synagogue in Europe, Dohány Street Synagogue.

Erzsebetvaros
Lipotvaros which includes a statue or sculpture and a monument

Lipotvaros

The Hungary Parliament Building shines as a beacon of Budapest’s architectural prowess in this gracious quarter on the Danube’s east banks.

Lipotvaros
Quando si parla della linea M1 di Budapest si tratta della seconda metropolitana più antica del mondo

District VI

If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror Museum or Andrássy Út and hop on the metro to see more the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.

District VI
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Belváros - Lipótváros

Heart of Budapest, District V boasts political, financial, and touristic significance. Explore iconic sites like Hungarian Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica, and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Belváros - Lipótváros

 

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Day trip destinations from Budapest

Frequently asked questions

Is Budapest worth visiting?
Renowned for its bars and pubs and dining, discovering fun things to do in Budapest is easy. Remember to add Széchenyi Thermal Bath to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Budapest?
Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Budapest while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Budapest?
The top tourist attraction in Budapest is Széchenyi Thermal Bath, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Budapest?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Buda Castle and St. Stephen's Basilica with a three-day break in Budapest. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Lipotvaros.
Is Budapest a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Budapest is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle. Then take a stroll through Inner City Budapest, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Belváros - Lipótváros, which is about 0.80 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Budapest with kids?
Planning what to do in Budapest with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Budapest for adults?
Ferenc Puskas Stadium and Andrassy Avenue are just a few of the things to do in Budapest. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Budapest?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Budapest. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. St. Stephen's Basilica is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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