In a nutshell
- Among the absolute top attractions in Budapest are the Castle District, the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- Fans of unusual museums will love the city – one of the quirkiest is the Flippermúzeum.
- If you want to get into nature, the City Park and Margaret Island are great places to visit in Budapest and perfect for families.
- Budapest’s thermal baths are world-famous. Our favorites: Gellért Bath and Széchenyi Bath – two of the best things to do in Budapest.
- In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find historic synagogues and cool ruin bars – a cool mix of culture and nightlife.
Buy Tickets for Budapest Attractions Online in Advance
There are several highlights in Budapest that are always busy. Long lines at the entrance are quite normal at many of the most popular Budapest attractions.
In the table below, you’ll find the places where it’s best to book tickets in advance so you can skip the wait and get straight in.
| Price Per Person | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|
| Széchenyi Thermal Bath | HUF 12,500* | To the Ticket |
| Dohány Street Synagogue | HUF 13,300 | To the Ticket |
| Gellért Thermal Bath (currently closed) | HUF 8,000* | To the Ticket |
Map of Budapest with Attractions
Before we dive into our favorite places to visit in Budapest, we’ve put together a map with all 22 sights. It makes planning much easier.
The Castle District
The best place to start exploring the Castle District is the Castle Garden Bazaar.
Looking at the beautifully restored buildings today, it’s hard to imagine that this spot once housed a youth club and disco back in the 1980s. The communist government didn’t pay much attention to the elegance of the complex, so it was handed over to the younger crowd.
After parts of the structure collapsed during a wild night and the site fell into disrepair, it closed in 1984 and didn’t reopen until 2014.
From the Castle Garden Bazaar, an escalator takes you straight up to the Royal Palace, one of the top attractions in Budapest.
Right next to the bazaar is the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion, and between the two you’ll find plenty of viewpoints overlooking the Danube and the Pest side of the city — some of the best things to see in Budapest.
Our tip: Don’t feel like researching every detail yourself? Join a guided tour of the Castle District and let a local show you the best spots and stories.
Book a guided tour through Budapest’s castle district
Fisherman's Bastion
The name “Fisherman’s Bastion” may not sound spectacular at first, but the building itself is one of the most magical places to visit in Budapest.
It really does look like something from a fairytale castle — bright white stone, pointed towers and sweeping terraces.
In earlier times, the area was linked to the fish market, which is how it got its name.
Set high on Castle Hill, the bastion’s terrace offers a breathtaking view of Budapest’s old town and the Danube — easily one of the best things to do in Budapest.
€3
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is not only the largest building in Budapest, but also one of the most iconic. It’s impossible to miss on any list of top things to do in Budapest.
Originally built in the 13th century as the residence of the Hungarian kings, the palace has undergone countless transformations. Over the centuries it has been redesigned, destroyed, rebuilt and expanded again and again.
The architecture alone makes it worth a visit, but you’ll also find several museums inside, including the National Museum, the Historical Museum and the National Library.
And of course, you shouldn’t leave without taking a photo in front of the huge palace and its striking turquoise dome — one of the classic Budapest attractions.
from €11
Vajdahunyad Castle
Budapest has no shortage of castles, but Vajdahunyad Castle is in a league of its own. So what makes it so special?
Vajdahunyad was originally built to celebrate Budapest’s 1,000th anniversary, and its towers bring together replicas of the 21 most beautiful castles and buildings in Hungary. In other words, you’re getting 21 castles in one — pretty amazing, right?
Despite the mix of styles, the architecture blends together beautifully. With its moat and the old-fashioned castle gate, Vajdahunyad looks like something straight out of a storybook and belongs on any list of top attractions in Budapest.
from €7
The Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is Budapest’s true landmark — and its dimensions are enormous: almost 270 meters long and 96 meters high. It’s one of the largest parliament buildings in the world and one of the tallest buildings in Budapest.
Its style is reminiscent of Westminster Palace in London, with countless white spires and elegant arches.
On a guided tour, you can even step inside the grand dome hall where the royal crown is displayed.
The best viewpoint for photos is right across the Danube — one of the classic things to see in Budapest.
€17
St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest and most important church in Budapest and, like many other Budapest attractions, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Richly decorated inside and out, the basilica is an absolute must if you’re wondering what to see in Budapest.
The dome stretches an impressive 100 meters high, and you can climb all the way to the top — after 297 steps. The effort pays off, as the panoramic view from the terrace is truly spectacular.
The spiral staircases inside the towers are also great for creative perspective shots.
Book a tour of St. Stephen’s Basilica
Chain Bridge
Nine bridges cross the Danube in Budapest, but the Chain Bridge is the oldest permanent link between Buda and Pest. And especially at night, when its lights reflect on the water, it’s arguably the most beautiful of them all.
The bridge stretches 375 meters across the river and, as the name suggests, is supported by massive steel chains anchored to two monumental towers.
Walking across it is simply part of any visit to Budapest. It gives you a fantastic view of the Danube and both sides of the city — one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Our tip: Besides the Chain Bridge, we also recommend the Margaret Bridge and the Liberty Bridge — both are fantastic insider tips for exploring Budapest!
House of Terror
Our next stop isn’t exactly cheerful, but if you want a deeper understanding of the city, the House of Terror is one of the most important places to visit in Budapest.
Hungary suffered under two brutal dictatorships in the 20th century, first under the Nazis and then under the Communists.
Before it became a museum, the House of Terror was a beautiful Renaissance-style building. But during both regimes, it was the site of torture, imprisonment, and executions.
Today, the museum sheds light on this dark chapter of Budapest’s history. The films with eyewitness accounts are heartbreaking and incredibly powerful — making this one of the most thought-provoking Budapest attractions.
Guided tour of the House of Terror
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts already looks impressive from the outside, but there’s so much more waiting for you inside.
The permanent collection covers classical art from across the centuries. You’ll find masterpieces by old masters, a hall filled with classical sculptures, and plenty of insight into Hungary’s art heritage.
A real highlight is the Egyptian section in the basement — complete with authentic mummies.
The rotating special exhibitions are also fantastic, telling fascinating stories about famous artists like Frida Kahlo or Hieronymus Bosch.
Our tip for families: The museum offers a fun adventure kit that lets kids explore the collection in an interactive way.
€15
Flippermúzeum
No matter what decade you grew up in, pinball has its own kind of magic: bright machines, flashing lights and that unmistakable ringing when the ball hits just the right spot. That’s the classic pinball vibe.
What many people don’t know: the roots of pinball go all the way back to the 18th century. Of course, it looked completely different back then.
In the Flippermúzeum you can discover an incredible range of machines, learn more about the evolution of the game and, of course, play as many rounds as you like.
It’s certainly one of the craziest museums among all the Budapest attractions and definitely one of the more unusual places to visit in Budapest.
Book your ticket for the Flippermúzeum
€15
Gellért Hill
The best view of Budapest awaits you on Gellért Hill. Unlike the castle, you don’t glide up on an escalator here — you’ll need to tackle a short walk.
The easiest way is to start the path to the right of the famous Gellért Baths. Don’t worry, calling it a “climb” sounds far more dramatic than it actually is. The short hike is absolutely worth it for one of the top things to do in Budapest if you love great viewpoints.
City Forest
The City Forest sits just behind Heroes’ Square and is basically the green heart of Budapest. Locals come here to unwind, read on the grass or let their kids explore the many playgrounds.
But there’s plenty more to see. Within the park you’ll find a circus with year-round shows, a zoo and a botanical garden — all making it one of the more relaxed things to see in Budapest.
On warm days, most people gather around the lake to soak up the sun or cool off in the water.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island lies right in the middle of the Danube between Buda and Pest.
It’s a quiet escape from the city, since no cars are allowed here apart from public transport. At the same time, there are plenty of activities and on warm days the island becomes one of the most popular places to visit in Budapest.
A top spot is the Palatinus Lido with outdoor pools, sunbathing lawns and slides. There’s also a small animal park and a Japanese garden with turtles drifting through the ponds.
Margaret Island is especially great if you’re on vacation with children and looking for relaxed Budapest attractions.
Thermal Baths
The thermal baths in Budapest are famous worldwide — not surprising, since Budapest is the largest spa city in Europe with 21 baths in total.
Two of the most beautiful are the Gellért Baths and the Széchenyi Baths. Both offer wonderfully relaxing pools combined with stunning architecture.
Széchenyi, located in a grand palace from 1913, features several thermal pools, saunas and a large outdoor area. The Gellért Baths, designed entirely in Art Nouveau style, have their most iconic pool in an impressive hall with columns and delicate balconies.
Note: the Gellért Baths are currently closed.
Get your ticket for the Széhcenyi Baths
from €32
Synagogues
Budapest has a rich Jewish heritage and today more than 100,000 Jewish residents still live here. The Great Synagogue is the largest in Europe and one of the top attractions in Budapest.
Its interior is beautifully decorated and unlike anything you’ll see in Christian churches. There’s also a museum next door dedicated to Jewish history in Budapest.
Our tip: A real insider recommendation from our guide Gábor is the synagogue on Kazinczy Street. This orthodox synagogue stands out with its Art Nouveau design. If you’re exploring the Jewish Quarter, you shouldn’t miss it.
Ruin Bars
The Jewish Quarter has become the creative and alternative neighborhood of Budapest and feels a little like Berlin. Bars and restaurants are everywhere, and in the evenings the streets buzz with life. Just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
Budapest is also famous for its ruin bars — bars and clubs set up in abandoned buildings and courtyards. The best known is Szimpla Kert. You won’t find many locals here anymore since it appears in every guidebook, but it’s still absolutely worth visiting. For us, checking out a ruin bar is one of the coolest things to do in Budapest.
It’s quiet during the day, but in the evening it comes to life. Every Sunday morning, the bar hosts a farmers’ market, which is also great to visit.
If you want to dive deeper into the city’s alternative culture, we recommend this tour:
Book a city tour through alternative Budapest
Heroes' Square
Heroes’ Square in Budapest is famous for more than just its history — it was even the backdrop for Michael Jackson’s music video for History. At 36 meters tall, the angel Gabriel stands atop the Corinth Column, surrounded by equestrian statues and monuments.
Situated at the end of the iconic Andrássy Street, Heroes’ Square is one of the most famous places in Budapest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Behind the square, a beautiful park with a lake invites visitors to canoe in the summer or ice skate in winter.
Andrássy út
Andrássy Avenue was built at the end of the 19th century to mark Budapest’s 1,000th anniversary.
This grand boulevard is one of the city’s main arteries, and since many of the top attractions in Budapest line the street, you’re bound to end up here. Take a stroll and explore a little further.
From elegant old façades to luxurious villas with gardens and tree-lined sections, there is plenty to see. Along the way, you’ll also discover charming cafés and restaurants, making it one of the best things to do in Budapest on foot.
Caves of Buda Castle
On a city trip to Budapest, the castle district with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace is a must. But for a real insider experience, head underground — beneath the castles lies a hidden world.
A labyrinth of caves stretches over 4,000 square meters. Formed naturally and later connected with tunnels during the Second World War, the caves served as a military bunker and could even shelter up to 10,000 civilians — complete with an underground hospital.
Today, much of this cave system is open to visitors, making a tour through these tunnels one of the most unusual things to see in Budapest.
Tour through the caves of Buda Castle
€15,50
The Great Market Hall
Food lovers, you’re in the right place: Budapest’s Great Market Hall on Liberty Bridge spans 10,000 square meters, packed with everything from glossy red peppers to fresh meat and delicious Hungarian pogácsa.
As a major tourist magnet, it can get crowded. For a more local experience, check out the Lehel Market, where prices are lower and you’ll find plenty of authentic Hungarian specialties.
If you want to dive deeper into Budapest’s culinary culture, consider a tour where you stroll through the market with a local and then cook traditional dishes in a private home. This is one of the best ways to really experience the city like a local.
Book a market tour with private cooking class
Closed on Sundays
The Oldest Subway in Europe
Subway line 1 holds the title of oldest subway line in mainland Europe.
Interestingly, its construction was almost accidental. In 1893, the government had banned a tramway on the famous Andrássy Street, so the city decided to build the line underground instead.
From proposal to approval, it took just five months — something our Berlin readers might find hard to believe when thinking about BER.
Boat Trip on the Danube
The Danube divides Budapest into Buda and Pest, and a boat trip on the Danube is one of the most scenic ways to see the city.
From the water, you can admire iconic Budapest attractions like the Hungarian Parliament and watch the historic streets and promenade glide by.
Options range from regular sightseeing cruises to special experiences like night tours or dinner cruises.
Sightseeing boat tour by day
Boat tour at night with dinner
from €12
General Tips for Visiting the Attractions in Budapest
Here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your trip and enjoy the best things to do in Budapest.
Our hotel tips for Budapest
Budapest has accommodations for every taste, from historic 5-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
We suggest staying in Pest. While many famous places to visit in Budapest are in Buda, Pest is livelier, with more restaurants, pubs, shopping, and easy transport across the Danube.
See our hotel tips for Budapest for options in every price range.
Save money and time with the Budapest Card
The Budapest Card is perfect if you want to explore top attractions in Budapest and use public transport efficiently.
It offers discounted or free entry to many museums and sights. The card is valid from one day (€29) up to five days (€82). You can download a voucher online and pick up your pass at the airport or city center.