Budapest packs imperial grandeur, Ottoman-era baths and a buzzing nightlife into one walkable city. Here are the 20 best things to do. Prices are 2026 rates where they’re fixed.
Pest
- The Hungarian Parliament: a 45-minute guided tour including the Holy Crown. See tickets.
- The Shoes on the Danube Bank: a moving Holocaust memorial near Parliament.
- St Stephen’s Basilica: climb or take the lift to the dome for 360° views.
- The Dohány Street Synagogue: Europe’s largest synagogue.
- The ruin bars: Szimpla Kert and friends in the Jewish Quarter.
- Andrássy Avenue and the Hungarian State Opera: a UNESCO boulevard.
- Heroes’ Square and City Park, with Vajdahunyad Castle.
- The Great Market Hall: paprika, salami and lángos upstairs.
- Tram 2 along the Danube for a cheap sightseeing ride.
Buda
- Buda Castle and the Hungarian National Gallery.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: fairy-tale turrets, best at sunrise.
- Matthias Church: a colourful tiled roof and Gothic interior.
- Gellért Hill and the Citadella: the best panorama of the city.
- The Castle Hill Funicular, or walk up for free.
Baths and the river
- The Széchenyi Baths: from 13,200 HUF Monday–Thursday. See our baths guide.
- The Rudas Baths: an Ottoman dome and a rooftop pool, plus night bathing at weekends.
- A Danube cruise at night, past the lit-up Parliament and Chain Bridge.
- Margaret Island: a park, the musical fountain and jogging tracks.
Food and day trips
- Hungarian food: goulash, chicken paprikash, kürtőskalács and Tokaji wine.
- Szentendre and the Danube Bend: an artists’ town about 40 minutes away by HÉV train.
Compare Budapest cruises, bath tickets and food tours.
Tips
- Gellért Baths are closed for renovation (reopening expected around 2028).
- Book Parliament tickets online days in advance.
- Pay in HUF by card and avoid street money changers.
More Budapest guides
- Budapest travel guide
- Budapest itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Budapest
- Budapest thermal baths: prices and tips
- Hungarian Parliament tickets and tours
- Budapest Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Budapest
FAQ: Things to do in Budapest
What is Budapest most famous for?
Its thermal baths, the Parliament building, the Danube views, the ruin bars and Hungarian cuisine.
What can you do for free in Budapest?
You can walk Castle Hill and the lower terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion, see the Shoes on the Danube Bank, climb Gellért Hill, explore Margaret Island and wander the Jewish Quarter.
Are the Gellért Baths open?
No. They’ve been closed since October 2025 for renovation, with reopening expected around 2028. Try Rudas or Széchenyi instead.
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