Lady’s 17 Amazing Things to Do in Budapest

There’s no shortage of things to do in Budapest. From stunning views to great nightlife, the Hungarian capital has something for everyone. If you want to get to know the city and find out what to see, read on for A Lady in London’s guide to what to do in Budapest.

Things to Do in Budapest

I’ve been to this city four times, and on each visit I’ve gotten to know it better. On my most recent trip, I even got to go around with a local for 3 days in Budapest.

I hope my experiences help you find the best things to do in Budapest and have a great time exploring the city.

1. Visit Buda Castle

Buda Castle is an ideal place to start a visit to Budapest. You can walk up to this hulking structure on Castle Hill through the gardens on the Danube or take the funicular to the top.

Once at the castle, you’ll discover historic architecture and sweeping views over the river and bridges.

Buda Castle itself is a Baroque palace built between 1749 and 1769. It’s surrounded by other historic buildings and is home to a number of cultural institutions.

The Hungarian National Gallery and a branch of the Budapest History Museum are here, too.

2. Take in Views from Fisherman’s Bastion

Not far from the castle, taking in the views from Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most fun things to do in Budapest.

Fisherman’s Bastion is an iconic viewpoint with a series of Neo-Romanesque lookout towers. Walking between the towers is a great way to see stunning views of Budapest.

You can spot everything from the bridges to the sprawling expanse of Pest below.

3. Visit Matthias Church in Budapest

Right next to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church is a Gothic number with unique colorful roof tiles. Officially called the Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, it was used for centuries as a coronation church for Hungarian kings.

Today visitors can go inside and admire the breathtaking interior or climb to the top for more views over the city.

4. Walk the Streets of Castle Hill

One of the highlights of exploring Castle Hill is walking through its historic streets. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Budapest.

The cobbled alleys with colorful buildings and little shops are worth taking time to discover. There’s also the tower of the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, and leafy cafes are dotted throughout.

At the back of Castle Hill, there are great views of Buda and tree-lined streets with few crowds. It’s a good place to find peace away from the masses and main attractions.

5. Go to a Spa in Budapest

Going to the spa is one of the best things to do in Budapest. This city is famous for its baths, and visiting is a fun experience.

There’s no shortage of spas in Budapest, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when you go. I’ve had great experiences at the Lukacs Thermal Bath and Gellert Spa, and the Szechenyi Thermal Bath has one of the prettiest facades in the city.

The baths feature everything from pools to saunas and steam rooms. Many of the outdoor pools have jets and fountains, and some have whirlpools and wave pools.

A lot of Budapest spas offer treatments like massages as well, so you can stay all day getting pampered if you want to.

6. Have Cake at a Budapest Cafe

Hungarian pastries are legendary, and going for cake is one of the top things to do in Budapest. The city’s cafes have great pastry selections, and an annual cake competition means they’re always innovating.

My favorite place for cake in Budapest is Szamos. There are a number of branches in the city, but Szamos Szepkilatas Cukraszda in the hills of Buda has a great traditional atmosphere.

Their Esterhazy torta walnut cakes and kremes cream pastries are delicious (the same goes for the cheese scones).

7. Eat at the City’s Best Restaurants

When you’re not eating cake, there’s a lot more food to try. One of my top picks for things to do in Budapest is eat at all the good restaurants.

My favorite place for breakfast or brunch is Cinnamon, a stylish cafe that serves all the classics and inventive dishes of its own. Think waffles with figs and you’ll get the idea.

For traditional Hungarian food away from the tourist crowds, I like Ezustponty Vendeglo. This historic place has period interiors, outdoor tables with checkered tablecloths, and menu items like goulash and schnitzel.

8. Explore the Nightlife Scene in Budapest

When you’re done eating, one of the most fun things to do in Budapest is explore the nightlife scene. From ruin bars to clubs, there’s no shortage of places to get your fix.

My favorite bar is Hotsy Totsy. Hidden away on a side street in a busy part of Pest, this subterranean gem has some of the best cocktails in the city. There’s no menu here, but they do the standard numbers and creative inventions of their own.

9. Visit Vajdahunyad Castle

Back on the sightseeing trail, Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the most beautiful places in Budapest. This 19th-century architectural showcase features examples of building styles from Hungary’s past.

Everything from Gothic to Baroque can be seen here, and the views of it from the surrounding boating lake are stunning.

10. Walk around Heroes’ Square

Vajdahunyad Castle is just over the bridge from Heroes’ Square. This landmark plaza was constructed in the late 19th century to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Hungary.

The seven statues in the center pay tribute to Magyar chieftains. They’re surrounded by figures of Hungarian kings. The square itself is lined with Neoclassical buildings housing institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts.

11. Take in the Views from Gellert Hill

Another of the top things to do in Budapest is enjoy the views from Gellert Hill.

From the bottom you’ll see a dramatic waterfall beneath an early 20th-century monument. It pays homage to Saint Gellert, an 11th-century bishop who tried to convert the Magyars to Christianity.

From the top you can enjoy stunning views over Elizabeth Bridge and other parts of the city.

12. Visit the Dohany Street Synagogue

Over in Pest, the 19th-century Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe. Its striking onion domes are unique architectural features, and the building is also home to the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives.

Visiting the synagogue is a good way to learn about Jewish Budapest and understand the history of the Jewish experience in Hungary.

13. Go to St. Stephen’s Basilica

Not far from the synagogue, St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most iconic churches in Budapest. This Neo-Classical building with its twin bell towers and striking dome is beautiful inside and out.

Climbing to the top for views over Pest and taking in the art and mosaics inside are some of the best things to do in Budapest.

14. Explore the Museums in Budapest

And speaking of art, one of the best cultural things to do in Budapest is visit the city’s many museums.

I’ve already mentioned the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives, but there are many more to discover in the city.

The House of Terror is set in a building that was once the headquarters of the secret police. It focuses on the crimes and atrocities of Hungary’s fascist and Stalinist regimes.

The Hungarian National Museum contains the country’s most important collection of historical items and artifacts.

There are also smaller museums covering niche subjects, so it’s worth doing some research to find the ones that fit your interests.

15. Take in the Views from Normafa Park

Back outside, one of the top outdoor things to do in Budapest is go to Normafa Park.

This sprawling green space in the hills of Buda has wide walking paths and offers some of the best views of Budapest. There are little cafes dotted throughout, too.

It’s worth taking a wander through the woods and climbing to the top of Elizabeth Lookout. This tower has panoramic views of Budapest and is a great place to get a feel for how the city is laid out.

16. Admire the Hungarian Parliament Building

Perhaps the most beautiful structure in Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament Building is a must-see on any trip to the city.

The seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, this stunning Gothic Revival number is one of the most admired buildings in the country.

Located right on the Danube, you can see the Hungarian Parliament Building from many of Budapest’s viewpoints. You can also visit and take a tour of the interior if you want to see what’s inside.

17. Behold the Budapest Bridges

One of the most memorable things to do in Budapest is admire the bridges. From the Freedom Bridge to Elizabeth Bridge, the city has no shortage of them. The most famous is the Chain Bridge, which lights up at night.

It’s worth going up to Castle Hill or another viewpoint after dark to take in the Chain Bridge (and the rest of the city, for that matter) after dark. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend an evening in the city, and I highly recommend it.

Things to Do in Budapest

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of things to do in Budapest. This city has a lot to offer, and it’s worth getting out to explore as much as you can while you’re visiting. Happy sightseeing!

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