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Budapest, Hungary

Destination Guide

Budapest

Hungary

Best things to do in Budapest

29 curated attractions in Budapest, Hungary. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - October

Average temp

11°C/52°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, each with its own character. Buda is hilly and features landmarks like Buda Castle and the Liberty Statue, while Pest is more urban with streets leading to attractions such as St. Stephen's Basilica and the famous thermal baths. The city's architectural heritage ranges from Gothic to Art Nouveau, shaping a skyline that reflects its complex history. Visitors generally come for the thermal baths and ruin bars, which offer a unique blend of relaxation and nightlife in a city known for its affordability and dramatic flair.

Who it's for

Ideal for those interested in history, culture, and a lively atmosphere, with plenty of options for affordable dining and entertainment. Not a great choice for those seeking a quiet escape or a destination focused solely on modern amenities: the crowds and nightlife can be overwhelming.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre is walkable and most attractions are within thirty minutes on foot
  • Public transport is efficient, with trams and metro lines connecting key sites like Heroes' Square and Andrassy Avenue
  • The airport is about 30 minutes from the city center by taxi or shuttle, with public transport taking longer
  • Chain Bridge is a popular walking route between Buda and Pest
Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle

Castles & palaces
Liberty Statue

Liberty Statue

Monuments & memorials
Great Market Hall

Great Market Hall

Food markets & food halls
Hungarian Parliament Building

Hungarian Parliament Building

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion

Monuments & memorials
Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square

Squares & plazas
City Park

City Park

City parks
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

Cultural
Buda Castle

Buda Castle

Castles & palaces
Chain Bridge

Chain Bridge

Bridges
Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spas & bathhouses
Gellért Hill

Gellért Hill

Scenic viewpoints
Church of St. Elizabeth

Church of St. Elizabeth

Churches & cathedrals
Hungarian State Opera House

Hungarian State Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

Transportation
Citadella

Citadella

Forts & citadels
Andrassy Avenue

Andrassy Avenue

Streets & neighbourhoods
St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica

Churches & cathedrals
Matthias Church

Matthias Church

Churches & cathedrals
Margaret Island

Margaret Island

City parks
Shoes on the Danube Bank

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Monuments & memorials
Budapest Eye observation wheel

Budapest Eye observation wheel

Observation decks & city views
Gozsdu Passage

Gozsdu Passage

Urban Attractions
Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

Zoos
Museum of Sweeties and Selfies

Museum of Sweeties and Selfies

Entertainment
Dohány Street Synagogue

Dohány Street Synagogue

Synagogues
Danube River

Danube River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Gellért Spa

Gellért Spa

Luxury and Exclusive Attractions
Secret Garden Spa

Secret Garden Spa

Luxury and Exclusive Attractions

Where to eat in Budapest

The places worth planning a meal around.

New York Cafe

New York Cafe

Hungarian

★ 4.1 · 67,259 reviews

Ruin Bars

Ruin Bars

★ 4.6 · 7,955 reviews

Párisi Passage Café

Párisi Passage Café

Hungarian Café · $$

★ 4.4 · 4,224 reviews

White Raven

White Raven

Modern Hungarian · $$

★ 4.7 · 1,602 reviews

The Duchess Rooftop Bar

The Duchess Rooftop Bar

Contemporary European · $$

★ 4.2 · 942 reviews

Away Spa

Away Spa

$$$$

★ 4.8 · 126 reviews

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