Budapest is one of Europe’s most captivating capitals: a perfect blend of dramatic architecture, thermal baths, vibrant ruin bars, and rich cultural heritage.
Whether you're planning a romantic
getaway, a family
holiday, or a solo adventure, this ultimate Budapest travel guide will help you discover the best things to do in Budapest. From soaking in world-famous thermal baths to exploring historic castles and enjoying open-air summer festivals, we’ve curated a list of must-see attractions and hidden gems.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Top 10 must-do activities in Budapest
- Top 5 Things to Do in Budapest with Kids
- Top 5 Things to Do in Budapest on a Rainy Day
- Top 3 Romantic Things to Do in Budapest for Couples
- Top 4 Summer Events and Experiences in Budapest
Let’s dive into what makes Budapest an unforgettable destination: rain or shine, solo or with company.
Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Budapest
1) Hungarian Parliament Building Tour
Marvel at one of Europe’s most beautiful parliament buildings, sitting majestically on the Danube. Join a guided tour to see its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
2) Soak in Budapest’s Famous Thermal Baths
Budapest is known as the “City of Spas,” and for good reason. Relax in centuries-old thermal waters at iconic spots like Széchenyi Baths or the Art Nouveau-style Gellért Baths: a uniquely Hungarian experience.
Want to unwind like a local? Compare both spas and book your tickets here:
- Széchenyi Spa Tickets with Locker or Private Cabin & Optional Fast Track Entry
- Gellert Spa Tickets with Locker or Private Cabin
3) Sunset Cruise on the Danube River
Glide between Buda and Pest while iconic landmarks like Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge light up around you. It’s the most magical way to see the city skyline.
4) Explore Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Walk through centuries of history in this UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views, medieval streets, and world-class museums like the Hungarian National Gallery.
5) Stroll Through Fisherman’s Bastion
With fairy-tale towers and sweeping views of the Parliament, this Neo-Romanesque terrace is perfect for dreamy photos and romantic moments.
6) Experience the Ruin Bars (Start with Szimpla Kert)
Step into Budapest’s famous nightlife scene where abandoned buildings become eclectic bars. Szimpla Kert is the original and still the most iconic.
7) Walk Across the Chain Bridge
Connecting Buda and Pest since 1849, this historic suspension bridge offers incredible views and is best experienced on foot at dusk or dawn.
8) Ride Tram Line 2 Along the Danube
Often called one of the world’s most scenic tram rides, Line 2 takes you past major sights like the Parliament and Gellért Hill for the price of a public transport ticket.
9) Visit the Great Market Hall
Sample authentic Hungarian dishes, shop for paprika and handmade souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant local life in this 19th-century market.
10) Unwind on Margaret Island
Escape the city buzz with a bike ride, musical fountain shows, or thermal pool dip on this car-free green oasis in the heart of the Danube.
Top 5 Things to Do in Budapest with Kids
1) Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
One of the oldest zoos in the world, offering hundreds of species and a lush botanical park: perfect for a full day of family exploration.
2) Light Art Museum – Immersive New Media Experience
Step into a world of light, color, and motion! This cutting-edge digital art space lets kids and adults experience art through interactive projections and sound.
3) Pinball Museum
Home to over 150 playable vintage pinball and arcade machines, this nostalgic museum offers endless hands-on fun for all ages.
4) Cat Museum
A quirky, cozy spot that’s both a museum and a celebration of feline culture: perfect for young animal lovers and curious minds alike.
5) Cinema Mystica – Multisensory Art Experience
Dive into a surreal world of sound, light, and motion. Cinema Mystica blends immersive visuals with storytelling, offering an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
Top 5 Things to Do in Budapest on a Rainy Day
1) Dohány Street Synagogue
The largest synagogue in Europe, this stunning Moorish-style building offers deep historical insight and breathtaking architecture, even more atmospheric in the rain.
2) St. Stephen's Basilica
Shelter from the weather inside Budapest’s grandest church, where soaring domes and intricate mosaics meet the relic of Hungary’s first king.
3) Rudas Thermal Spa
On a grey day, there's nothing better than relaxing in warm, healing waters. Rudas offers a mix of 16th-century Ottoman architecture and modern rooftop pools with river views.
4) Hungarian Jewish Museum & Synagogue Complex
Take a meaningful journey through Jewish heritage, art, and history: all within the Dohány complex. A reflective, enriching indoor experience.
5) Relax at the New York Café
Escape the rain in style: this opulent café surrounds you with Baroque elegance, live piano music, and decadent desserts. A Budapest icon not to be missed.
Top 3 Romantic Things to Do in Budapest for Couples
1) Nighttime Danube Cruise with Dinner
Enjoy a candlelit dinner as you drift along the Danube. Budapest’s bridges, castles, and skyline shine at night: making this cruise one of the most romantic things you can do.
- Budapest: Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne & Live Entertainment
- Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music
2) Wine Tasting in a Hidden Cellar
Explore Hungarian wine culture in an intimate cellar bar. Taste local favorites like Tokaji and Bull’s Blood while enjoying a cozy, candlelit atmosphere perfect for couples.
3) Classical Concert at a Historic Venue
Catch a string quartet or piano recital in a stunning setting like St. Michael’s Church or the Liszt Academy. Music and architecture combine for a refined evening out.
Top 4 Summer Events and Experiences in Budapest
1) Sziget Festival – Europe’s Island of Freedom
Held every August on Óbuda Island, Sziget Festival is one of Europe’s largest and most diverse music and arts festivals, attracting over 500,000 visitors from around the world. Spanning 7 days, the festival features a lineup of global headliners, emerging talent, and genre-spanning performances from pop and EDM to metal and world music.
But Sziget is more than just music: it’s an entire “island city” filled with immersive art installations, circus shows, yoga sessions, film screenings, and global food stalls.
Planning to attend? Check the lineup and get early bird tickets on our Sziget Festival page.
2) Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre
Catch a concert, opera, or dance show under the stars on this peaceful island stage. A romantic and cultural experience, perfect for warm summer nights.
3) Chill at Lupa Beach
Just outside the city, this urban beach offers white sand, turquoise water, beach bars, and water sports.. Ideal for a sunny escape without leaving Budapest.
4) Night Spa Parties at Széchenyi Baths
Dance in thermal water under the stars! These summer-only “Sparties” blend music, lights, and spa culture into one unforgettable night.
Where to Stay, Eat & Go Out in Budapest
Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife in Budapest
District VII – Erzsébetváros (Jewish Quarter)
This is the beating heart of Budapest’s nightlife. By day, it’s filled with vintage shops and street art; by night, it becomes a vibrant web of ruin bars, open-air courtyards, and late-night eateries.
- Don’t miss: Szimpla Kert (the original ruin bar), Instant-Fogas (multi-room club), and street food at Karaván.
- Perfect for: party lovers, solo travelers, backpackers, and creatives.
District V – Belváros (Downtown / Riverside)
More upscale and refined, District V offers cocktail bars, riverside terraces, and stylish lounges with Danube views. Ideal for pre-dinner drinks or romantic evenings.
- Highlights: High Note SkyBar (with basilica views), Tuk Tuk Bar (Asian-themed cocktails), and bars around Zrínyi utca.
- Perfect for: couples, professionals, and anyone who wants a scenic, classy night out.
District IX – Ferencváros & the Danube Promenade (Bálna area)
An up-and-coming district south of downtown with a growing nightlife scene. The Bálna Budapest building hosts bars with terrace views, while the nearby A38 Ship (a club on a boat!) is a local favorite for live music and electronic nights.
- Try: Jónás Craft Beer House, Bálna Terasz, and A38 for concerts.
- Perfect for: live music fans, beer enthusiasts, and those avoiding the crowds.
Where to Stay in Budapest
- Luxury – District V (Belváros-Lipótváros)
Near the Parliament and Basilica. Classic hotels like Four Seasons Gresham Palace or Aria Hotel offer high-end comfort and views. - Mid-Range – District VI (Terézváros)
Close to Andrássy Avenue and Opera. Stylish boutique hotels like Hotel Moments or K+K Opera give you location + value. - Budget – District VIII & IX (Józsefváros / Ferencváros)
You’ll find hostels, apartments, and affordable hotels like Meininger Budapest or Corvin Center Suites, all within reach of central sights.
Pro tip: Stay near a metro line (M1, M2, M3) for easy access to all attractions.
Must-Try Hungarian Dishes
- Gulyás (Goulash): Hungary’s iconic beef soup with paprika and vegetables.
- Lángos: Deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese—perfect street food.
- Hortobágyi Palacsinta: Savory pancakes filled with meat and covered in creamy paprika sauce.
- Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage): Comfort food at its best.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): Sweet, spiral pastry baked over charcoal—best with cinnamon or chocolate.
Pair it with a glass of Tokaji wine or a shot of Unicum, Hungary’s herbal spirit.
From historic thermal baths and dreamy Danube views to ruin bars, rooftop dinners, and open-air festivals, Budapest offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
We’ve covered the must-see attractions, kid-friendly experiences, rainy-day escapes, romantic moments, and even the best neighborhoods to party, stay, and eat like a local. All that’s left now is for you to pack your bags, grab your tickets, and let Budapest surprise you.
Safe travels and enjoy every second in Budapest!