Budapest is one of the most affordable and beautiful cities to visit in Europe. Not only is it the capital of Hungary but it is also the biggest city in Central and Eastern Europe. With its beautiful culture, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, cultural heritage, culinary delights, and thermal baths, Budapest has a little bit of everything for everyone. I found Budapest to be a relaxing yet cultural and unique city to visit. Here are my recommendations for places and things you should do when visiting Budapest!
1. Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most iconic and Instagram-worthy landmarks in Budapest, and it is one spot that you can’t miss in Budapest! It is architecturally beautiful with its neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style. Fisherman’s Bastion has 7 towers, each representing the 7 Hungarian tribes that founded the country in the 9th century. It also has stunning views of the city and the Danube River, and the views are even better to see during sunrise or sunset.
I highly recommend visiting Fisherman’s Bastion during sunrise because it is an extremely popular spot for tourists and photographers alike. This landmark only gets more crowded as the day goes on. Even during sunrise, there was a crowd, but if you’re patient enough you’ll be able to get your shots! Most of Fisherman’s Bastion is free to enter, but the upper towers cost a small entrance fee. However, if you arrive before 9 am, all parts of the landmark are free (which is even more reason to visit get up early and visit this first thing in the morning!). For more details on pricing and free entrance, check out the official site here.
2. Hungarian Parliament Building
Another iconic landmark in Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament Building. This Neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece is one of the most beautiful parliamentary buildings in the world. I can’t tell you how in awe I was when I first saw it in person! The Hungarian Parliament Building is also a symbol of Hungary’s sovereignty, and its exterior has sculptures and statues that represent historical and mythological figures from the country’s history.
Not only is the building beautiful during the day; it is even more spectacular at night! You have to see the building illuminated at night, especially on your evening stroll. You can even visit the building and take a guided tour to marvel at its impressive interior design, and here is the official site for ticket purchases.
3. Shoes on Danube Bank
The Shoes on Danube Bank is a memorial and monument to the Hungarian Jews who were senselessly murdered during the Holocaust. There are 60 pairs of iron shoes of various sizes and styles installed on the east bank of the Danube River to honor them. This memorial is a powerful yet somber reminder of the dark history and serves to educate the importance of tolerance. On the shoes, you may find fresh flowers and other tokens placed inside the shoes by visitors.
4. Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert)
One thing you must do in Budapest is check out their ruin bars! Ruin bars are quirky bars and nightclubs opened in abandoned buildings. In the early 2000s, there was an abundance of abandoned and decaying buildings unique establishments, and entrepreneurs and artists turned them into ruin bars. The ruin bars have eclectic decor, open-air courtyards, and live music and art. It has become an integral and unique part of Budapest’s culture, and it is something you need to experience when visiting the city.
The most popular (and my favorite) ruin bar is Szimpla Kert. It is the oldest and most popular ruin bar located in the Jewish Quarter. It has a fun, funky, and vibrant atmosphere with beers and cocktails at reasonable prices. Each bar and room offers a different vibe and menu, and I highly recommend checking all of them out! I also recommend visiting Szimpla Kert earlier in the day so you can explore it without the crowds.
5. New York Cafe
The New York Cafe in Budapest is often referred to as the “Most Beautiful Cafe in the World” featuring lavish decorations including details like frescoes on the ceilings, marble columns, and crystal chandeliers. The cafe has a storied history being a hub where Budapest’s intellectual elite gathered to discuss ideas and share their work. Aside from the cafe staples like pastries, cakes, and coffees, the New York Cafe also offers entrees like pasta, steak, and a breaded pork loin for lunch and dinner. The New York Cafe gets really busy, so make sure you make a reservation or line up before opening to get all your pictures in without the crowds!
6. City Park
City Park is located near the city center and is one of Budapest’s most popular and expansive parks with a diverse range of attractions and recreational opportunities. The park is huge at 302 acres and includes a variety of landscapes including open grassy areas, wooded sections, ponds and gardens. Heroes’ Square is a grand plaza located at the entrance of City Park that features the Millennium Monument, which is a beautiful symbolic and cultural site. Budapest’s most famous thermal bath, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, is located within the park and offers multiple indoor and outdoor pools filled with water from natural thermal springs. One of the most iconic landmarks in the park is Vajdahunyad Castle, a stunning architectural complex that is an excellent spot for sightseeing and taking pictures. City Park is also home to the Budapest Zoo, which is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It hosts a wide variety of animals to observe, and visitors can also learn about conservation efforts. A prominent attraction is the Museum of Fine Arts which houses an extensive collection of European art including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Titian, and Goya. During the winter, City Park offers Europe’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink which is a popular destination to enjoy ice skating in a picturesque setting.
7. Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is one of the largest and most prominent public libraries in Budapest. Along with the library’s extensive collection of cultural resources, the building is architecturally beautiful inside and out. The library I paid around 1800 HUF (~$5) for a single-day visitor ticket per person to the library. The I visited influx of tourists can disturb the people trying to use the library for its intended purposes so — try to keep your camera silent and your voice down when visiting to take pictures.
8. St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is named after the first king of Hungary, who played a crucial role in the country’s conversion to Christianity. One of the most popular relics in the basilica is the Holy Right Hand which is the mummified right fist of St. Stephen himself from 1,000 years ago. This relic leads the Saint Stephen’s Day parade each year on August 20th to celebrate the founder of the Hungarian nation. The Basilica is an active Catholic church that has multiple mass times with its mass schedule posted on its website. St Stephen’s Basilica is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture with its grand facade, towering dome, and intricate interior design making it one of the most impressive buildings in Budapest. The interior of the basilica is gorgeous adorned with beautiful artwork, statues, and frescoes. The intricate details and religious motifs create a sense of awe and reverence. Aside from the relics and the beautiful interior of the Basilica, St. Stephen’s is popular for its 360-degree views at the dome’s panoramic lookout terrace that serves as a fantastic vantage point to see landmarks like the Parliament Building and the Danube River.
9. Buda Castle
Buda Castle is located on Castle Hill and has a rich and diverse history that served as the royal residence for Hungarian kinds and was even an imperial palace for the Habsburgs. The castle provides panoramic views of the Danube River and is a great spot to take pictures! If coming from the city center, there is an option to walk up for free or pay 4,000 HUF (~$11) for a roundtrip ticket for the Budavári sikló (Funicular), a pair of trams both with 3 levels that allows you to take ascending and descending shots of the Danube and Budapest’s city center from a view. A roundtrip ticket isn’t cheap for the ride being only a few minutes, but it provides great views as you ride it and it can be really difficult to pass up if the weather gets very hot.
10. Matthias Church
Matthias Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is a must-visit for any visitor to Budapest due to its stunning architecture adorned with intricate stone carvings and a gorgeous interior featuring beautifully painted frescoes and stained glass windows. This makes for a great picture spot inside and out. The church is historically significant with having historical ties to Hungarian royalty, including the wedding of King Matthias and Queen Beatrix, the site for royal coronations and ceremonies, and the final resting place of Béla III, a Hungarian king.
Tickets to the church and the tower can be purchased in person or online here. A ticket for an adult for the church is 2500 HUF (~$7) and tickets for an adult for the tower are 2900 HUF (~$8). The church is in close proximity to other Budapest highlights on Castle Hill like Fisherman’s Bastion, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
11. Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov is my favorite restaurant I visited in Budapest! Aside from the beautiful interior with hanging vines and strung-up lights, the staff is friendly, and the Israeli food they serve is delicious. I had the Shakshuka, Slow roasted lamb, Jemen style sous vide chicken, and they were all incredible. This was definitely one of my favorite meals I’ve had in Budapest!
Mazel Tov allows for online reservations, and I would highly recommend doing this, especially for weekends and evenings when the restaurant can be busy. With a 4.6 star rating with over 20,000 reviews on Google, it’s apparent that many other people agree that Mazel Tov is a must-visit restaurant!
12. TwentySix
TwentySix is a beautifully decorated restaurant/bar in downtown Budapest with three stories covered in foliage and a unique light arrangement hanging near the center of the room. Similar to TwentySix, there is a glass ceiling that stretches across the large dining area, allowing for the room to be brightened by natural light during the day. It serves as a great place to grab small snacks and drinks for lunch or full entrees for dinner. Make sure you get a 26° Fiori Spritz because it is a delicious drink!
13. Hungarian State Opera
The Hungarian State Opera is another structure that is beautiful on the inside and out. Even if you aren’t coming to watch a performance, there are still 60-minute tours that are offered in English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, and Hungarian. Each tour ends with a 10-minute show, and this is a great option to be able to take in the beautiful interior and get a taste of a show with the Opera’s soloists.
Reservations for an Opera performance can be hard to get, so the tour is a great alternative. Tickets are 9000 HUF (~$24.50) per person or 5000 HUF (~$13.50) for a Hungarian-language tour, and the tickets can be purchased on their website.
14. The Duchess
If you’re looking for a place to grab drinks with your friends while staring at a beautiful view, then the Duchess is the perfect spot for you! Located on the Matild Palace’s rooftop terrace, The Duchess is a secret liqueur library, garden, and rooftop bar. This hidden gem in Budapest serves unique handcrafted cocktails, liqueurs, and delicious bites. It also has the most beautiful view overlooking the Danube River and the Elisabeth Bridge, and it is the perfect place to watch the sunset while grabbing drinks with your date or friends. I highly recommend making a reservation before booking as it can get busy later on in the night!
15. Great Market Hall
The Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall, is a popular and iconic attraction that offers a variety of compelling reasons to visit. Lining the bottom floor of the hall, you will rows of stalls with a wide range of fresh and locally sourced produce, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, herbs, and spices. Hungary is particularly famous for its paprika, and the Great Market Hall is an excellent place where you can buy high-quality paprika. Aside from the food, the market also offers a wide range of authentic Hungarian souvenirs and traditional products that would make for great unique gifts and mementos!
The market occasionally hosts special events and festivals, including culinary demonstrations, food tastings, and cultural celebrations, so make sure you check the calendar for any upcoming events! I will say that based on Google reviews (several having 1-star overall ratings on Google) and my own experience, many of the street food stalls come off as an overpriced tourist trap, so be careful which food vendors you try. You can also find much more delicious food elsewhere nearby in downtown Budapest.
16. Ferris Wheel of Budapest
The Budapest Eye, often referred to as the Budapest Ferris Wheel, is centrally located in Elisabeth Square and provides great opportunities for entertainment and a photo opp. The high vantage point of the Wheel allows for stunning views of popular Hungarian landmarks like the Danube River, Buda Castle, and the Hungarian Parliament. The Budapest Eye provides especially great views at sunset and at night when the city lights up. The ticket is generally good for about 3-5 rotations in the cabin, depending on the operator.
Tickets can be bought in-person or online here and currently cost 4300 HUF (~$11.50) for a standard adult ticket with other options that include a priority pass and champagne. Even if you aren’t riding the Budapest Eye, the Wheel serves as a great focal point as the background for photos.
17. Dohany Street Synagogue
The Dohany Street Synagogue is one of the most historically significant synagogues in Europe as it played a crucial role in the Jewish community of Hungary, and it’s a symbol of Jewish heritage and resilience. The synagogue is also the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world being able to seat almost 3,000 people in addition to having standing places. Access to the Dohany Street Synagogue is on the more expensive side when compared with other attractions in Budapest at 9000 HUF (~$24.50) for an adult, but the synagogue is gorgeous and the ticket comes with a guided tour where you can learn interesting facts about Jewish history and culture. Be aware that this is a place of worship and thus there is a strict dress code with no sleeveless tops, no short skirts or shorts. Men must wear a small skullcap called a kipah or yarmulke that you will receive after ticket inspection.
18. The Danube River Cruise
The Danube River is one of the most iconic features of Budapest as it runs along the middle of the city and played a major role in the development of the city. The best way to take in the sights along the Danube is through a Sightseeing River Cruise. There is an option for a day cruise or a dinner cruise, but I’d highly recommend opting for the dinner cruise as you get to enjoy your meal while seeing all of the buildings lit up at night. The Parliament Building is especially beautiful to pass by at night because the walls are covered in lights creating a soft yellow glow that makes the structure stand out in the dark. The day cruise is a cheaper option, so if you want to save some money, you can opt for the day cruise which comes with one free drink. There is a counter area where soft drinks and alcoholic beverages along with small snacks and sandwiches are available onboard.
19. Széchenyi Baths
Budapest is known as the “City of Spas” and has more thermal and medicinal water springs than any other city in the world, having over 100 thermal water springs in the city alone. Thermal baths have been popular among locals and tourists alike for over two thousand years, and it has become an integral part of the country’s culture. Budapest has 9 medicinal baths, and Széchenyi Baths is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and the most popular bath in Budapest. Széchenyi Baths feels like an amusement park with so much to explore and do. It has 18 pools, 10 saunas/steam cabins, several massage therapies, facial treatments, and more.
I recommend visiting Széchenyi Baths during opening time on a weekday, so you can experience it without the crowds. I purchased my tickets in advance, and make sure to bring flip-flops or water shoes and a bathsuit before going. Other popular baths you can visit are Gellert Spa, Rudas Baths, and Palatinus Strang Baths.
20. Párisi Passage Restaurant
Located in the Párisi Udvar Hotel, the Párisi Passage Restaurant is one of the most breathtaking restaurants I’ve ever seen! The atmosphere truly transports you to another world, while offering authentic Hungarian dishes. You can treat yourself to a Hungarian 3-course meal while admiring this architectural gem. The menu is created by their executive chef and showcases traditional Hungarian dishes in a modern setting. They even have a great bar where you can grab delicious cocktails to pair with your meal. I also highly recommend booking a reservation here before coming!
Have you visited Budapest? If so, what were your favorite places to visit?
