Things to do

24 Incredible Things To Do In Budapest, Hungary

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Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is situated along both shores of the Danube River. The area is divided into two halves Buda, which is hilly, and Pest which is flat and fun.

The city is famous for its incredible architecture, historical background, and active life. It has many known attractions such as the Parliament Building and the thermal baths.

Budapest is a very lively city and here are some of the things to do in Budapest for everyone:

1. Discover The Colorful Streets of Budapest

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There are many enjoyable colored streets in Budapest that more or less invigorate the city. These artworks create aesthetics for the city.

Among those District VII, also known as the Jewish Quarter, can be mentioned as one of the favorite places for the creation of street artists. Here you can see big paintings and artwork that can depict different themes at large.

Some of the paintings convey a feeling of the Budapest life. Others can relate to the various social and historical events of the city. The next time you're wandering around local streets, try to notice these small pearls of the city's architecture.

2. Cruise The Danube River

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Planning what to do in Hungary Budapest? Try going on a cruise through the Danube River and wonder at the beauty of Budapest's historic city.

This cruise is offered every day of the year, thus giving customers many choices of tours. They offer simple budget river cruises, high-end cruises, fancy cruises, and programmed cruises.

The starting price is 9.9 euros and without a doubt, the river cruise is one of the top things to do in Hungary Budapest. Visit the Budapest River Cruise website for upcoming special cruises.

3. Tour The Opera House

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This is one of the iconic landmarks in Budapest. It is an extremely beautiful opera house with impressive artwork, magnificent acoustics, and a very rich history.

The house provides a guided tour available in English, German, and French, besides the Hungarian language. Order the tour from the Hungarian State Opera House; you won't regret it.

At the end of the excursion, two artists will perform a short play as the icing on the cake. It would be best to purchase tickets for a show. Then you can observe both the opera hall and the show.

4. Walk Across Liberty Bridge

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Liberty Bridge is among the bridges that cross the Danube River. It links two districts of the country, Buda and Pest.

It is of a striking green color and is quite intricate in its design. Similar to all the other bridges in the city, you can get some nice photos and videos of the river.

You may also enjoy a stroll or sit and enjoy the view. You can combine the walk with a visit to the Castle District. The bridge leads directly to the historic funicular, which takes you up to Castle Hill.

5. Roam Around The City On MonsteRoller e-Scooter

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A ride on the MonsteRoller e-scooter is a fun way to see so much of the city in a short period. The scooters are easy to ride and they ensure safety.

You will ride along with a guide who will point out many points of interest and share their significance. The tour lasts for around three hours which is sufficient to capture memories to look back on.

You can book a mixture of packages or simply rent the scooter and ride on your own.

6. Soak In The Széchenyi Thermal Bath

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These baths are an outdoor complex with large pools and plenty of seating areas around the pools. You can also spend a relaxing time at the mineral pools indoors, along with the steam rooms and salt rooms.

The place can get quite busy so it is best to book a private cabin for a little privacy. After booking the package, you get towels, robes, flip-flops, swim caps, and couples massage.

This place might be quite different than a Western-style spa where it is quiet and you are given slippers and a gown. Nevertheless, it is among the frequent answers for what to do in Budapest.

7. Sip Coffee Elegantly At The New York Palace

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The palace has been appreciated as the most beautiful cafe in the world and for good reasons. It is superb in every way; the decor is stunning and the breakfast is delicious.

It is the most elegant coffeehouse continuing since the 1890s. Despite several competitions, the cafe has maintained its stand and earned the status of a five-star hotel in the early 2000s.

Today it serves 24-carat gold cappuccino beneath the crystal chandeliers, among marble and mirrors. The staff here are so attentive but not overbearing.

8. Pay Respects To The Shoes On The Danube Bank

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This presentation serves as a moving monument to the Jews who were stripped and then killed in the Danube. Not far from the parliament, this is meant to be a poignant reminder of a much darker time.

You will see lots of sets of bronze shoes all in different conditions on the tip of the river's edge. It seems to suggest the owners of the shoes may have jumped the river never to be seen again.

During daylight, the place witnesses a massive crowd. So, enjoy an evening stroll along the river bank and pay your respects in peace.

9. See The Hungarian Parliament Building

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It is one of the most famous buildings across Europe due to its incredible design. Especially its Gothic Revival architecture is truly mind-blowing both outside and on the premises of the building.

The complex details, grand staircase, and pretty domes make for an unforgettable experience. It is suggested to hire a guide to get a better understanding of the history and the beauty of the art inside.

In the evening after all lights have been turned on it looks like a precious piece of jewel that has been deposited on the side of the river. The visit is free for the citizens of the EU and priced affordably for all others.

10. Savor Local Hungarian Cuisine At Hungarikum Bisztro

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If you are craving some authentic Hungarian cuisine, visit the Hungarikum Bisztro. The restaurant serves local Hungarian food prepared with family recipes that have been passed down.

The portion sizes are good and there are lots of choices on dishes. Almost every staff speaks English and advises on courses and recommendations.

The place is small and gets busy, so you might want to book. Most of the time you will be given local palinka to try at the end of the meal, which gives a nice touch.

11. Delve Into History At Hospital In The Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

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To visit the museum, one must take the mandatory hourly tour, which is reasonably priced. The tour continues for an hour.

It begins with a film that shows how the hospital looked back during WWII and the 1950s. You will also see mounds of wax figures and the equipment that would have been used in the case of a nuclear explosion.

This place transports you back to how difficult times were and also shows how the caves have been used over the years. The important message is peace. They have preserved some of the horrors of war so that we don't forget and repeat the same mistake.

12. Explore The City On Budapest’s Glittering Christmas Light Tram

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Every winter the trams of Budapest turn into spectacular art installations called Fenyvillamos. It is covered by thousands of sparkling LED lights.

These jolly trams of the city light up the streets during the holiday season. It sails by essential attractions such as the Hungarian Parliament and through the Danube.

As such, the Christmas Light Tram is one of the safest, most engaging, and captivating methods of tour driving across the city during the season.

13. A Nature Stroll At Margaret Island

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A nice place to take your time and walk around away from the main streets of Budapest. You can hire bikes and scooters if you fancy something different from walking.

You will come across a lot of things to see around the park from a rose garden to animals. There is a musical fountain considered one of the largest in Europe. It sets hourly music shows and a light show at night.

The island acts as the green lungs of Budapest city. Located between Arpad and Margaret Bridges, you can enter the island from either side.

14. Admire The St. Stephen's Basilica

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St. Stephen's Basilica is very beautiful on the outside and also has a very beautiful interior design. It showcases intricate details and a majestic dome.

Entry is free but a small donation is best. You can also opt for a combined ticket of church entry, treasury, and panoramic terrace view.

For a short distance, there is a lift to the top or you can go up the stairs. This monument is situated in the middle of the city, and there are terrific cafes and restaurants nearby.

15. Book A Game With Bubble Football Budapest

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This is the best place to go if you wanna have fun and play sports at the same time. You only have to give a date and the number of players.

Leave the rest to this Bubble Football Budapest. They provide all the equipment necessary to play the game along with a referee so everyone follows the rules.

The helpful staff assists you in putting the BubbleBalls and gives important information to excel in the game. It is therefore entertaining to enjoy the weekend with friends and family.

16. Visit The Fisherman's Bastion

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The best time to visit this one of the magical attractions in Budapest Hungary is during sunrise. This is when fewer tourists allow you to take amazing photos.

Moreover, it looks beautiful in the morning sunlight. The visit is free unless you want to walk up the wall. It is recommended to climb the hill that offers a stunning view of the river and city center.

Those who cannot walk can take the funicular. This is a perfect spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, or stroll.

17. Get A Sense of Nation's Heritage From The Heroes' Square

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Located at the entrance of the City park, this grand monument honors the national heroes of Hungary. It features a central column topped with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel.

It is further surrounded by the statues of important figures from Hungarian history. Flanked by two impressive museums, the square provides both cultural insight and a perfect starting point for exploration.

The square is sometimes turned into a huge concert or a political event arena. Every year at the end of August they have a large nationally broadcast concert with a symphony orchestra and mainly classical soloists.

18. Try The Locked Room Budapest

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The venue offers a varied assortment of challenges. Each 11 escape room is thoughtfully designed and full of surprises.

The difficulty of the puzzles is perfect; neither too easy nor too difficult. But you have to use your mind and think hard. The game is suitable for all, irrespective of experience.

What you will do here is work in groups and find out the riddles in the given time. If you like there is a place to take photos in the end and it does not cost at all. Choose the best room from the Locked Room Budapest website.

19. Enjoy With Friends At Gozsdu Udvar

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It is a lively area full of bars, pubs, and restaurants. The entire street is decorated and if you like your night out loud, go for it.

The bar and the restaurants offer a diverse range of culinary delights at reasonable prices. The weekend market stalls add a unique charm, creating a bustling scene.

You will find the courtyard in the center of the Jewish Quarter. Besides dining and drinking, it is possible to enjoy a nice walk along the streets.

20. Get Historical Insights From The House of Terror Museum

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You will have a better understanding of the history of this country through this museum. There are three floors to explore the whole story.

Visit with an audio guide as most of the information is not written in English. There is a good variety of exhibits with lots of interviews on the screens and pictures.

Be careful if taking a young child in, as there are some gruesome pictures and videos. You can purchase the tickets on the spot.

21. Take A Ride On The Children's Railway

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Like any other railway, this has ticket offices, diesel locomotives, signals and switches, and a timetable list. However, this one is managed and operated by children aged between 10 and 14 years old.

The railway connects two main stations, Szechenyihegy and Huvosvolgy. It was meant to provide children an opportunity to experience responsibility and acting in clusters.

It can only be done by the high-performing students, they are special because they get to work here. A trip by train takes approximately 40 minutes and bears beautiful landscapes of the adjacent forests and hills.

22. Take The Funicular To Buda Castle

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The castle is now converted into a museum. Walking around this Budapest castle grounds alone can take an hour or two.

The grounds are free to visit and if you would want to visit any of the nearby churches or museums, you must pay to do so. Try to visit in the evening when everything is lit up and is magical.

If you take a quick zip up Castle Hill by funicular, you will reach the former royal palace that houses the National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Szechenyi Library.

23. Purchase Local Produce At Central Market Hall

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It is the largest and oldest covered market in Budapest. You will find local products, handicrafts, souvenirs, snacks, and many other items.

There are also small restaurants on the second floor. Besides being a popular local spot, many tourists enjoy the atmosphere and consider it one of the essential Budapest things to do.

The architecture of the building is another highlight of this place. It was constructed in the year 1897. However; due to the Second World War it was much affected and later reconstructed. The front door is simply beautiful; it has a neo-Gothic touch.

24. Have A Blast At Szimpla Kert

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A bar/club/open space in Budapest that is a must-visit. It is a unique spot with a lot of character. The atmosphere is vibrant, eclectic, and welcoming to all.

The unique decor and the multiple bars to choose from are a breath of fresh air. There is a variety of drinks to choose from and is open till 3 am.

The interior and exterior DJs play a mix of contemporary hits, so go with an open mind and have a blast. The place captures the essence of Budapest's nightlife and cultural creativity.