The Top 25 Things to Do in Budapest

Just a few days ago, Viking River Cruises formally invited us aboard the 15-day Grand European Tour cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. And now that I’m sitting here, looking over our itinerary, I can’t decide if I’m more excited to embark on this cruise, or if I just can’t wait to return to Budapest; but I’m going to conclude that it’s a little bit – or a lot – of both.

To say that I like Budapest would be the understatement of the century. Oh, no, no, no. I love Budapest. Deeply. Budapest is absolutely beautiful, wildly underrated, and most of all, it’s my favorite city in all of Europe (other than Paris, of course!).

I’m feeling quite inspired by my anticipation to return, so without further ado, here are the top 25 things to do in Budapest!

The Top 25 Things to Do in Budapest

#1 Check into the Aria Hotel Budapest

The Aria Hotel Budapest was just voted the #1 hotel in the world by TripAdvisor. The Aria also made Travel + Leisure’s list of top 10 Best City Hotels in Europe the year we visited. We couldn’t agree with those selections more!

When only the best will do, check into the Aria. From that moment on, you’ll be whisked away into a luxurious, musically-inspired paradise that positively dazzles. And it’s smack in the center of the city, too.

Book your stay at the Aria Hotel Budapest here.

Read more about our stay at the Aria here.

You can find other deals on Budapest accommodation here.

#2: Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building

While in Budapest, you can’t miss the Parliament Building. As one of Europe’s most beautiful architectural works, the Parliament Building is something to be marveled at. If simply looking isn’t enough, you can also take an educational tour of the inside where you’ll see the main staircase, the coronation jewels, the Dome Hall, and more! Tickets are sold here.

#3: Eat traditional Hungarian food

There isn’t a cuisine on the planet that’s more hearty, comforting, or fierce than Hungarian. And while it might not be the healthiest of foods, it is one of the most delicious. Goulash, chicken paprikash, hortobagyi palacsinta (savory crepes), töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), and apple strudel will be among the most tantalizing options.

#4 Walk across the Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is more than just your typical bridge. The Chain Bridge has connected Buda and Pest since 1849, and after WWII bombs damaged it in 1949, it was rebuilt to its original splendor. Day or night, the Chain Bridge is a sight to behold; the bridge stands as an iconic symbol of Budapest and its history, and from the bridge, beautiful views of the city and the Danube River can be viewed.

#5 Swim in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Budapest is known worldwide as the “City of Baths,” so of course, you must visit a thermal bath during your trip! Budapest’s thermal spring water possesses healing qualities, and some of the Turkish baths even date back to the 16th century! Széchenyi Baths is the world’s largest medicinal bath, and from June to August on Saturday nights, pool parties with music run from 10:30 pm to 3:00 am.

#6 Drink at a ruin pub

For a fun night out, a ruin pub is the place to go. These bars have opened up in old, abandoned buildings and often have live music, very unique atmospheres, and stay open until the early hours of the morning!

#7 Visit Buda Castle (the Royal Palace)

Up on Castle Hill, Buda Castle’s history dates back all the way to the 13th century; however, after WWII, the palace was left in ruins, and was rebuilt in 1950. Outside the palace, you’ll see fountains, statues, gardens, beautiful architecture, and incredible views overlooking Budapest. Inside four wings of the palace resides the Hungarian National Gallery, an art museum showcasing artwork from the Middle Ages to the present day.

#8 Explore Fisherman’s Bastion

Also located on Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion is a favorite lookout point for most visitors. The beautiful structure and its seven fairytale towers are reason enough to visit, but the views here are spectacular.

#9 See the Shoes on the Danube

This is one of the more somber activities on this list of the top 25 things to do in Budapest, but nevertheless, you must not miss it. This memorial is dedicated to innocent Jewish people who were shot in their tracks, exactly where the replicas of their shoes remain. Visit the Shoes on the Danube to remember the atrocities of WWII and to glimpse into Budapest’s horrific past. If nothing else, these shoes will remind you just how precious your time here on earth is.

#10 Feast at the Central Market Hall

What’s better than a huge hall full of Hungarian food stalls, fresh produce, and specialty shops? Absolutely nothing. End of story.

#11 Visit the Holocaust Memorial Center

Visiting the Holocaust Memorial Center is one of the best and most important things you can do while in Budapest. Though this experience will undoubtedly weigh on your emotions, and perhaps bring tears to your eyes, the Holocaust is deeply ingrained into Budapest’s history, and it’s something everyone should learn more about while there. Ticket information can be found here.

#12 Stroll along The Danube

A stroll along the Danube River – which splits Buda and Pest in two – shouldn’t be missed. There aren’t many cities as visually stunning as Budapest, and there’s no better place to experience its beauty than on its historic waterfront. Of all the places you’ll travel to in your lifetime, I promise that you’ll never forget Budapest.

#13 Go to the Hungarian National Museum

Take a walk through Hungary’s history, from antiquity to present day, at the Hungarian National Museum. If you’re at all interested in learning about Hungary’s history, there is no better institution to visit. We explored every exhibit in this museum in around four hours, but I think we could have stayed longer. This place is absolutely captivating, so don’t miss it! You can find ticket information here.

#14 Visit the House of Terror Museum

“Having survived two terror regimes, it was felt that the time had come for Hungary to erect a fitting memorial to the victims, and at the same time to present a picture of what life was like for Hungarians in those times.” This description was taken straight from the museum’s website, and I couldn’t have explained it better myself. Don’t miss the House of Terror.

#15 See Matthias Church

Matthias Church is located in the heart of the Castle District, just next to Fisherman’s Bastion. This church, which was originally built in 1015, is absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

#16 Take in the views from Castle Hill

Could there be a city view more gorgeous than this one? Probably. But when you inevitably fall head over heels for Budapest, you won’t think so. In all your years, you’ll always remember this view. It’s a sight – and a city – that’s impossible to forget.

#17 Have a coffee/tea and pastry at the Alexandra Bookcafé

Fancy a coffee break in a café that looks like this!? Unless you knew about this place beforehand, you’d never find it. The Bookcafé is located atop the Alexandra bookstore on Andrássy Avenue, and it’s among Budapest’s best-kept secrets. Don’t forget to take your eyes off the ceiling and actually eat your pastry!

#18 Explore the Jewish Quarter

Explore Budapest’s Jewish Quarter to learn about the city’s rich Jewish history, including WWII and the Holocaust. See Budapest’s most important synagogues, visit memorials, and see a ghetto wall that still stands today. Free walking tours of the Jewish Quarter are offered daily; find more information here.

#19 Cruise the Danube

Give your feet a break and take a scenic cruise along the Danube! Sit back, have a beer or two, and listen as a guide tells you a brief rundown of Budapest’s history and its important monuments. You won’t find a better view of the Parliament Building than while cruising the Danube!

#20 Drink Tokaji wine

Complex, historic, delicious, and world-famous among wine lovers, you must try Hungary’s Tokaji wine during your trip to Budapest. It’s that simple!

#21 Watch a performance at the Opera House

If you’re a fan of the opera, I can’t think of a better place to see a performance. While in Budapest, make sure to score tickets to a show at the Opera House. Just look at that venue!

#22 Go spelunking

Not many people know that Budapest is built atop a complex underground cave system, formed by the warm thermal spring water that rushes up to fill Budapest’s baths. It’s rumored that the system is over 120 kilometers long, but it’s a fact that you can book a tour to go under Budapest and explore the caves, an activity also known as spelunking.

#23 Window shop on Andrássy út

Reminiscent of Champs-Élysées in Paris, Andrássy út is Budapest’s widest, most elegant street. Once you’ve tired of visiting museums and memorials, put on your best outfit and shop on this historic street.

#24 Visit Heroes’ Square

At the end of Andrássy út, you’ll run into Budpest’s largest and most impressive square: Heroes’ Square. In 1896, the statues were erected to celebrate Hungary’s 1000th birthday, and to commemorate the country’s heroes. Once you’ve taken your photos here, explore the two art museums (Museum of Fine Arts and Kunsthalle) and the City Park, which surround Heroes’ Square.

#25 Relax on Margaret Island

When you need a break from Budapest’s bustling downtown, escape to Margaret Island for romantic strolls, leisurely bike rides, refreshing swims, performances at the Budapest Summer Festival, and more. Margaret Island is the perfect place in Budapest to have a picnic under shady trees and get back to nature!

Bonus! #26 Enter Dracula’s lair (Labyrinth of Buda Castle)

This was one of my favorite experiences during our trip to Budapest. The Labyrinth of Buda Castle once held Vlad the Impaler (A.K.A. Count Dracula) as prisoner for many years under the city of Budapest. If you dare, enter the pitch-black labyrinth, armed with nothing but an old-fashioned, candle-lit lantern, and explore the creepy (and possibly haunted) labyrinth. I hope you make it out alive, my friends!

So there you have it! These are the top 25 things to do in Budapest!

I have fallen hopelessly in love with this city, so having the opportunity to revisit it with Viking River Cruises seems like an absolute dream. I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t stop talking about it. I can’t stop looking at our itinerary.

Our cruise doesn’t set sail until July 2016, so until then, you’ll be in my dreams, Budapest!

Over to you: How many of these activities have you tackled while in Budapest? Do you love Budapest as much as I do?

*This post contains affiliate links. Maddy’s Avenue experienced the Grand European Tour, the Aria Hotel Budapest, and Budapest 101 as guests, however, as always, all opinions are our own.

What to Pack for Budapest

The Hungarian capital is quite stylish and people tend to dress very well, though the season of your visit to Budapest will help determine what you need to pack!

Of course, summer is warmer in Budapest, and you can dress as you would in this part of Europe. But as expected the winter is very cold. Always bring a beautiful coat in winter!

Here are a few top tips of what to wear in Budapest:

• Wool coat: During the colder months a beautiful wool coat is essential for style and practicality. You will fit in with the locals with this one.
• Comfortable boots: As expected, you’ll walk a lot in Budapest, so opt for a comfortable but stylish boot that you’ve worn in. You can’t go wrong with a smart Chelsea boot, like these.
• Floaty dress: In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you stay cool, and bring a light scarf so you are always prepared to enter religious sites and cover your shoulders.
• Sunscreen: Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen and stay protected.
• Reusable water bottle: Remember to keep hydrated during your adventures; it can’t all be wine and coffee all the time! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
• Travel insurance: As with any trip, you should ALWAYS purchase travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps!

Quick Budapest Tips

• HOTEL: I use this website for scoring amazing deals on accommodation worldwide. Find great hotels in Budapest here. For this trip I stayed at the incredible Aria Hotel Budapest.
• HOSTELWORLD: If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best website to score cheap hostel deals.
• VACATION RENTAL: I use this site for finding the perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable getaway. This apartment is amazing, right on the Danube river with views across the mountains.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Never go on a trip without travel insurance! If you are a remote worker and/or traveling regularly, SafetyWing has an awesome monthly subscription for digital nomad insurance (I currently use SafetyWing).
• GUIDED TOURS & EXCURSIONS: Many of the tours I recommend are hosted with Viator, which also works with local tour operators. Search them all here, my favorite is the Budapest Culinary & Wine Walk Tour.
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: Fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, it is easy to get to the city center from there. Get great deals on flights using my favorite flight fare aggregator.
• TRAVEL GEAR: A collection of all of my must-have travel gear are all listed here. Most important to remember is comfortable shoes and a scarf to use when visiting religious sites.
• CAR RENTAL: It is unlikely you will need to rent a car but if you are using Budapest as a start off point for a longer road trip book car rental in advance here for the best deals.