Things to do in Budapest

Activities, attractions and tours
Budapest showing a castle

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Top places to visit

1. Buda Castle

Buda Castle is a significant part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a much-loved sight for Budapest’s many visitors. The first castle on this site was built during the 13th century to protect against invasion by the Mongols. Over the years, a number of different structures have been built and destroyed by attackers. Thankfully, the second half of the 20th century saw the castle rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
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Buda Castle featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a castle

2. Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool

Famed for its art nouveau design, the Gellért Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool has been an important fixture for locals and visitors since it was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. These baths use the thermal springs from Gellért Hill to fill the pools in its majestic rooms. Spend a day taking advantage of the treatment options in this tranquil spa.
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Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool featuring a day spa, a pool and interior views

3. Parliament Building

Parliament Building (Országház) is the third-largest parliament in the world, and was built as part of the country's Millennial commemorations in 1896. It stretches a massive 268 metres in length, and contains 691 rooms. The direct translation of its name from Hungarian means “House of the Nation”.
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Parliament Building showing night scenes, an administrative building and heritage architecture

4. Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is among the largest thermal spring spas in Europe. Its natural hot water is used for medicinal purposes to aid degenerative joint illnesses and inflammations. Admire the neo-Baroque style of the buildings and the pools that date back to the turn of the 20th century.
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Szechenyi Thermal Bath featuring a day spa, a park and heritage architecture

5. St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a neoclassical church with an imposing dome and elegant turrets. With a height of 315 feet (96 meters), it is the tallest building in the city and among the largest churches in the country. Admire the opulence of this majestic church that features stunning stained-glass windows and works of art.
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St. Stephen\'s Basilica featuring a river or creek, a city and a bridge

6. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge connecting the two sides of Budapest across the River Danube. Opened in 1849, it was considered a triumph of engineering and played a huge role in the growth of the city. Admire the elegant classicist design of this cast iron suspension bridge that has become an icon of Budapest.
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Szechenyi Chain Bridge showing heritage architecture and a bridge

7. Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) has given a home to the long and rich operatic tradition of this country, stretching back into the 18th century, since its construction in 1884. The Hungarian State Opera and Hungarian State Ballet both have their permanent residence here, meaning there are year-round performances of the finest quality. All of these take place in surroundings of the utmost beauty, with high-quality art and regal interiors the order of the day throughout this beautiful building. The architect Miklós Ybl created the design for the building, influenced by the splendour of Vienna Opera House.
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Hungarian State Opera House which includes theatre scenes and interior views

8. Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is a unique viewpoint that is as spectacular as the view it provides. The white turreted fortress stands atop Castle Hill and looks over the River Danube and the eastern half of Budapest. Bring your camera to this impressive vantage point to take photographs of the city lights at sunset.
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Fisherman\'s Bastion which includes a city, a church or cathedral and a river or creek

9. Heroe's Square

Heroes' Square (Hősök Tere) is one of the most popular public spaces in Budapest, and was at the heart of the 1896 commemorations of 1,000 years of the nation's history. The Millennium Monument is the centrepiece of the square. The archangel Gabriel surveys goings-on in the plaza below him from his perch at the top of this dazzling 36-metre white column. While it was designed by Albert Schickedanz for the celebrations at the end of the 19th century, in fact it didn't see completion until much later, in 1929. A couple of years later, the square would be renamed, and take on its current moniker.
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Heroes\' Square featuring a statue or sculpture, heritage elements and a square or plaza

Popular places to visit

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Buda Castle

4.5/5(983 reviews)

This magnificent building is a landmark in the Budapest skyline, as well as being home to a gallery and a museum.

Buda Castle
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Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool

4.5/5(281 reviews)

Soothe your aching joints in Budapest’s famous mineral hot springs housed in an impressive building where you can also enjoy a range of spa treatments.

Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
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Parliament Building

4.5/5(987 reviews)

This impressive building is home to the Hungarian government and is beautifully situated on the banks of the Danube.

Parliament Building
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Szechenyi Thermal Bath

4.5/5(548 reviews)

Relish the remarkable experience of a bath party and relax in one of the 18 pools of Budapest’s famous hot spring water.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath
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St. Stephen's Basilica

4.5/5(923 reviews)

Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.

St. Stephen's Basilica
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Vaci Street

4/5(247 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Vaci Street during your trip to Budapest. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

Vaci Street
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Szechenyi Chain Bridge

4.5/5(1,053 reviews)

Learn about the intriguing history and construction of the city’s most famous bridge, which offers interesting views along the River Danube.

Szechenyi Chain Bridge
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Hungarian State Opera House

4/5(231 reviews)

This beautifully-appointed Neo-classical masterwork has played host to the best opera in the world for well over a century.

Hungarian State Opera House
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Fisherman's Bastion

4.5/5(989 reviews)

Enjoy magnificent views of the Danube River and the eastern half of Budapest from this fascinating neo-Gothic balcony at the top of Castle Hill.

Fisherman's Bastion

Areas of Budapest

Buda Castle which includes a castle, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture

Budapest City Centre

Known for its stunning cathedral, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Budapest City Centre. Top attractions like Ferenc Deak Square and Budapest Christmas Market are major draws. Catch the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Deák Ferenc tér M Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Budapest City Centre
Budapest showing a river or creek, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

Vaci Street and Liberty Bridge are top sights in Inner City Budapest, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ferenciek Square Station or Március 15. tér Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Inner City Budapest
St. Stephen\'s Basilica showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Belváros - Lipótváros

Known for its fantastic nightlife and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Belváros - Lipótváros. Check out top attractions like St. Stephen's Basilica and Danube Palace, and jump on the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Vorosmarty Square Station to see more of the city.

Belváros - Lipótváros
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Erzsebetvaros

4/5(679 area reviews)

Kiraly Street and Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue are top sights in Erzsebetvaros, and you should be sure to explore the luxurious spas. Hop aboard the metro at Wesselényi utca - Erzsébet körút Tram Stop or Király utca / Erzsébet körút Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Erzsebetvaros
Lipotvaros which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Lipotvaros

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Lipotvaros. Check out top attractions like Danube Palace and Szechenyi Istvan Square, and jump on the metro at Széchenyi István tér Tram Stop or Kossuth Lajos ter Station to see more of the city.

Lipotvaros
Hungarian State Opera House which includes a statue or sculpture

District VI

If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror or Andrássy Út and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.

District VI
Szentendre

Szentendre