Things to do in Budapest

Activities, attractions and tours

Budapest which includes a ferry, a city and a river or creek
Buda Castle featuring heritage architecture, flowers and a statue or sculpture
Matthias Church which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a statue or sculpture
Budapest
Budapest
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Top places to visit

1. Gellért Thermal Bath

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 swimming and a pool

2. 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

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. Széchenyi 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 showing a day spa, heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

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 which includes heritage architecture, interior views and a church or cathedral

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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Chain Bridge and Royal Palace, Budapest, Hungary

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

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What to do in Budapest

Popular places to visit

Margaret Island which includes a city and a river or creek

Margaret Island

Explore the great outdoors at Margaret Island, a popular spot to commune with nature in Budapest. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Margaret Island
Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool featuring swimming and a pool

Gellért Thermal Bath

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.

Gellért Thermal Bath
Buda Castle featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a castle

Buda Castle

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

Buda Castle
Parliament Building showing night scenes, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Parliament Building

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

Parliament Building
Szechenyi Thermal Bath featuring a day spa, a park and heritage architecture

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

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

Széchenyi Thermal Bath
St. Stephen\'s Basilica showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city

St. Stephen's Basilica

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

St. Stephen's Basilica
Szechenyi Chain Bridge showing heritage architecture and a bridge

Szechenyi Chain Bridge

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
Hungarian State Opera House which includes theatre scenes and interior views

Hungarian State Opera House

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
Panoramic view from the Saint Stephand Basilica to the skyline of Budapest, Hungary, with a christmas market at the square during a colorful winter sunset

Budapest Christmas Market

You can take time to visit Budapest Christmas Market during your travels to Budapest. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and churches.

Budapest Christmas Market

Areas of Budapest

Buda Castle featuring heritage architecture, flowers and a statue or sculpture

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 Ferris Wheel of Budapest 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 which includes a river or creek, heritage architecture and a bridge

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
View of The Dohany Street Synagogue also known as the Great Synagogue, is a historical building in Erzsebetvaros and the largest synagogue of Europe

Erzsebetvaros

4/5(679 area reviews)

Kiraly Street and Gozsdu Courtyard 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 statue or sculpture and a monument

Lipotvaros

The Hungary Parliament Building shines as a beacon of Budapest’s architectural prowess in this gracious quarter on the Danube’s east banks.

Lipotvaros
Quando si parla della linea M1 di Budapest si tratta della seconda metropolitana più antica del mondo

District VI

If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror Museum 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
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes 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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Aerial sunset view of Szentendre, charming touristic small town in Hungary near the Danube, Orthodox Greek church, colorful dramatic sky

Szentendre

Frequently asked questions

Is Budapest worth visiting?
Renowned for its bars and pubs and dining, discovering fun things to do in Budapest is easy. Remember to add Széchenyi Thermal Bath to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Budapest?
Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Budapest while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Budapest?
The top tourist attraction in Budapest is Széchenyi Thermal Bath, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Budapest?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Buda Castle and St. Stephen's Basilica with a three-day break in Budapest. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Lipotvaros.
Is Budapest a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Budapest is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle. Then take a stroll through Inner City Budapest, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Belváros - Lipótváros, which is about 0.80 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Budapest with kids?
Planning what to do in Budapest with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Budapest for adults?
Ferenc Puskas Stadium and Andrassy Avenue are just a few of the things to do in Budapest. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Budapest?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Budapest. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. St. Stephen's Basilica is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.