Unique Experiences and Top Things to Do in Budapest Hungary

After our Emerald River cruise, we spent a few days in Budapest, Hungary. We fell in love with the city for its beauty on both sides of the Danube River.

I’m sharing more about the unique things to do in Budapest, Hungary that you’ll want to add to your list.

If you’re short on time you can prioritize the list or cross off as many as possible during a multi-day getaway.

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Budapest is named for two former cities Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River that unified in 1873.

Tops Things to Do on the Pest Side of Budapest

I’m starting with the Pest side of the Danube River first because you may want to focus on this side of the city if you’re short on time.

Wander the Budapest Ruin Bars

Budapest, Kazinczy u., 1075 Hungary

Starting in the early 2000s, former abandoned buildings in the Jewish Quarter, previously in the Jewish ghetto have been repurposed into eclectic bars.

Half the fun of visiting a “ruin bar” is wandering around the rooms of various sizes and styles.

The more you look around, the more you’ll discover.

Many ruin bars have open-air elements. Keep that in mind for what you wear depending on the temperature.

Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar is the oldest ruin bar in Budapest. It’s also one of the most popular ruin bars for nightlife.

Consider booking a guided tour or pub crawl to get the full experience.

Visit the Dohany Street Synagogue

Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary

Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe, seating 3000 people, and the ninth largest synagogue in the world.

The great synagogue was built in the Moorish style in 1859.

If you’d like to admire the inside of the building, there are several tour options you can choose from.

Take a Dip in One of the Thermal Baths in Budapest

Szechenyi Thermal baths – Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary

A visit to thermal spas while in Budapest is a must! There are more than 100 springs around Budapest.

You’ll want to bring a pair of flip-flops, a swimsuit, and a towel. Some spas may have towell rentals but you’ll want to find out before you go.

There are lockers where you can secure your essentials while enjoying the spa. You’ll want to allow several hours to get the full experience.

Built in 1913, Széchenyi Baths are the largest and most popular thermal bath in Budapest with hot springs that feed 18 pools that are both indoors and outdoors.

Gellert Thermal Bath was founded in 1918 and has 10 pools of various sizes and temperatures.

The entrance foyer is worth viewing even if you don’t go into the spa.

Gellert Thermal Bath is known around the world for its Art Nouveau style.

Additional thermal baths in Budapest include Lukacs Bath, Kiraly Bath (currently closed for construction), and Rudas Bath.

Additional Things to Do in City Park also known as Városliget Park

City Park is one of the world’s first public parks established in 1896.

Here are a few other nearby attractions to check out while exploring City Park.

• Budapest Zoo
• Millennium Monument
• Heroes’ Square
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Kunsthalle – Art Museum
• Vajdahunyad Castle
• Városligeti Ice Rink – One of Europe’s oldest and largest ice rink
• Capital Circus of Budapest
• Millennium Haza/ House

Walk the Bridges in Budapest

You can walk across several bridges in Budapest including the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge also known as Freedom Bridge.

The Chain Bridge was previously under a restoration project for 2 years and reopened in August 2023.

You’ll see many pedestrians using the bridges as a convenient option for exploring both sides of the Danube River.

Explore the Great Market Hall Also Known as Central Market Hall

Budapest, 1093 Hungary

Hungary is one of the largest producers of paprika which explains the abundant amount of paprika for sale at the Great Market Hall.

Use these tips from a local to purchase Hungarian paprika at the market.

The large market has a variety of produce, meats, and souvenirs including Matryoshka Nesting Dolls.

If you prefer a guided experience you may want to consider booking a tour and tasting.

Admire the Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary

It took 17 years to build the Hungarian Parliament Building from 1885- 1902.

The Hungarian Parliament Building is the third largest national assembly building in the world and covers an impressive area of 18,000 square meters.

It’s also the largest building in Hungary with 691 rooms, 365 towers for each day of the year,

Consider booking a guided tour to see the inside of the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Walk the Danube Promenade

The Danube Promenade is located along the Danube River from the Szechenyi Chain Bridge to the Erzsebet Bridge on the same side as the Hungarian Parliament side/ Pest side.

This is a popular area to walk and stop to enjoy scenic views on a bench along the river.

Pause in Respect for the Memorial “Shoes on the Danube Promenade”

 Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Hungary

“Shoes on the Danube Promenade” is a memorial, erected on April 16, 2005, conceptualized by film director Can Togay, and created by sculptor Gyula Pauer.

The sixty pairs of shoes, representing the men, women, and children, are a sobering reminder of the Hungarian Jews who were shot on the banks of the Danube River in the winter of 1944-1945 by the Arrow Cross Party.

As you walk by the shoes you can contemplate the lives of the people the shoes represent of all ages, which is heartbreaking.

It’s also an opportunity to visually put yourself in someone else’s shoes with empathy for the lives lost during that time.

Admire St. Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary

St. Stephen’s Basilica is named in honor of the first King of Hungary, Stephen I, and houses his right hand in the reliquary.

The construction of St. Stephen’s Basilica started in 1851 and was completed in 1905.

Is there a dress code for St. Stephen’s Basilica?

Knees and shoulders must be covered during the visit. Shorts, sleeveless clothing, and short skirts are not permitted. Men also need to remove hats before entering the building.

The church is a beautiful sight, during the day and at night.

Enjoy Panoramic views from the High Note Sky Bar

Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 5, 1051 Hungary (Inside the Aria Hotel)

The Aria Hotel has one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in the world.

High Note Sky Bar is a great place to enjoy drinks while enjoying 360-degree views of Budapest.

This is a popular rooftop bar and reservations in advance are highly recommended.

Guests are charged a minimum consumption fee per table, per hour for the exclusive parts of the High Note SkyBar.

The panoramic towers can accommodate a maximum of 8 people per table.

If you’re looking for overnight accommodations, The Aria Hotel is a wonderful option at a very convenient location near many attractions.

Rose Petal Gelato at Gelarto Rosa Grande

Hercegprímás utca 9, St. Istvan Basilica, 1051 Budapest, Hungary

While near St. Stephen’s Basilica, treat yourself to an edible work of art at Gelarto Rosa Grande.

The employees craft the gelato flavors into a beautiful rose petal, that’s equally delicious.

Try Langos at Retro Lángos Budapest

Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 25, 1065 Hungary

While you’re in Budapest you’ll definitely want to try langos.

What are langos?

Langos is a deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese.

Retro Langos, one of the top local restaurants offers a variety of langos on their menu.

Try a Chimney Cake With Ice Cream

If you’re looking for another indulgent treat try a chimney cake with ice cream.

What is a chimney cake?

A chimney cake is a sweet yeast dough rolled into a long rope and baked around a cylinder.

What’s even better is ordering a chimney cake with Nutella and ice cream inside.

Find Your Favorite Goulash

Goulash is a beef stew with paprika, onions and vegetables. It’s a hearty soup if you’re hungry.

We tried goulash at Lujza Bistro & Bakery & Wine and you can find a list of recommended restaurants for goulash around Budapest here.

Take a Scenic Boat Tour on the Danube River

A scenic boat tour is a great way to enjoy the views of both sides of the Danube River which are beautiful during the day or at night.

We opted for an evening tour to enjoy the city from another perspective after dark.

Many boat tours include a drink with the price of the ticket.

Places to Visit on the Buda Side

There are several historic sites on the Buda side of the Danube River that you don’t want to miss.

The Buda Castle Funicular is a unique way to travel between Buda Castle and the riverbank of the Danube.

The Funicular dates back to 1870 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

You can catch a ride on the funicular year-round and service runs on demand every 5-10 minutes. Check their schedule for operating days and times.

Explore The Buda Castle District

The Buda Castle District includes Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion.

In 1987 the Buda Castle District became the first Budapest sight to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the view of the Banks of the Danube.

Discover Buda Castle

Budapest, Szent György tér, 1014 Hungary

Buda Castle is no longer the residence of Hungarian kings. Instead, it’s currently the home of the National Széchenyi Library, the National Gallery, and the Budapest History Museum.

The palace was built and rebuilt through the 14th century-20th century, as the direct result of numerous wars and reconstruction.

You can walk the Castle grounds for free but there is an entry fee if you want to go inside.

Admire the View From Fisherman’s Bastion

Budapest, 1014 Hungary

Fisherman’s Bastion was built between 1895 and 1902 as part of a celebration for the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian State.

You can walk the grounds for free but some upper towers/ turrets may have a small entrance fee.

You have three options for getting to Fisherman’s Bastion.

You can take the stairs from the Danube Riverbank, the Funicular, or a dedicated Buda Castle Bus.

Fisherman’s Bastion offers incredible views of the city from every angle.

There are seven towers and many balconies where you can see different vantage points of Budapest.

Dracula’s Chamber Buda Castle Labyrinth Hungary

Budapest, Úri u. 9, 1014 Hungary

Labyrinth – Dracula’s Chamber

You can book a guided tour that takes guests to a cave system underneath Castle Hill.

Learn more about the imprisoned historical figure, a Wallachian prince, Vlad Tepes, also known as “Vlad the Impaler,” who was the source of inspiration for the fictional character, Count Dracula.

Explore the labyrinth cave system under the Buda Castle District as you learn about the history and unique geology of the caverns.

Hike to the Top of Gellért Hill

Budapest, Szent Gellért rkp. 16, 1013 Hungary

If you want to get your cardio in, hike to the top of Gellert Hill, a 235-meter hill that overlooks the Danube River.

The Gellert Hill Waterfall is across from the Elizabeth Bridge.

You can take the stairs near the waterfall to the top of the hill or begin your hike near the Gellert Hotel.

At the top of the hill, you’ll find The Liberty Statue, the Citadel, and scenic views of the entire region.

Kids and kids at heart will enjoy discovering the slides at the park on the hill.

Take the Public Transit in Budapest, Hungary

We found the public transit in Budapest easy to use. Most of the employees we encountered also spoke English as an added bonus.

You can find more information on public transportation in Budapest here.

I recommend downloading a map of Budapest on Google Maps before you arrive to help you get your bearings on the ground if you don’t have WIFI/ cell service.

You can also download the Hungarian language on Google Translate as an additional aid when navigating the city.

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