The capital of Hungary is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. From relaxing spas to partying all night long, and fancy brunch spots to sinful street food, this place has something for everyone.
In this guide we're not just going to cover the 10 top things to do in Budapest, but we're going to share everything you need to know for your visit to make it an unforgettable one. So without further ado, let's get right into the fun stuff.
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Where is Budapest?
Budapest is the capital and biggest city in the country Hungary, situated in the northern central region of the country.
The city was once two cities, Buda and Pest. Now merged as one, Budapest brings both sides together with the Danube river running down the center.
Hungary is situated in Eastern Europe south of Slovakia, and north of the Balkan countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Romania. Austria borders Hungary to the west, and Ukraine to its north east, making it truly the connecter or western and Eastern Europe.
Budapest is the biggest city in Hungary, and is located in the north-central area of the country.
How to Get to Budapest, Hungary
Being in such a central location in Europe, and such a popular city, Budapest has become a huge hub. There are quite a few ways to reach Budapest, so we will share several of the different options.
Flying Into Budapest
Being a huge European hub, there are plenty of flights to Budapest from all over Europe, as well as countries outside of Europe. The headquarters of the budget airline of Wizz Air are located here, so of course making it a city that is well connected to the rest of the continent with plenty of cheap tickets.
Cities from Europe that fly direct to Budapest include Alghero, Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Bari, Basel, Berlin, Billund, Birmingham, Bologna, Bordeaux, Brussels, Bucharest, Burgas, Catania, Cluj Napoca, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Edinburgh, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Geneva, Helsinki, Istanbul, Kefalonia, Kos, Krakow, Larnaca, Leeds, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Malaga, Mallorca, Malmo, Malta, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Naples, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Palermo, Paris, Pisa, Prague, Preveza, Reykjavik, Rhodes, Riga, Rimini, Rome, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Târgu Mureș, Tenerife, Vienna, Warsaw, Zakinthos, and Zurich.
Other International cities that fly direct to Budapest include Antalya, Cairo, Dubai, Hurghada, Monastir, New York, Sharm el Sheik, and Tel Aviv.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates to fly to Budapest!
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Getting From the Airport to the City of Budapest
There are buses that go directly to and from the airport, and they are just 900 HUF (about 3-4 euros). The buses run every 20 minutes, and the ride is about 35 minutes. If you'd like to purchase a ticket you can simply purchase a ticket online.
Taking the Train to Budapest
Europe is extremely well connected by train, and Budapest has a very large train station. If you're coming from any big city in Europe, chances are that you can eventually make it over to Budapest. We came from Romania, and the train was about 15-16 hours. We opted for the bed option so that we we could rest properly.
Make sure to bring food as not all trains have cafes onboard. Carry plenty of water so that you can have not only to drink, but for brushing your teeth as well.
Sailing to Budapest
Being conveniently located on the Danube, Budapest is actually a very popular spot for European river cruises to stop. Viking River Cruises, Silver Sea, and Riviera River Cruises are just a few of the examples of boats that sail to Budapest each day, and go to plenty of other European cities like Vienna, Prague, and more.
Buses to Budapest
Buses are one of the cheapest options for traveling to Budapest from surrounding capitals and cities from the bordering countries. Here are a few of the popular routes that you can book:
Other Options for Getting to Budapest
Another option for traveling to Budapest is by going by car. Depending on where you're coming from, will depend if this is a good option or not.
If you don't feel comfortable driving, or prices for cars are too expensive, you can also use Bla Bla Car, which is a ride sharing app used commonly throughout Europe. Drivers post their routes and you can search your starting point and destination for who matches you.
I love Bla Bla Car because it's often cheaper than any other transportation, it helps contribute to the driver, and it more environmentally friendly. I've also made quite a few great people that I still keep in touch with from some of my trips with this app!
There are a ton of river cruises that visit Budapest.
Entry Requirements for Hungary
The world keeps changing, so it's important to stay on top of entry requirements for each country. Here is everything you need to know for visiting the country of Hungary.
Visa Requirements for Hungary
When it comes to traveling throughout Europe, it can get super tricky in regards to who is in the EU, who is in the Schengen Zone, or who is in both, and what that means.
For traveling to Hungary, it is important to know that they are part of the EU, as well as the Schengen Zone. This means that there is free travel amongst the other countries in the Schengen Zone, therefore you eon't be going through customs.
But why might this be a bad thing? Countries in the Schengen zone will have to make sure that they abide by the 90/180 rule, which means you can only spend 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180-day period.
The 90/180 Rule
It's important to understand that these 90 days are valid for all countries in the Schengen area. For example, if you spend 20 days in Portugal (also part of the EU), you will then only be able to spend a total of 70 days in Hungary within a 180 day period.
We use the Schengen visa calculator, which is super helpful for those planning on traveling in and out of the EU for a long period of time.
Schengen Visas
For those of you that are planning on staying longer in Hungary or the Schengen Area, or those that are from a country that don't get visa-free access, you will need to then in fact apply for a Schengen Visa. You can click here to check out the list of countries that need to get a Schengen Visa.
Covid Entry Requirements for Hungary
Hungary has dropped all requirements when it comes to Covid. So regardless of vaccination status or testing, Hungary is open for all citizens. Yay!
Local Adjustments
Whenever traveling there are things that you may forget about, which may be different from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the "local adjustments" to keep in mind while traveling to Hungary.
Language
The official language Hungary is Hungarian. While we usually try to pick up a bit of the language before we get there, we can admit that this time was a challenge. After being in 15 other European countries all summer, our willpower to learn was pretty low.
The good thing is that Hungarians have a pretty great level of English, making it quite easy to get by without knowing Hungarian. However, we do encourage you to learn a little bit!
Currency
The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian forint, written as HUF. Currently both the USD and Euro are a ratio of 406:1 when it comes to the conversion.
Most places including restaurants, hotels, and shops, all accept credit card. However, for street food and souvenirs we definitely recommend hitting an ATM and having some local currency available.
Outlets
Hungary uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Hungary is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Water Potability
The water in Hungary is ranked amongst the best quality in all of Europe. We definitely suggest sticking to tap water, and bringing a refillable water bottle with you to stay hydrated.
Tipping Culture
The tipping culture in Hungary is pretty standard, at a rate of about 10%. It is customary for locals and foreigners alike to tip in restaurants, and if you had outstanding service you could leave up to 15%.
10 Top Things to Do in Budapest
Now let's get into the fun part! Budapest has so many amazing things to do, so we're going to go over everything from 10 top things to do in Budapest, to some of the hidden gems around the city.
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1. Take a Free Walking Tour
If you're traveling to a city, a free walking tour is always a must. This is the perfect way to get to know a new place, and find those hidden gems and tips from a local. Tours are free (you just need to tip), and you usually end up meeting some new friends as well.
Free walking tours allow you to see things you normally wouldn't without a local guide.
The free walking tour we took in Budapest was by GuruWalk. We absolutely loved our guide, and would highly recommend using them.
Free walking tours also allow you to learn about the history behind the impressive buildings.
2. Visit a Spa
Budapest is famous for its spas, and there are quite a few to choose from, so we'll let you know some of the top ones to check out.
Szechenyi
This is the number one bath house to visit if it's your first time in the city, and definitely one of the 10 top things to do in Budapest.
Szechenyi Baths are one of the 10 top things to do in Budapest.
Szechenyi is a huge complex with thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, and so much more. You could seriously spend a full day here. With rooftop sun chairs, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and bars, it's impossible not to enjoy this place.
Want to prebook a ticket to Szechenyi Spa? You can check out a few of the options below:
Not only is this spa iconic, but it even has a hidden gem inside that we got to experience. There is a beer spa inside! That's right- you can bathe in the ingredients of beer, while having unlimited draft beer. If you love unique activities, then this should definitely be moved to your 10 top things to do in Budapest list.
The beer spa is one of the most unique experiences in Budapest.
Szechenyi Spa opens at 7 am and closes and 8 pm, while the beer spa opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm.
Want to book your beer spa experience in advance? Just see the options below:
Gellert
The second most popular bath house is Gellert, located on the Buda side of the city. The spa has various indoor and outdoor pools. an ice cold tub, as well as a sauna to enjoy.
There are a variety of indoor and outdoor pools at Gellert.
Our favorite room was the one with the hottest pool featuring beautiful blue designs around it. The water is 40 degrees, and has another one opposite it with slightly cooler waters.
This is our favorite room in Gellert Spa.
Tickets are 7,100 HUF for weekdays, and 8,200 HUF for weekends and holidays. The spa is open from 9 am to 7 pm, and also has other spa services like pedicures, massages, and a small shop inside. If you'd like a list of all of the prices, you can simply click here.
Gellert Spa has plenty of different services to offer.
Rudas
This is more of a local spot. With great baths and better prices than the touristy places, this is perfect for those that simply want to relax and have a more authentic experience.
Palatinus
This was another locally recommended spot. Palatinus is unique because there is a huge stork in the middle of the bath house. There is classical music, and also a wave pool you can check out every half hour.
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3. Check Out the Iconic Bridges
Having the Danube running through it, Budapest has quite a few bridges running across it. The number one you'll want to check out is the gorgeous Chain Bridge, which is an icon of the city. Right now it is under construction (August 2022), but hopefully by the time you are visiting it will be open again!
The two other bridges that you can cross are Elisabeth Bridge (an ascetically pleasing white bridge) and Liberty bridge (a bright green bridge).
There are quite a fexw beautiful bridges crossing the Danube in Budapest.
4. Visit the Major Landmarks
When it comes to the 10 top things to do in Budapest, the major landmarks are definitely not to be missed. There are quite a few, which is why we put them into the same category. Here are a few of the use visits.:
Hungarian Parliament
The stunning building is home to the parliament. But let's be honest- most people visit here because the architecture is just drop dead gorgeous. We didn't go inside, and we were told its not really worth it as one of the "10 top things to do in Budapest", but something to check out if you have extra time.
If you do want to go inside, then tours are 3,200 HUF for European citizens, and 6,400 HUF for everyone else. Tours last 45 minutes, and are guided.
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the most stunning buildings in Europe, and definitely one of the 10 top things to do in Budapest.
Fisherman's Bastion
The number one spot for our list of 10 top things to do in Budapest is Fisherman's Bastion.
Fisherman's Bastion is our favorite place in Budapest.
This area of the city is seriously like a fairytale, and cannot be missed out on! It is free to walk around the castle grounds, and there are plenty of different structures to enjoy. Not only that, but the news of the Hungarian Parliament from here are also beautiful.
Fisherman's Bastion is a full complex of fairytale like buildings.
Shoes On the Danube Bank
Located right along the river before getting the the parliament you'll find a beautiful and haunting tribute to the Holocaust. The shoes represent the lives lost, and people tortured during this horrific time.
This tribute is a very important site in Budapest.
Our guide even told us an insane story from one of her customers' grandfathers. He was standing on that exact bank when soldiers were shooting the men one by one into the river. The bullet actually missed her Grandfather, but he pretended to be shot and flew into the water. He had to stay there until the coast was clear (literally!). Almost drowning, he made it out and is still alive today.
The shoes represent the lives lost from the Holocaust.
St Stephen's Basilica
This is the most famous and beautiful cathedral in the city of Budapest. Centrally located, you can see the cathedral from blocks away.
You can appreciate St Stephen's Basilica from blocks away.
Head there at 8 pm to be able to witness the organ show, or climb up to the top for some spectacular views of the city. Tickets are 1,200 HUF for the church, and 320 for the treasury and panorama. St Stephen's Basilica opening hours vary on the day and time of year. If you'd like to see the full timetable, you can simply click here.
St Stephan's Basilica is one of the 10 top things to do in Budapest.
Buda Castle
When you look over the Buda side and see all f the stunning architecture, it appears that the castle would in fact be what is Fisherman's Bastion. Buda Castle though actually looks more like a big government building spanning a great deal of the Buda side of the river.
What was one a palace, now holds the Hungarian National Gallery, as well as the Hungarian National Museum. The castle is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and visits are on the hour for up to 15 people. Tickets are 1,400 HUF for adult tickets, and 1,000 for students and retirees.
Buda Castle is no longer a palace, but holds the National Gallery and History Museum.
5. Take in Beautiful Views of the City
Seeing a city from above is quite magical, especially when it has a famous river running through it. Here are our favorite viewpoints in Budapest:
Gellert Hill
Located right next to Gellert Spa is Gellert Hill, taking up a large portion of the Buda side of the city. There are several trails with viewing platforms, benches, and even playgrounds located on Gellert Hill. Make it to the top and you'll see one of the most interesting statues in the city.
This statue is iconic, and no longer holds the same meaning it used to.
Originally this statue was built during the communist era, and was a horrible symbol for Hungarians. But instead of taking it down, they repurposed the meaning and kept it there with pride.
Gellert Hill has more than just viewpoints.
The view from the top gives stunning views of the Pest side of the city, and is a great little work out to work off those chimney cakes.
Gellert Hill has gorgeous views of the city.
Elizabeth Lookout
This historical tower is accessible from 8 am to 8 pm, and has spectacular views of the whole city of Budapest. Located on top of Janos Hill, this is the highest point in Budapest. To get to the top you can either hike up, or take the chair lift.
Located 6 km outside the center, you can get here by taking the 61 tram from Buda to Budagyongye, and then the 291 bus to Zugligeti.
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Viewpoint of the Hungarian Parliament
In our opinion, the Hugarian Parliament definitely makes the 10 top things to do in Budapest. While it is beautiful to see at any angle, our personal favorite is from across the river. Just head to the Batthyani Ter metro station, and the whole area gives you stunning views of the Parliament building.
This is our favorite view point of the Hungarian Parliament.
6. Have an Epic Night Out
One of the 10 top things to do in Budapest is for those that love a good night out. If you're into nightlife, then you're in luck, because Budapest is a great place for it! Here are a few of the best places to hit up for a wild night out.
Szimpla Kert
This is the most famous, and the biggest of the ruins bars in Budapest. With a quirky and grungy feel, the place is really perfect for young travelers to get a taste of nightlife in Budapest.
Insta
Insta is another super popular venue in Budapest, and is where I actually spent my first night ever in Budapest. There is actually a hustle upstairs, where I had booked a night not even knowing about the party scene.
The place was huge, dark, and had electronic music, making for a super fun introduction to this wild city.
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Vittula
This was a recommendation from a local, and is a bar with an underground hip hop scene.
Roots
Here is another local recommendation, also with an underground hip hop scene if that's more your style.
7. Watch a Stunning Sunrise
If you're planning on having an epic night out, then just wait til the sun comes up. One of our favorite sunrises to date was in Budapest, and it was simply magical.
Fisherman's Bastion offers the most magical sunrise.
If you're into photography, then this will definitely make your 10 top things to do in Budapest. Fisherman's Bastion is home to the stunning Buda Castle, and if you want to experience it with very few people around, then sunrise is the time to do it.
Waking up for sunrise (or staying up for it) is so worth it.
The sun starts to peak out right across the river behind the Hungarian Parliament, and is super dreamy. The lighting at this time is also just spectacular, so it really is any photographer's dream.