Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe that I had the opportunity to live in for 5 months. Budapest is the most popular city to visit and during my time there I got a chance to do lots of unique things. Enjoy this list of fun things to do in Budapest.
My personal thoughts on Budapest:
Budapest is beautiful! The majesty and size of the buildings always make me feel tiny. My first visit to Budapest was in September of 2021 and so far I’ve visited about 10 times. It’s one of those cities that I would visit over and over again. That’s not just because my boyfriend currently lives there, but definitely has influenced a lot more of my trips.
If you’re looking to explore beyond Budapest, then check out these 9 day trips or the cities you should visit in Hungary every month.
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Budapest Activities
Things to do in Budapest – Pest side
Hungarian Parliament
On the Pest side is the biggest and most beautiful building in Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament. Inside is where the country’s jewels are held which are viewable if you take a tour inside. There are certain days when it’s free to enter. I definitely recommend going to see it at any time, golden hour, during the day or at night. It’s such a beautiful sight to see!
Unlimited Prosecco Cruise
One of my favorite Budapest activities I did during my time there was a 2 hour Unlimited Prosecco Cruise on the Danube. I specifically chose to do it during sunset to see the famous Budapest landmarks during golden hour and then in the dark all lit up. It’s true to the name in that you can drink as much Prosecco while on the boat. They also sell nuts and other snacks if you get hungry.
Heroes Square
This square has lots of past Hungarian leaders and presidents. It’s right next to City Park and a great spot to check out during your stay in Budapest.
City Park
This is one of the largest parks in Budapest on the Pest side. It’s a great place to have a picnic or check out one of its multiple museums like the Music Museum and the Ethnography Museum located right on the outer edge.
This park is home to one of the most famous thermal baths: Szechenyi Spa. If you search Budapest thermal baths you’ll see lots of photos of this one. If you choose to go during the day you’ll also have an optional Palinka tasting. There’s also a night spa/pool party held here most evenings based on the weather.
In the middle of the park there is a hot air balloon you can take to get an amazing view of the city. A perfect activity to do when it’s a nice day out.
Shoes on the Danube
A remnant of World War II are the shoes on the Danube. It’s located near the Hungarian Parliament along the river. These shoes represent the Jewish people that were shot into the river with only their shoes left behind. You can see a variety of shoes from men to women and even children. Sometimes flowers are left along the riverside or in the shoes.
Thermal Baths
Budapest is known for its thermal baths and there are so many on both the Buda and Pest sides. The most famous on the Pest side is the Széchenyi Spa bath in City Park. They often have night parties called Sparty so that you can experience the famous Hungarian spa in a revolutionary way.
Step into a refreshing and relaxing spa by paying a visit to the Mandala Day Spa with a luxury pool experience.
Ruin Bars
Lots of people make it to Budapest for the ruin bars that are mainly in the 7th District. The most popular one is Szimpla Kert followed by Instant. You can visit during the day to see the spaces or go at night to drink and vibe to the music. Szimpla is more about grabbing drinks and chilling in its various rooms. K is all about dancing to different genres of music on its multiple levels. This place is a maze, but a lot of fun wandering around.
Get to know the best ones by going on a guided ruin bars crawl with an open bar and 6 free shots.
Great Market Hall
This market still operates as a traditional one on the ground level with restaurants and souvenir shops on the first floor. It still looks when it operated as just a market. It’s a beautiful building worth visiting.
St Stephen’s Basilica
The St Stephen’s Basilica is super beautiful and a great place to go for an amazing viewpoint of Budapest from above. There’s an open plaza right in front to get photos with the full basilica.
Metropolitan Szabo Ervin Library
This gorgeous library deserves a walk through. From high ceilings to intricate details, this is not your average library. The main building is a 19th century former palace so each room has its own style by keeping its original facade. People do come to work and study here so please be mindful of that if you plan to walk around or take photos.
Photoshoot
Getting a photoshoot done on the Pest side is a must to have beautiful professional photos of your visit. This 2 hour photo tour is one you should have on your radar.
Things to do in Budapest – Buda side
Fisherman’s Bastion
Overlooking the Danube River and Hungarian Parliament is the Fisherman’s Bastion. It is pretty high up so you’ll either have to walk up, take a bus or taxi. This church and beautiful overlook is a great place to visit to see much of Budapest from above.
The lower level of the bastion is free to visit at all times, but the upper level does have a cost of 2,50 euros during the day. If you go during sunrise or in the evening you’ll be able to enter for free. I have only gone during the day, but I do plan to make a visit in the morning because I’ve seen some amazing photos and videos due to the great lighting. Opt for a professional sunrise photography session for great memories to take home.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle overlooks the Danube river and is a must visit when visiting Budapest. I recommend doing a walking tour to get to know the grounds and learn about its history.
Thermal Baths
Baths are found all around Budapest. Although the most famous is on the Pest side, the Buda side also has its fair share of ones you should check out. On my first visit to Budapest, I went to the Lukacs baths. They do water therapy here if you have doctor’s permission to do so. The Rudas baths overlook the Danube river with a rooftop bath. There’s also an indoor section with a large open ceiling.
Gellert Hill
This park on a hill is a great place to get an amazing view of the city. Depending on the season you may catch some cherry blossoms or the trees in bloom. It’s a beautiful walk during the fall to enjoy some fall foliage.
Cave Church
Nestled into the side of Gellert Hill and across the river from the Grand Central Market is this cave with a cross on top. It was supposedly once the home of a hermit monk and today is run by the Pauline Monks. It is said that it connects to a vast system of underground tunnels. Inside you’ll find a replica of the Black Madonna. If you plan to visit, please dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
Helicopter Ride
Get a unique view of Budapest and see it from above with a helicopter ride. During this one hour ride you’ll see the city, the Danube river, and even up to Visegrad. This is an unforgettable experience you’ll remember forever.
Margaret Island
So technically not on the Buda or Pest side as it’s in the middle of the river, but slightly close to Buda so I’ll add it here. Margaret Island is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city and into nature or a day spa. It’s definitely more of a place to visit during the spring, summer, and fall as it’s mainly all open space. It’s a great place to see some cherry blossoms, have a picnic and take in some fresh air. There’s a Budapest sign near the middle of the park that’s great for taking photos!
Traveling to Budapest as a Latina
During my multiple times to Budapest, I’m glad I’m able to share my perspective that isn’t just from one visit. As a Latina in Budapest, I’ve never felt uncomfortable or discriminated against. This could be because I mainly did touristy activities or visit cafes and didn’t partake in the work place or go to school there. My skin isn’t as dark as other Latinas which could have an influence as well.
The only time I did feel a bit taken advantage of was more because of my American-ness instead of my Latinidad. It was during the time I had been living in Budapest from January to June 2023. I wasn’t feeling well and felt like I was having a panic attack so I decided to go to the doctor. My boyfriend’s friend helped us find a doctor that spoke English and we made an appointment.
We went and spoke with the doctor. He took my blood pressure, temperature, and a couple other things. Then he mentioned some options I had about what I could do. As the appointment wrapped up the time for payment came.. The original appointment price had been about $40 USD. Then he said that price was only for Hungarians and that because he had to speak in English which was difficult for him, the price was now about $100.
In my head I was livid, but I didn’t say much. And to this day I’m mad that I didn’t fight it. Because before accepting he knew the appointment would be in English. I also doubt he gets many non-Hungarian prices to even have that as an option.
If you’re going to the doctor in a foreign country figure out the price and everything beforehand so you can feel comfortable with it. I did have travel insurance but didn’t think about it in that moment which was on me.
I hope this situation doesn’t happen to you anywhere!
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- 9 Budapest Day Trips
- Hungary Places to Visit Each Month
- Miskolc Full Travel Guide
- Busojaras in Mohacs, Hungary
- Places to Visit in Debrecen
I’ll be adding more places to this list over time so stay tuned!
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