Visiting Budapest: what are the best things to see and do in Hungary’s capital?
Budapest is one of Central Europe’s favorite cities for a weekend or longer getaway. The Hungarian capital was created in 1873 by the merger of Buda and Pest (and Óbuda). If you’re only going for a few days, you should check out this list of things to do in Budapest for your stay!
1. Castle Hill with its historic monuments, museums and cafés
Fishermen’s bastion in Buda – Flickr – Duda Arraes
This area of Buda is home to a number of interesting sights. The Buda Castle (Royal Palace) is of course not to be missed, but there’s also the Fishermen’s Bastion with its view of the Danube and Pest,Matthias Church on Trinity Square and numerous statues and buildings of fine architecture. In the district, it’s great to stroll along the cobbled streets and stop off at a café for a drink or a bite to eat. Click on the link to find out more about the Buda district.
2. Chain bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
A walk over this bridge is a history lesson. Built from a design by British engineer William Tierney Clark in the 1840s, it is one of the very first suspension bridges. Imposing statues of lions at each end of the structure guard the passage. It’s one of Budapest’s most emblematic landmarks. Having been created from two cities on either side of the Danube, Budapest is a city of bridges. So you’ll find many more along the river.
3. Hungary’s incredible parliament
Flickr – Larry Myhre
Hungary’s enormous parliament building stands on the banks of the Danube. Inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London, the building boasts incredible neo-Gothic architecture. At night, it’s even more beautiful when lit up. You can visit the Hungarian Parliament, whose interior design and scale are breathtaking.
4. Danube shoes (Jewish memorial)
Flickr – archer10 (Dennis)
On the banks of the Danube near Parliament and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to the Jews shot in the river during the Second World War. Members of a fascist party had asked them to take off their shoes before being shot. Finding the site is simple: walk along the riverbank from the Chain Bridge towards Parliament. This mini-monument was created by Can Togay and Gyula Pauer in 2005.
5. Budapest thermal baths
Budapest is a spa town with a wide range of baths to choose from. Opt for the traditional Ottoman style of the Rudas baths (men’s only on weekdays and open to all on weekends), or if you want a complete contrast, choose the vast complexes of the Gellért baths (at the Hotel Gellért; the indoor baths are magnificent) or the Széchenyi baths with huge outdoor pools, marble treatment rooms and a host of treatments that will keep you busy for hours.
For locals, going to a spa is a convivial way to get together with friends and enjoy medicinal waters or an invigorating massage, body scrub or other beauty treatment.
6. Saint-Etienne Basilica
Flickr – David Baggins
This building is a true masterpiece of humanity. Located in the Belváros district of Pest, it is one of Hungary’s largest churches. Its domed roof houses a number of relics and works of art, but above all the astonishing Sainte Dextre, the mummified right hand of the 1st Hungarian King Stephen, after whom the church is named. When it comes to architecture, the locals say they love to admire it every time they pass by, so imagine if it was your first time!
7. The House of Terror
Located on Andrássy Avenue in a former Hungarian secret police building, the House of Terror is a museum that tells the story of the successive dictatorships suffered by Hungary (those of Nazism and Communism). Well worth a visit if you’re interested in the history of the Hungarian people.
8. Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)
Flickr – Gazteaukera
At the end of Andrassy Avenue, one of Europe’s most famous squares awaits you. Come early to enjoy the calm of the morning, or late in the day to catch the hustle and bustle. Around the square, you’ll find a number of museums and, above all, the Városliget, the « city wood », where you can enjoy a picnic and a stroll in the shade of the trees.
9. Spend an afternoon on Marguerite Island
The island is easily accessible by streetcar number 4 or 6 (stop: Margit-Sziget). These are the most popular streetcar lines, so streetcars run regularly. Once known as « Rabbit Island », it has since been renamed after Sainte-Marguerite (the daughter of King Béla IV). If you come here in summer, expect to see crowds of people sitting on the grass, drinking beer and laughing(ideal for picnics). In winter, there are far fewer people, but it’s a good place to come for a run as there are 5.3 km of trails.
10. Shopping in Budapest
Flickr – Markus Kolletzky
If you love the atmosphere of a market, don’t hesitate to visit Budapest’s central market halls. It’s a great place to eat, but also to meet the locals doing their shopping. The place itself is beautiful. For shopping, there’s also Váci Street (Váci utca), but this one is very touristy. For something a little more authentic, head for Gozsdu Court, between Király, Dob and Holló streets.
How to get to Budapest
It’s relatively easy to find a cheap flight to Budapest. If you’re going in summer, like many tourists, prices will be a little higher, so plan ahead. You’ll find cheap flights to Budapest on the website of our partner Ulysse.
Where to stay in Budapest?
Whatever time of year you travel to the Hungarian capital, remember to book in advance. You’ll find all kinds of hotels, from youth hostels to boutique and luxury hotels. But the most important thing is to choose the right area to stay in Budapest! To find a cheap hotel in Budapest, use this hotel comparator.
Have you ever been to Budapest? How did you find the Danube city?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Budapest,hu