Things to do in Budapest

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Budapest which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a ferry
Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle and a statue or sculpture
Matthias Church showing a statue or sculpture, a monument and heritage architecture
Budapest
Budapest
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Budapest must see attractions

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. Parliament Building

Hungarian officials wanted to create a grand celebration of the country’s Millennial in 1896 so they constructed the Parliament Building (Orszaghaz) using London’s Westminster Palace as inspiration. Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl, created plans for the impressive structure and built it in a prominent position along the Pest side of the Danube River. The site was selected on this flat central location as a symbol of the city’s new democratic government rather than the lofty hilltop castles of royalty.
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Parliament Building featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a city

3. 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, a park and flowers

4. 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 showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city

5. Buda Castle

The Buda Castle (Budai var) is part of Budapest’s internationally protected World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The beauty of the large castle, with the Chain Bridge in the foreground and both structures reflecting in the Danube River, is a sight that shouldn’t be missed, especially when city lights have come on after dark. Find these inspiring views from many spots on the Pest side of Budapest, particularly from the Parliament area, or observe them while on a river cruise on the Danube.
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Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and a park

6. Hungarian State Opera House

Hungary’s 300-year-long and very strong operatic tradition was given a major boost when the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) opened in Budapest in 1884. The building was designed by Mikós Ybl with influence from the Vienna Opera House. It now houses both the Hungarian State Opera and the Hungarian State Ballet. Its acoustics are considered among the finest in Europe, nearly as good as Milan’s La Scala and Paris’s Palais Garnier.
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Hungarian State Opera House featuring interior views and theater scenes

7. 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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Szechenyi Chain Bridge featuring heritage architecture and a bridge

What to do in Budapest

Discover the most popular places to visit in Budapest

Margaret Island featuring a river or creek and a city

Margaret Island

Explore the great outdoors at Margaret Island, a popular spot to commune with nature in Budapest. Check out 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
Parliament Building featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a city

Parliament Building

Gaze at the grand building of the democratic government of the people of Hungary and enjoy its reflection in the Danube River.

Parliament Building
Szechenyi Thermal Bath showing a day spa, a park and flowers

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
Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and a park

Buda Castle

One of the highlights of the Budapest skyline, this palatial structure also offers interesting galleries and museums.

Buda Castle
Hungarian State Opera House featuring interior views and theater scenes

Hungarian State Opera House

Enjoy an opera or ballet or simply admire the beautiful interior and exterior of this pre-1900 neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece.

Hungarian State Opera House
Szechenyi Chain Bridge featuring 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
Vaci Street

Vaci Street

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Vaci Street during your stay in Budapest. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums.

Vaci Street

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Budapest

Buda Castle showing heritage architecture, a castle 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 featuring a river or creek, a bridge and an administrative buidling

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(1,149 area reviews)

Situated on the east bank of the Danube, this central area offers sightseeing at landmarks like Buda Castle and shopping on Váci Street. Easily accessible via Ferenc Deák Square, where three Budapest Metro lines converge.

Inner City Budapest
Lipotvaros which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

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
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Erzsebetvaros

4/5(461 area reviews)

Situated on the Pest side of the Danube, this densely populated district boasts the historic Jewish quarter and the largest functioning synagogue in Europe, Dohány Street Synagogue.

Erzsebetvaros
Hungarian State Opera House showing a statue or sculpture

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 the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.

District VI
St. Stephen\'s Basilica which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Belváros - Lipótváros

Heart of Budapest, District V boasts political, financial, and touristic significance. Explore iconic sites like Hungarian Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica, and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Belváros - Lipótváros

Popular day trips from Budapest

Szentendre

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from downtown, and Belváros - Lipótváros, which is about 0.80 kilometers 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 traveling 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 neighborhoods, 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.