The Ultimate Top 10 Best Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary

In a city with countless museums, bars, shopping districts, and spas, Budapest is sure to have something for everyone! Although very difficult to narrow down, here is our top 10 list for the best things to do in Budapest!

#10 - Szimpla Kert

Located in the old Jewish district, Szimpla Kert is a fun eclectic bar made up of several rooms and floors with multiple areas to get drinks. It’s got a funky atmosphere perfect for those who are a little weird (like me). It was originally apartments that the bar members saved from being completely demolished. Since 2004, it has become a major tourist attraction that also offers live music, art galleries, movie showings, a library, farmer’s markets, flea markets, and other fun activities.

Hours: Monday - Friday (3:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.); Saturday (12 noon - 4:00 a.m.); Sunday (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.)

Average Cost: FREE

#9 - Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament building may not be as old as you think. It was actually completed in 1904 as the main building for the governmental officials in Hungary. When Budapest was unified into one complete city, construction began in 1885, and Imre Steindl was the winning architect for the job. It was inaugurated in 1896 in celebration of Hungary’s 1,000th year anniversary. Unfortunately for the architect, Steindl turned blind during the project and passed away before its completion.

This gorgeous gothic style building was made by more than 100,000 people, using around 40 million bricks, and about 90 pounds of real gold. It contains 691 rooms, 29 staircases, 27 gates, and 10 courtyards among other things.

Hours: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.); Saturday - Sunday (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Average Cost: 9,964 HUF

#8 - Buda Castle

Buda Castle has a very long history. Wayyyy too long for this blog, but here’s the gist: it was built between the 14th-20th centuries. It has seen a lot of facelifts and additions since construction began for King Louis I of Hungary. It wasn’t until King Sigismund of Luxembourg that the additions really took off. King Sigismund wanted to show off his wealth and nobility to his subjects through his elaborate designs and extensions. Because of this, it became the largest gothic palace in the middle ages during its time, and Buda became the artistic centre for gothic style. We enourage you to read more about this interesting castle on the Buda side of the city!

Now, Buda Castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery. It has stunning artwork depicting life in Hungary during several centuries and time periods. They aren’t just portraits, but rather real-life struggles and situations Hungarians have endured. Definetely worth a visit.

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Average Cost: 3,800 HUF (some parts are free to walk)

#7 - Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is a perfect example of neo-Renaissance architectural style. Construction began in 1875 and was funded mainly by Franz Joseph I (Austrian Emperor and Hungarian King). It was officially complete after design plans by Miklós Ybl, whom was a notable architect and designer in 19th century Hungary. It was officially completed in 1884 and holds more than 1,200 audience members. You can get tickets to explore this beautiful opera house, but we recommend seeing this stage in action by watching a live performance of an opera. They put shows on frequently, so you’ll more than likely have the opportunity to watch an opera while on your trip.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (varies on performance days)

Average Cost: 2,490 HUF (different cost for performance seats)

#6 - Hungarian National Museum

This is probably one of the best history museums we’ve visited . It explains the very beginning of Hungary, from prehistoric Hungary to the more recent history of the country. It is a beautiful display of archeology, artwork, artifacts, armoury, royal medals and crowns, ceremonial pieces, photographs, and many other historical pieces of Hungary. This is all displayed in perfect transitions as you walk through each room. And, it’s all within an exquisite 19th century building. Who could ask for more?

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Average Cost: 2,900 HUF

#5 - Margaret Island

Wow, this one was a nice surprise for us. You may think it’s a small island that’s not worth going to, but we completely disagree. This island stretches over 1 1/2 miles long and has much to offer. It is home to a spa house, a public pool (looks more like a water park), a few restaurants and bars, canoeing docks, an amphitheatre, a fountain water show, and countless gardens to explore. You could probably spend all day here and not miss being on the Buda or Pest sides of the city. It’s a fun spot to relax and take in the sun!

#4 - Central Market Hall

Whether you call it Central Market Hall, the Great Market Hall, or simply Market Hall I, it all means the same thing: shopping! There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from t-shirts, flags, food, drinks, artwork, toys, jewellry, handbags, and yes… lots of paprika. If you’re hungry from smelling the aroma of paprika, just walk up to one of the cafe stands to get your Hungarian fix. You can find a lot of classics like goulash and paprikash to more universal foods like pizza and gyros. Although it was built in the late 1800’s, it was reconstructed in the 1990’s due to the damage caused by World War II. With countless stalls and several floors, you will probably get lost in here, so hold onto your travel buddies tightly!

Hours: Tuesday - Friday (6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.); Saturday (6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.); Sunday (closed); Monday (6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Average Cost: FREE

#3 - Dohany Street Synagogue

Wow - that’s all we kept saying. This is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Keep in mind that Hungary was home to 825,000 Jews before the war. Now, it is roughly 48,000 in the whole country. Dohany Street Synagogue had been damaged several times - starting with the Hungarian pro-Nazi party bombing the building in 1939, aerial raids during the war, and horrific damages during the Siege of Budapest. It was also used as a stable and the home of a German radio among other things. During the Communist era, it was finally again a place of prayer for the Jewish residents after its construction in the mid-1800’s. You can marvel at the beautiful archways, take in the history, and be invited to partake in Jewish rituals. Just make sure to have your shoulders covered and show modesty. If you wear something inappropriate, you will be asked to leave or pay a small amount for a scarf.

Hours: Sunday -Thursday (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.); Friday (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.); Saturday (closed)

Average Cost: 5,982 HUF

#2 - Vajdahunyard Castle/Heroes Square

Walking up to this stunning castle, you may think it’s hundreds of years old. Well, actually, it was constructed in the late 1800’s as a celebration for the 1,000th anniversary for the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin. There are pieces that don’t look like they quite match - this is because they made copies of notable architecture from various landmark buildings. You will find pieces that resemble the Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance style. Now, the castle is home to a few museums and shops.

Next to the castle stands the gigantic Heroes Square. Heroes Square is a square (shock) that holds statues of the 7 Chieftains of the Magyars, a large column with the archangel Gabriel, and a crescent shape with 12 Hungarian kings - each depicting an important moment in history. Like with the Parliament building and others, this was also built in 1896 as celebrations for Hungary’s 1,000th year anniversary.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Heroes Square - 24 hours - museums have varying times)

Average Cost: FREE (museums have varying costs)

#1 - Spas/Baths

This has to be the best and most famous thing to do in Budapest. You see it in the brochures, commercials, and even movies. Baths are a way of life over here in Budapest. With 9 spas to choose from, you may decide to go to a few or all of them. Perhaps the most famous one is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, as seen in our photo above. Széchenyi Thermal Bath contains 18 pools, 10 saunas, food stands, countless locker rooms, massage therapy, and other treatments. You could easily spend all day here - and it’s in a beautiful setting. But, don’t be fooled by its age. This spa was built in 1913 and expanded in 1927 to what we see today. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a weekend of exploring. Locals will tell you it’s the best and most relaxing thing to do in Budapest, and we agree!

Hours: varies depending on spa/bath

Average Cost: varies depending on spa/bath