Budapest Travel Guide

Top Things to Do in Budapest 

The Hungarian capital, Budapest, blends history, culture and plenty of exciting things for visitors. Whether you spend a few days or a week here, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do. We’ve gathered some of the best places to visit in Budapest for you. 

• Take time to relax in Thermal Baths: the cities most visited thermal baths are Széchenyi and Gellért Baths. After seeing every sight, these natural hot springs are ideal for letting you relax.  
• Ride a boat on the Danube: You’ll enjoy fantastic views of Buda and Pest and the city is even prettier when the lights come on at night.  
• Drop into Buda Castle: To learn and relax by taking in the city views from the Fisherman’s Bastion.  
• Admire Hungary’s beautiful Parliament: You won’t regret seeing this stunningly built legislative building with its amazing decoration inside and out.  
• Visit the Chain Bridge: You’ll cross the river, explore both halves of the city and get some great views along the way.  
• Visit the Ruin Bars: You’ll find plenty of unique charm in Budapest’s nightlife crew, many of which are in buildings that have been abandoned such as Szimpla Kert.  
• Stroll Through Heroes’ Square & City Park: A short walk from Heroes’ Square you’ll find City Park which contains Vajdahunyad Castle and the Budapest Zoo.  
• See St. Stephen’s Basilica: From the top of the church, you can admire the city and the artwork and history inside are well worth seeing.

You can find history, a place to relax or plenty of excitement in the nightlife when you visit Budapest.

History, Culture, and Nightlife in Budapest 

History: Budapest’s long history began a thousand years ago. Because it was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city is renowned for its splendid royal architecture. The castle of Buda, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Hungarian Parliament all display bits of Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. The city was significant in both World War II and the Cold War and a visit to the House of Terror Museum helps explain its difficult history. Budapest feels full of history, showing it through its handsome bridges, old squares and winding medieval streets.  

Culture: Budapest is home to a rich culture, so visitors often enjoy the city’s art, music and theatre. Visitors can see Hungary’s heritage through major collections in the Hungarian National Museum and Museum of Fine Arts, both located here. It’s easy to try Budapest’s coffee at Gerbeaud Café and the Hungarian State Opera House features incredible performances. Besides their history, folk music and dance are important to Hungarian culture and many venues around the city feature live shows.   

Nightlife: There’s no doubt that Budapest is one of the best European cities for nightlife. What makes the city famous are its ruin bars, where you’ll find original pubs in old, abandoned places, with Szimpla Kert being the best-known. Rooftop bars are great for anyone who wants to see the Danube while enjoying a night out and jazz clubs and live music venues create a calm place to unwind. Dance and party festivities along the river last through the night, giving Budapest a reputation for both chilled drinks and nightlong events.