What to do in Budapest

Activities, attractions and tours

Budapest showing a river or creek, a ferry and heritage architecture
Buda Castle which includes a castle, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Matthias Church showing a monument, a statue or sculpture and a church or cathedral
Budapest
Budapest
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Top places to visit

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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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.

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 which includes an administrative building, 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 which includes heritage architecture, a day spa and a park

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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Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.

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 featuring heritage architecture, a garden and a castle

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 showing interior views and theatre 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

Popular places to visit

Margaret Island which includes a city and a river or creek

Margaret Island

3.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Margaret Island, a popular spot to commune with nature in Budapest. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Margaret Island
Gellért Thermal Bath

Gellért Thermal Bath

4.5/5(281 reviews)

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 which includes an administrative building, night scenes and a city

Parliament Building

4.5/5(987 reviews)

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 which includes heritage architecture, a day spa and a park

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

4.5/5(548 reviews)

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

St. Stephen's Basilica

4.5/5(923 reviews)

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 featuring heritage architecture, a garden and a castle

Buda Castle

4.5/5(983 reviews)

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

Buda Castle
Hungarian State Opera House showing interior views and theatre scenes

Hungarian State Opera House

4/5(231 reviews)

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

4.5/5(1,053 reviews)

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

4/5(247 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Vaci Street during your trip to Budapest. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums.

Vaci Street

Explore areas of Budapest

Buda Castle which includes a castle, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture

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 showing a river or creek, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

Egyetem Tér and Vaci Street are top sights in Inner City Budapest, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ferenciek Square Station or Március 15. tér Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

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(679 area reviews)

Kiraly Street and Nagymezo Street are top sights in Erzsebetvaros, and you should be sure to explore the luxurious spas. Hop aboard the metro at Wesselényi utca - Erzsébet körút Tram Stop or Király utca / Erzsébet körút Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Erzsebetvaros
Hungarian State Opera House which includes 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 of the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.

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

Belváros - Lipótváros

Known for its fantastic nightlife and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Belváros - Lipótváros. Check out top attractions like St. Stephen's Basilica and Danube Palace, and jump on the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Vorosmarty Square Station to see more of the city.

Belváros - Lipótváros

Day trip destinations from Budapest

Photo by László Rádi

Maglód

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, 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 travelling 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 neighbourhoods, 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.