When you’re planning a trip to Budapest, the possibilities are endless. This incredible city has such a diverse array of establishments and attractions to check out, from historical landmarks to gorgeous spas to phenomenal restaurants and everything in between. It boasts a phenomenal social scene as well, offering plenty of lively gathering spaces like karaoke bars, skate parks, and art galleries. With so many fun things to do in Budapest, this Hungarian hotspot guarantees an unforgettable trip for every kind of traveler.

To plan the best trip possible, you’ve come to the right spot.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Budapest

Before you jet off to the city, here are the top things to do in Budapest you don’t want to miss. From shopping at the local markets in the morning to letting loose at the ruins bars in the evening, prepare to have every moment of your trip packed with action.

Dedicate a Day to Budapest Sightseeing

There’s no shortage of fascinating places to go in Budapest, so you’ll want to dedicate at least a day to some top-notch sightseeing. Many of the must-visit destinations are within walking distance of one another, which makes touring the city even better. You can seamlessly move from one attraction to the next, so there’s a lot you’ll be able to see in a short period of time.

The layout of the city pretty much breaks up into two parts. On one side of the Danube River, you have the Buda district. You can take in outstanding views of the cityscape from above at Fisherman’s Bastion, check out the museums inside Buda Castle, and even embark on a guided tour through an underground cave system.

Across the Danube River on the other side, you have the Pest district. Here, you see iconic attractions like the Hungarian Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Dohány Street Synagogue. It also has tons of shops, restaurants, and museums.

Depending on how much time you have, you can either devote a day to each district or head to one in the morning before crossing to the other for the afternoon. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget to bring your camera!

Shop at the the Local Markets

Budapest has a great local shopping scene with tons of handmade treasures and artisan products. If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home as a token of your trip, or even just want some high-quality groceries to keep at your hotel or rental apartment, the local markets are where you want to go.

Central Market Hall is an absolute must-visit. The first floor is full of fresh produce and gourmet groceries from local vendors, while the second floor sells items like pottery, jewelry, games, and plenty of hand-made treasures. There’s also a variety of food stands with ready-to-eat meals, so even if you aren’t in the mood to shop, it’s still a great place to grab a casual lunch while enjoying the atmosphere.

Lots of seasonal markets take place throughout the year, too. If you’re there during the holiday season, the Christmas market outside of St. Stephen’s Basilica transforms the area into a winter wonderland.

For those spending a weekend in Budapest, another fabulous market you’ll want to visit is the Sunday Farmers Market at Szimpla Kert. The infamous ruins bar features a new charity for brunch each week, serving a homemade meal to benefit a social cause, and there are lots of locally-sourced grocery items for sale.

Cruise Down the Danube River

Separating the city into its two main districts, Buda and Pest, the Danube River is one of the city’s most recognizable features. For a change of pace, cruising down the river and spotting famous attractions on the shoreline is definitely one of the best activities in Budapest.

Depending on your personal preferences, there’s a bunch of different sightseeing cruises for you to choose from. There are some devoted strictly to sightseeing, with daytime, sunset, and evening options, while others incorporate food, drinks, and performance aspects.

From sunset cocktail cruises to dinner cruises with live music or traditional Hungarian folk dances, you can pick whichever vibe and atmosphere matches your mood. One thing is for sure: you’re in for a great time!

Tour the Underground Caves

Beneath the Buda district, there’s a vast network of underground caves dating all the way back to the 12th century. They served various purposes throughout different periods in time, ranging from cellar storage for food and wine to medieval prison cells and even shelter space during wars.

Taking a guided tour of the caves is such a cool experience and gives an intriguing glimpse into life during another era. Walking through the limestone pathways of the labyrinth was probably one of my favorite activities in Budapest, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is able-bodied. The tour usually takes about an hour and a half.

Visit the History Museums

Hungary has a long and complex history, and a visit to its capital city isn’t complete without taking some time to learn about it. There are several captivating museums to choose from, showcasing the talents, struggles, and triumphs of the Hungarian people over the years. If you’re a history nerd like me, they’re the best places to go in Budapest for an educational experience.

Out of the museums I went to in the city, the two I recommend visiting the most are the House of Terror Museum and the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The House of Terror has immersive exhibitions about life in Hungary during the communist era, while the Holocaust Memorial provides detailed accounts of the tragedies that took place in Budapest during World War II. Both museums do an excellent job honoring and respecting the innocent victims of these devastating events.

Although the somber subject material evokes strong emotions, I was glad I had the opportunity to learn more about the realities of what truly happened in Budapest during these heartbreaking periods in time. I believe it’s necessary for people to have a strong awareness and understanding of the past to ensure history never repeats itself. If you choose to go, just make sure you’re mentally prepared to see solemn and graphic depictions. The exhibits may be highly triggering for some.

Ride on the Budapest Eye

Standing tall in the city center, the giant ferris wheel formally known as the Budapest Eye is a beloved attraction adored by locals and visitors of all ages. A ride to the top gives you a panoramic view of some of the most famous things to see in Budapest, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Danube River, and Buda Castle.

It lights up at night and sparkles against the dark night sky, creating a festive ambiance in the square. If you don’t want to ride it, you can still soak in the scenery by grabbing a cocktail or a bite to eat around its perimeter. There are plenty of rooftop lounges and outdoor patio areas that provide a perfect setting to unwind at while the wheel spins behind you.

When you’re planning a trip to Budapest and looking for hotels in the city, I recommend choosing an accommodation close to this area if you can. While it may be a bit pricier than other neighborhoods, you’ll be within walking distance of so many markets, restaurants, bars, and a bunch of the best things to do in Budapest.

Take a Dip in the Thermal Baths

Budapest hasn’t earned its nickname as the “Spa City” for nothing. It is home to an astonishing number of thermal baths, and taking a dip in these mineral pools is not only a deep-rooted part of Hungarian culture, but a favorite pastime for travelers.

To add a little relaxation and rejuvenation into your trip, spending a few hours at the thermal baths is one of the top things to do in Budapest. The most famous of them all is definitely the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, which emerged in 1913. It can get quite crowded during peak hours, so be sure to purchase a skip-the-line ticket in advance. The Gellért Thermal Bath is especially popular as well.

If you want to visit one of the most famous thermal baths but still want to avoid the crowds, morning hours are the best time to go. Otherwise, there are a bunch of smaller baths you can visit for a more private pampering experience.

Savor the Hungarian Street Food

Hungarian food is delicious, and while you’re visiting Budapest, you’ll have all the best traditional cuisine and street food at your fingertips. As you walk around the city, you’ll find mouthwatering treats on just about every street.

Lángos are literally amazing and they’re sold everywhere, so be sure to eat one (…or 5) during your trip. Other tasty foods to try include stuffed cabbage, spicy sausage, chimney cakes, and of course, the goulash. They’re all served abundantly throughout the central districts.

Plan an Evening of Entertainment

When it comes to the entertainment and nightlife scene, there are so many fun activities in Budapest to choose from. From lavish theaters to local dive bars, there’s always a place where you can catch a live performance in.

An evening at the stunning Hungarian Opera House provides a classy experience, welcoming world-class talent into its elegant and glamorous space. Many musical productions are also held at St. Stephen’s Basilica, where guests can listen to the melodies surrounded by its impeccable architecture.

For something more casual, tons of bars and lounges have live band nights where emerging local artists perform. They’re loads of fun to hang out at, and you’ll meet a bunch of people from the city. Another super fun place to go for a bit of people-watching and a few great laughs are the karaoke bars along Rumbach Sebestyén u. You’ll be surrounded by fellow travelers from all over the world, and after a few cocktails, people really sing their hearts out (whether they’re in tune or not).

Drink in a Ruins Bar

Nestled in what used to be ghettos during World War II, checking out the ruins bars is definitely one of the top things to do in Budapest. They are some of the city’s most distinct features and have a cool, quirky ambiance. Whether you stop by for an afternoon drink or go during a night on the town, the history and innovation they embody give them a rare and special allure.

Szimpla Kert is the original ruins bar and the most famous one in the city, but be prepared for how busy it can get and expect a long line during peak hours. Another terrific choice is Mazel Tov, which serves Middle Eastern dishes in an industrial-chic space with a fantastic cocktail list.

If you want to see a bunch of the well-known spots in one night, there are a few ruins bar crawls you can book while you’re visiting Budapest. A local will guide you around for the night, and you’ll be able to meet some other travelers to drink, laugh, and hang out with during the tour.

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