Things to Do in Budapest
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Budapest, Hungary — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Buda Castle + Fisherman's Bastion
UNESCO castle district with seven turrets overlooking Danube + Parliament. Free to visit Bastion terrace (HUF 1,200 for upper level). Stunning at sunset.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
1913 Neo-Baroque thermal palace — 18 pools, 10 saunas. HUF 9,400 (1-day ticket). 2-3 hours. Most Instagrammed bath in Budapest.
Parliament + Shoes on the Danube
Hungary's neo-Gothic Parliament (one of Europe's largest). Memorial of 60 iron shoes commemorates 1944-45 Jewish victims. Both free outside.
Ruin bars (Szimpla Kert)
Budapest's iconic abandoned-building bars — Szimpla Kert is the original. Drinks HUF 1,800. Best 8pm onwards.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Budapest across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Budapest
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Budapest and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse BudapestJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Budapest.Eat here first
Goulash (gulyásleves). Lángos (deep-fried flatbread with sour cream). Chimney cake at Vörösmarty Square. Tokaji wine. Unicum herbal liqueur.
Local tip
BUD is 16km from centre — 100E Airport Express (HUF 2,200, 35 min) is the express route; cheaper route is bus 200E + metro for HUF 450. Thermal baths + ruin bars is the Budapest signature combo. For 12-hour layovers: bath morning + Buda Castle afternoon.
Where to stay
Hotels across Budapest — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.