{"id":190233,"date":"2020-01-13T08:56:53","date_gmt":"2020-01-13T13:56:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=190233"},"modified":"2024-12-16T13:36:25","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T18:36:25","slug":"things-to-see-and-do-in-budapest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/things-to-see-and-do-in-budapest\/","title":{"rendered":"The 25 Best Things to Do in Budapest"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

When I first visited Budapest<\/a>, the gritty, rundown streets charmed me. Budapest felt edgy. This was a city of underground bars in abandoned buildings<\/a>, hearty food, and serious people. <\/p>\n

Originally founded by the Celts around 1 CE, the region was later annexed by the Romans, who founded the city of Aquincum here (which present-day Budapest now covers). The Magyars eventually invaded the region after being pushed out of Bulgaria<\/a>, founding the Kingdom of Hungary around the year 1000 CE. In 1361, the king built Buda Castle here, solidifying present-day Budapest as the capital and cultural hub of the kingdom.<\/p>\n

In 1873, the towns of Buda and Pest were merged with the third area of the city, \u00d3buda (Old Buda), to form modern-day Budapest.<\/p>\n

Over the years, I’ve seen the city change as tourists discovered this hidden gem and made it not so hidden anymore. And, while no longer as edgy as it once was, Budapest is still one of the best cities in Europe<\/a>. It offers some of the best nightlife on the continent, beautiful districts, tons of spas and hot springs, stunning historic buildings and museums, and lots of green space.<\/p>\n

To help you make the most out of your next trip, here are my top 25 things to see and do in Budapest.
\n <\/p>\n

1. Take a Free Walking Tour<\/h3>\n

\"The
\nWhenever I arrive in a new destination, I always take a free walking tour. It’s a budget-friendly way to see the main sights, learn about the destination, meet new people and ask any questions you have to a local expert. They’re a quick and easy way to get an overview of a city, which helps you plan the rest of your trip. Budapest has a number of good free tours available. Trip to Budapest<\/a> and Generation Tours<\/a> both offer excellent tours. Just be sure to tip your guide!
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2. Soak at the Baths<\/h3>\n

Budapest is known for its thermal spa baths (it’s one of the best things about this city). There are more than 120 mineral hot springs here, many dating back to the Roman Empire.<\/p>\n

The most popular is the Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths in City Park. With 18 pools, it’s the largest and most famous in Europe. The historic buildings that house the spa were built in 1913, and it\u2019s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Don\u2019t forget your bathing suit and flip-flops (you can rent towels and lockers).<\/p>\n

Other baths, such as Lukacs and Gellert are also worth a visit.<\/p>\n

\u00c1llatkerti krt. 9-11, +36-20 435 0051, szechenyifurdo.hu. Weekdays from 7am-8pm and weekends from 8am-8pm. Admission starts at 9,400 HUF on weekdays and 10,900 HUF on weekends (11,900 HUF on holidays).<\/em>
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3. Party at the Ruin Bars<\/h3>\n

\"The
\nThe nightlife in Budapest is one of the best in Europe \u2014 and ruin bars are a big reason why. Located in the old Jewish Quarter (the District VII neighborhood), much of the neighborhood was left to decay after World War II. During the 90s, bars began to appear in the abandoned buildings in the area. Now, this underground scene is well on the map, but that doesn’t make these eclectic, arty, and funky spaces any less fun. Szimpla Kert (laid-back and quirky) and Instant-Fogas (nightclub vibes) are my favorites.<\/p>\n

For a more detailed list, check out my post on the best ruin bars in Budapest!<\/a><\/p>\n

Even if you’re not a big drinker, these bars are still worth seeing (Szimpla Kert especially; it’s one of the most unique bars in the world).
\n <\/p>\n

4. See Castle Hill<\/h3>\n

Located on the hilly Buda side of the city, this historic area is home to baroque houses and Habsburg monuments. Cobblestone streets and narrow alleys that hark back to the city’s medieval roots parallel panoramic views of Pest and the Danube. This section of the city is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town in the north and the massive 13th-century palace to the south. You can get up the hill by bus or funicular, but you often have to wait. The hill isn\u2019t really that steep so I prefer to walk. It’s a beautiful spot to come at sundown.
\n <\/p>\n

5. Tour Buda Castle<\/h3>\n

\"The
\nAlso in the Castle Hill area is Buda Castle (it\u2019s more of a palace complex than anything else). The original complex was constructed in the 13th century, however, the huge Baroque palace that exists today was actually built between 1749-1769. Originally intended for the nobility, the palace was looted by the Nazis (and then the Soviets) during World War II.<\/p>\n

Fun fact: Beneath the castle, Vlad the Impaler (colloquially known as Count Dracula) was imprisoned for 14 years. In the dungeon area, there is also a labyrinth which is super cool. There are some museums here as well (see below).<\/p>\n

Szent Gy\u00f6rgy t\u00e9r 2, +36 1 458 3000, budacastlebudapest.com. The courtyards are open 24\/7 while the castle has hours that align with the museum and gallery (see below).<\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

6. Explore the Hospital in the Rock<\/h3>\n

Over the years, this museum has served as a hospital, bomb shelter, prison, and nuclear bunker. Here you can learn about the impacts that World War II, the 1956 revolution (a countrywide revolution against the Soviets that was crushed after 12 days), and the Cold War had on the city and its people. Opened in 2008, it’s one of the most popular attractions in town. Admission includes a one-hour guided tour of the museums, which has all sorts of wax figures, tools, equipment, and furnishings.<\/p>\n

On Friday nights, they offer a flashlight tour, where you explore the below-ground museum with the lights off using a flashlight.<\/p>\n

Lovas ut 4\/c , +36 70 701 0101, sziklakorhaz.eu\/en. Open daily 10am-7pm. Admission starts at 9,214 HUF. Daily tours available in English.<\/em>
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<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

7. Visit the Hungarian National Gallery<\/h3>\n

Opened in 1957, this museum focuses on Hungarian artists and history (of which I knew very little before my first visit). The gallery is located in Buda Castle, home to paintings and sculptures from the renaissance and middle ages, including wooden altarpieces from the 1400s. World War II damaged the palace severely and it was restored again in the 1960s before becoming home to the National Gallery in 1975. During your visit, you can also check out the underground Habsburg Palatine Crypt and climb to the top of the iconic dome for panoramic views of the city. <\/p>\n

The gallery hosts rotating temporary exhibits too so check the website to find out what’s on during your visit.<\/p>\n

1014 Budapest, +36 20 439 7325, mng.hu. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (last tickets sold at 5pm). Admission is 4,200 HUF.<\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

8. Wander the Budapest History Museum<\/h3>\n

\"Buda
\nThis museum covers four floors of Buda Castle and has the most amazing views across Budapest. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city\u2019s entire history. It’s a must for anyone looking to get a more detailed look at the city’s 2,000-year past. The museum also offers an insightful overview of the historical sites around the city center and their role in Hungarian history, from prehistoric times right up to the present. <\/p>\n

Be sure to get the audio guide as it provides a lot of good supplemental information. It’s worth the cost.<\/p>\n

2 Szent Gyorgy Square, +36 1 487 8800 , btm.hu\/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 3,800 HUF). <\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

9. See the Cave Church<\/h3>\n

In the 1920s, Catholic monks built this church in a large cave system that had been previously used by a hermit monk. Known as Saint Ivan’s Cave, the cave was used as a hospital during World War II. When the communists came to power after the war, they covered the entrance in concrete and executed the head monk. In 1989, as the Iron Curtain fell, the church was reopened and is now a popular place for tourists as well as a place of worship for locals. Get the audio guide to make the most out of your visit. There is a lot of history here.<\/p>\n

Szent Gell\u00e9rt rakpart 1, sziklatemplom.hu\/eng. Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-7:30pm. Admission is 1,000 HUF which includes an audio guide.<\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

10. Visit Matthias Church<\/h3>\n

\"The
\nThis neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church is one of the most unique churches in Europe<\/a>. I\u2019ve literally seen hundreds of churches and cathedrals across the continent, and this is one of the most distinctive. The original church in this spot was built in the 11th century, though nothing remains of it (the current building was constructed in the 14th century and was heavily renovated in the 19th century).<\/p>\n

During the Turkish invasion of the 16th century, it was converted to a mosque, which is why it has vibrant colors and designs that aren\u2019t as common in European churches (the church has a colorful roof that almost makes it look like it was built from Lego). Once inside, you’ll see huge, vaulted ceilings and ornate d\u00e9cor. In the Royal Oratory, you\u2019ll find the Matthias Church Collection of Ecclesiastical Art, which has stunning artifacts like chalices and replicas of the Crown of St. Stephen.<\/p>\n

Szenth\u00e1roms\u00e1g t\u00e9r 2, +36 1 355 5657, matyas-templom.hu. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am\u201312am, and Sunday 1pm\u20135pm. Admission is 2,500 HUF (2,900 HUF including the tower). <\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

11. Visit Fisherman\u2019s Bastion<\/h3>\n

\"A
\nBuilt between 1895-1902, this terrace consists of seven towers that look out over the river. Each one is meant to represent one of the seven Hungarian tribes that founded the city. The terrace was designed by the same architect who created the Matthias Church and provides stunning panoramic views across the Danube River. Competing legends say that the name comes from either the fact that the terrace overlooks the old fishermen\u2019s guild or that the fishermen\u2019s guild was responsible for protecting that area of the wall. No one is quite certain which is right. But either way, it offers beautiful views over the city (especially at sunset). Much of the area is free too.<\/p>\n

Szenth\u00e1roms\u00e1g t\u00e9r, +36 1 458 3030, fishermansbastion.com. Open 24 hours a day. Admission is free, with an additional charge of 1,200 HUF to visit the upper turrets. Tickets for the upper towers are available from 9am-7pm (8pm in the summer). <\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

12. Admire the Hungarian Presidential Palace<\/h3>\n

The Hungarian Presidential Palace has been the workplace of the president since 2003. Known as S\u00e1ndor-palota (Alexander Palace), it\u2019s not nearly as impressive as the surrounding buildings, but if you time your visit right you can see the changing of the guard ceremony at the top of each hour from 9am-5pm (excluding Sundays). Sometimes the palace is open for tours (but this rarely happens so don\u2019t get your hopes up).<\/p>\n

Szent Gy\u00f6rgy t\u00e9r 1-2, +36 1 224 5000. Admission to the changing of the guard is free. <\/em>
\n <\/p>\n

13. See Buda Tower<\/h3>\n

This reconstructed \u201ctower\u201d is all that remains of the Church of Mary Magdalene, which was originally built in the 13th century but was destroyed during World War II. When the Turks occupied the city between 1541-1699, the church was converted into a mosque. It reopened in 2017 and you can now climb the 172 steps that lead to the top. That said, the views from Castle Hill are just as good \u2014 and free \u2014 so I\u2019d skip climbing the steps and just admire this historic tower from the outside.<\/p>\n

Kapisztr\u00e1n t\u00e9r 6, budatower.hu\/en. Open daily 11am-4pm. Admission is 1,500 HUF.<\/em>
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