Hungary's capital is vibrant, stunning and endlessly beautiful, undeniably one of the most beautiful in Europe, where you can organise a wonderful trip around Budapest's sights. But because there are so many wonderful places to visit in our beautiful capital, we thought we'd put together a list of Budapest attractions that you shouldn't miss when you're here!
What to see in Budapest:
Budapest is a place where every corner is a little wonder waiting to be discovered. Not only is it a city full of history and a collection of impressive buildings, it's also a place where the streets come alive. When you plunge into the hustle and flow of Budapest, you'll be completely captivated by the city's atmosphere. But here's what to see and what not to miss when you're here, so you can have an unforgettable time in our favourite European capital!
Explore the Castle District
Perched high up on the Buda side of the city, the Castle District offers stunning views of the Danube and the surrounding countryside. If you're looking for a real tourist experience, take the funicular up from its stop on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge. The funicular has been in operation since 1870, and you'll enjoy beautiful views all the way up to the hilltop castle district.
As well as Buda Castle, there are some other must-see attractions in the castle district, such as Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, but if you want to learn about the history of the city, don't miss the Budapest History Museum in the castle!
You couldn't find a better place to have lunch or dinner (the evening lights illuminate the view even better) in the cobbled streets of the buda castle district. You can find several of our restaurants here, but if you want to taste the real hungarian flavours, we recommend these restaurants:
Fekete Holló Kisvendéglő
On the menu you will find the treasures of traditional Hungarian cuisine, such as liver soup, Schnitzels, Traditional pottages, strapacska or "Letcho". A selection of draught and bottled beers and strong spritzers make the restaurant a casual, everyday favourite, with a spacious terrace in good weather.
On the menu you will find the treasures of traditional Hungarian cuisine, such as liver dumpling soup, Schnitzels, Traditional pottages, strapacska or "Letcho". A selection of draught and bottled beers and strong spritzers make the restaurant a casual, everyday favourite, with a spacious terrace in good weather.
Baltazár Bar & Grill
Real delicacies, coming from the Josper grill! If you want to try something unusual but still Hungarian street food, Baltazár is the place to go!
Pest – Buda Bistro
Grandma's home-style Hungarian cuisine comes to life in the restaurant, where you can also try the typical Hungarian wines!
But budapest's unmissable attractions don't end here, these are the places you should visit:
Refresh in the city's thermal baths
Budapest is a city made special by its unique topography, blessed with mineral-rich thermal springs. These springs have been used to create more than a dozen spa complexes spread throughout the city. There are so many idyllic experiences to be had at any time of year, even in winter, to enjoy the benefits of the hot springs. One of the oldest and most magnificent of these is the Rudas Baths, where the Ottoman Empire style flourishes with six thermal baths and swimming pools, complete with a rooftop hot tub offering stunning views of the Danube. It's the only spa in Budapest with separate men's and women's days for those who prefer to skip the swimsuits.
The Széchenyi Baths is the largest and most popular bathing complex in the city, located on the outskirts of the Városliget, north-east of the city. The bright yellow neo-Baroque building is slightly shabby, but that's what gives it its real character. Széchenyi has 18 pools of different temperatures, both indoor and outdoor, as well as saunas and spas. Some of Budapest's spas, including Rudas and Széchenyi, are also open at night if you fancy a night dip.
Travel on Tramway 2
On the way to one of Budapest's most beautiful landmarks, Tramway 2 is one of the most scenic tram routes in Europe. The yellow-painted vehicle starts from Jászai Mari Square on the Pest side, then drives along the banks of the Danube offering beautiful views to Buda and the castle, and sideways to the Parliament building and Chain Bridge. Gellért Hill stands out from the city's graceful and varied architectural cavalcade with its other features and its vibrant greenery. The route also passes the Jewish Holocaust Memorial and the Danube Shoes. The tour ends at the National Theatre, and along the way you can admire other Budapest landmarks such as Elisabeth Bridge and Gresham Palace.
Visit the Parliament
Impressive enough from the outside (be sure to see it from the Buda side of the city at night, when it's amazingly lit), you can also walk inside the Hungarian Parliament. You can also visit the former Társkamara (Chamber of Deputies) and the Kupolaterem (Cupola Hall), where the Hungarian Guard of the Crown guards the Hungarian Holy Crown 24 hours a day.
Discover Budapest's City Park as a local
Budapest's City Park, located to the north-east of the city centre, covers 300 hectares and offers a wide range of attractions. Here you'll find museums, galleries, a castle, a zoo, the Széchenyi Baths and even an artificial hot air balloon with a magnificent view of the city. On warm days it is full of people relaxing on the grass, reading, picnicking and napping, and in winter you can skate on the lake.
