Things to do in Budapest: Attractions and places to visit

1. Parliament of Hungary

The Hungarian parliament is today one of the largest government buildings in the world. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Directly on the eastern bank of the Danube between Margaret Bridge and Chain Bridge, the imposing building with a red dome roof visible from afar was completed in 1904 as a new home for the Hungarian parliament. The dome has a height of 96 meters. The neo-Gothic façade is impressive with a total of 365 towers and large windows.

The interior of the Parliament is worth seeing and can only be visited during a guided tour. But the participants get to see two Hungarian treasures. The Stephen’s Crown and the imperial insignia in the cupola hall. For the Hungarian people, the crown is a symbol of their country and its historically most valuable possession. On the other hand, an exhibition on the history of Hungarian democracy is accessible without accompaniment.

2. chain bridge

The Chain Bridge is the landmark of the city and is depicted on countless travel guides, postcards and souvenirs. And for good reason, because without the chain bridge there would be no Budapest. Only in 1849 did it establish the first permanent connection between the two still independent cities of Buda and Pest. It is officially named after Count István Széchenyi, who initiated its construction in 1839.

Some legends entwine around Széchenyi’s inspiration. Some say that he had found his love on the other side of the Danube, while others claim that he had missed his father’s funeral by crossing the Danube too long and was therefore looking for a simpler way to cross the river. Especially impressive is the chain bridge in the evening with the lights on.

3. Budapest Castle District

The oldest foundations of Buda Castle date back to the 13th century. The building, which today stands on the square of the historical castle, is in large parts only a reconstruction of the 18th century baroque castle built by Empress Maria Theresa, but it also houses three museums worth a visit: the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Historical Museum and the National Széchényi Library.

Adam Clark Platz is located directly at the chain bridge on the Buda side. From here, one of the oldest funiculars in Europe takes visitors up to the forecourt of the castle. The view over the Danube, its many bridges and the opposite bank with the parliamentary complex is impressive both during the ascent and from the castle square.

4. Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church

The 140m long white wall of the Fischerbastei also offers an almost just as fantastic panoramic view of the eastern bank of the Danube as from the castle complex. The complex was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of the former Budapest Fish Market for the Fishermen’s Guild, which had been responsible for defending the city walls in this area since the Middle Ages.

Within its walls lies one of Budapest’s most famous sights: the Matthias Church. The coronation ceremonies of Emperor Franz and Empress Sisi took place here. The most striking elements of the church exterior are the typical colourful roof tiles of Zsolnay ceramics and the Matthias Tower, which can also be climbed.

5. Gellert bath

There are 120 hot springs in the urban area of Budapest and therefore a corresponding thermal bath culture. Since the early 1930s, the city has officially been allowed to call itself a seaside resort and is thus the only European metropolis that is also a health resort.

It was opened in 1918 as part of the Hotel Gellért at the foot of the Gellerberg. After the hotel and with it the bathroom had been largely destroyed in the Second World War, it was finally rebuilt in 2008 in old splendour. The Gellert bathroom consists of three outdoor and ten indoor pools. The highlight is a wave pool under the open sky surrounded by mosaic-covered walls.

6. Synagogue and Jewish Quarter

In the middle of Budapest, an old quarter has awoken to new life in recent years. Neglected in the post-war reconstruction of the city, the Jewish quarter today takes advantage of the rustic charm of its hidden backyards and dilapidated houses. During the day you will find interesting studios and cosy cafés here. In the evening, the young scene moves into the trendy ruin bar of the party district.

This is one of the most important sights of Budapest: the second largest synagogue in the world. From the outside its design is reminiscent of the Moorish architecture of the Alhambra, inside its Torah shrine is particularly worth seeing. The crying silver willow of the sculptor Imre Varga, which is reminiscent of the Holocaust, is a coveted motif for souvenir photos.

7. St. Stephen’s Basilica

The St. Stephen’s Basilica is located in the centre of the city, on the Szent István tér, paved with ornamental stones, which invites you to linger in the summer with its bars and cafes around the fountain. Her eponym is King Stefan the Saint. The right hand of this Hungarian state founder is preserved in one of its chapels as a relic.

If you like, you can climb the tower over a spiral staircase and enjoy the wonderful view over the city centre. The Kitchtower is exactly 96 metres, as is the dome of the Parliament. Inside the church some footballers of the “Golden Team” of 1954 are buried, among them the legendary Ferenc Puskás.

8. Margaret Island

Those who have enough time in Budapest to yearn for some relaxation and recreation should visit the green heart of the city on Margaret Island. This can also be reached by tram via the bridge of the same name, but is particularly suitable as a destination for a leisurely cruise on the Danube.

The 2800 metre long Danube island is often referred to as “Budapest Central Park” because it attracts athletes and walkers among the capital cities. In the former royal hunting ground there are plane trees, avenues and statues, the casino designed by Miklós Ybl, the old water tower and a Japanese garden as well as the popular Palatinus beach bath.

9. Large market hall

On three levels there is another interesting sight of the city, the large market hall of Budapest. Fruit, vegetables and meat, but also souvenirs and typical Hungarian handicrafts are offered. While many Hungarians also buy their food on the ground floor, the upper floor, with its diverse range of souvenirs and culinary delights, is more touristy. Who would like to try a typical goulash soup or the Langosz, has here large selection.

In the basement there is a supermarket and the testimonies of a once important fish market. The market hall is directly connected to the Danube. The exterior façade of the hall, completed in 1897, with the side towers and the traditional brick façade, but above all with the typical colourful roof tiles of the Zsolnay manufactory, is also an eye-catcher.

10. hero’s square

Seen from the centre, Heldenplatz is located at the end of the long Andrassy Ut shopping street. In its centre stands the 36 metre high column with the statue of the Archangel Gabriel. Around them the statues of the heroes are arranged in two half arches. These are statues of well-deserved personalities of Hungarian history created by the sculptor György Zala.

The Heroes’ Square and Andrássy út are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the edge of the square there are two museums worth mentioning. On the right the Kunsthalle, and on the left the Museum der Bildenden Künste. They exhibit works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet and Rodin, among others.

Best time to visit Budapest

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Budapest:

April, May, June, July, August, September, and October

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Budapest.