Things to Visit in Budapest: Baths, Ruins, and the Danube
Experience Budapest's legendary thermal baths, ruin bars, and Danube panoramas in one trip. Covers Buda Castle, Parliament, the Great Market Hall, and the city's best food and nightlife.
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Buda Side: Castle District and Hills
Explore Buda Castle and the Castle District
The Buda Castle complex sits on a hilltop and houses the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. Take the funicular from the Chain Bridge base (about 1,400 HUF one way) or walk up for free in 10 minutes.
Visit the Hungarian National Gallery inside the castle
Walk the cobblestone streets of the Castle District
Visit Fisherman's Bastion
This neo-Gothic terrace offers the most photographed view of the Parliament building across the Danube. The lower terraces are free; the upper turrets cost about 1,200 HUF. Visit at sunrise for empty terraces and golden light.
See Matthias Church
The 700-year-old church features stunning Art Nouveau interior tiles and a treasury. Entry is about 2,500 HUF. The church hosts organ concerts on select evenings — check the schedule at the entrance.
Hike up Gellért Hill for panoramic views
The 20-minute climb from the Gellért Baths area rewards you with a 360-degree view of both Buda and Pest. The Liberty Statue at the top is one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks. Best at sunset.
Cross the Chain Bridge on foot
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects Buda and Pest and is one of Budapest's most iconic structures. Walk it at night when the bridge, castle, and Parliament are all illuminated.
Pest Side: Parliament and Downtown
Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building
One of Europe's largest parliament buildings with 691 decorated rooms. English-language tours run multiple times daily and last 45 minutes. Book online at least 2-3 days ahead — EU citizens get a discounted rate.
Walk along the Danube Promenade
The riverside walkway from the Chain Bridge to the Parliament is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial — 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes — honors victims of WWII atrocities. Visit at dusk for the best light.
Visit St. Stephen's Basilica
Climb to the dome's observation deck (364 steps or elevator) for a top-down view of the city. The church houses the mummified right hand of Hungary's first king. Entry to the basilica is free; the dome costs about 1,000 HUF.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
This neighborhood holds the Dohány Street Synagogue — the largest in Europe, seating 3,000 people. The surrounding streets are packed with ruin bars, street art, and independent shops. Walking tours cover the area's rich history.
Stroll down Andrássy Avenue to Heroes' Square
This 2.3 km UNESCO-listed boulevard is Budapest's Champs-Élysées, lined with Neo-Renaissance mansions and the Hungarian State Opera House. It ends at Heroes' Square with the Millennium Monument and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Thermal Baths
Soak in Széchenyi Thermal Bath
One of Europe's largest public thermal bath complexes, with 18 pools including 3 outdoor ones. A full-day locker ticket costs about 7,500 HUF. Weekday mornings are the quietest; weekend evenings draw a party atmosphere.
Visit Gellért Thermal Bath
An Art Nouveau masterpiece from 1918 with ornate mosaic tiles and marble columns. The wave pool and outdoor terrace are highlights. Expect to pay about 9,000 HUF for a full-day ticket with cabin.
Try Rudas Baths for a local experience
Dating to the 16th century Ottoman era, Rudas has an octagonal pool under a domed roof. The rooftop pool on the 4th floor offers stunning Danube and city views. Night bathing sessions run Friday and Saturday.
Food and Drink
Visit the Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok)
Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market has fresh produce on the ground floor and food stalls upstairs. Try lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese) at the upstairs stalls for about 1,200-2,000 HUF.
Try goulash at a traditional restaurant
Hungarian gulyás is actually a soup, not a stew — thick, paprika-rich, and served with bread. A bowl costs 2,500-4,000 HUF at a mid-range restaurant. The area around Kazinczy Street has several good options.
Eat a chimney cake (kürtőskalács)
These spiral-shaped pastries are cooked over charcoal and coated in sugar, cinnamon, or walnut. Street vendors throughout the city center sell them for 800-1,500 HUF. Best eaten warm and crispy.
Sample Hungarian wines
Hungary produces excellent wines beyond Tokaji — try Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) from the Eger region or a dry Furmint. Wine bars in the Jewish Quarter pour glasses from 1,000-2,500 HUF.
Nightlife and Ruin Bars
Visit Szimpla Kert ruin bar
The original ruin bar that started the movement in 2002, set in a former factory. Every room has different decor — from bathtubs to vintage cars. Open daily from noon. Sunday mornings it hosts a farmers market.
Bar hop through the Jewish Quarter ruin bars
At least 10 ruin bars operate within a few blocks of each other on Kazinczy, Akácfa, and Klauzál streets. Each has a distinct vibe — from artsy to underground techno. Most don't charge entry and drinks cost 1,500-3,000 HUF.
Take a nighttime Danube river cruise
Hour-long evening cruises cost 4,000-8,000 HUF and pass the illuminated Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. Some include a drink; premium options include dinner. The views from the water at night are spectacular.
Day Trips
Visit Szentendre artist village
A charming riverside town 40 minutes north by HÉV commuter train (about 750 HUF). Cobblestone streets lined with galleries, Serbian Orthodox churches, and cafés. The marzipan museum and open-air folk museum are unusual highlights.
Explore Margaret Island
A 2.5 km long car-free island in the middle of the Danube, accessible from Margaret Bridge. Rent a pedal cart (about 3,500 HUF/hour for 4 people) to cover the running track, Japanese garden, musical fountain, and medieval ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Budapest?
Three to four full days covers the highlights including buda side: castle district and hills, pest side: parliament and downtown, thermal baths at a relaxed pace. Five or more days lets you dig into local neighborhoods and take day trips. Most first-time visitors find four days strikes the right balance between seeing enough and not feeling exhausted.
What is the best time of year to visit Budapest?
Spring and early autumn typically offer the best weather with manageable crowds. Summer brings peak tourism pricing and longer queues at popular spots. Shoulder season travel saves 20-30% on accommodation and gives you shorter lines at top attractions.
How much should I budget per day in Budapest?
A mid-range daily budget of $100-180 per person covers a comfortable hotel, two restaurant meals, and attraction tickets. Street food and local markets cut food costs significantly. Pre-booking tickets for popular sites online often saves 10-15% and lets you skip long queues.
What is the best way to get around Budapest?
Public transit handles most tourist routes efficiently and cheaply. Walking between central attractions is often faster than waiting for buses or trains during peak hours. Multi-day transit passes pay for themselves after 3-4 rides per day and remove the hassle of buying individual tickets.
Do I need to book attractions in advance in Budapest?
Top-tier attractions and museums frequently sell out during peak season so book 2-4 weeks ahead for guaranteed entry. Lesser-known sites and neighborhoods rarely require advance tickets. Morning time slots (before 10:00) are the most popular; afternoon slots after 14:00 often have shorter waits.