Baths and basilicas: best things to do in Budapest

From steamy thermal baths and fairy-tale towers to ruin bars and riverside strolls, Budapest in Hungary is one of those cities that surprises you in the best way possible. This city knows how to turn on the charm. One minute you’re soaking in a centuries-old bathhouse, and the next you’re clinking glasses of fröccs (wine spritzer) in a crumbling courtyard turned underground bar.

Whether you’re into castle climbs, spa days, food markets, or just vibing by the Danube with a lángos (deep-fried flatbread) in hand, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Budapest. Ready to explore both sides of the city (Buda and Pest)? Here are the coolest things to do in Budapest, guaranteed to make you wish you had just one more day.

Soak in Széchenyi Thermal Bath

No trip to Budapest is complete without a proper soak in one of its famous thermal baths, and Széchenyi is the most famous of them all. Picture the scene: steaming outdoor pools framed by baroque yellow buildings, locals playing chess in the water, and a light mist rising as the sun sets.

It’s iconic for a reason. It has 18 indoor and outdoor pools, plus saunas, steam rooms, and a whirlpool that spins you in circles. Weekday mornings are quieter, but evenings have their charm, too, especially at Christmas when the contrast of cold air and hot water feels magical. Don’t forget flip-flops and a towel — and book in advance if you’re going in summer.

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Explore the grounds of Buda Castle

Perched above the Danube on the Buda side, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a pretty face — it’s a deep dive into Hungary’s royal past. The castle grounds are vast and perfect for wandering: think cobbled streets, panoramic terraces, and statues hiding around every corner.

Inside, you’ll find the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, both worth your time. Even if you skip the exhibits, the views alone, especially from the Savoy Terrace, are worth the climb.

Insider tip: Take the funicular up for the old-world charm and then walk down through the charming streets of the Castle District. Golden hour here is unreal. It’s Budapest at its most romantic.

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Watch the sunrise at Fisherman’s Bastion

Want one of the best sunrise views in Europe? Set your alarm early and head to Fisherman’s Bastion. This fairy-tale-like terrace sits just behind Matthias Church and offers sweeping views of the Pest side, including the Parliament building lit up in morning light. Even though it looks ancient, it was actually built in the late 19th century, and yes, those neo-Romanesque turrets are just as dreamy in person.

The upper terraces charge a small fee during the day, but early risers can usually access them for free. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés afterward and wander the Castle Hill district while it’s still quiet. It’s one of the most peaceful ways to start your day in Budapest.

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Ride Tram 2 Budapest along the Danube

Want a front-row seat to Budapest’s riverside beauty without blowing your budget? Hop on Tram 2. Running along the Pest side of the Danube, it’s often ranked among the most scenic tram rides in Europe. You cruise past the Parliament building, the Chain Bridge, and the Central Market Hall, all with the Buda Hills in the background.

The best time to ride is around sunset, when the city starts to glow and lights begin twinkling across the river. It’s an everyday kind of magic that makes you feel like you're in a movie. Make sure to snag a window seat on the riverside (right going northbound, left going southbound). And it all comes at the price of a regular transit ticket.

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Climb St. Stephen’s Basilica Dome

Named after Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen’s Basilica is as grand as it gets, inside and out. Its neoclassical facade towers over the surrounding square, and once you step inside, you’ll find soaring domes, gleaming marble, and gold detailing that’ll have you craning your neck more than once.

Don’t miss the Holy Right (the mummified hand of St. Stephen himself) displayed in a side chapel. For the best views, take the elevator (or climb the 364 steps) to the dome’s lookout terrace. From up top, you get a panoramic sweep of Budapest’s skyline, from the Parliament building to the Buda Hills.

Insider tip: Time your visit with an organ concert if you can. The acoustics are incredible.

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Wander Margaret Island’s green paths

Tucked between Buda and Pest in the middle of the Danube, Margaret Island is a lush, car-free escape perfect for a sunny afternoon. Locals come here to jog, picnic, cycle, or just laze under the trees, and you should, too. It has a musical fountain that puts on an hourly choreographed water show, the ruins of a medieval convent, a charming rose garden, and even a tiny zoo.

Rent a bringóhintó (a rickshaw-style bicycle for four people) to explore the island with friends, or take it slow with an ice cream in hand. In summer, the Palatinus Baths are a chilled-out alternative to the bigger thermal spas. Margaret Island feels like a secret park in the heart of the city, and it’s completely free to enter.

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Reflect at the Great Synagogue Budapest

The Dohány Street Synagogue isn’t just the largest in Europe; it’s one of the most emotionally powerful places to visit in Budapest. Built in the 1850s in Moorish Revival style, it stuns with onion-shaped domes, arched windows, and golden details that glow in the sunlight. Inside, it’s equally breathtaking, but also sobering.

The attached Jewish Museum, the poignant Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, and the weeping willow Holocaust Memorial, with each leaf inscribed with a victim’s name, all paint a picture of the city’s Jewish history. Guided tours are highly recommended to get the full story. Dress modestly, and allow time to reflect. This place is one of Budapest’s most moving, meaningful experiences.

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Party at Budapest’s ruin bars

No night out in Budapest is complete without a stop at one of the city’s legendary ruin bars. These quirky, chaotic drinking spots popped up in the early 2000s inside abandoned buildings and courtyards in the old Jewish Quarter, and they’ve been buzzing ever since.

The original and most famous when it comes to Budapest nightlife is Szimpla Kert, a surreal maze of mismatched furniture, vintage tech, and graffiti-covered walls. It's like a dive bar collided with an art installation. Newer spots like Instant-Fogas and Mazel Tov have their own vibe, from all-night dance parties to leafy garden lounges. Go early for a chilled drink or late if you’re in it for the full party.

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Stroll through Vajdahunyad Castle

If you’re wandering through City Park and suddenly feel like you’ve stepped into a Transylvanian fairy tale, you’ve found Vajdahunyad Castle. Originally built for the 1896 Millennial Exhibition (celebrating 1,000 years of Hungary), it’s a playful mash-up of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architectural styles inspired by actual castles across the country.

It’s home to the quirky but charming Hungarian Agricultural Museum, and the peaceful lake beside it turns into an ice rink in winter. Even if you skip the interior, the castle courtyard is open and free to explore. Bring a coffee, find a shady bench, and soak in the storybook setting. This spot is especially atmospheric in fall when the leaves start to turn.

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Cruise the Danube at sunset

Seeing the city from the river is a must when it comes to the best things to do in Budapest, especially when the sun sets and the city lights start to twinkle. Whether you hop on a budget-friendly public boat or splurge on a dinner cruise, the Danube offers front-row views of both Buda and Pest’s most iconic landmarks.

The real magic happens after dark, when the buildings are dramatically lit and reflections ripple across the water. Most cruises last about an hour, but some come with live music, cocktails, or a full meal of Hungarian food if you’re looking to dial up the romance.

Insider tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer. River breezes can get cool once the sun goes down.

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Experience the House of Music Hungary

Budapest’s newest architectural marvel is a feast for the ears and a stunner for the eyes. Opened in 2022 and located in City Park, the House of Music Hungary was designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto and is instantly recognizable thanks to its undulating, perforated roof and glass walls that blur the line between indoors and out.

The interactive exhibitions explore Hungary’s rich musical legacy, from folk and classical to experimental sounds. It has live concerts, workshops, and a sound dome that literally surrounds you with music. Even if you’re not a hardcore music buff, it’s worth visiting just for the architecture alone. The surrounding Liget Budapest cultural quarter is also worth exploring.

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Travel back in time at Memento Park

Step into a time warp at Memento Park, where dozens of Cold War-era statues have been given a second life in a surreal open-air museum. Located on the outskirts of the city (about 25 minutes by taxi or public transport), this park is where Budapest stashed its communist monuments after the fall of the regime, including giant Lenins, marching workers, and slogans carved in stone.

It’s eerie, fascinating, and oddly poetic. The on-site exhibition sheds light on life in Hungary under Soviet rule, and its kitschy gift shop leans into nostalgia. If you’re into 20th-century history or just want a break from the baroque, Memento Park makes for a sharp, unforgettable contrast.

Tour Budapest’s House of Terror

This isn’t your typical museum experience, and that’s exactly the point. The House of Terror, set inside a former secret police headquarters on Andrássy Avenue, dives deep into some of Hungary’s darkest chapters: the fascist Arrow Cross regime, Soviet occupation, and the brutal tactics of the secret police.

Through immersive exhibits, chilling sound design, and powerful visuals, it tells the stories of those who lived, died, and resisted under totalitarian rule. It’s heavy but unmissable if you want to understand the resilience of the Hungarian people. The basement prison cells are particularly haunting, so give yourself time afterward to decompress. (A walk down leafy Andrássy Avenue helps.)

Insider tip: Exhibits are primarily in Hungarian, but English audio guides are available and highly recommended.

Climb Gellért Hill for city views

Budapest isn’t short on scenic lookouts, but Gellért Hill might just top them all. Rising steeply above the Danube’s west bank, the hike up is a workout, but the panoramic views are worth every step. From the Citadella at the summit, you get sweeping vistas over the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and the snaking curves of the Danube River.

The Liberty Statue, a towering female figure holding a palm leaf, stands as a post-WWII symbol of freedom, and it makes a great photo op. Go at sunrise if you’re an early riser (it’s peaceful and often uncrowded), or time it for golden hour and stay to watch the city lights flicker on. Bring water, good shoes, and your camera.

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