Hungary

Things to do in Budapest

Budapest is two cities split by the Danube: hilly Buda with the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, flat Pest with the Parliament, the Jewish Quarter and its ruin bars. More than a hundred thermal springs feed baths such as Szechenyi and Rudas, and the river bridges are lit up every night.

  • Hungarian Parliament guided tour
  • Szechenyi thermal baths ticket
  • Danube evening cruise
  • Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion walk

Experiences in Budapest

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Budapest

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Highlights

  • Hungarian Parliament guided tour
  • Szechenyi thermal baths ticket
  • Danube evening cruise
  • Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion walk
  • Ruin bar tour in the Jewish Quarter
  • Hungarian food and wine tasting

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are mild and good for walking. July and August can exceed 30C, while December brings the Christmas markets at Vorosmarty Square and St Stephen's Basilica.

Getting around

Trams 2, 4 and 6 and four metro lines cover the centre; metro line M1 dates from 1896. Bus 100E links the airport with Deak Ferenc ter in about 40 minutes.

Local tips

  • Parliament tours run in timed language slots and sell out, so book online a few days ahead.
  • The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays and busiest on Saturday mornings.
  • Bring flip-flops and a towel to the baths, or rent them at the entrance for a fee.

Day trips from Budapest

  • Szentendre
  • Visegrad and Esztergom (Danube Bend)
  • Eger
  • Lake Balaton
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Budapest?

The most booked experiences in Budapest are Hungarian Parliament guided tour, Szechenyi thermal baths ticket, Danube evening cruise and Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion walk.

When is the best time to visit Budapest?

April to June and September to October are mild and good for walking. July and August can exceed 30C, while December brings the Christmas markets at Vorosmarty Square and St Stephen's Basilica.

How do I get around Budapest?

Trams 2, 4 and 6 and four metro lines cover the centre; metro line M1 dates from 1896. Bus 100E links the airport with Deak Ferenc ter in about 40 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Budapest in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Budapest?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Vienna214 km awayKrakow293 km awayPrague442 km awaySplit488 km away