Things to Do in Budapest
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Budapest for the first time or are a repeat visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Hungary’s capital city. The city of lights offers a wealth of cultural activities, from strolling Andrassy Avenue to discovering the multiple museums and historical sites of Heroes’ Square. Plus, if you’re looking for more outdoor adventure, Budapest has plenty of parks and riverside walks to enjoy.
You can’t visit Budapest without seeing the majestic Hungarian Parliament building. The red and gold structure towers over the eastern side of the River Danube. It’s easily visible from many of the city’s top landmarks, including the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle.
The parliament building’s exterior is adorned with intricate golden details and the interior has a stunning stained glass ceiling. It’s worth booking a tour of the inside to see the impressive space in all its glory.
Another popular activity is taking a river cruise on the Danube. It’s one of the best ways to get a unique perspective of the city and it also gives you a chance to relax after a day of walking around. During the hour-long cruise, you’ll see some of Budapest’s most famous sights, such as the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and the Parliament building.
The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit for art lovers in the city of Budapest. It houses a rich collection of Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque artworks that include paintings by old masters like Raphael, Tintoretto, and El Greco. Moreover, the museum is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building.
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is one of the coolest places to go for a drink or a meal in the city. The area was neglected after the Holocaust, but it now houses a revitalized culture of bars and restaurants. The first of these unique bars to make a name for itself is Szimpla Kert, which has a Communist-themed theme and features a bar counter made from an old East German car.
Visiting the city’s other unique bars is a fun thing to do in Budapest. Some of these bars have a more edgy, industrial feel to them. The Faust Wine Cellar is a great example of this and it’s part of the tunnel labyrinth that used to be a bomb shelter during WWII.
You’ll find plenty of other cool bars and clubs in the city, but some have more a mystical or magical vibe to them. The Grassmarket is one of the more mystical and mysterious bars in the city, which has a dark past that involves a witchcraft trial and execution. Moreover, the bar is decorated with medieval weapons and other memorabilia. The Grassmarket also serves some of the city’s best beer and whiskey. You can even get a shot of Unicum, a local herbal liqueur. This spirit is made from a combination of different herbs and is popular throughout the country. things to do in Budapest