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51 Unique + Unusual Things to Do in Budapest | Hungary

Before getting to Budapest, my picture of the city was limited to an image stock photo websites must have sold hundreds of times. The photo of was Budapest just around sunset. It gazed down at a wide stretch of the Danube that dipped under the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and wound past the Hungarian Parliament with its gothic towers. The city was lightly illuminated and it was for sure pretty enough for a postcard. But what the hell goes on in Budapest beyond the skyline?

I’d heard the city was cool, but discovering unusual things to do in Budapest meant really scouring the internet. While the Hungarian Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion are as impressive in real life, you’ll enjoy Budapest more if you go beyond the sites visible from above. The really fun things to do in Budapest are found in hidden alleys of the Jewish Quarter or at the top of a chairlift into the Buda Hills. From thermal baths, to ruin bars, to better-than-average libraries, here are 51 unusual things to do in Budapest that I really bet you’ll love.

Very Budapest Experiences

1. Rent a MOL Bubi bike to explore the city.

2. Grab a beach chair and spend a day on the Danube at Római-part.

3. Take a ride on the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular.

4. Take a peek inside the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library.

5. Catch a film at one of the city’s many indie cinemas like the funky Művész Mozi or kitschy Corvin Cinema.

7. Or go for a soak at Veli Bej Baths – one of Budapest’s lesser-known thermal baths.

8. Head to Downdog Yoga Studio for a quick yoga class.

9. Visit the Invisible Exhibition to experience what life might be like if you were completely blind.

10. Scale Gellert Hill for the best photo opp of the Hungarian Parliament Building.

11. Rent a golf cart and ride around Margaret Island.

12. Explore the collection of 3,000+ records at Uncle Laci’s Vinyl Shop.

13. Explore the city’s street art on a walk through the Jewish Quarter ( 17€ ).

14. Catch up on emails at Kubik Coworking Budapest.

15. Catch a rock, indie, or electronic show at Dürer Kert.

16. Hang out in District VIII for the day.

17. Learn about the fascist and communist regimes at the House of Terror.

18. Grab a Budapest Card and get your transport and admission to some of the city’s main sights paid for up front ( €22 ).

19. Experience local culture at the Auróra community center.

20. Sample and shop paprika at the Central Market Hall.

Eating Budapest

22. Get lunch at the alternative bar and community space, Gólya Presszó.

23. Taste Mangalica, the meat of a wooly pig, that is often referred to as “the kobe beef of pork.”

24. Dip into Fülemüle Étterem for an order of roast duck and latkes.

25. Sit down for a spicy bowl of Noodles at Funky Pho.

26. Grab a spot of contemporary Mediterranean food at DOBRUMBA.

27. Shop tea, condiments, or other exotic foods at Ázsia Bt.

28. Order a Kürtöskalács, or chimney cake, rolled in cinnamon sugar then watch the plume of steam escape the bag.

Drinking Budapest

29. Want all the benefits of a thermal bath without disrobing? Stop by Rudas Ivócsarnok where you fill a bottle for around €.10 and actually drink from the thermal springs.

30. Finish your meal off with the herbal digestif Unicum.

31. Sink in for a beer at the quirkily decorated Púder Bárszínház.

32. Tack up your receipt at the very-cluttered-very-famous For Sale Pub.

33. Stop by Élesztő ruin bar and sample some of the 20+ craft beers they have on tap.

34. Sit for a beer in the middle of City Park at Kertem.

35. Join the party with margaritas and tacos at Ellato Kert.

36. Grab an espresso at the communist-era bar, Bambi Eszpresszó.

Events + Festivals in Budapest

37. Don a mask for Busójárás to commemorate the triumphant return of the Šokci people (February).

38. Get to Hollókő around Easter to witness the particularly strange Hungarian tradition of men throwing buckets of water on women after reading them Easter poems (April).

39. Take part in cultural events, yoga classes, music at Sziget Festival (August).

Love festivals? Discover more: 21 Weird + Unique World Festivals

Budapest + Beyond

40. Head for the [Buda] Hills and take the Zugliget chairlift to the top.

41. Catch the train to Bratislava, Vienna, or Krakow.

43. Explore the country on the 1,128 km walking trail that connects Austria and Slovakia.

Keeping Budapest Weird

44. Head to Újlipótváros to flip some balls in the Pinball Museum.

45. Swing by Szimpla on a Sunday for the Szimpla Sunday Farmers’ Market.

46. Step into the Corinthia Hotel Budapest – the former Grand Hotel Royal – where Wes Anderson explored the cinematic history as he wrote Grand Budapest Hotel.

47. Tuck into Cirkó Gejzír, the cinema that claims to be the smallest in Europe.

48. Get a little drunk at one of the infamous “Sparties” at Szechenyi Baths.

Just Because

49. Walk across all eight of the city’s bridges.

50. Read the poetry scrawled on the walls of Deák Ferenc Tér Metro Station 3.

51. Make up some drinking game around the stag parties you see on Kazinczy Street.

Where to Stay in Budapest

Looking to stay strange during your trip? Check out these unique accommodations or hotels in Budapest:

Pest-Buda | There are just 10 rooms in the Pest-Buda design hotel, but the reason it’s worth mentioning is that it’s really damn cool. The building itself has been around since 1696. Inside the hotel, you’ll find rustic furniture, clever design elements, baroque ceilings, and a pretty incredible spiral staircase that lends it its very Budapest character. Double rooms start from 240€ .

Lavender Circus Hostel | Don’t let the “hostel” part fool you. While the place is far from luxury, Lavender Circus Hostel isn’t white linens and bunk beds either. Instead, you can expect bohemian-style property decorated with hand-painted murals and eclectic furnishings. Double rooms start from 102€ .

Airbnb  | To stay like a local, spend some time on Airbnb searching for apartments in the Jewish Quarter or District VIII. You can find everything from apartments to lofts and the places are a whole lot homier than a hotel.  New to Airbnb?  Get $40 off your first stay or explore other properties from $50.

Traveling in Europe? You might also like:

• 51 Fun + Cool Things to do in Hamburg | Germany
• 7 Reasons You’ll Want to Stay in Porto | Portugal
• 101 Weird + Unique Things to do in London | UK
• 7 Fun + Unusual Things to do in Paris | France

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I'm Taylor and this is Travel Outlandish. I’m an independent traveler kind of like you. I believe we deserve better than crowds of people and manufactured experiences when we explore. Whether you're going into the wild on a backpacking trip or planning a weekend in a foreign city, you'll find everything you need to plan something awesome on Travel Outlandish. Thanks for stopping by!

Great Post! Those pool pictures reminded me of an old family movie.

Well Budapest is certainly a great place to travel. I kind of refresh my mind by reading articles about it, I can’t wait things to reopen so that I can travel again !

Yeah, I totally feel the same! Look forward to a world where we can explore responsibly again!

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62 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary

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Undisputed as one of the most photogenic cities on the continent, the Pearl of the Danube is racing up the tourist ranks, quickly establishing itself as the premier eastern European capital (sorry, Prague, not this time).

From its Disney-esque riverside Parliament Building to its collection of marvelous basilicas, trendy ruin bars, relaxing spas, mouth-watering restaurants, and non-stop entertainment, the list of things to do in Budapest never ends.

As a comparatively cheap destination (up against the western European metropolises of London and Paris), even budget travelers can treat themselves to a slice of luxury in Budapest.

So, where to begin? We can help with that.

Uncover castles dating hundreds of years back, tour royal palaces, and see architectural delights that have stood the test of time.

Step into the world of the weird and wonderful as you learn about Dracula, witness a real torture chamber or take a ride on an actual locomotive train run by kids … As you can see, there is something to delight all ages in this vibrant, historical city.

Spend your days wandering the postcard-perfect streets, snapping millions of photos as you go along, exploring the different districts or day-tripping to cities in countries nearby.

Just the tip of the iceberg, here are epic activities, attractions and places to visit in Budapest.

1 – Check out Buda Castle

You simply can’t miss this grand royal residence at the center of Budapest!

For 800 years it has undergone plenty of facelifts and renovations, so taking a guided tour to hear the secrets hidden in every wall and every room of the palace (and the surrounding Várhegy district) is considered a quintessential tourist activity.

If you’re feeling snackish, swing by nearby Ruszwurm for a famous sweet pastry!

• Buda Castle tickets

2 – Step back in time and visit Budapest’s Royal Guard and Riding Hall

After visiting the Buda Castle, don’t miss the chance to explore the Royal Guard and Riding Hall exhibition – taking you on a chronological journey through the 18th century to the termination of the guard.

You’ll be greeted by the grandeur of the Royal Guard’s uniforms, helmets, headwear, private objects, medals, and full personal records.

These relics offer a rare glimpse into the everyday life of the guards who protected kings and royal families, even at the cost of their own lives.

For the food lovers, their restaurant is also a must-visit.

• see price and reviews

3 – Take in the view from St. Stephen’s Basilica

Filled with fine art, a mummified hand, and an antique organ for classical music concerts, this vibrant building is more than just a famous religious site — it’s also Budapest’s tallest building!

So, of course, make sure to take the elevator up to the terrace and snap a perfect Instagram post.

Many of the city’s free walking tours will stroll past this landmark, however, to appreciate its true energy, an organ concert ticket is highly recommended.

• St. Stephen’s Basilica tickets

4 – Cruise down the Danube

Whether seated on the open-air deck or behind the comfort of the glass, cruising down one of Europe’s most famous rivers is a great way to see Budapest.

By day, enjoy a cup of coffee and listen to the live narration about the passing landmarks; by night, sip on a cocktail surrounded by romantic ambient candlelight; or even join a boat party.

Any cruise is a memorable experience, so pick your preferred style and add it to your list of things to do in Budapest!

• boat tours in Budapest

Read more about the best Budapest river cruises .

5 – Ride the historical Buda Castle Hill Funicular

Have you ever ridden a funicular before? Ditch the mundane and hop on board the Buda Castle Hill Funicular — a combination ride between a tram and a cable car built on a slope.

In operation since 1870 (with upgrades made since then to keep the original mode of transport running), if you want to see Buda Castle but aren’t set on hiking to the top of Castle Hill, this is an excellent alternative.

Built to run along a 95-meter route running up and down the hill with its 50-meter slope, it connects the Danube River and Buda Castle. There are two stations: the lower station is located by the Chain Bridge, and the upper station is at the top of Castle Hill.

Lap up the views during the journey, which lasts a few minutes, and the historic cable railway runs every ten minutes, opening from morning until evening.

6 – Find the Tree of Life in the Jewish Quarter

Budapest’s multifaceted Jewish Quarter has nightlife for party-goers, great restaurants for foodies, and dynamic tales for history buffs!

Dohány Street Synagogue is a marvel and the second-largest synagogue in the world, a mainstay attraction in private tours of the area.

The Tree of Life, another unmissable landmark, sits is in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, commemorating World War II and the heroes who defied the German occupation.

• Jewish Quarter tours

7 – See the changing of the guards at Parliament

If you’re wondering how a House of Parliament building could top lists of things to do in Budapest, just wait until you catch sight of this architectural triumph.

With the royal crown jewels, plenty of artistic prowess, and 40 kilograms of gold on site, there are few buildings anywhere in the world that can rival this masterpiece on the Danube.

If the building isn’t striking enough (inside and out), the daily changing of the guards ceremony includes rifles, drums, and sublime choreography ought to do the trick!

During city tours , the impressive structure is never missed and guides love to bring travelers straight to the Visitor’s Center to take photographs, and to gain inside knowledge and information about the building, first built in 1904.

Investigate some of its standout features during tours like the Grand Stairway, the Dome Hall, the Lounge of the Chamber of Peers and the Béla Neÿ hall.

• Budapest Parliament tickets

Read more about Hungarian Parliament tickets price .

8 – Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour

With so many things to do in Budapest, boarding an open-top double-decker bus with detailed audio commentary is a great way to see all the best attractions (without tiring out those legs)!

There’s always another bus around the corner to take you to your next stop, so you’ll never have to worry about racing against the clock.

For those staying for at least a few days, the recommended deluxe ticket also includes a Danube River cruise and night-tour of the city.

• bus tours in Budapest

9 – Tour the Royal Palace of Gödöllő

About 40-minutes from the hustle and bustle of Budapest awaits a holiday house fit for a king!

The royal palace is a testament to Hungary’s rich history; combining the charm of old Budapest with the Italian village vibes of Szentendre, a colorful riverside town known for its museums.

Hot tip: if traveling with youngsters, take them to the nearby Lipizzan farm, home to animals and an amazing horse show!

• Royal Palace of Gödöllő tickets

Read more about the best day trips from Budapest .

10 – Put on your sneakers and enjoy a walking tour

With so much to see in this sprawling, historic metropolis, it’s often hard to decide where to begin.

Travelers often choose to start their trip by walking the vibrant streets on a walking tour, with a knowledgeable guide who will delve into the culture, history, and gastronomy of the lively city.

With a plethora of epic walking expeditions to choose from, you don’t just have to opt for a regular sightseeing tour — unless, of course, that’s your vibe.

For example, choose an eerie vampire and dark history walking tour in the evening, or foodies can take a dedicated culinary walking tour around the city.

Spend 90 minutes being shown around to classic monuments and must-see city attractions, or set aside three hours and explore both Buda and Pest districts by foot.

Walking tours range from a 40-minute walkabout to four-hour adventures.

• walking tours in Budapest

11 – Zip through Budapest at night on an e-scooter

A scooter tour is a unique way to quickly see Budapest’s main attractions and hidden gems all in a night’s work!

For an experience you won’t get on any run-of-the-mill tour bus, e-scooter adventures allow guests to see the city shine at night, with discounts offered at restaurants and bars across town.

Best of all, there’s often complimentary goulash and drinks!

• scooter tours in Budapest

12 – See the Millenium Monument at Heroes’ Square

The focal point of Budapest’s biggest town square is the 36-meter pillar topped with the Archangel Gabriel — you can’t miss it.

Locals love taking their picnics to dine under the grandiose statues of former statespeople and rulers, while tourists often put this iconic spot at the top of their list of things to do in Budapest due to the unbeatable views of the river below.

13 – Savor the excitement of a Formula One race at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Just 20 minutes northeast of the city, the Hungaroring, which is known for its twisty layout and challenging corners, welcomes racers to the Hungarian Grand Prix every year in late July.

The event lasts for three days, with practice on the Friday, qualifying on the Saturday and finally, the exhilarating race taking place on Sunday.

Besides the roaring cars whizzing around the track, the event also offers a range of entertainment, from live music to food and drink stands, evening fireworks and more.

Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or just looking for an exciting weekend, Budapest’s Grand Prix is the perfect opportunity to experience a totally different side of Hungary.

• Hungarian Grand Prix tickets

14 – Take a trip back in time on a communism tour

Uncover Hungary’s turbulent 20th century with a historical tour of a city that spent the Cold War being pulled between East and West.

Budapest is full of buildings, bullet holes, and brilliant stories from this era, all of which will be presented by a knowledgeable guide who will make the sites and sounds of the past come alive.

• communism tour in Budapest

15 – Solve an escape room

Grab your hostel buddies, get your detective hat and your magnifying glass, and try to solve the puzzles at one of the many escape rooms around the city.

As the door locks behind you in the fully interactive rooms, the clocks start to tick — with only an hour to uncover the clues, not everyone has what it takes to escape in time.

A popular choice is the Gingerbread House room, where challengers must solve the puzzle for a recipe to endless chocolate!

• escape rooms in Budapest

16 – Delight your taste buds on a foodie tour

No trip to Hungary is complete without trying a hearty goulash soup, its local wine and cheese pairings, or lángos (deep-fried flatbread with cottage cheese).

For the meat-lovers, take it up a notch with local smoked duck breast, water buffalo salami, Mangalica pork sausages, and grey beef sausages with traditional pickled vegetables on the side!

Whatever your preferred palate, there’s a food-centric tour for everyone.

• food tours in Budapest

17 – Day trip to Danube Bend and Esztergom

A few hours out of Budapest, the picturesque city of Esztergom was once Hungary’s capital and today boasts stunning views of the mighty Visegrád Castle, the Danube River , and the sprawling European countryside.

For the adventure-seekers, set out on foot to the river for vistas of volcanic hills, waterfalls, and canyons!

In fact, hiking in these parts is extremely popular, particularly around the Danube Bend — a section of the river lined with traditional villages and towns comprising their own historical attractions from medieval castles to ancient fortresses.

Esztergom, Vác and Visegrad are some of the towns located along the riverbanks, and Szentendre is a tiny town on a little island in the river (loved for its Mediterranean feel).

If you’re keen to spend the day out in nature, there are half and full-day hiking tours around the region.

While you could rent your own car, a pre-organized tour is the easiest and most popular choice.

• Danube Bend day trips

18 – See Portrait of a Young Man at the Museum of Fine Arts

With over 100,000 pieces of art from across all time periods, this striking building that focuses on fine art and sculpture is an art-lover’s paradise!

While notable pieces line each and every wall, one particularly emotive piece is Giorgione’s self-portrait, a priceless work stolen from the museum in 1983 and recovered by police in Greece.

That, along with the Esterhazy Madonna also on display, are two of the crowd favorites.

19 – Visit the galleries at Szentendre

Known as the Artists’ Village, Szentendre is just beautiful.

The Old City’s famous galleries and museums are diverse, sure to excite any art-lover; while the cobblestone streets are vibrant and artistic in their own right!

Many travelers couple it with the Royal Palace of Gödöllo; so sign up for a day trip, let the knowledgeable guides lead the way, and simply enjoy yourself as the 18th and 19th centuries come alive around you!

• Szentendre day trips

20 – Get a little tipsy on a wine-tasting tour

Anyone thirsty? As you’ll quickly discover, Hungary definitely holds its own in the wine department!

A couple of regions worth checking out are the Tokaj region, which specializes in sweet white Tokaji wines, and Etyek , which specializes in Hungarian ‘Champagne’ with more acidity.

There are plenty of tours that escort you to those regions (designated driver included) and, of course, allow you to sample the blends to your heart’s content!

• wine tours tastings in Budapest

21 – Take a day trip to Lake Balaton

Missing the beach? The expansive, shimmering Lake Balaton is where landlocked Hungarians longing for a swim go to take a dip!

At any time of year, it’s a beautiful spot to visit, with travelers particularly fond of the promenades of Balatonfüred and the famous porcelain factories of nearby Herend .

Most visitors prefer to take the hassle out of the trip and simply book a tour. It’s often the most affordable option too (unless you go for the VIP experience).

• Lake Balaton day trips

22 – See a horse show in the Puszta region

Around the nearby historic city of Kecskemét , the fabulous fields of Puszta really know how to put on a show!

After sampling a traditional barack pálinka and pogácsa (apricot schnapps and a salty scone), you’ll ride in a retro horse carriage to a stunning equestrian display that features a range of jaw-dropping stunts.

Post-performance, why not take up the chance to ride a horse yourself?

• horse riding in Budapest

23 – Keep your balance on a Segway tour

Don’t worry, with a quick introduction to your zippy ride you’ll be a natural!

On a segway tour — of which, throughout this beautiful city there are many — you’ll be part of an intimate group of travelers, shadowing a local guide who will give you the lowdown on all the essential tourist sites, eateries, and hidden gems.

By the end, you’ll know all the ins and outs of the city!

• segway tours in Budapest

24 – Eat and shop at the Lehel Market

Is it a ship? … An Art Deco attempt? … No, it’s the Lehel Market — one of the best places to stock up on all sorts of yummy (and interesting) traditional Hungarian goods.

Selling mainly food at this indoor market in District XIII (District 13), there are two levels that comprise the shopping space.

Foodies particularly find themselves in a slice of heaven, moseying between stalls and vendors selling a variety of fresh local produce, from fruits to veggies to herbs to meats, as well as plenty of authentically procured goods, like cheeses, honey, pickled items, and more.

If you haven’t yet tried out the city’s baked goods selection, munch down on langos, biscuits and pastries.

The one level is where most vendors set up shop the old-school way, and the second floor is where you can also buy other random products, from clothing to pet accessories. There are a few Hungarian and one or two Vietnamese restaurants on this floor too.

25 – Explore Budapest’s creative side on a street-art tour

Admiring the bustling bohemian street-art is a really cool way to discover the city’s creative side, as well as understand the lesser-known issues and themes affecting the locals.

Tour groups are usually limited to small numbers, so it’s also a great way to meet a handful of like-minded travelers and check out some parts of town off the beaten path in District 7 and the Jewish Quarter.

For the cherry on top, free drinks at a ruin bar are usually included too.

• street art tours in Budapest

26 – Get on a bike!

What’s more European than exploring a city on two wheels? Exactly.

Plenty of tours offer the opportunity to zip through the bike-friendly town with a local guide — a wonderful way to get into the smaller streets and alleyways, ditch the tourist crowds, and discover those little-known gems that hide in between all the major attractions.

If you prefer exploring solo, self-guided bike tours are also available.

• bike tours in Budapest

27 – Climb to the top of Gellért Hill

At 235 meters high, looking over the sparkling city from the 1st and the 11th districts, Gellért Hill is the perfect excuse to lace on those hiking boots!

After tackling the scenic hike, enjoy the view and keep an eye out for a unique church in a cave.

At the top, the Citadella fortress is worth exploring, and if time permits, make sure to hang around for sunset!

Standing proudly at 14 meters high, the Liberty Statue is another monument to investigate once you summit the top of the hill, representing an important part of local history. Here, a bronzed statue was erected on top of a 26-meter-tall pillar, and so it soars into the sky.

Constructed in 1947, it was built in remembrance of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Soviet liberation of Hungary during WWI, signifying the country’s liberation.

Remaining as one of the few major Communist statues left in Budapest, snap photographs and then drink in the views overlooking the city before making your way back down the hill.

Directions in Google Maps

28 – Take a cooking class

Travelers love the local cuisine, so learning a few recipes to take home is a surefire way to impress the family and friends back home.

Led by a local chef, you’ll learn about both the flavors and stories behind the country’s treasured dishes, while sampling fresh ingredients and strong drinks the whole way through.

If you can perfect the goulash, we promise your future dinner-party guests will be… Hungary for more.

• cooking classes in Budapest

29 – Indulge in some self-care at the spas

After spending so much time exploring Budapest, putting your feet up at either Széchenyi Spa or Gellért Spa is a great way to unwind. While there are countless spas around the city, these two are the most popular among tourists.

The indoor Gellert is known for its art nouveau-style architecture, while the indoor-and-outdoor Széchenyi is one of the largest spa baths in Europe.

Not the typical spa gal or guy? With both medical and wellness services available, the Rudas Bath Rooftop Hot Tub has an ancient Turkish-style thermal pool as the main attraction. Built in 1896, it has been open to the public since 1936 — originally only for men.

Night bathing is available here too, however, guests only older than 14 years old can use the therapeutic springs.

Thermal pools, massage, and spa sessions are available to soothe any sore muscles (or help with headaches from the ruin bars the night before).

Even if you’re not here for the spa-time, it’s worth popping in just to see these unique Hungarian spas.

• spas in Budapest

30 – Find a bargain at the Grand Ecseri Flea Market

This expansive flea market has more collectibles, knick-knacks, and quirky items than anywhere else in central Europe!

There are a mix of serious stalls and lone traders trying to offload a few things — either way, it’s great for a souvenir if you can haggle the price down!

Hot tip: Bring cash (so you can haggle) and come early before the best items get swept up.

• flea market tour in Budapest

31 – Drive a Trabant through Budapest

Known as the paper Jaguar, the quirky 1960s Trabant 601 was the car of choice for Communist-era Hungarians.

So, riding one through the preserved period neighborhoods inside of your very owm paper Jaguar is sure to take you back to the Budapest of a by-gone era.

While cute, they’re not exactly fast: with its roaring 26-horsepower engine, this bad boy goes from 0-60 kilometers per hour in 21 seconds!

• Trabant tours in Budapest

32 – Try not to tilt at the Budapest Pinball Museum

Gamers, get excited. With over 150 pinball machines from the 1800s until today available to play —including the first-ever machine with flippers — Budapest’s Pinball Museum is a delight for kids and adults alike

So grab something from the snack bar and entertain yourself the way they used to before Minecraft and PlayStation came around.

• Budapest Pinball Museum tickets

33 – Treat yourself at the Chocolate Museum

Now this is a museum you’ll want to sink your teeth into!

Indulge in chocolate tasting, get an introduction to how chocolate is made, make your very own sweet treat, and watch films about the history of chocolate with a hot mug of cocoa in hand!

If you’re not already full of cavities, don’t forget to pass by the gift shop for a few souvenirs!

34 – Visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

This is no regular museum: it started life as a hospital and bomb shelter during World War II, during which it was filled to 10 times its capacity during the 1944-45 Siege of Budapest.

After that, it was briefly a prison before quickly becoming a nuclear bunker.

Clearly, it’s a fascinating story — the museum’s dramatic displays give visitors a glimpse into all of its chapters.

• Hospital in the Rock tours

35 – Admire the view from Fisherman’s Bastion

The locals call it Halászbástya, tourists call it Fisherman’s Bastion, but after checking it out first-hand you’ll be calling it the best view of Budapest!

After snapping a few selfies, nearby, the stunning Matthias Church is worth checking out too — fitted with stained glass windows and a colorful roof, and housing the tomb of King Bela, it adds to the ambiance of this truly unique city.

• Fisherman’s Bastion tours

36 – Put on your thinking caps during scavenger games

Do you think you have what it takes to be the next Sherlock Holmes? Put your detective skills to the test AND have fun city sightseeing whilst doing so during these epic Scavenger Games in Budapest.

If you’ve never tried this type of city tour before, here’s how to play the game: Using a mobile phone, your team is given a storyline and a set of clues — each clue is at a designated city monument or attraction.

As you solve one puzzle, receive the next clue to point you in the right direction to follow, ticking off must-see places en route. Having fun all along the way, you get to learn the history behind the sites you pass by whilst cracking the mystery.

Scavenger games are awesome bonding experiences for families, couples and a group of buddies after a great time.

• scavenger games in Budapest

37 – See Dracula at Vajdahunyad Castle

Believe it or not, there was actually a real Dracula, and his name was Vlad Dracul the Impaler!

Born in Budapest’s Vajdahunyad Castle, which holds spooky tours for any history buffs or vampire-enthusiasts (or Team Edward supporters), Vlad’s reputation is now etched into history.

Besides the fangs and black capes, in the courtyard you’ll find a statue of Anonymus — Hungary’s first history author — and an informative exhibit on Hungarian architecture.

• Vajdahunyad Castle tours

38 – Pay your respects at the Shoes on the Danube Bank

One of Budapest’s most tragic tales occurred during World War II when 3,500 people, including 800 Jews, were ordered to remove their shoes and stand by the river, after which they were executed.

The poignant and powerful memorial along the Danube river immortalizes the shoes left on the riverbank — a stark reminder to never forget the past.

39 – Hear the bell ring at Matthias Church

As well as hosting occasional Friday night organ concerts, this over-500-year-old church has orchestral bells that ring out every day at noon!

But there’s plenty to see as well as hear: inside, you’ll find a plethora of frescos, stained-glass windows, decorative roof-tiling, and a throne used to coronate kings!

Before leaving, be sure to climb to the top for more breathtaking Budapest views.

40 – See the Komodo dragon and wombat at Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

A surefire hit for visitors young and old, the popular zoo boats over 1000 different animals and over 2000 species of plant from Australia to the Americas and everywhere in between!

While the wombats and tigers are always exciting, visitors also love the shimmering colours of the butterfly garden and the cute creatures of the Madagascar Zone.

If the zoo is a little busy, the Botanical Garden is a quieter spot to relax or reflect among the greenery.

• Budapest Zoo tickets

41 – Take a dip at Margaret Island

This island in the middle of the Danube river is a treasure trove of rose gardens and archaeological ruins (not to mention all of the fuzzy squirrels!).

On a hot summer’s day, head to Palatinus Strand to cool down in the swimming pools, wave pools, water slides, and kids pools — there’s plenty of fun for adventurers of all ages!

42 – Follow your nose (and your stomach) at Central Market Hall

Enthusiastic foodies are obsessed with the Central Market Hall — 5 minutes inside and you’ll see why.

There are plenty of opportunities to smell and sample the freshest Hungarian ingredients and dishes; feel free to grab a few for a picnic in one of Budapest’s pristine parks — and don’t forget to pick up a bottle of wine and a hand-crafted souvenir!

For the ultimate foodie experience, combine it with a cooking class or VIP tasting tour!

• Central Market Hall tours

43 – Stop by the Aquincum Museum and its ruin garden

Travelers fascinated by ancient history, stepping inside the Aquincum Museum will transport you back in time in an instant.

Fun fact: Óbuda, now commonly known as District III, was once a separate town from Budapest hundreds of years ago, and a Roman city first laid its foundations here.

Today, have the chance to see some of the Roman ruins in person at this special museum located in District III and around the original sites.

Permanent exhibitions to investigate are ‘Rome in Aquincum’, ‘House of the Painter’, ‘TEGVLARIVM’ (diving into the role of ceramics in the Roman period), ‘Mithras in Aquincum’ and ‘Thermae Maiores’ (a 2,000-year-old spa).

Apart from the life-size museum features, the museum houses different archaeological items and collections.

Investigate the Prehistory Photographic Archive, animal bones, the Lapidarium to see famous stone monuments, different materials used throughout the ages from bricks to coins, to mosaic to wood, learn about the Migration Period, and so much more.

The on-site Archaeological Park contains a ruin garden, and other spots around the grounds worth seeing are the Hercules Villa, Military Town Museum, fortresses, amphitheaters, aqueducts and ancient walls.

44 – Get a selfie with Lenin at Memento Park

At the fall of the communist regime, Budapest preserved most of its totalitarian statues and symbols at Memento Park.

These days, it acts as a large, open-air museum perfect for locals and tourists to pause and reflect, while bringing the old relics to life.

Travelers often take a moment to appreciate the symbolism of the statue of Lenin, sitting next to the retro Trabant car.

• Memento Park tickets

45 – See all of Budapest at the Miniversum Museum

How can you see an entire city in an afternoon? Miniversum!

This unique installation offers a perfect 1:100 scale model of Hungary, complete with interactive screens, sounds, and lights bringing it all to life!

With lots of interesting information about the area and its history, it’s a solid option for a rainy or snowy day.

There’s also a full-sized playhouse for the kids, making it one of the more family-friendly things to do in Budapest.

46 – Go stand-up paddleboarding at sunrise

What’s more relaxing than a gentle paddle on calm water? We’ll tell you: doing so at sunrise on the Danube, before the city wakes, in the crisp, fresh Hungarian air.

For any total newbies, there’s minimal river traffic in the morning, making it a great opportunity to try it for the first time!

Set that alarm and make yourself a coffee, it’ll be worth it.

• paddleboarding in Budapest

47 – Browse through the Hungarian National Museum

Hungary’s vast, grand, and often turbulent history needs a museum every bit as vast and grand as it is; luckily, their National Museum fits the bill!

With exhibits spanning from ancient times through the middle ages, focusing on themes like the Hungarian struggle for independence, its submission to totalitarianism, and its current state of freedom, there’s plenty to be learned within these walls.

48 – See a real torture chamber at the House of Terror

The House of Terror lets visitors discover the dark side of the Hungarian dictatorships.

With no shortage of eye-opening displays, the torture chambers, jail cells, and execution room make for confronting yet fascinating viewing for visitors who want to understand what it was really like living under an iron fist.

• House of Terror tours

49 – Investigate the tomb of Gül Baba and its rose garden

As one of the last few remaining monuments that date back to the Turkish occupation of Europe during the Ottoman Empire, the Tomb of Gül Baba and its wonderful rose garden is an interesting one.

Starting with some background history; Gül Baba, an Ottoman-Turkish soldier-monk, arrived in Buda in 1541 and was a well-respected dervish who accompanied the army. He was well-known for his turban decorated and adorned with a rose (hence his nickname, Father of Roses).

After his passing, his body was buried and an octagonal-shaped mausoleum was erected in his honor. Hundreds of years later, excavators discovered a skeleton inside the tomb — believed to belong to Gül Baba.

Today, the interiors contain a wooden coffin designed with a replica of the iconic Rose turban.

In the 1800s, the property was privately sold and the owners built a villa around the mausoleum. Surviving wars, since then the grounds have been renovated, and recently in 2018, lavender and magnolia gardens were grown beside the existing rose garden.

The former villa was also transformed and now houses a cultural center with an exhibition space, workshops, a souvenir store as well as an authentic Turkish cafe.

50 – Pet the stingrays at Tropicarium

Tropicarium is not just an aquarium!

Tucked away in Campona Mall with shopping and a food court, it also has animals from alligators to little swinging monkeys!

Visitors love the giant shark aquarium where brave handlers hand-feed the sharks, and the rays touch tank where the friendly rays rub up against your arm!

51 – Sightsee in between Hűvösvölgy on the Children’s Railway

Holding the (Guinness World) record for the ‘longest children’s railway line’ in the world, there’s probably no activity more unique (and exhilarating) for the little ones than the Children’s Railway .

Connecting the Hűvösvölgy and Széchenyihegy neighborhoods, the line officially runs for 11.2 kilometers between the two destinations, however, what makes it so extra special is that the train is run by little humans!

That’s right … from the purchasing of tickets at the booth to checking the dockets onboard to providing train hand signals, older kids and teens are the ones in control here. Not to fear though — the conductor is an adult!

Veering along the Cogwheel Railway, chug through forests and past points of interest like lookout towers.

The Children’s Railway Museum and Souvenir Shop is worth popping into whilst you’re here and is found on platform 1 at the Hűvösvölgy station. Through its interactive exhibits, learn of the history of this narrow-gauge style railway first built in the late 19th century.

52 – Be entertained whilst learning something new during a Folklore Show

From whirling red and white skirts to an evening of traditional dance and song; a folklore show is a brilliant way to get an up close and personal look at Hungarian history.

Over the course of 1.5 hours, sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment whilst learning about local traditions and customs through the performance show at the Aranytíz Kultúrház.

Translating to the ‘Aranytíz Cultural Center’, the theater is housed inside a neo-Renaissance style building that was first constructed between 1879 to 1880, adding more ambiance to the show.

Either dancing troops from the Rajkó Folk Ensemble, Danube Folk Ensemble or the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble take to the stage for the evening, dressed in embroidered shirts, splendid skirts, and classic headpieces.

The performance is based on local mythology, folk performances and dancing rituals carried out in local villages throughout the centuries across Hungary.

• folklore shows in Budapest

53 – Sample the local brews with beer tastings

Discover what the beer scene is like in Budapest with a beer-tasting experience around the city.

Brewing the alcoholic beverage for over 1,000 years, the country does know a thing or two when it comes to beer, and there’s an abundance of beer tastings to choose from, depending on the vibe that you’re after.

For an extraordinary crusade, visit a private brewery within a monastery and sample beers made by the monks who live there. Or get this; stop by a Hungarian beer spa and unwind in a traditional wooden spa bath with unlimited beer at your disposal.

Craft beer aficionados; enjoy tasting the local craft beers during private tours, where you will stop at pubs and drinking holes as you venture around the city and do a bit of sightseeing.

A second way to tour the city whilst staying merry is on a super fun electric beer bus, sipping back on Hungarian drafts while cruising around to must-see attractions, viewpoints and monuments.

Beer tastings range from one to eight hours.

• beer tasting in Budapest

54 – Take a ride on the M1 – Continental Europe’s Oldest Metro Line!

Don’t pass up the chance to ride on the oldest underground railway, the M1 (located at Oktogon Station underneath the historic Andrássy Avenue).

Its placement suits this beautiful neighborhood — renowned for its bygone architecture — and it feels as if you’re traveling through Budapest in the late 1890s the moment you walk down the steps to enter Europe’s first electric underground line.

Dripping in character and old-world charm, the metro tram line was built between 1894 and 1986, opening to the public that same year.

Climb into the original yellow carts and travel along the five-kilometer line, running from Mexikoi út (Mexican road) to Vörösmarty tér (Vörösmarty square) with 11 stops in between.

The M1 isn’t the only underground line, and there are lines M2 (red), M3 (blue) and the M4 (green) operating daily.

55 – Sip coffee at New York Cafe

Ever wondered, “what if the Sistine Chapel was a coffee house?” Wonder no more!

The world’s most dazzling cafe , found in one of the world’s premium luxury hotels, will leave you in awe — you’ll be gazing in every direction at marble columns, elegant paintings, and sculpted angels in this grand Rennaisance-themed cafe.

The good coffee is just a bonus.

56 – Dine at the best Michelin-awarded restaurants

Wondering where the best places are to fill your belly in Budapest? The capital city is home to multiple Michelin-awarded restaurants, so take your pick of the very best in town.

Sophisticated and refined, from the food to the interiors, Costes Downtown is not only a one-star winner but was the first restaurant in Hungary to win a Michelin award. Naturally, it’s one of the best dining spots in the country.

Sublime presentation and modern gastronomy, whether it’s the ingredients or the cooking style, Babel Budapest is another one-star Michelin treat.

Intimate and inspiring, take your place around the 21-seater dining bar and watch the chefs in action at Rumour .

The plates of food that arrive out of the kitchen at Borkonyha Winekitchen (almost) look too pretty to eat and pop with color and classy, creative flair.

Combining Portuguese and Hungarian flavors, ingredients and cooking techniques, book a table at Essência Restaurant for a fusion like none other in town.

As the only restaurant in Budapest with a Michelin two-star, Stand celebrates and highlights Hungarian ingredients and its cuisine, but with a contemporary twist.

57 – Catch a show at Hungarian State Opera House

Before the show even starts, the Opera House captivates its audiences with its glimmering marble staircases, bright chandeliers, and striking architecture.

The likes of Gustav Mahler have conducted here, so it doesn’t matter if you catch an opera, ballet, or classical music performance; you’re in for a world-class performance with world-class acoustics!

58 – Adventure through the city via Jeep Tours

Jump into a vintage Russian military Jeep and hit the roads (less traveled) during exciting Jeep tours, winding through the streets of Budapest and beyond the city walls.

Adding three hours to your schedule clock, this adventure is ideal for travelers hunting down different things to do in Budapest and when it comes to touring the city.

Be shown off-the-grid locations and unusual attractions usually not covered in ordinary city tours, such as the “Champs-Élysées of Budapest”, i.e. Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square (Hosok Tere) and Budapest-Nyugati, nicknamed the Western Railway Station.

There are also jeep tours for tourists keen on a classic city tour by vehicle, instead of trekking the streets on foot.

Lasting two hours, be driven around to iconic monuments and not-to-miss sights like Buda Castle, Gellert Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, the House of Terror Museum, Liberty Bridge, Vajdahunyad Castle and plenty of others.

• jeep tours in Budapest

59 – Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge

One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks actually has a rather sad backstory.

Originally, the bridge was conceived by a man who could not cross the river to see his father; years later, during the War of Independence, The Austrians unsuccessfully bombed the bridge.

Then, a century later, the Germans did so successfully in World War II.

Incredible views aside, walking across the bridge is a walk through history itself!

60 – Lose yourself at Szimpla Kert

What started as a pub in an old factory is quickly becoming the heartbeat of the city.

This bohemian center still slings drinks but also screens movies, hosts concerts, displays art, contains a library, and turns into a market!

Hot tip: make a point of visiting on different days and times because it always has something different happening!

61 – Dine in style on the river

The only thing more intoxicating than the complimentary glass of champagne you get as you board a river cruise is the view of Budapest’s skyline (particularly the majestic Parliament building) reflecting off the water.

With live Hungarian music playing in the background and a scrumptious four-course dinner, it’s a surefire hit for romantics.

• dinner cruises in Budapest

62 – Pub crawl through the ruin bars

The recent craze in Budapest is the ruin bars, built in the ruins of abandoned buildings like stores and factories.

Many of them look like normal homes, so a guided tour with a local guide is the best way to discover them!

With drinks flowing — cheap drinks, we might add — it’s a fantastic chance to meet other party-goers, score a few free shots, and let your hair down!

• pub crawls in Budapest

How to get to Budapest?

Forget about trying to decipher Hungarian and haggle with cab drivers. For the most seamless, hassle-free arrival experience, it’s recommended to book an airport transfer in advance.

As you arrive at the airport, your private driver awaits you ready to transport you to your accommodation in Budapest. After a lengthy flight, sit back and be driven to your stay in style.

Where to stay in Budapest?

One thing is for certain, your accommodation can either make or break a holiday. Make sure that your stay during your time in Budapest is all that — and a bag of Hungarian candy — at any one of these fabulous hotels.

Classy yet ultra-trendy, Kozmo Luxury Hotel is ideal for couples. Boasting gorgeous finishes and features on all fronts, relax at the spa or dine at the world-class restaurant.

Certainly feel like royalty at the grand Aurea Ana Palace Hotel . From the floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms to the underground spa, the service and set-up are all-round impressive.

Loved for its location, on-site facilities and bright, spacious and extra comfy interiors, rooms and suites at the 5-star Kempinski Hotel exude warmth and luxury.

Donned in tips of gold here and there and rich finishings, the Anantara New York Palace Budapest goes the full nine yards.

With a close eye and attention to detail, the adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest is a boutique-style setup and absolutely dreamy.

Living up to its name’s reputation, stay in absolute style at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest . It’s got excellent on-site facilities, incredible dining options and a fabulous location — naturally.

Feel like a celebrity at Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel , fusing the past and present in the most perfect way possible.

Take a step back in time and stand in awe from the moment you enter the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest . This is old-world elegance at its finest.

• best hotels in Budapest

Visiting Budapest on a budget?

Traveling around Europe can become a pricey endeavor, however, there are ways to save money and be wise with how you spend your vacation savings.

One of the easiest ways is to opt for free walking tours when traveling to Budapest. Costing you absolutely nothing, be guided around to monuments, attractions and iconic sites with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

Moving from one place to the next, learn about each site you pass thanks to the titbits given by your expert local.

If your Budapest bucket list is long, and if you plan on getting around town using mostly public transport, then the Budapest Card might just be the best option for you.

The tourist card includes free public transport all over the city, offers discounts to some of the city’s premier attractions, free entry to 12 museums (like the Museum of Fine Arts and Budapest History Museum), and also slashes prices on a range of spas and restaurants.

To find out more and all you need to know about the best free walking tours in Budapest , take a squiz through our informative read.

Where to go next?

Situated in Eastern Europe, there are plenty of other neighboring countries to see while you’re in this part of the world or, make your way to a completely different side of the continent like the Mediterranean, for example.

Whether you’re an island-gal or more of a metro-man, here are some of the best places to visit in Europe from Paris to Santorini.

If you’re keen on traveling nearby, there are many things to do in other countries close by like Bratislava — the capital city of Slovakia, and a two-hour drive from Budapest.

Passing Bratislava, drive a further 30 minutes until you reach Vienna , Austria where there are many things to do, and both destinations are ideal for a day excursion. Tourists especially love taking a day trip to Vienna .

Head south and reach Belgrade , the bustling capital of Serbia, with a strong blend of modern vitality and ancient traditions. Step into the charming past of Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, or discover the vibrant atmosphere of Skadarlija, the city’s bohemian neighborhood.

If your time in Hungary is limited, multi-day trips are a fabulous way to conveniently see a multitude of neighboring countries in a few days. There are excursions that last two days and travel to Vienna, or longer adventures journeying through to Bucharest in Romania.

Final thoughts

From castles to river cruises to weird and wonderful history learnings, there is so much to see, you might find a few days in the capital is not nearly enough!

Have you traveled to Budapest before and are back for more? What are your favorite things to do in Budapest, or places to visit? Share with us in the comments.

As always, happy and safe travels.

10+1 Crazy things to do in Budapest – Only for the desperado

Budapest is not a boring graytown, especially if you can do crazy things like scuba diving, caving, or taste the weirdest Hungarian food.

There are so many ways to spend our time in Budapest. Some people like to go secure and go through the compulsory programs as it is written in the book.

A couple of photos on the Heroes’ Square , a plate of goulash in the castle quarters , and finally sunset on the Danube. Don’t get me wrong, these are super cool and really must-see, but there are some other things that might be crazy for others to try in this city as well.

More than 100 tourist sights in Budapest

Here, only our imagination can set a limit on how to spend our time in one of Europe’s, if not the most beautiful city: Budapest.

If we do crazy things, our bodies are filled with adrenaline. Whoever experiences this will always desire it. I help them by collecting the crazy things they can do in Budapest.

Table of Contents

1. Wakeboarding and other goodies

2. Budapest Shooting

3. free fall.

4. Caving in Budapest

5. Diving in Budapest

6. Trampoline parks

7. Paragliding over Budapest

8. Rock climbing in Budapest

9. Mountain biking

10. everything about the danube, +1. taste the most special hungarian dishes, 1. on the back of the waves: wakeboarding and other goodies.

Are you a lover of water and even the weather is superb? There are many water sports available around Budapest and one of the most exciting is wakeboarding.

Maybe this isn’t the first thing that comes to mind about Budapest — in fact, it’s not the second either — but it certainly promises an unforgettable experience.

You can experience this adrenaline rush in several places around the area, but perhaps the best known is Lake Omszk , or Lake Lupa , which has been very popular for a couple of years.

What exactly is a wakeboard? You don’t have to do anything just to climb onto a tow rope and slide over ramps, rails, or even do some tricks through the water, all on a surfboard-like device. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

If you have never tried it, of course, you have to calculate some foolishness and fall, but then over time, you are guaranteed to fall in love with it.

The wakeboard track at Lake Omszk is a real family-run business and is only-about 20 minutes from Budapest’s city center. Everybody from beginner to advanced wakeboarders can enjoy it here, thanks to the helpful staff.

And if you would like to take a break between the two attempts, you can enjoy the lake and the surrounding area, and enjoy the amazingly delicious homemade and new waved tortillas, burgers, and salads on the terrace.

But there are also delicacies in water sports, such as Stand Up Paddleboarding. Standing on a large surfboard, we must drive ourselves with the help of a paddle, while still staying on top of the board.

It requires a lot of concentration and a sense of good balance. But if you finally manage to get on your feet, you can either go hiking in the area (on the water, don’t worry), or even practice yoga or maybe race on it. ( link ).

If Lake Lupa is more sympathetic, it’s worth a visit. The former abandoned mine lake, which has always been popular with the locals, but many of them from downtown, drove out here to enjoy this crystal clear water.

Where and which lake is worth going to around Budapest? Read my article about this.

The lake has been renovated and an amazing beach has been built on it, which not only makes the experience more comfortable, but also safer.  Therefore, you can try out all the extreme water sports here like wakeboarding , kayaking, SUP, and diving.

If you really want an extreme and a little crazy experience in Budapest, you must visit the Budapest Shooting ( link ).

Don’t you get scared by a little shooting?  If you love the adrenaline rush and heart rate increase, you can get all of these here.

This range has the largest armor, so there will be plenty to choose from. The unique atmosphere of the place is also due to the fact that it is located in an air defense shelter, so the feeling of war is provided. You can choose from nearly sixty weapons from World War I to World War II through to today’s modern pieces.  

This way, you can experience history in a completely different way than through the pages of a book, while it’s all very safe, with real professionals helping and taking care of you. This is not a simple shooting range;  if you hit the target, you have to expect an adventure shooting.

There is also the possibility of sport shooting or individual training. In two soundproof and well-ventilated rooms, we cannot only try the weapons, but also ourselves.

Certainly, even the bravest man with the biggest mouth will be silent – for at least a moment – when, for example, a real AK47 gets into his hand.

The atmosphere here and the arsenal of weapons is a unique experience that is difficult to describe, but rather to experience. Here, we can really learn and feel the weight of these weapons, both in a true and transposed sense, and perhaps we would deal with it in a greater respect.

Who would think that even a free fall could be practiced in a room under artificial conditions?

At Skyward ( link ), they thought it could be easily carried out and how well they thought. This free fall simulator will help you to get ready for the real experience, but if you just don’t dare simply jump out of an airplane but are attracted to the feeling, get on it!

The method is very simple, with the proper protective equipment,  you only have to lie on the vertical wind channel, which has nearly 200 km / h air stream. This way, you can experience the weightlessness, flight, and fall all at once without having to apply to NASA.

Of course, as usual, everything seems simpler from the outside than it actually is. Before you throw yourself right into it, you need to attend a 30-minute training session.

Here you will learn the correct posture, sequences of movements, and of course, the communication signals that you can use if a problem arises. However, if you are beyond this mandatory and useful circle, you can enjoy the experience on the backs of the winds.

4. For the craziest – Caving in Budapest

Not only in the city center, but also in the surrounding nature, it is worth looking for some program. If you’re a little crazier, cooler than the average, caving can be a really good idea for you.

There are many cave systems in Budapest, thanks to the many thermal waters. It may be an interesting fact that Budapest is the only capital in the world with complete cave systems under its buildings and streets.

After all this, we walk on the streets of Budapest with a different feeling. There are more than two hundred caves on the Buda side only.

As I mentioned, the thermal water plays a special role in the creation of the caves: these hydrothermal caves were made up of the same thermal springs where people heal and relax in the famous baths of Budapest.

These are specifically UNESCO protected areas too. If you want to be in good hands when you explore the city underground, then I recommend the Caving Under Budapest team ( link ). They help you discover this strange but beautiful world within a variety of cave tours.

You can choose from a variety of “routes”, depending on how skilled or brave caveman you are. For example, there is the Cave Walk, which, although less adventurous, can be a good introduction to this world for beginners.

This can be accomplished without a tour guide, there is lighting and the ground is covered: there aren’t very tight spaces, so if you have claustrophobia but would look inside a cave, it is better to choose this.

Geological Tour

For those who are braver, the Geological Tour is where they can crawl and climb. We can get a real insight into the world of underground hot springs, and finally see where the thermal water comes from.

The tour begins with an easy walk in the Szemlő-hill cave , which continues with a real climbing adventure in the Pál Valley cave system.

The tour is about 4 hours long and is better if booked in advance, and it is good to be in good physical condition when we are getting ourselves into hiking. But if we do get started, we certainly will not regret it, as we will have an amazing sight and experience.

Mátyás Mountain Cave Tour

Another interesting formation of the Buda Hills is the Mátyás Mountain Cave, where not only geographic, geological, and historical interest can be found. Such an adventure tour is also a real team-building training because we have to pay attention to each other’s steps and movements, in the interest of ourselves and others.

Because this tour is not so easy: there is no built-up route, so we often have to move on all fours or even on our belly. And when we accomplish all of these together, we will have power more than ourselves and our companions that we would never have thought of that we have.

5. Can you imagine? Diving in Budapest

Have you dived many times? Maybe in really exotic places as well? Now, in Kőbánya, Budapest, I am showing you a place for diving that you have never seen before. Slightly crazy and decent individuals could kill for such an opportunity, so if you are here, don’t miss it.

The cellar system under the Kőbánya Brewery in Budapest is all, but not an ordinary dive site. Not far from the center is a water-flooded limestone quarry, which is interesting as the building of the Parliament, the Castle and the Citadel were built from these stones.

The brewery, which was built here used the crystal-clear karst water pumped from the mine for brewing. Then over time, the pumping stopped and the mine slowly filled with water again.

When the lower parts were submerged, tools, implements, and wrought iron stairs found themselves in a wave tomb.

With this, a special world emerged in the depths, where time stopped over a slowly forgotten era. And now, you have the opportunity to explore this exciting location while diving. An exciting opportunity for both experienced and beginner divers, of course, trained guides will help guide you through the basement system.

If you are not an experienced diver yet, you can dive into the upper levels where you can explore the corridors and sections lit with reflectors. If you are already an experienced diver, you can swim in some places.

Before diving, you will get a taste of the history and curiosity of the place, and then go to the scene. The dive time is approximately 40 minutes, during which time you will be able to look at objects and tools left under water.

And if you’re a safe diver, you can also look into the areas below the spiral staircase. The conditions, which we have to prepare for: the mine is cold, it is about 8 degrees Celsius and the water is about 13 degrees Celsius.

Experience the thrill of diving in a truly mystical and exciting venue: the cellar system of the Kőbánya Brewery. ( link )

6. Less crazy – Trampoline parks in Budapest  

As a kid, did you love trampoline? Definitely, it is not only entertaining but also stress-relieving too. Luckily, there are several adult (also) trampoline parks in Budapest where you can enjoy yourself on many other devices.

We can finally be kids again: we can somersault (if we can), jump into colorful balls. And if you are interested in extreme sports, there are sweaty skill levels trails, swinging traps, wall climbing, and much more excitement.

One of such sites is Cyberjump ( link ), which is one of the largest trampoline parks in Central and Eastern Europe at the Újbuda Center.

A 3000 square meter hall full of better and better games: Do we need more? Make sure to warm up before you start because it’s a bit more than just jumping all the way.

Animators of gymnasts and acrobats accompany us on 12 tracks. The 12 levels are made up of trampolines of different strengths, but if you are very passionate you can try the adventure level-like Ninja Warrior.

Then remember that you can even slackline and land in a sponge pool.

If you want to try a bit of turbocharged team sports together, there are also options for that like: dodge ball, slamball, and boss ball.

Then there’s the interactive wall where you can collect lights while jumping, or can even try the high-performance arena for a flying experience. You can also jump down from a jumping tower without getting hurt and arriving on your back or belly.

Superfly Air Sports

I also recommend Superfly Air Sports ( link ). The German company has already operated several trampoline parks with unbroken success and is also a worthy representative of the Hungarian facility.

Here, you will find swinging traps, giant slides, and high-throw racing tramps, which you can even climb on the wall. There are dozens of courses and games to choose from, including a water trampoline, a huge sponge pool, or skill courses.

For the real pros, there is the park, our course or the ninja course where we will need all our best skills.

Typically, children, adolescents are the target audience and the park is full of them, but as an adult, we don’t have to be embarrassed when we go there.

All the more, because every Friday night there is an adult-only for those over the age of 16. No kiddie noise, and the atmosphere comes from the light of psychedelic UV lamps and the invited DJ.

This will make the atmosphere even more festive, with the addition of exciting levels. The place on the Váci street in the city center is constantly evolving and awaits adventurous children and adults. We are sure that you will leave the place full of excitement.

We’ve been under water, underground, so I think it is time to look around in the sky. Surrounded by the Buda Hills, the city is perfect for a small paragliding at many locations, which many people use.

This adventure not only raises the heart rate for the truly determined, but it is also an opportunity to admire the city from a bird’s eye view.

A breathtaking panorama and a lifelong adventure, once for sure. Of course, it is better to rely on the pros: who you can trust in your life is the Tandem Fly team ( link ).

You can try many different forms of flying with them, and thanks to the skilled pilots, it’s not a problem if you’ve never done it before. They teach you all the little details, and the pilots guide you through the tandem flight, so you really have nothing to do but enjoy the sight of the landscape and the way you defeat gravity, even if it is just for a moment.

This is one of the safest forms of paragliding while you can still experience the freedom of flying. However, there are still many possibilities in the form of tandem flying, especially if you already have some experience.

There is the duration of flying on a mountain: this mountain takes advantage of the lifting effect of the wind blowing up and can rise up to 50-100 meters above the mountain. The aim here is to fly for up to an hour.

We can think much longer than thermal eddy flying, but it also depends a lot on the weather. Under appropriate conditions, we can reach up to 1000 or 2000 meters. But getting thermal eddy (hot air surges) requires sunshine and clear weather, so this is more a seasonal sport.

Perhaps the greatest experience is long-distance flying, and here we are able to glide up to 5, 10, 20 kilometers. This is how long-distance flights begin when we do not land at the same place where we took off.  

It is an indescribable experience, not only because of the altitude, the kilometers we flew, but also because of the spectacle that we cannot experience anywhere else when we are in the open air.

8. Wall climbing and rock climbing in Budapest

It is becoming more popular to simulate wall climbing under artificial conditions, so we don’t even have to leave the town if we want to have this experience.

From this year, wall climbing has become an Olympic sport, one of the favorites of extreme athletes. One of the places I can highly recommend is the Gravity Boulder Bar ( link ).

It can be a good work out if the weather lets us climb on a rock, or climbing actually, or who is afraid to try this sport in reality. Not far from Széll Kálmán Square we find this climbing surface of more than 500 square meters.

What makes the place more interesting is the boulder room: a room designed by architects, sportsmen and professionals, we can’t find much in the area, and we should travel to Vienna until the next.

Boulding is nothing else just climbing without securing ropes at low altitudes, horizontal climbing, which promises even more excitement. Of course, there are varied difficulty wall surfaces, that require more and more tricky gripping techniques, and of course the height increases as does the challenge wit hit.

It’s a pleasure to see how the creators played with the space, creating a track at least as exciting as if we were in nature. We can also go out from the climbing walls to the roof terrace, which creates a real cave effect, making the experience even more natural.

However, if we have enough time and even want to explore the area, nothing can be as good as a real rock climbing. Budapest and its surroundings are full of better and better places, which we can even connect with a pleasant tour. It is no wonder that this sport is so popular: it turns you up at the same time, it helps with concentration and switching off.

One of the most popular locations is the Róka Hill, which is only 1.5 km from the HÉV stop on the Csillag Hill. Its wall height reaches 22 meters and there are also routes with the strength of 8 and 9.

Most of the routes are located in an abandoned quarry, so some parts are a bit over-used as the place is very popular.

However, for beginners, this climb can also be performed, at the top of which we can see the Hármashatás Mountain, the Storm Mountain, and the Peak Mountain.

Kis-Sváb-hegy (Little Swabian Mountain)

The next location I recommend is the Little Swabian Mountain, which also lies in a quarry. We can talk about roads, which were built by experts, but be careful, in some places it is dangerous because it still collapses.

The wall in the Buda Hills stretches up to 15 meters and has 27 climbing paths. The levels here range from the complete beginners to the true pros, so it’s a highly recommended place.

Kecske Hill

The other adornment of the Buda Hills is Kecske Hill, which is a part of the inner cliff of Hármashatár Mountain, which was built mainly of Upper Triassic dolomite.

There are plenty of climbing paths here, 35 in number, but the wall height is not exactly high, it is only 12 meters. This area can be interesting, especially for beginners, but there are some sections that can be challenging for the more experienced as well.

For those who like to explore places in the most extreme way and a leisure little hike is not enough, then mountain biking is the best choice for them.

The essence of this is to do the distance on most extreme fields, multi-lane forest paths and stony roads. Yes, this can be quite dangerous, so you need to make sure you have the proper protective equipment.

We distinguish two types of mountain biking, which are going uphill and going downhill.

In both cases, the goal is to deal with the elements, the difficult terrains. The best thing about it — besides the adrenaline rush — is that anyone can learn the basics and it doesn’t depend on age or physical aptitude. I recommend it as a location in the Buda Hills.

We must not forget the Danube, which divides the city into two and is also an unavoidable symbol of the city. Here we can also do many extreme sports, through the already mentioned SUP, through kayaking, and we can also try canoeing.

In addition to the fact that paddling in the slightly wild waters of the Danube is often an unforgettable experience – although bathing is possible on many parts, it is not dangerous – it is worth it even just for active relaxation.

Only you, the sunlight, the smell of the water, there is no better stress reliever, while not doing the usual tourist programs, and yet you get to know the city.

Here is another idea that seems pretty crazy. You don’t even have to climb a mountain or jump out of a plane, yet it’s a great experience.

Taste all the real Hungarian food, and not only those which are listed in the tourist books. Try lángos and real chimney cake (kürtőskalács), but not the stuff done because it’s totally crap.

Try the cracklins at one of the butcher shops. Some are made of pigs and some are made of geese cracklins. If I had to decide between the two, I would vote for the goose. It is absolutely delicious with fresh bread.

Taste real Hungarian sausages as well. Spicy or plain, according to everyone’s taste.

Eat goulash and fish soup , which is almost a must-try if you get lost in Hungary.

These are absolutely not extreme foods, but they are a must-see.

The craziest Hungarian dishes that make every foreigner freaks out

Rooster testicle stew.

Personally, I hardly can imagine when someone really fancy a good rooster testicle stew, but I don’t want to hurt anyone.

This dish of Hungarian gastronomy is available only in a few restaurants. You will find out quickly how much you love crazy things when you accidentally see it on the menu.

Fried blood

This meal is best known to those who have been in a festive pig slaughtering, as we don’t get blood just like that in stores.

There’s really nothing scary about it, in both taste and texture, it is like liver. Eating blood in any form seems so barbaric that we can freak out any foreigner with it. If not, we place a raw pork ear next to the fried blood. 😀

Dishes with Poppy seeds

Let’s start with something that only a few people might think about. While in Hungary poppy seed and all the foods with poppy seed are fully accepted, in other countries it is the original sin itself.

In many European countries, it is still mostly associated with the fact that it is used to make poppy tea and opium. There are some places, for example, where poppy seeds can only be obtained in pharmacies.

That’s why, for example, when my French friend comes to visit us, we can piss him off pretty well if we offer him a nice poppy seed bagel , or say poppy seeds trudel.

Túró Rudi (Chocolate with cottage cheese)

Túró Rudi is perhaps the best known of its kind, which is not typically Hungarian, but it is certainly a very common sweet in Hungary that can frighten foreigners. I’m totally addicted to it. I love it! It is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Some people like it, the Italians specifically like the sour cottage cheese paired with dark chocolate, but besides them we didn’t find anyone in our environment who would have wanted the Hungarian dessert offered to a foreign friend. Make sure to give it a try.

Pasta with potato

The craziest thing in the Hungarian gastronomy. Potato with pasta, called krumplis tészta (pomegranate), is the food, which some Hungarians love and others hate.

I can’t stand it myself. I am one of those who is unable to comprehend what can make an individual eat a side dish with a side dish. Plus, it tells you all about how delicious as a single dish is.

Just imagine, if the Hungarians, who are already the target group, are already confused about it, what a foreigner will say when visiting us!

Crazy things to do in Budapest – Summary

Budapest is an amazingly diverse city, where all types of people are sure to find opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

Whether it’s the usual or different from the average, or even a little crazy, there is plenty to choose from, in Budapest. And with a little exploration, there are plenty of hidden beauties, exciting programs that you might not have even thought existed.

Step out your comfort zone and discover a new face of Budapest.

Lóránt Dénes

By creating Info-Budapest.com my goal was to provide colourful and useful information about Hungary and Budapest. I believe that a person born in Budapest, who knows the history and attractions of Hungary and can truly provide his reader with useful advice, can’t be other than: AUTHENTIC! About me

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10 Weird Things to See and Do in Budapest

Why budapest is a quirky (and creepy) capital .

Budapest is rich in history and interesting landmarks. Here, you’ll find a cool assortment of weird things to see and do that can make for a fun trip. These include some impressive places hidden beneath the city’s elegant and dramatic streets. Some will grant you unique bragging rights too, like ‘I’ve been to where Count Dracula actually pondered the meaning of life’.  

There are plenty of odd sights to discover in the Hungarian capital. Some of these you will stumble upon on your explorations away from the city’s central attractions. From solemn memorials, old alchemist’s labs, and strange museums, to nightlife spots built around out-of-the-ordinary themes, here are some of the top reasons why Budapest is a quirky (and creepy) capital to visit.

Buda Castle Labyrinth

See where count dracula did time.

The Buda Castle Labyrinth is one of Budapest’s subterranean historical treasures, and it comes with a long history. The castle once held captive the Prince of Darkness, Count Dracula, himself – or at least the historical figure who inspired the fictional character. The dark and damp labyrinthine network of tunnels under Buda Castle once functioned as a harem, a prison, and then, a torture chamber. 

As a prison, the labyrinth’s most notorious resident was the Wallachian prince, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler – the real-life inspiration for Bram Stoker’s seminal antihero. You can enjoy this macabre side trip in a 15 minutes’ walk from the castle.

Location: Budapest, Úri u. 9, 1014 Hungary

Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

Phone: +36 1 212 0207

photo by Dimitris Kamaras ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Terror Háza 

Learn about nightmare periods in hungary’s modern history.

For a tour of the dark side of more recent Hungarian history, step inside Terror Háza or ‘House of Terror’. It’s one of Budapest’s most unusual museums, featuring exhibits that hark back to gruesome periods of imprisonment, torture, and murder under fascist and communist regimes.  

True history buffs won’t find anything to be queasy about here. The museum also serves as a memorial to the victims, so each exhibit is planned out and presented carefully and respectfully. Check out the impressive T-54 tank on display, set against a photography gallery honoring the war victims.

Location: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +36 1 374 2600

photo by Fred Romero ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

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Semmelweis medical museum, discover the remarkable anatomical venus.

This peculiar museum sits by the Danube, part of the compact row of museums formed by the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. It’s known for its peculiar collection of medical and pharmaceutical objects from over 2 centuries ago.  

The museum is also the birthplace of Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis, a physician who’s known as a pioneer of antiseptic procedures. It honors his discovery of the importance of washing the hands with disinfectant in preventing puerperal fever and postpartum infections. Check out the renowned Anatomical Venus and a reproduction of an historical doctor's surgery to get an idea of early medical instruments used in times gone past.

Location: Budapest, Apród u. 1-3, 1013 Hungary

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +36 1 375 3533

photo by Laika ac ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Istvántelek Train Yard

Explore a train ‘graveyard’ .

You can go slightly ‘off track’ in Budapest and stumble upon interesting abandoned sites, such as the Istvántelek Train Yard. It’s the final resting place, or rusting place rather, for several historical trains. Artifacts here include the prominent ‘Red Star Train’ that bears a bright red star on its steam engine front.  

Some of the derelict trains here are very rare, including a four-cylinder MAV 301 train that was in service between 1911 and 1914. It’s 1 of only 2 models left in the world. 

Location: Budapest, Elem u. 5-7, 1045 Hungary

Phone: +36 1 369 2881

photo by URBEX Hungary ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum

Ogle over medical oddities.

Enter a medieval alchemist’s lab at Aranysas Patika Muzeum (Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum), a quirky museum in the Buda Castle district that showcases medicinal odds and ends hailing from the Middle Ages. Inside the museum’s compact gallery, you can find all sorts of potions and wet animal specimens in jars, herbs in bowls, and 17th century medicine books. 

Odd objects like dried bats and shrunken heads embellish quirky furnishings such as the replica fireplace and an old-fashioned kitchen, giving the place the appearance of a set for a medieval movie. Tickets are from 700 Ft.

Location: Budapest, Tárnok u. 18, 1014 Hungary

Phone: +36 (06) 1 375 9772

Iron shoes on the Danube Bank

A solemn tribute to wwii victims.

Shoes on the Danube Bank is a solemn WWII memorial in artistic form. You can find this assortment of cast iron shoes along the east bank of the Danube. The sculptures of scattered men’s and women’s shoes represent the Jewish victims who were ordered to take off their shoes before they were shot by fascist militias.  

The sculpture creates a scene of gravity by the river – the empty and unmoving shoes are reminders of the city’s dark past as they stand in stark contrast to the grandeur of the buildings along the Danube.

Location: Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Hungary

Vajdahunyad Castle

A castle originally built from cardboard .

Vajdahunyad Castle is a grand landmark in Budapest where you can trace the path of Count Dracula (at least the incarnation in the classic movie). You can find the castle by a boating lake, deep within the Városliget (City Park). The castle’s design borrows elements from different parts of the Kingdom of Hungary, most notably the Transylvanian Hunyad Castle.  

A fascinating aspect of the castle is that it was originally made from cardboard and wood, then was rebuilt using brick and stone. Try hunting for the bust of Béla Lugosi, the actor who played Count Dracula in the 1931 classic. 

Location: Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary

Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Phone: +36 1 422 0765

Flippermúzeum

Classic pinball machines galore.

The pinball craze never died out in Budapest, at least at the Flippermúzeum, a quirky museum dedicated to the classic arcade game. Call it an ‘interactive museum’ if you like – buying a ticket grants you endless hours of nostalgic fun as you can try out all the machines in this arcade haven. 

The museum also showcases some modern, but rare, pinball collections that give the nod to arcade fandom and popular culture. Check out the machine adorned in the golden colors and schematics of R2-D2 from  Star Wars  fame.

Location: Budapest, Radnóti Miklós u. 18, 1137 Hungary

Open: Wednesday–Friday from 4 pm to midnight, Saturdays from 2 pm to midnight, Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

Phone: +36 (06) 30 900 6091

The Holy Right (hand) at St. Stephen’s Basilica

The mummified right hand of a saint.

A visit to Budapest’s St. Stephen’s Basilica can be a tour of architectural wonder, as you admire the grand Neo-Renaissance building with its 96-meter-tall cupola. But the basilica’s reliquary holds a peculiar treasure – the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary.  

The sanctified king’s right hand is said to have blessed pilgrims and even performed miracles for those who came to pray in front of it. The hand is illuminated for about a minute after you put a 200 Ft coin into a slot.

Location: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary

Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm

Phone: +36 1 311 0839

photo by Dennis Jarvis ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Raise a glass to a parody of communist propaganda

You’ll find no shortage of ruin bars (eccentric bars that are set up among old ruins) in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. Each has its own set of quirky features. A fun one is Red Ruin, which parodies the polemical style of old school communist propaganda. You can raise your glass here before the pithy puns on pop art versions of murals and posters of the communist era – all set against red-brick walls.  

This unique bar serves a great selection of the best beers hailing from various parts of eastern Europe, together with selections of the famous Hungarian fruit brandy, known as Pálinka. Instead of the iconic ‘Enjoy Coca-Cola’ logo, here you get the stylised ‘Enjoy Communism’ parody as a cool selfie backdrop.

Location: Budapest, Irányi u. 25, 1056 Hungary 

Open: Monday–Saturday from 2 pm to 4 am, Sundays from 2 pm to 12 am

Phone: +36 (06) 20 432 7066

photo by Yann Caradec ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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• The Most Unusual Things To...

Beyond the Ruin Bars: 8 Unusual Things To Do in Budapest

Beyond thermal baths and ruin bars, Budapest is packed with out-of-the-ordinary things to see and do.

Once you’ve admired Budapest’s Art Nouveau, Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture , and ticked Buda Castle and Szimpla Kert off your list, the city offers up a host of unusual activities: an unexpected Michael Jackson memorial, a pinball museum, and even a railway run by children.

Dorottya Kovács, one member of the team behind Budapest’s intriguing Invisible Exhibition, shares her insider knowledge on the best unusual things to do in the Hungarian capital.

Get a fresh perspective at the Invisible Exhibition

“The Invisible Exhibition is a unique interactive journey into an invisible world, where you can attempt to orient yourself in complete darkness using only your sense of touch, sounds and scents to guide you,” Dorottya says. Guided by blind or visually impaired people, visitors can experience how it feels to live without their sense of sight, and discover how their other senses are enhanced in the process. Groups are led through six furnished rooms and prompted to carry out various tasks in imaginary scenarios, including crossing the road and paying for a cup of coffee. “While the exhibition sets out ambitious, educational and social goals, the experience is quite entertaining. All of our guides are dedicated and compassionate people with wonderful senses of humour,” Dorottya explains. “Tours are fun and informative, and visitors must learn to trust in an unfamiliar system, and in each other,” she adds.

Catch skyline views on the Children’s Railway

If you’re planning on exploring the idyllic Buda Hills during your stay, why not do so on a miniature train operated by a twelve-year-old? Yes, you read that right – this Communist-era train line is staffed almost exclusively by children aged 10-14. Dating back to 1947, and inspired by the ‘Pioneer trains’ in the Soviet Union, the Gyermekvasút is the world’s largest children’s railway. The Children’s Railway runs from Széchenyi Hill to Hűvösvölgy, and runs through the hills of western Budapest, providing an impressive view of the city skyline and Danube River throughout the journey. If you’re a self-confessed sucker for a good view, and want to experience something a little out of the ordinary, you’d be silly to miss out on this one.

Stumble upon the Michael Jackson Memorial Tree

Situated in the city centre, on Erzsébet tér, the Michael Jackson Memorial is undoubtedly among Budapest’s more surprising monuments. Local fans of the late singer began decorating the tree with pictures, flowers and letters after his death in 2009. Although the location of the chosen tree may seem a bit obscure, there’s a reason why fans picked this one in particular to house their shrine. It stands opposite the luxurious Kempinski Hotel, where MJ would stay when he visited Budapest .

Dance your troubles away at Budapest’s infamous ‘sparty’

“There’s no other city with as many thermal spas as Budapest,” says Dorottya. If relaxing in a thermal spa and partying the night away sounds like a combination that’s right up your street, then the ‘sparty’ is a must-do. Taking place each Saturday night from February until December at the renowned Széchenyi Baths, a ‘sparty’ brings together lovers of nightlife from all over the world for a wild party in the city’s most popular thermal bath. A combination of upbeat dance, electronic and funk music, bedazzling light shows and a party location that’s as far away from the ‘norm’ as you can get, are just a few reasons why ‘sparties’ are a must-do when in Budapest.

Relive your childhood at the Pinball Museum

Ideal for lovers of classic arcade games, or simply for those who want to visit a museum that’s a bit out of the ordinary, the Pinball Museum is home to an impressive 130 pinball machines, the oldest dating back to the late 19th century. Visitors to this unique museum can play on the machines for as long as they like after paying a fee of just 3000 HUF (£7.60).

See where Count Dracula was imprisoned

Just a stone’s throw away from the endlessly popular tourist attractions that are the Fisherman’s Bastion and St Mateus Church is a small, relatively unimpressive door. Its unassuming position on a side street belies the scale of what hides behind: a sprawling complex of caves underneath Buda. Known as ‘Panoptikum’, this labyrinth is probably the spookiest of Budapest’s tourist attractions. With barely any lighting to lead the way, visitors have to navigate their own journey through the cave system, passing some eerie Phantom of the Opera-inspired mannequins on the way, to see where Count Dracula was – as legend would have it – held and tortured for 14 years. “Budapest is the definition of history. The streets, the buildings, everything. They can all tell stories about the city’s history ,” Dorottya says – the city’s underground is no exception.

Step back in time to WWII at The Hospital in the Rock Museum

For those who want to get a real taste of Budapest’s storied history, a visit to The Hospital in the Rock Museum is essential. Although this extremely rare system of glacial caves, situated underneath Castle Hill in Buda , has been used by locals since the Middle Ages, it was the outbreak of WWII that saw the caves really come in handy, when a hospital was created in the caverns. The converted hospital had three wards and a modern operating theatre, and was used primarily to provide emergency treatment after the American air raids in 1944. “This attraction provides an exciting trip into the past,” Dorottya says. “The wards, contemporary devices and wax figures show how the people of Budapest were healed in the Second World War and the revolution of 1956,” she adds.

Experience a DIY restaurant at Budapest Makery

Whether you’re the ultimate foodie and love to cook, or you’re just seeking an alternative restaurant experience, Budapest Makery is definitely one for the bucket list. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with an interactive tablet menu, from which they can choose the main course they’d like to eat. Staff then bring the ingredients – which have been cleaned, chopped and separated into small bowls – to your own kitchen station. It’s then your job to follow the step-by-step cookery lesson taught via video on the tablet, using the state-of-the-art ovens and hobs at your station. Perfect for having fun with friends, bonding with your significant other, or for meeting new people as a solo traveller, this unique experience is as formative as it is tasty.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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• Crazy Trips & Tour Budapest

Crazy Trips & Tour Budapest in 2024

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, situated on the banks of the Danube River, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and adventure. The city offers an array of crazy trips for those who wish to explore beyond the conventional tourism paradigm. These journeys, ranging from bus trips to explorations that cross national borders, are particularly enjoyable for families, friends, and solo travelers, transcending linguistic barriers with guided tours in English, Spanish, French, and other languages.

Guided Tours

The essence of crazy trips in Budapest starts with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic hosts. The guided tours, conducted in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, are tailored to satiate the curiosity of diverse travelers. These trips create a platform for tourists to engage with local people, learning about their traditions, their day-to-day life, and the history of the places visited.

Bus Trips and Hop-On-Hop-Off Experiences

One of the highlights of crazy trips in Budapest is the line of hop-on-hop-off bus tours. These tours offer a flexible and easy way for tourists to explore the city at their own pace, hopping on and off at their favorite places. Being able to pick and choose your destinations at leisure is a kind of freedom that is much appreciated by tourists. The bus route includes several iconic locations within the city, with each stop having a distinct story and charm.

Budapest to Bratislava – A Cross-Border Journey

For those seeking more than the city's confines, a crazy trip from Budapest to Bratislava serves an exciting cross-border adventure. The generous mix of history, culture, and modernity that both cities offer provides a balanced experience for travelers.

The Hospitality Factor

The success of these trips heavily depends on the host, often a local guide. They ensure that the tourists feel safe and welcome throughout their journey, being readily available for questions, and always serving with a smile. These hosts are also fluent in multiple languages, making it easy for travelers to communicate.

Snacks and Entertainment

To add a more personal touch, many trips include a local snack or meal, making tourists feel more connected to the local culture. In some tours, travelers are even serenaded with traditional Hungarian music, enhancing the overall experience.

The Role of Technology in Planning and Execution

In the digital era, planning and executing these crazy trips is more straightforward than ever. Information about different trips, including schedules, points of contact, and booking details, are easily located on various web pages. With just a few clicks on a phone or a computer, travelers can read about various offers, book their trips, print their tickets, and even contact the hosts if needed.

In conclusion, Budapest offers a variety of crazy trips that cater to various types of travelers. With guided tours available in multiple languages, easy access to information, safe travels, and a dash of local flavor, these trips offer an unforgettable experience. They allow travelers to see beyond the city's iconic landmarks, delving into its heart and soul. These trips do not just include visits to places, but a series of experiences that give travelers a sense of the city's true essence.

Future work should further explore how these trips can be enhanced to cater to an even broader range of tourists, and how the inclusion of even more local experiences could potentially enrich these crazy trips in Budapest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some crazy things to do in budapest.

• Take a dip in one of the city's famous ruin bars, such as Szimpla Kert or Instant.
• Try an escape room experience at one of Budapest's many venues, such as Claustrophilia or Mystery Games.
• Take a leap of faith with a bungee jumping experience at the Aquaworld Resort Budapest.
• Take a bath in a traditional Turkish bathhouse, like the Rudas Bath or Király Bath.
• Go on a Segway tour of the city, such as the Night Segway Tour or the Segway and E-bike Combo Tour.
• Try indoor skydiving at the FlyStation Budapest wind tunnel.
• Visit the Pinball Museum Budapest and play vintage pinball machines.
• Go on a caving adventure tour in the nearby Buda Hills.
• Take part in a unique urban game experience, such as the MindQuest or the Budapest Quest.
• Visit the Budapest Zoo and try the ZOOmerang, a thrilling roller coaster ride.

What languages are the guided bus tours available in?

The guided bus tours in Budapest are available in English, Spanish, and French. You can enjoy the tour in your preferred language.

What are some unique and offbeat activities to experience in Budapest?

Budapest offers a range of crazy and offbeat activities for adventurous travelers. Here are a few examples:

• Escape Room in a Ruin Bar: Budapest is known for its famous ruin bars, and some of them have incorporated escape rooms within their premises. You can test your problem-solving skills while navigating through the intriguing puzzles and hidden passages of these unique locations.
• Caving Under the City: Explore the fascinating underground world of Budapest by going on a caving adventure. Guided tours take you through a labyrinth of natural caves and tunnels beneath the city, providing a thrilling and unconventional way to experience Budapest's geological wonders.
• Trabant City Tour: Hop aboard a Trabant, the iconic East German car, and embark on a nostalgic city tour. These vintage vehicles offer a quirky and fun way to explore Budapest, taking you to both famous landmarks and hidden gems while providing a truly unique sightseeing experience.

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16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest – Off the Beaten Path

• October 7, 2023

If you want to get off the beaten path and find some hidden gems in Budapest, this article is for you. After spending almost a week in the Hungarian capital and having covered all of the main attractions, we searched for some of the more secret places in Budapest. In this article, I’ll be sharing what we discovered.  

Budapest is a diverse and beautiful city, bursting with life, culture, history, nightlife, and awe-inspiring architecture. 

Naturally, if it’s your first time in the city you’ll want to cover all the significant landmarks. Attractions such as the Fishermans Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building, Thermal Baths and Ruin Bars are quintessential Budapest experiences. 

However, if you’re spending longer than a couple of days in the city, I suggest checking out some of Budapest’s hidden gems as well. You might not find them on your average Budapest travel guide or blog, but that’s what makes them so appealing. 

To help you plan your off the beaten track adventure, I’ve collated this list of the weirdest and most unusual things to do. Slot these into your  Budapest Itinerary  for a truly unique and authentic experience.

So let’s get to it; it’s time to break the silence on our favourite hidden gems in Budapest.

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you.  And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates –  you are awesome, and we thank you! 

16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest – Off the Beaten Path

From underground caving adventures and eerie gothic castles to meandering the cities alternative district, here are 16 quirky and unusual hidden gems in Budapest.

1. Alternative Budapest Tour

It makes sense to kick off the list with a mention of the best-selling  Alternative Budapest Walking tour .

This tour will take you off the beaten track on a 3-hour walking tour of the cities alternative neighbourhoods.

On this tour, you’ll see beyond the usual tourist spots and through the eyes of a local. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:

• Discover Budapest’s graffiti and street art scene and learn about the local artists
• Find hidden cafés, bars, galleries, design shops, studios, music venues and hangouts
• Learn about Budapest’s minority cultures such as LGBTQ+
• Visit Budapest’s infamous ruin bars
• Explore Budapest’s Jewish District
• Check out a local market

Save Money with a Budapest Card

Are you going to be visiting all of the cities top attractions and taking full advantage of the public transport network? If yes, you should consider purchasing a  Budapest Card in advance. The card allows you to ride public transport for free, access several museums for free, plus discounted entry at most other attractions.

2. Vajdahunyad Castle

Despite its prime position in City Park,  Vajdahunyad Castle   remains somewhat of a hidden gem in Budapest. This is surprising as it’s one of the most beautiful castles in Budapest.

Just like most of the architecture in Budapest, Vajdanhunyad Castle looks like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Only, you can imagine this one belonging to the villain of the story.

The amalgamation of Gothic-Renaissance and Baroque architecture creates an almost eerie scene. Ironically, legend has it that the castle once imprisoned Count Dracula.

It is free to enter the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, so even if you do not wish to go inside, it is worth taking a romantic stroll through the courtyards.

Inside, there is a museum and other interesting artefacts, but in our opinion probably not worth the entrance fee.

Entrance Fee: Free to enter the grounds/HUF 1600 to go inside/ Allow: 1 hour

3. Explore Budapest’s Underground Caves

Interestingly, some of the best-hidden gems in Budapest are located underground. Budapest is the only European capital where there are natural caves in the heart of the city.

When you’re exploring the likes of Buda Castle, it’s hard to believe that over 170 caves are running beneath you.

There are various caving adventures you can have in the city. For example, The Labyrinth in Buda Castle  allows you to explore the caves where Vlad the Impaler, better known as “Count Dracula”, was held and tortured. It’s a spooky one and not so kid-friendly.

For those keen on an adrenaline-pumping adventure, there’s the  Palvolgyi Cave tour . This 1-hour long escapade leads you through the longest and most beautiful cave in the Buda Hills. Not for the inexperienced or the faint-hearted.

Or, if you’d prefer something a little more family-friendly, you can check out other caving tours such as  Szemlőhegyi Cave.

Tour Price: HUF 2200/Allow: 1-2 hours

Related Read

4. Hospital in the Rock

I’ll be honest; I only found out about this museum while researching for this blog. But it’s a pity, as it’s one of the few museums in Budapest that I think sounds interesting enough to pay the entrance fee.

Hospital in the Rock is another one of Budapest’s underground attractions, which was once a secret hospital and nuclear bunker.

The hospital, built in a 10km long natural cave system underneath the Buda Castle, opened in 1944. Its purpose was to protect injured soldiers and civilians during further b0mb att@acks on the city.

Today it’s the largest waxwork exhibition in Hungary where wax figures and authentic machinery depict the reality of those tumultuous times.

Entrance: 4000 HUF (Includes a guided tour)/Allow: 1 hour

5. Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway)

Would you have ever imagined riding a train operated solely by children? No, me neither. That is until I discovered this quaint hidden gem in Budapest.

From the outside, the Gyermekvasút railway appears like any other railway line. However, the train that journeys through a quiet patch of Hungarian forest is run solely by children aged 10-14.

Don’t worry; this isn’t some kind of twisted child labour scheme. Instead, it’s a commemoration of a tradition that began in the 1940s.

At the time, it was an honourable position for young men and women and a way to learn important life skills and lessons.

The scheme continues to educate a number of local children to this day while attracting locals and tourists alike.

6. The Cheapest Danube River Cruise

Possibly the best way to view the sights of this magnificent city is on the water. With many significant landmarks set upon the banks of the Danube River, it’s the perfect way to take it all in without the pressure of crowds.

When it comes to choosing a river cruise, there is no shortage of options. Vendors swarm the banks of the Danube, waiting to sell you the ‘Best Danube River Cruise‘.

But be careful as many tours are overpriced. In our experience, it’s cheapest to book in advance and online .

The cheapest Danube river cruise, however, is the public transport boats. It will be a no-thrills experience, but the incredible views will ultimately be the same and it costs just a fraction of the price.

I know, you’re thanking me for this travel hack right now, and you’re welcome.

7. Zugliget Chairlift

Another interesting mode of transport in Budapest is the Zugliget chairlift. The chairlift transports passengers between Zugliget and the lookout tower on János Hill – the highest peak in the city.

The journey up takes around 15-mins each way and provides stunning panoramic views over the city. Undoubtedly one of the more exciting ways to navigate Budapest.

8. Gellert Hill Cave Church

As the name suggests, you’ll find this unusual cave church, tucked beneath Gellert Hill on the Buda side of the river.

Historically, the cave is said to of been the home of a hermit monk, who used the nearby thermal springs to heal people of their ailments. Nowadays it belongs to the Pauline Monks and is one of the more hidden places in Budapest.

Thanks to its unique setting inside a natural cave, the Church Cave is one-of-a-kind. The church has no grand decoration like other architecture in Budapest; however, its unique charm makes the structure well worth visiting.

For a 500 HUF (£1.20) donation, you can enter inside the church which includes an audio tour.

9. Szimpla Kert by Day

Szimpla Kert is Budapest’s most famous ruin bar by night and a cultural/artistic centre by day.

Famed for its wild party vibe and trippy decor, many visitors add the bar to their list of things to do at night. However, to truly appreciate the creativity and quirkiness of Szimpla Kert, you need to experience it during the day as well.

There is nothing not to love about this bar. From their eco-friendly initiatives, cheap drinks prices, and the whacky themed decor, walking around Szimpla Kert feels like getting lost in a twisted Wonderland.

In my opinion, you should stop by during the day to wander around and take some photos, then return in the evening for a boozy night out.

Alcohol in Budapest is relatively cheap if you stick to the local brands; however, it’s easy to get carried away. Before you know it you’re $50 and a shoe down with a nasty hangover to boot. 

10. Street Art Hunting

In deep contrast to the grand and elegant architecture found elsewhere in the city, alternative Budapest hides an edgier side. A side where street art, quirky food haunts, hipster stores, and a trendy nightlife scene prevail.

You’ll find this scene centred mainly around the Jewish District. A spot that holds a turbulent history, but has risen from the ashes as the trendiest and most cultural spot in all the city.  

Historically, this area was considered the ghetto of Budapest, and Jews were confined to living here during the N@zi occupation of Hungary.

The Jewish influence remains prominent to this day, with various synagogues, kosher restaurants, and memorials. However, the hidden gem amongst it all is street art.  

We felt like we were in an open-air gallery as we marvelled at the murals created by a mix of local and international artists. The subjects range from Hungarian history and local culture to various worldwide events and controversies.

You can follow this  map of Budapest street art  to find the best artwork in the city.

11. Langos at Retro Langos Bufe

Langos is a traditional Hungarian dish, consisting of round deep-fried dough, that resembles a pizza, but is thicker and heavier.

Traditionally, langos were brushed with garlic and sprinkled in salt, and it was job done; however, today’s evolving culinary scene sees them topped with all kinds of delicious ingredients.

The most popular duo is sour cream and cheese, which I can confirm is divine, but you can also choose from a variety of vegetables and meats.

While Langos is an iconic street food dish to Hungary, finding a good one in Budapest is harder than you might think.

To ensure you’re getting a Langos of the best quality, we insist you go to  Retró Lángos Büfé .   One of Budapest’s hidden culinary gems where you can guarantee your food will be hot, fresh, and delicious.  

12. Unusual Pubs & Bar

Unsurprisingly, some of the best secret places in Budapest are bars. With so many eccentric drinking holes around the city, what else do you expect?

Of course, Budapest’s ruin bars are famous for being a little off the wall; however, there are other quirky bars in the city worth checking out as well.

Offbeat bars in Budapest, include the  Blind Mice Exchange Pub . A multi-room establishment, where you buy your spirits according to the stock value on the television screen.

Another is  Red Ruin Bar  – A communist themed bar with a sense of humour about the political past. Check out this guide to  Budapest Nightlife  for more awesome nocturnal things to do in the city. 

13. Flipper Museum

If you find yourself rained off from sightseeing, this retro museum of pinball machines and arcade games is the ideal distraction.

As for the machines themselves, the diversity is enormous, spanning different eras and styles. Most of them are very well-maintained, and if you’re an old skool gamer, you’re sure to leave feeling nostalgic.

At 3000 HUF (£8) the entrance fee isn’t all that expensive, and it can be great fun for all the family. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, gaming is free, and you can stay for as long as you want.

14. Shop at a Local Market

If you’re serious about getting off the beaten path in Budapest, a great place to start is to go where the locals go. On this occasion, I’m talking about the local markets.

(And when I say local, I don’t mean the Budapest Central Market, which by all means you should visit, but it’s as touristy as they come.)

No, I’m talking about the lesser-known markets, which are admittedly smaller but only by size. Most have a lot of character, and their unpopularity only adds to the charm.

Interestingly, they hold most of the local markets on a Sunday, which is ideal if you’re spending the weekend in Budapest. But not so much if you’re there in the week.

The first of the Sunday markets I recommend you visit is at Szimpla Kert. A local farmers market, whereby every seller is an authentic local producer, who only bring what they grow and make by hand.

Another is the Flower & Vegan Market at Anker’t – another of Budapest’s infamous ruin bars. And finally the Antique Flea Market at Klauzál Square is well worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for some rare gems.

15. Urban Exploring in Budapest

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When you think of Urban Exploring, Budapest is the last city that probably comes to mind. Or maybe you don’t even know what Urban Exploring is. In which case it’s basically exploring abandoned buildings or areas within a city.

This kind of off-beat exploring is especially popular in cities such as  London  and  Berlin ; however, we were pleasantly surprised to learn there are some cool adventures to be had in Budapest as well.

If urban exploring sounds like something that might be up your street, I recommend checking out this article relating to some  interesting abandoned buildings in Budapest . Including a former power station and an old bunker, secret Budapest doesn’t get better than this.

16. Karavan Street Food

Located in Budapest’s hip & happening party district, Karavan is an outdoor food court, that gives home to a variety of food trucks and international fayre.

Conveniently set next to Szimpla Kert, the cities most famous ruin bar, you can expect a variety of cuisines including Italian, Mexican, and Indian. Not to mention Las Vegan who cater solely to vegans.

Whether it’s a 3 am feed up after a heavy night of drinking, or a cheap and cheerful dinner one evening, you won’t be disappointed by the food on offer.

Save Time and Book a Tour

For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on  Get Your Guide :

Unique Hotels in Budapest

Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Budapest. You can click the button below to search for hundreds of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area.

But while we are on the topic of secret spots in Budapest, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the more unique hotels in the city – the hotels that reflect the cities more alternative side.

If you’ve not booked your accommodation already, you’re definitely going to want to check these out.

$ T62 Hotel –  T62 Hotel. First on our list of cool and quirky places to stay in Budapest is T62 is a budget to mid-range hotel, with chic & stylish decor, including graffiti-style walls, with rooms that are simple yet modern. With a central location close to all the major attractions, an enjoyable stay is guaranteed.

$$ Bohem Art Hotel –  bohemian style hotel This is one of the trendiest spots in the city. Each room features the eclectic artwork of local Hungarian artists while combining all the modern features of a hip hotel. I even read that they serve wine with the American style breakfast buffet, so if that doesn’t persuade you, I don’t know what will.

$$$ Baltazár Budapest – You’ll find this hip boutique hotel on the Buda side of the river. It’s a small yet cosy hotel boasting only 11 bedrooms; however, this adds charm to its already edgy character. The hotel decor reflects Budapest’s artistic and bohemian side, with individually decorated rooms that range from urban modern to shabby chic.

$$$$ Aria Hotel Budapest – Aria Hotel Featuring a panoramic rooftop bar, luxurious rooms & suites, and 5* facilities, is the ideal place to treat yourself during your stay in Budapest. The design is chic and modern, mirroring the hipster vibe of the city. And guests can enjoy ample facilities such as a fully-equipped spa, swimming pool, and state of the art rooms.

Alternatively, you may look at staying nearby, in which case you can compare hotels in Budapest here . Or use the Map below to see all your options​:

Enjoy Secret Budapest!

Well, that concludes our list of non-touristy things to do in Budapest. We hope you enjoy exploring these weird and wonderful Budapest hidden gems.

If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us. We love hearing from you!

Stay Adventurous & Happy Travels.

Planning a trip around Budapest? Check out our Hungry series  for more travel tips and advice. 

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9 Responses

Great read, your blog didn’t mention any of the baths, are they worth a visit? I’m not crazy about water as I don’t swim. What are your thoughts?

We’re so glad you enjoyed the guide! We wrote another blog for Budapest including the more touristy highlights like the baths if you’d like to check that out. We did enjoy the baths especially because it’s such a huge part of the culture there. Wishing you a great time!

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50+ Best Things to Do in Budapest (+Tips for Visiting!)

Planning a trip to Hungary soon and trying to decide exactly what to do in Budapest?

Budapest is our undisputed favorite city in Central Europe: both majestic and accessible, beautiful and bohemian, regal and down-to-earth, it’s one of those cities that has something for everyone… and in our case, there are enough things to do in Budapest that we can’t seem to stop going back.

Whether you’re hoping to see the popular highlights, to get (sometimes literally) underground, or a bit of both, we have you covered here!

More than 50 attractions is a lot for one trip, but with so many best things to do in Budapest, we have a feeling that, like us, you’ll leave ready to book your next trip back.

Table of Contents

Overwhelmed by 55 Things to Do in Budapest?

Fantastic viewpoints to sample in budapest.

• Must-See Museums in Budapest, Hungary

Epic Churches and Monuments to Visit in Budapest

Best food experiences in budapest, more fun things to do in budapest, where to stay when visiting budapest.

• Tips for Traveling Budapest, Hungary

Read More About Visiting Budapest (and Beyond)

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

If so, we completely understand!

A s much fun as it can be to do a deep-dive into a city, if you’re headed out on your first trip to Budapest and only have a few days, you probably want to know what you simply have to see in Budapest.

Here’s the short version: make sure to see at least the outside of the Hungarian Parliament building, walk across the Chain Bridge, visit Central Market Hall (and buy paprika if you like it), check out St. Stephen’s Basilica, head to Fisherman’s Bastion, try out a thermal bath, and visit at least the exterior of Buda Castle.

We’ve outlined our suggestions for 3 days in Budapest here , and our suggestions for spending one perfect day in Budapest here , so if you’re on a tight timeframe, be sure to take a look!

Soak up the views at Fisherman’s Bastion.

Fisherman’s Bastion may look like a medieval castle overlooking the stunning Danube River and Hungarian Parliament below… but it was actually built in 1902!

Despite its (relatively) young age as compared to many spots in Budapest, it is absolutely worth visiting.

T he views are truly spectacular, and its setting (right next to Matthias Church and a short walk away from Buda Castle) means that you’ll almost certainly pass by anyway while working through the best things to do in Budapest.

Be warned: Fisherman’s Bastion’s lovely views have turned it into a bit of an Instagram playground, so if you’re hoping for a peaceful moment there by yourself… I hope you like waking up at dawn.

Watch the sunset on Gellert Hill.

Gellert Hill stands high over Budapest, and sitting on top of it (perhaps with a mulled wine on a cold night) while watching the sun slip away and the lights come on over Budapest–Parliament, Buda Castle, Budapest Eye, boats on the river and all–is quite the treat.

Be sure to show up a bit before sunset in order to check out the Liberty Statu,e which commemorates those who fought for Hungary’s independence, and the 19th-century citadel.

… And also from Liberty Bridge.

Located right next to Great Market Hall, Liberty Bridge is a popular sunset spot in Budapest.

If you head out on a warm night around sunset, you’ll see plenty of Hungarians and tourists alike lined up along the bridge, hanging out and enjoying the vie

Climb to the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Don’t miss the climb up St. Stephen’s Basilica when you’re making your list of the best things to do in Budapest!

Modestly priced and absolutely beautiful, it’s hard to say what’s better about the view from St. Stephen’s–the city of Budapest stretching out before you, or the close-ups of St. Stephen’s intricate towers.

Take a cruise on the Danube.

… And for best results, take one at sunset.

On our own first trip to Budapest, we watched the sun go down and the city lights come on from the water, and it was one of those magical travel moments that ended up sticking with us for years.

Whether you opt for  an extremely affordable sightseeing cruise  or  a dinner cruise featuring Hungarian food and folk dancing , it’s definitely worth the splurge to hit the water while in Budapest.

Book your Danube River cruise  today!

Ride the Budapest Eye.

While not nearly as well-known as its namesake in London, the Budapest Eye gives you absolutely amazing views of the city.

Landmarks like Gellert Hill, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Parliament, and the Danube are all clearly visible, and it’s a fabulous way to get a bird’s eye view of Budapest.

At 3000 HUF (just over $8 USD/person at the time of updating this post) it’s not the cheapest thing to do in Budapest, but the long ride and the views are definitely worth it.

Hop on the Castle Hill funicular.

Perched on top of Castle Hill sit some of Budapest’s best-loved spots: Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, several quirky museums, and of course Buda Castle itself… but climbing up to see them is not fun!

You can hop on a bus to get to the top of the hill, but a far more entertaining (and less motion-sickness-inducing, for those of us who worry about such things) way to get up the hill is to ride the Castle Hill funicular .

The funicular also comes with the bonus of fabulous views of the Chain Bridge and Danube!

Stroll across the Chain Bridge.

No visit to Budapest would be complete without a stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge!

Pedestrian walkways make this bridge very simple to cross, and the views of Castle Hill, the Danube, and Parliament are wonderful.

Ride Budapest’s Tram #2.

Both useful as transportation and delightful as a nostalgic tourist attraction, Budapest’s cheery yellow tram #2 spends its days traveling along the Danube, earning its status as one of the most scenic tram rides in the world (at least according to National Geographic , who tend to know their stuff).

This isn’t so much an “oh-wow-we-need-to-take-photos-here” view, it’s more of a “wow-this-city-is-so-cool view”, and it is well worth the (very modest) price tag.

You can buy tickets onboard, but they’re slightly cheaper if you pick them up at the station ahead of time (or simply use your Budapest Card ).

Must-See Museums in Budapest , Hungary

Visit the hungarian parliament..

Nestled right up against the Danube, Hungary’s incredible Parliament building is known as one of the most beautiful in the world for good reason!

If you’d like to take a tour inside the building, you’ll need to  book a tour  at least a few days in advance.

When updating this post in 2023, I was surprised to see how far in advance tickets are booked out–so the further ahead you can plan this visit, the better!

(If tickets are sold out for your dates and you want to be sure to visit, another option is booking  a third-party guided tour like this  that includes a visit to Parliament.

If you’d rather not fork over the forint, admiring the building up close from the outside is definitely still worth stopping by.

We make a point to walk by several times during all of our trips to Budapest!

Check out the House of Houdini.

If you have an interest in magic tricks, be sure to visit this quirky museum dedicated to all things Harry Houdini!

Complete with original artifacts and plenty of fascinating stories , the House of Houdini is a fun, offbeat Budapest attraction for magic lovers.

Tour the Hungarian State Opera House.

Whether it’s to see a show or simply to tour the stunning space, don’t miss taking a peek inside the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House while in Budapest.

Step inside Buda Castle.

Buda Castle may no longer be a royal residence, but it’s still a busy place!

H ome to several museums, just about anyone trying to decide what to do in Budapest will find something that piques their interest inside.

The most famous of the museums housed inside are the lovely Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, both of which are worth a visit.

Don’t want to step inside a museum?

The terraces in front of Buda Castle are free to visit and offer amazing views of the city, so don’t cross it completely off your Budapest bucket list!

Pay a somber visit to the House of Terror.

I’ll admit that it took me a couple of visits to Budapest to slow down and appreciate the House of Terror.

So many towns have museums with similar names that are dedicated to medieval torture techniques (seriously: why does the world need SO MANY of those), and I wrongly assumed that the House of Terror was just another museum in the same vein.

The House of Terror is absolutely one of the best things to do in Budapest if you’re interested in learning about Hungary’s 20th-century history.

H oused in the former headquarters of Hungary’s Secret Police, the museum serves as both an educational tool for those unfamiliar with Hungary’s time under two separate brutal regimes, and as a memorial to the victims who died on the premises.

Learn something interesting at the Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum.

Interesting in chemistry and alchemy of the Middle Ages?

Then be sure to add the Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum to your list of things to do in Budapest !

The eclectic displays include everything from herbs to historical books on medicine to tiny, dried bats once used in healing.

Check out the Pinball Museum.

Home to around 130 pinball machines dating from the 19th century all the way to the present day, the Pinball Museum is interactive–meaning that you can play on many of the machines!

For a completely unique museum experience, break out your inner kid and play some vintage and not-so-vintage pinball games… all under the guise of an educational museum experience.

Explore the Hospital in the Rock.

There are tons of interesting things lurking under the surface of Buda Castle, and the Hospital in the Rock is one of them.

In preparation for WWII bombings, this emergency hospital was built directly into the caverns under Buda Castle from 1939 to 1944, and was used throughout the war–especially during the Siege of Budapest–to handle the injured and dead.

Though the Hospital in the Rock was used a few more times in history, primarily during Hungary’s 1956 uprising against Soviet Rule and in preparation for possible nuclear attacks, today it has been turned into a museum focusing on its WWII-era mission.

… And the Labyrinth under Buda Castle.

Yet another piece of the caverns under Buda Castle’s long and storied history occurred here in the 15th century.

V lad the Impaler, also known as Count Dracula, was held in this prison underneath the castle for a whopping 10 years!

Though parts of the exhibition are a bit cheesy, it’s extremely interesting to dive into this labyrinth and get to know another piece of Budapest’s story.

Go see the Semmelweis Medical Museum.

If you’ve poked around the internet long enough, you’ve probably heard of Dr. Semmelweiss… even if you didn’t realize it.

In the mid-1800s , he pioneered the (now utterly common sense) idea that by having doctors wash their hands before attending to women in childbirth, the number of women who died of infection after giving birth could be lowered.

His findings were considered unfathomable–how could a gentleman’s hands cause disease?–but later developments in germ theory eventually proved Semmelweiss correct.

Sadly, Semmelweiss died before his findings were proven accurate, but this museum in his native Budapest preserves his memory, his findings, and several other items of historical medical interest, such as an early X-ray machine.

Step inside St. Stephen’s Basilica.

In addition to the stunning views from the roof that I mentioned above, the opulent St. Stephen’s Basilica is worth visiting for its interior alone.

In addition to the impressive architecture and decor, the basilica also claims to contain the mummified right hand of St. Stephen himself.

Admire the incredible Dohany Street Synagogue.

As the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest in the world, a visit to the Dohany Street Synagogue presents an opportunity to not only admire the gorgeous building but also to learn about the long and often perilous history of Jews in Budapest, as the city’s Jewish Museum is located in the same complex.

Visit the Cave Church.

The Cave Church is exactly what it sounds like: a church built into a cave.

It is quite an impressive site, and walking through the entrance to see the exposed rock walls towering over the gift shop definitely sets the stage for a memorable visit!

The tour is provided by an audio guide and walks you through the fascinating history of this church–including when it was sealed off with a concrete wall for decades during the Soviet era.

Tour the beautiful Matthias Church.

The interior of Matthias Church is absolutely stunning, with intricately detailed walls and a long, storied history.

This church played host to the weddings of kings (including that of Charles IV, the final Habsburg king), was used as a mosque during the Ottoman period, and in its original form (which is no longer standing) dates back over 1000 years!

Pay a visit to Heroes Square.

Home to impressive statues and monuments dedicated to several of Hungary’s most important national leaders, Heroes Square is an important part of Hungary’s history, and for that reason, is a popular site for political events to this day.

Located right next to City Park, be sure not to miss this important spot while visiting Budapest.

Step inside Central Market Hall.

Whether you’re looking for groceries like fresh fruits and vegetables, foodie souvenirs like paprika and palinka, or a quick and tasty meal of langos, stuffed cabbage, or goulash, Budapest’s Central Market Hall has you covered.

The ground floor is made up of groceries and is a great place to pick up some Hungarian paprika (and yes, you should definitely get some) to take back home.

The second floor (or first floor for Europeans) is home to souvenirs, including everything from Christmas ornaments to Hungarian lace, and, more importantly, the prepared foods section.

Taste some goulash.

This warm meat stew is the quintessential Hungarian meal, and no trip to Budapest could be considered complete without at least one serving!

… and langos.

Langos is fried bread, traditionally topped with sour cream and shredded cheese.

If you think that sounds strange, it’s just because you haven’t tried it yet!

And lots, and lots, and lots of other delicious Hungarian food.

Chicken paprikash. Solet. Jokai soup. Esterhazy cake. Sausage. Lecso. Sour cherry soup. Strudel. Palacsinta.

Hungarian food is many-layered, generally hard to pronounce for us English speakers, and uniformly delicious.

Since the names are often unfamiliar to those of us who don’t hail from that corner of the world, we recommend doing some research on Hungarian food while you’re picking out the best things to do in Budapest , or even signing up for a Budapest food tour to get acquainted with the cuisine.

Y our time in the city will be greatly enhanced by it!

B ook your Budapest food tour today!

Taste Hungarian wines.

Hungary may not have enormous wine regions, but it still manages to turn out some delicious wines!

We personally can’t stop raving about the tasting we did with Taste Hungary in Budapest!

I t’s easily one of our favorite wine tastings to date and the perfect itinerary addition to consider when you’re deciding what to do in Budapest.

We adored this wine and food tasting class , and still occasionally crave our favorite blue-cheese-and-Tokaj-wine pairing!

… Or even set off on a day trip to wine country.

It may be hard to fathom when standing in amongst the beautiful architecture of the historic center of the city, Budapest’s wine country is easy to visit as a day trip from the capital .

This popular day trip to the Etyek wine region is a fantastic way to explore another corner of Hungary during your trip to Budapest!

Munch on a chimney cake.

Known as “kürtőskalács” in Hungarian, these hollow pull-apart cakes are the perfect quick dessert to try while on the go in Budapest.

They’re popular across Central Europe these days, especially at Christmas markets –but to enjoy the original version, be sure to snack on some while visiting Budapest!

Indulge in Budapest’s cafe scene.

Budapest is known for its glitzy, glamorous cafes, complete with stunning decor, delicious coffee, and–of course–plenty of cake.

New York Cafe is the best-known and arguably most beautiful cafe in Budapest… but the prices and crowds definitely make you pay for the privilege of visiting.

We personally prefer Central Cafe, which is almost as beautiful, far more affordable (though still pricey by Budapest standards, of course), and much less crowded.

Try one of my favorite cakes in the world: Esterhazy Cake.

Spiced buttercream layered with a walnut dough and topped with icing–what could possibly be better than that?

Esterhazy cake is sweet, rich, smooth, and delicious, and grabbing (at least) one slice is always on my list of things to do in Budapest.

Buy some paprika.

Hungary is known for its paprika, and buying a bag or two makes the perfect souvenir from Budapest!

Hungarian paprika i s affordable, easy to pack, and much more delicious than the paprika sold in other parts of the world.

Go on a bar crawl through the ruin bars (or just stop by for a drink).

Nearly 20 years ago, ruin bars came to Budapest… and their popularity has only continued to explode ever since.

Known for cheap drinks and eclectic decor, Budapest’s ruin bars are housed in once-derelict buildings that have found second lives as lively pubs.

The oldest, biggest, and most famous ruin bar is Szimpla Kert, and it’s the perfect place to introduce yourself to Budapest’s ruin bars.

For nightlife lovers, signing up for a pub crawl like this can be a great way to get to know this special side of Budapest while meeting fellow travelers!

Budapest is often touted as one of the best cities for nightlife in Europe , and its incredible ruin bars are a big part of the reason why.

Check out the For Sale Pub.

Though it is not as well known as the ever-popular ruin bars, I’ve wanted to visit this place ever since seeing a picture of it years ago!

T he For Sale Pub is decorated by guests’ artwork, receipts, pictures, and just about any other form of paper you can think of hanging from the ceiling.

Add in a brick fireplace, worn wood floors with straw on them, and dark lighting, and you have the makings of a cozy spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

While the prices aren’t the cheapest you’ll find in Budapest (this is a bit of a tourist attraction, after all, and located right across from the famous Central Market Hall), we found them to be completely reasonable–and the portions so enormous that they actually warn people on their menu about them!

Pay a visit to (at least) one of Budapest’s thermal baths.

Budapest is known for its beautiful thermal baths, from the Instagram-famous Szechenyi Baths to the glamorous Gellert Baths to the offbeat Rudas Baths , and paying a visit to at least one of them is absolutely one of the best things to do in Budapest.

Don’t leave the city without experiencing at least one soak!

We recommend setting aside at least a couple of hours to enjoy each spa you want to try, though true relaxation lovers could easily spend a full day in places like the Gellert Baths (especially if you want to add on extras like a massage).

Book tickets to visit some of Budapest’s best thermal baths today!

Get underground and go on a caving adventure.

Budapest is built over a couple of incredible cave systems, and the best part is that some of them are open for tours!

You could opt for a standard walking tour around a beautiful cave with stalagmites and stalactites… or you could go the adventurous route.

Our adventure caving tour wit h Caving Under Budapest took us into the cave through the entrance of what was once used as a war-time bomb shelter.

From t here we descended underground and spent the next several hours squeezing through tiny crevices, climbing walls, and enjoying an incredible, naturally formed “playground” as our guide Kazer christened it.

It was amazing, and we can’t recommend the experience enough.

Swing by the statue of Imre Nagy.

Imre Nagy was a political leader in Hungary during two points in time–but most importantly, during the uprising of 1956.

In 1956, Hungarians rebelled against Soviet rule, and Imre Nagy played a key role in the movement.

However, the movement was eventually crushed by the Soviets, and Nagy was executed and buried in an unmarked grave a mere 2 years later.

Today, the statue commemorating Nagy looks over Parliament in honor of his memory.

In addition to the meaningfulness of the statue, the small square it is housed in and the beautiful view of Parliament available make this a spot definitely worth seeing in Budapest.

… And also the one of Ronald Reagan.

Ronald Reagan may seem like a surprising candidate for a statue at the edge of Budapest’s Liberty Square, but there he is–and not very far away from Imre Nagy!

The statue was placed in honor of Reagan’s efforts to end the Cold War and, by extension, Soviet influence over Hungary.

Watch the changing of the guard at Buda Castle.

Every hour on the hour, the guard outside of Buda Castle changes over in a formal, choreographed ceremony, and it is well worth taking a few minutes to stop and watch!

See a different side of Budapest on Margaret Island.

Margaret Island is completely different from the rest of Budapest!

L ocated in the middle of the Danube, this small island is full of green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and peaceful, nature-filled ways to escape the city.

Pay a visit to take a bike ride, enjoy river views, check out the Japanese gardens that call the island home, and even take a dip in Margaret Island’s thermal baths.

Visit Liberty Square.

Home to several historical monuments (including one honoring the Soviet Red Army and one honoring the victims of German occupation), plenty of green space, and the former home of the Budapest Stock Exchange, Liberty Square is a solid mix of history, modern life, and cultural touchstones.

On a completely unrelated note, it’s a fantastic place for dog watching, which is one of our favorite aspects of the square!

Check out Memento Park.

Hungary existed under Communist rule for 40 years, from 1949 to 1989.

When it was over, Budapest suddenly had a lot of fairly irrelevant and often hated monuments to Communism and its leaders… and needed to find something to do with them.

Hence, Memento Park was born.

Home to dozens of statues of monuments dedicated to the likes of Marx, Lenin, and other Communist figures, Memento Park is an outdoor museum that exists to share a very specific piece of Budapest’s history.

Release your inner Belle at the Szabo Ervin Library.

When we walked into the incredibly gorgeous art deco rooms of this library, I had two thoughts: 1) I cannot believe this place isn’t more well known, and 2) this is everything I dreamed of as a child.

Picture some of the rooms of Versailles , add books and random students who are studying, and that’s more or less the level of opulence in this place!

A s a result, I spent about half our time there having major Beauty and the Beast flashbacks.

For a small fee, you can enter the library through the pretty-but-not-so-remarkable lobby and ascend to the fourth floor, where the most beautiful wing of a library that I have ever seen is waiting to be discovered and then savored.

If you’re a book lover trying to decide what to do in Budapest, the Szabo Ervin Library should definitely be a priority!

Stroll through City Park.

This large, shady park in Budapest is the perfect place for a picnic, a quick rest away from the city, or even for some sightseeing!

Several of Budapest’s major attractions, including the Szchenzyi Baths and Heroes Square, are located in or right by City Park.

… And visit Vajdahunyad Castle.

Also located within City Park?

Vajdahunyad Castle, which is not exactly the traditional castle it may appear to be at first glance.

Built in 1896, Vajdahunyad Castle was built by combining several architectural styles popular in Hungary at different times, making the castle itself a bit of a hodge podge.

It was also originally made of cardboard and was intended to be a temporary attraction in the late nineteenth century.

Eventually , the castle’s popularity demanded a more permanent solution, and it was rebuilt out of more durable materials.

Pay your respects at the Shoes on the Danube monument.

Placed in honor of the Jewish people who were murdered along the Danube in 1944 and 1945, the Shoes on the Danube monument is both important and deeply meaningful.

As WWII hurried toward its conclusion in the mid-1940s, many Jewish people in Budapest were shot by firing squad along the Danube–but not before first being forced to part with their shoes, as they were considered valuable.

This monument is a memorial to those murders and is a must-see in Budapest.

If you descend to the bank of the Danube at the Hungarian Parliament and walk toward the Chain Bridge, that is where you’ll come across the Shoes on the Danube monument.

Visit the Cinkota Cemetery.

If you like visiting obscure places or cemeteries in general, Cinkota Cemetery is the place for you.

This cemetery has been forgotten by time, and today is overgrown, with nature steadily working to reclaim each of the gravestones.

It’s eerie and unusual, but definitely an interesting place to visit for those looking to see an often overlooked piece of history.

Admire the street art in the Jewish Quarter.

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter (which is also where you’ll find many ruin pubs) is packed with impressive street art.

The murals tend toward the gigantic and include everything from political messages to peaceful nature scenes to an enormous mural of a Rubik’s cube in honor of the Hungarian inventor of the puzzle.

You can, of course, hunt down the street art for yourself–but we found some of our favorite pieces by taking a street art tour .

If you’re curious about discovering a different side of Budapest’s art and culture, a street art tour like this is a fantastic sightseeing option!

Shop street art tours in Budapest today!

Stroll down Andrassy Avenue.

Lined with beautiful mansions and leafy trees, Andrassy Avenue dates back to the 19th century and is often considered one of Budapest’s most fashionable streets.

It begins roughly across the street from St. Stephen’s Basilica and runs all the way to Heroes Square and City Park–and if you decide to walk the whole thing, you’ll find plenty to see along the way!

Andrassy Avenue is home to the Hungarian State Opera House and the House of Terror Museum, so you’ll likely be stopping by at least once when exploring the best things to do in Budapest.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Christmas Markets.

Budapest’s Christmas markets–especially the one in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica–are beautifully decorated and full of delicious foods, drinks, and souvenirs, usually for much less than you would expect to pay in nearby Austria .

Check out the Ecseri Flea Market.

If you’re looking for something eclectic, unusual, or just plain strange to bring home, consider adding a visit to the Ecseri Flea Market to your list of things to do in Budapest.

This giant flea market in Budapest is at its best on weekends, and there is absolutely no telling what you’ll find there–except several surprises.

Go see the Zero Kilometer Stone.

Interested in transportation like Jeremy is?

Then you’ll want to see the Zero Kilometer Stone–this statue marks the exact spot from which all road distances to Budapest are measured in Hungary.

Head off to Szentendre for a day.

This small, artsy Hungarian town is colorful, beautiful, and a great way to get a small taste of Hungarian life outside of Budapest without having to travel far.

Located about 40 minutes away from Budapest by train or an hour by boat (yep, visiting Szentendre is a great excuse to take an impromptu Danube river cruise!), a day trip to Szentendre is the perfect addition to a longer Budapest trip.

Book your day trip to Szentendre today!

Wondering where to stay in Budapest ?

Be sure to first decide whether or not to stay in Buda or Pest!  We break down that decision here.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for any budget on either side of the river!

Here are a few well-reviewed picks for where to stay in Budapest.

Jackquaters  — Located right next to Vaci Utca and only 100 meters from the Danube, Jackquaters is the perfect location for anyone visiting Budapest.

Budapest highlights like the Chain Bridge and Great Market Hall are within easy walking distance.

Check rates & book your stay at Jackquaters!

Hotel Erzsébet  — With Central Market Hall and Vaci Utca at your fingertips, you definitely won’t go hungry while staying at the beautiful Hotel Erzsébet!

With modern interiors, easy access to the metro, and a central location, this well-reviewed property is a reliable and cozy place to stay.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Erzsébet!

Hotel Mika Superior  — Not only does Hotel Mika Superior offer beautiful rooms, fabulous service, and a delicious included breakfast, but it’s also located in the old Jewish Quarter of the city, near the Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian Opera House.

This is one of our personal favorite neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Budapest!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Mika Superior!

Tips for Traveling Budapest , Hungary

Consider grabbing a transportation pass or budapest card..

If you’re planning on hitting several of the best things to do in Budapest, you’ll likely find yourself hopping on trams, buses, and the metro on a fairly regular basis.

In most cases, it will work out better to buy a transportation card good for a certain number of days (available at metro ticket kiosks).

Alternatively, some travelers may want to buy a Budapest Card that includes public transportation as one of its benefits.

If you want to visit the Hungarian Parliament, book tickets in advance.

Tours of the Hungarian Parliament do need to be booked in advance and sell out days in advance, especially in the summer.

If you have your heart set on visiting, book your tickets ASAP!

Think carefully about which side of the river you want to stay on: Buda or Pest.

Both sides of the Danube have their advantages (Buda boasts prettier views and Pest better nightlife, for example), but they do have a different feel.

For more on this, check ou t our guide to choosing between Buda and Pest .

Hint: we personally prefer to stay in Pest.

Hungary doesn’t use the Euro, but Budapest is very card-friendly.

The Hungarian forint is the currency in Budapest, and Euros are not widely accepted (and in places where they are accepted, it’s still better to use forint–the exchange rate is generally not favorable).

However, most restaurants and tourist attractions take credit cards, so you may not need as much forint as you would think when traveling in Budapest!

We tend to use very little cash while in the city.

Plan your itinerary based on geography.

Budapest’s main attractions are spread all across the city–and while this is a bit of a challenge from a logistics perspective, it actually ends up working to Budapest’s advantage!

U nlike other popular Central European cities like Prague or Salzburg , Budapest manages to be incredibly popular without feeling extremely crowded (minus certain spots like Fisherman’s Bastion).

This does mean, however, that you’ll want to plan your days based on the attractions concentrated in certain areas.

For instance, the Castle District, home to Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and beyond makes a good focus for one day.

Another day could cover the Szechenyi Baths, City Park, Heroes Square, and Vajdahunyad Castle, which are all concentrated close together.

Don’t worry about the language barrier.

English is widespread in Budapest, especially among those who work in the tourism and customer service industries.

While it is polite to learn a few Hungarian phrases and they are always appreciated when we break them out, Hungarians don’t tend to expect visitors to know or learn their language.

Personally, w e’ve never experienced any significant language barrier challenges while visiting Budapest.

Ready to keep planning your trip to Central Europe?

We’d love to help!

You can  browse all of our Hungary blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• The Ideal 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary (+ Travel Guide)
• 75+ Essential Europe Travel Tips You Need to Hear
• Budapest in November: Worth the Trip? (+ Tips!)
• 21+ Dreamy, Romantic Cities in Europe for a Couples Getaway
• How To Visit Auschwitz From Krakow (Do You Need a Tour?)

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Many thanks to Caving Under Budapest, Taste Hungary, and Absolute Walking Tours for hosting us on our adventures with them! All opinions are, as always, our own. 

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

24 thoughts on “50+ Best Things to Do in Budapest (+Tips for Visiting!)”

Wow – what a truly amazing and engrossing post! Such unique, interesting and fun activities that so many people would have no idea existed in Budapest. I don’t think I have a particular favorite – I would just love to visit and use this post as my list to experience them all! Such a great article and inspiration to go and visit Budapest.

Hope you get a chance to visit Budapest soon! I think you’ll love it.

I love caving, which make Budapest an interesting choice. ATM was amazing. We used to live in Tucson where they have two commercial caves – Kartchner Caverns and Colossal Cave. Colossal is the older, historic tour that even includes they parts of the cave that were used as a bomb shelter. Kartchner is a newly discovered cave with amazing formations. Much like Budapest, you can have your choice of tours.

I agree, ATM was phenomenal! I’ll have to look up those caves the next time we’re passing through Arizona–so far, we haven’t met a cave we didn’t like.

I’ve not yet been to Budapest, so I would love to climb Gellert Hill and take photos of their fantastic parliament building! The walking tour is something that really interests me, as you get to see so many great and hidden sights. The labyrinth at Buda Castle looks creepy but fun!

Their parliament building really is amazing–one of the prettiest buildings we’ve ever seen!

I have been to Budapest a couple of times but I didn’t know about any of these places before. I guess I have to go again! I had no idea that you can explore cave underneath the city. That is pretty cool! I’d love to have a coffee at Cafe Central as well, the building looks absolutely stunning! The walking tour sounds exciting as well.

Always a good reason to plan your next trip to Budapest, right? 😉 We already can’t wait to see it again!

I love Budapest so much! I’d heard about the caving but wasn’t sure about it. If I go back I’ll definitely do it now! Love all the places you went to, I definitely need to remember them for when I go again with my husband!

Hope you guys get to make it back soon! Definitely check out the caving–such a memorable way to spend a day!

Oh boy! You got me at caving!! I’d love to do that. Like you said, you can never get bored of Budapest. Hoping to tick off the 2 C’s in Budapest: Caving and Coffee, soon!! 🙂 Cheers!!

Ha, I like that! Two very important C’s indeed 🙂

I wish I’d seen this a few weeks ago before we were there! Luckily, we filled our days to the brim, so we don’t feel like we could have done much more anyway. I had to laugh about your fear of ferris wheels because I, on the other hand, would have been terrified to do the underground stuff! Heights I love; depths not so much.

So strange how the mind works, right?! I love being underground, but am still too nervous to try a helicopter tour!

I never knew that Budapest was built above an underground cave system, how interesting! That library looks so stunning, I could spend all day just taking it all in. Would love to visit Budapest one day, so many unique things to do, thanks for sharing this great list!

Hope you get a chance to see it soon–Budapest is an amazing city!

It is very interesting to know that there is something underground which is a cave system of Budapest. Exploring this city underground is so unique. Blue Hour picture taken by you is most stunning one. This city is magical during evenings. I would prefer Coffee at central cafe.

Thanks! Jeremy took that blue hour photo, it’s one of our favorites too. 🙂

I haven’t made it to Budapest yet so I probably would want to check out some of the touristy spots, but I ALWAYS appreciate an off the beaten path list for any city I travel to. I love the underground caves – they remind me of caves I went to near Vinales, Cuba. Our guide also turned off our headlamps and let us sit in complete darkness for a moment, just to see how quiet it got and what that felt like. I would love to check out all these places when I visit Budapest!

Oooh, that Cuba experience sounds wonderful! We’ll definitely have to remember that for when we eventually go.

Is there any good mobile apps you recommended for city maps etc

I’ve heard of one called My Budapest City to find attractions, but I’ve never used any!

Honestly, we just pin things to do on Google Maps and then download them offline if needed. 🙂

Greetings from Israel! Thank you for this great article. We just booked a 3.5-day trip to Budapest and are excited to follow your Budapest in 3 days plan + a few extras from this article. We’re so jealous that you are doing this as a lifestyle!

Thank you so much, Inbal!! I hope you guys have an amazing time in Budapest–it’s a magnificent city.

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The 25 Best Things to Do in Budapest

When I first visited Budapest , the gritty, rundown streets charmed me. Budapest felt edgy. This was a city of underground bars in abandoned buildings , hearty food, and serious people.

Originally founded by the Celts around 1 CE, the region was later annexed by the Romans, who founded the city of Aquincum here (which present-day Budapest now covers). The Magyars eventually invaded the region after being pushed out of Bulgaria , founding the Kingdom of Hungary around the year 1000 CE. In 1361, the king built Buda Castle here, solidifying present-day Budapest as the capital and cultural hub of the kingdom.

In 1873, the towns of Buda and Pest were merged with the third area of the city, Óbuda (Old Buda), to form modern-day Budapest.

Over the years, I’ve seen the city change as tourists discovered this hidden gem and made it not so hidden anymore. And, while no longer as edgy as it once was, Budapest is still one of the best cities in Europe . It offers some of the best nightlife on the continent, beautiful districts, tons of spas and hot springs, stunning historic buildings and museums, and lots of green space.

To help you make the most out of your next trip, here are my top 25 things to see and do in Budapest.  

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

2. Soak at the Baths

Budapest is known for its thermal spa baths (it’s one of the best things about this city). There are more than 120 mineral hot springs here, many dating back to the Roman Empire.

The most popular is the Széchenyi Baths in City Park. With 18 pools, it’s the largest and most famous in Europe. The historic buildings that house the spa were built in 1913, and it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Don’t forget your bathing suit and flip-flops (you can rent towels and lockers).

Other baths, such as Lukacs and Gellert are also worth a visit.

Állatkerti krt. 9-11, +36-20 435 0051, szechenyifurdo.hu. Weekdays from 7am-8pm and weekends from 8am-8pm. Admission starts at 9,400 HUF on weekdays and 10,900 HUF on weekends (11,900 HUF on holidays).  

3. Party at the Ruin Bars

For a more detailed list, check out my post on the best ruin bars in Budapest!

Even if you’re not a big drinker, these bars are still worth seeing (Szimpla Kert especially; it’s one of the most unique bars in the world).  

4. See Castle Hill

Located on the hilly Buda side of the city, this historic area is home to baroque houses and Habsburg monuments. Cobblestone streets and narrow alleys that hark back to the city’s medieval roots parallel panoramic views of Pest and the Danube. This section of the city is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town in the north and the massive 13th-century palace to the south. You can get up the hill by bus or funicular, but you often have to wait. The hill isn’t really that steep so I prefer to walk. It’s a beautiful spot to come at sundown.  

5. Tour Buda Castle

Fun fact: Beneath the castle, Vlad the Impaler (colloquially known as Count Dracula) was imprisoned for 14 years. In the dungeon area, there is also a labyrinth which is super cool. There are some museums here as well (see below).

Szent György tér 2, +36 1 458 3000, budacastlebudapest.com. The courtyards are open 24/7 while the castle has hours that align with the museum and gallery (see below).  

6. Explore the Hospital in the Rock

Over the years, this museum has served as a hospital, bomb shelter, prison, and nuclear bunker. Here you can learn about the impacts that World War II, the 1956 revolution (a countrywide revolution against the Soviets that was crushed after 12 days), and the Cold War had on the city and its people. Opened in 2008, it’s one of the most popular attractions in town. Admission includes a one-hour guided tour of the museums, which has all sorts of wax figures, tools, equipment, and furnishings.

On Friday nights, they offer a flashlight tour, where you explore the below-ground museum with the lights off using a flashlight.

Lovas ut 4/c , +36 70 701 0101, sziklakorhaz.eu/en. Open daily 10am-7pm. Admission starts at 9,214 HUF. Daily tours available in English.  

7. Visit the Hungarian National Gallery

Opened in 1957, this museum focuses on Hungarian artists and history (of which I knew very little before my first visit). The gallery is located in Buda Castle, home to paintings and sculptures from the renaissance and middle ages, including wooden altarpieces from the 1400s. World War II damaged the palace severely and it was restored again in the 1960s before becoming home to the National Gallery in 1975. During your visit, you can also check out the underground Habsburg Palatine Crypt and climb to the top of the iconic dome for panoramic views of the city.

The gallery hosts rotating temporary exhibits too so check the website to find out what’s on during your visit.

1014 Budapest, +36 20 439 7325, mng.hu. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (last tickets sold at 5pm). Admission is 4,200 HUF.  

8. Wander the Budapest History Museum

Be sure to get the audio guide as it provides a lot of good supplemental information. It’s worth the cost.

2 Szent Gyorgy Square, +36 1 487 8800 , btm.hu/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 3,800 HUF).  

9. See the Cave Church

In the 1920s, Catholic monks built this church in a large cave system that had been previously used by a hermit monk. Known as Saint Ivan’s Cave, the cave was used as a hospital during World War II. When the communists came to power after the war, they covered the entrance in concrete and executed the head monk. In 1989, as the Iron Curtain fell, the church was reopened and is now a popular place for tourists as well as a place of worship for locals. Get the audio guide to make the most out of your visit. There is a lot of history here.

Szent Gellért rakpart 1, sziklatemplom.hu/eng. Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-7:30pm. Admission is 1,000 HUF which includes an audio guide.  

10. Visit Matthias Church

During the Turkish invasion of the 16th century, it was converted to a mosque, which is why it has vibrant colors and designs that aren’t as common in European churches (the church has a colorful roof that almost makes it look like it was built from Lego). Once inside, you’ll see huge, vaulted ceilings and ornate décor. In the Royal Oratory, you’ll find the Matthias Church Collection of Ecclesiastical Art, which has stunning artifacts like chalices and replicas of the Crown of St. Stephen.

Szentháromság tér 2, +36 1 355 5657, matyas-templom.hu. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am–12am, and Sunday 1pm–5pm. Admission is 2,500 HUF (2,900 HUF including the tower).  

11. Visit Fisherman’s Bastion

Szentháromság tér, +36 1 458 3030, fishermansbastion.com. Open 24 hours a day. Admission is free, with an additional charge of 1,200 HUF to visit the upper turrets. Tickets for the upper towers are available from 9am-7pm (8pm in the summer).  

12. Admire the Hungarian Presidential Palace

The Hungarian Presidential Palace has been the workplace of the president since 2003. Known as Sándor-palota (Alexander Palace), it’s not nearly as impressive as the surrounding buildings, but if you time your visit right you can see the changing of the guard ceremony at the top of each hour from 9am-5pm (excluding Sundays). Sometimes the palace is open for tours (but this rarely happens so don’t get your hopes up).

Szent György tér 1-2, +36 1 224 5000. Admission to the changing of the guard is free.  

13. See Buda Tower

This reconstructed “tower” is all that remains of the Church of Mary Magdalene, which was originally built in the 13th century but was destroyed during World War II. When the Turks occupied the city between 1541-1699, the church was converted into a mosque. It reopened in 2017 and you can now climb the 172 steps that lead to the top. That said, the views from Castle Hill are just as good — and free — so I’d skip climbing the steps and just admire this historic tower from the outside.

14. Walk Across the Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects Buda with Pest and is a wrought-iron and stone suspension bridge. The bridge originally opened in 1849 but was damaged during World War II and had to be rebuilt. Spend some time strolling across the bridge and taking in the view. Don’t miss Gresham Palace, located on the Pest side. It’s an Art Nouveau building that is now a luxurious Four Seasons hotel.  

15. Visit Parliament

Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, +36 1 441 4415, parlament.hu. Open daily 8am-6pm (4pm in the winter). Admission is 12,000 HUF for non-EU adults, 6,000 HUF for EU adults.  

16. Stroll Along the Danube

17. Eat at the Great Market Hall

This is the oldest and largest indoor market in the country. Built in 1897, there is mostly produce, meats, baked goods, and candy on the ground floor while the upper floor is home to restaurants and souvenir shops. It has a lot of traditional places to eat, so be sure to walk around and explore first. Yes, it’s touristy (it’s the central market, after all), but I still found the food quite good (and affordable). Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s still worth a quick visit to walk around.

They also have a guided Market Hall Tour with Tastings for 9,900 HUF on Saturdays at 11am (you can book directly on their website below).

Vámház körút 1–3, budapestmarkethall.com/great-market-hall-budapest. Open Monday 6am-5pm, Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm, and Saturday 6am-3pm. Closed on Sundays. Admission is free.  

18. Admire St. Stephen’s Basilica

Szent István tér 1, +36 1 311 0839, bazilika.biz. Open Monday from 9am-4:30pm, Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5:45pm, and Sundays from 1pm-5:45pm. Entry is 2,300 HUF or 6,000 HUF to visit the church, tower, and treasury. Tours are available in English starting at 25,000 HUF.  

19. See Dohány Street Synagogue

Also known as the Great Synagogue, this is the second-largest synagogue in the world (it seats 3,000 people). Built in 1854, the synagogue offers guided tours that shed light on the building and its place in the city’s history. You’ll learn all about the construction of the synagogue, Jewish life in the city, and much more. As a follow-up to your visit, check out Wallenberg Memorial Park (right behind the synagogue) and the nearby Hungarian Jewish Museum.

Dohány u. 2, +36 1-413 5584, jewishtourhungary.com/en. Hours vary from month to month; call ahead or check the website for details. Admission to the synagogue is 10,800 HUF.  

20. Hike Gellért Hill

21. Visit the Museum of Terror

Life in Budapest under the fascist and communist regimes was brutal. The building that houses this museum was used by the ÁVH (Secret Police) and Arrow Cross Party (the Hungarian Nazi party) during their reigns of terror. Over 700,000 Hungarians were killed or imprisoned by the Soviets, and the museum does an excellent and moving job of highlighting just how terrible their daily lives were. The museum’s permanent exhibits are spread over four floors and house all sorts of propaganda, weapons, and informative multimedia displays. They also host temporary exhibits too (for information on those, check the website for the most up-to-date information).

Andrássy út 60, +36 (1) 374 26 00, terrorhaza.hu/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 4,000 HUF and you cannot order tickets online.  

22. Stroll Around Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square (Hosök Tere) is the largest square in Hungary. Here there are statues of Hungarian kings and other historical figures, including the seven chiefs who led the Magyars (modern-day Hungarians) in the 9th century. The monument was built in 1896 to celebrate Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary and originally included Hapsburg monuments (as the Hapsburgs ruled the country at that time). The square is also home to the Millennium Monument, a large stone cenotaph dedicated to those who gave their life for Hungary’s independence. It’s located on the Pest side of the city.  

23. Go Island-Hopping

There are a few islands on the Danube that you can visit to escape the city. The most popular is Margaret Island. It’s connected by the Margaret and Árpád Bridges and has a large park, swimming pools, and a musical fountain. Óbuda Island is known for its outdoor activities, including wakeboarding, jet skiing, and golf (there’s a driving range here). In August, they host the Sziget Festival of music and culture, which brings in thousands of people (there are over 1,000 performances during the festival).  

24. Visit the House of Houdini

Born in 1874, Harry Houdini was a famous escape artist and illusionist. He was best known for his elaborate and sensational escape tricks, including escapes in handcuffs, chains, and even a grave where he was buried alive! Born in Hungary, this is the only museum in Europe dedicated to the Budapest native. The museum, which requires you to solve a small mystery before you can even visit, is home to original Houdini props and pieces of memorabilia, as well as props from the Houdini film starring Adrien Brody.

11 Dísz Square, +36 1-951-8066, houseofhoudinibudapest.com. Open daily from 10am-7pm. Admission is 3,400 HUF.  

25. Day trip to Lake Balaton

From its wild ruin bars to its relaxing spas, Budapest offers everything you can find in Western Europe — but for a fraction of the price. Plus, it also sees a fraction of the crowds that you’ll find in cities like London , Paris , and Prague .

With tons to see and do and budget-friendly prices, it should come as no surprise that Budapest keeps becoming more and more popular. It’s a city that won’t disappoint!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Budapest: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay in the city are:

• Carpe Noctem

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Budapest !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home » Travel Guides » Hungary » 15 Best Budapest Tours

15 Best Budapest Tours

With a population of nearly 1.8 million residents, Hungary’s capital Budapest is also its largest city and the 9th most populous metropolitan area in the European Union.

Budapest straddles the Danube River in the north-central portion of the country and is divided into two sections—Buda and Pest.

Like many Eastern European cities, Budapest features an impressive mix of the old and new and is particularly well-known for its hundreds of natural springs, from which millions of gallons of water bubble to the surface daily.

The city is also renowned for its art, architecture, history, and vibrant food scenes, all of which are easy to experience through numerous tours.

1. Downtown Budapest 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour

Despite its bustling nature, downtown Budapest is very pedestrian-friendly.

For those who’ve just spent countless hours on a long flight, this 3-hour walking tour would be a great way to get a thorough overview of the city’s main attractions while stretching cramped legs.

Tours start in historic Kossuth Square and include the Parliament building, the Holocaust Monument, and the statue of the Catholic cardinal who resided in the US embassy for more than a decade during the Cold War.

The services of a knowledgeable local guide are included, but guests are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes and clothing since it is a walking tour.

2. Small-Group Bike Tour

For activity-minded travelers, bicycles are great means of exploring a new city.

This small-group, half-day tour hits many of the capital city’s most significant sites, and unlike other tours, it focuses on interesting historical tidbits and anecdotes rather than obscure events and hard-to-remember dates.

It also offers a nice blend of cycling and non-cycling time at attractions like Liberty Square, Hungarian Parliament, and the largest synagogue in Europe, plus amazing views of the city’s skyline and the Danube River.

Tours meet in a convenient central location and include your guide, bikes, helmets, and engaging historical narrative along the way.

View Prices & Reviews

3. St. Stephen’s Basilica Tour with Tower Access

Renowned for its impressive Renaissance architecture and for being the home of the mummified hand of Hungary’s first king St. Stephen, the basilica that bears his name is one of the city’s must-visit attractions.

This one-hour tour with an English-speaking guide explores the basilica’s amazingly ornate interior adorned with real gold plating, frescoes, and sculptures.

The church’s massive tower and dome are also on the itinerary. These are reachable by an elevator that whisks guests to a terrace providing unobstructed panoramic views of the sprawling city below.

Tours are relatively inexpensive and leave plenty of time to see other attractions.

4. Hungarian Cuisine Tasting Program

Pretty much everybody knows that goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish, but most first-time visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover that the country is home to a unique and vibrant cuisine with lots of regional and international influences.

After a brief meet and greet with their guide in a convenient location, tour participants will set off on a fun and educational tour that highlights history and culture in addition to food and drink.

Stops include markets, traditional and contemporary restaurants, street-food vendors, and coffee shops.

Expect to learn a lot, rub elbows with locals, and sample everything from cured meats and fresh bread to local wine and sweets.

5. Evening Cruise with Drinks and Live Music

Relatively short tours are all the rage these days because they allow more time for self-exploration without being chained to a traditional all-day excursion.

This evening cruise along the Danube includes drinks and live music. At the same time, guests enjoy amazing views of the Hungarian capital as the sun disappears and the city becomes awash with light.

Previous guests have described the 90 to 120-minute tour as romantic and memorable. Highlights include the city’s famed bridges, Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Freedom Monument.

Package options include your choice of beer, wine, or cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, water, and light fare are available as well.

6. Rudas Spa Wellness and Dining Experience

Though vacations are supposed to be about fun and relaxation, they’re often stressful and hectic too.

For those who’ve had their fill of running around Budapest seeing the sights, this spa, wellness, and dining experience would be a great way to recharge drained batteries.

It’s hard to fathom, but Rudas Spa and its thermal baths have been around for more than 400 years, and they still attract visitors from near and far.

The bath’s waters are a toasty 42 degrees and are purported to hold a variety of therapeutic properties.

Spa excursions may also include multi-course meals and drinks like wine, coffee, and champagne.

7. Chocolate Museum Tour with Tasting

Hungarians and residents of Budapest have always been big fans of chocolate. For those interested in immersing themselves in the city’s chocolate culture, this two-hour afternoon tour may be just the ticket.

Tours include the services of an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the museum, an introductory movie, and access to a chocolate making show with a personalized gift at the end of the day.

The museum is also a repository for a number of famous Hungarian works of art. Guests over 18-years-old will have the option of sampling Hungarian liqueur.

Each participant will have a chance to make his or her own chocolate as well—a big hit with those of all ages.

8. 45-Minute Budapest Parliament Guided Tour

Budapest’s House of Parliament building is one of the city’s premier historical attractions, and it’s worthwhile to visit even for those with less than an hour to spare.

This 45-minute guided tour explores the impressive structure that was built in the gothic revival-style by a famous Hungarian architect.

English visitors often note its similarity to the Palace of Westminster—the building it was designed to mimic.

The House of Parliament sits on the Pest side of the Danube and is well-known for its iconic central staircase and vaulted ceilings, as well as the Hungarian crown jewels on display.

9. MonsteRoller E-Scooter Tour

Lovers of history and culture could spend days in Budapest and not see all the city has to offer.

That being said, if they were honest, many visitors would rather take a break and hit the streets on a honking big e-bike with massively wide tires similar to those usually only found on off-road motorcycles.

If that sounds like you and your travel companions, look no further than this MonsteRoller E-Scooter tour.

Tours include a local guide and five different route options that last from between one and a half and three hours.

You’ll still see and experience much of what the city is famous for, and you’ll have a blast in the process.

10. History and Myths Evening Walking Tour

It’s almost unanimously agreed that tour guides dressed in authentic Gothic attire make for more memorable experiences.

As luck would have it, this two-hour evening walking tour includes the services of just such a guide. It explores many of the city’s most fascinating historical and mystical places.

Highlights include Buda Castle, as well as eerie and macabre tales of Prince Vlad Dracula and Hungary’s bloody countess Elizabeth Bathory, who were said to be among the city’s abundant vampire residents in ages long past.

These tours may not be a good fit for very young children and the easily disturbed.

11. Generation Pub Crawl

Long after the sun has set and older tourists are firmly ensconced in their comfy hotel beds, young revelers of all stripes emerge to appreciate Budapest’s hip party scene.

This five-hour pub crawl is typically ranked among the city’s craziest. It includes stops at some of Budapest’s swankest nightclubs, seediest backstreet bars, and traditional pubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Tours are wheelchair accessible, get underway at 10:00 pm, and meet in a convenient central location.

After a brief overview of the evening’s activities, everyone will set out to experience the city’s nightlife to the fullest.

Hangovers are included free of charge.

12. Land and Water Floating Bus Tour

According to legend, Budapest is such a magical city that even the tour busses float.

If so, then seriously consider signing up for this unique land and water floating bus tour.

Truth be told, the tour busses aren’t magic; they’re just amphibious vehicles designed to traverse land and water, making for a truly fun and exhilarating experience for those looking for something a little different.

Tours last about 90 minutes and include city and river portions, from which guests will see many of Budapest’s most iconic attractions in perfect comfort.

Consider wearing layers, sunglasses, and a good hat if you’ll be visiting during the summer months.

13. 1 ½-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour

Though in years past they were the exclusive realm of portly mall cops and overly-authoritarian airport security personnel, Segways are now catching on as safe and fun means of tourist transportation.

This 90-minute city Segway tour begins with a quick training session aimed at those who’ve never used one of the unique two-wheeled vehicles.

Getting up to speed won’t take long, after which participants will head to many significant attractions, like the Hungarian Parliament, the Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.

Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating and humorous stories, stop for photographs and selfies, and have an all-around exhilarating and engaging time.

14. 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Package

For many visitors, seeing Budapest at their own pace beats the heck out of committing to a long traditional tour with a fixed itinerary.

If that sounds like you, then hop-on-hop-off tours are probably the way to go because they allow you to spend your time seeing the things you want without worrying about everybody else.

This two-day tour option includes stops at sites like the State Opera House, Buda Castle, and multiple churches, cathedrals, and museums. There’s even a river cruise option for those who’d like to take to the water.

There’s really too much to list, so click the link below for more in-depth details before booking.

15. 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Drink

Cruising along the Danube taking in Budapest’s impressive sites and skyline is one of those activities that shouldn’t be missed, even for those working with limited time.

This 1-hour tour includes a refreshing welcome drink that varies depending on the season, and views of classic city attractions, like the National Parliament, Buda Castle, Vigadó Concert Hall, and many of the bridges spanning the river.

Unlike other river tours, this one doesn’t offer live narration or audio guides, but therein lies much of its allure.

Instead of having their ears talked off, participants will relax with their thoughts in the boat’s pleasant coffee house-like ambiance.

15 Best Budapest Tours:

• Downtown Budapest 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour
• Small-Group Bike Tour
• St. Stephen's Basilica Tour with Tower Access
• Hungarian Cuisine Tasting Program
• Evening Cruise with Drinks and Live Music
• Rudas Spa Wellness and Dining Experience
• Chocolate Museum Tour with Tasting
• 45-Minute Budapest Parliament Guided Tour
• MonsteRoller E-Scooter Tour
• History and Myths Evening Walking Tour
• Generation Pub Crawl
• Land and Water Floating Bus Tour
• 1 ½-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
• 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Package
• 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Drink

THE 10 BEST Extreme Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Budapest

Exciting things to do in budapest for thrill seekers.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Belváros-Lipótváros
• District V / Inner City
• Erzsébetváros
• District VII / Jewish Quarter
• Kossuth tér
• District I / Buda
• Andrássy út
• Óbuda-Békásmegyer
• Margaret Island
• Gellért Hill
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bubble Football Budapest

2. Aquaworld

3. Locked Room Budapest

4. Palvolgyi Caves

5. Városligeti Műjégpálya És Csónakázótó

6. Sziget Festival

7. AROOM Budapest

8. Mystique Room

9. E-Exit Escape Game

10. Celeritas Shooting Club

11. PaniQ-Room

12. Axe Throwing

13. Budapest Shooting

14. Churchill Shooting Range - Budapest

15. Nightmare in Budapest

16. Neverland

17. MysteryGames

18. G1 Asia GoKart Center

19. Pirate Cave

20. VR Vidámpark

21. Gellért Escape

22. Go Mobility

23. Flashkart - Turbo Electric Gokart Ring

25. Gozsdu Mission

26. ILOCKEDYOU Escape Room

27. TRAP Escaperoom

28. Magic Rooms Escape Empire

29. Capital Shooting Range Budapest

30. Laser Corner

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Day Trips From Budapest: 15 Amazing (and Easy!) Trips!

Two reasons. Firstly, Hungary is a diverse country, full of surprises and wonders which you simply won’t see if you stay put in urban Budapest. Want to see a valley famous for its wine and women, an inland sea, or a great plain which has eagles wheeling across it? You’ll need to head out there, using Hungary’s efficient public transport. But secondly, Budapest is also an international crossroad on the wider transport network, making a jaunt into neighbouring countries an absolute breeze. 

So let’s check out the best day trips from Budapest: not just to other locations in Hungary, but exploring how you can travel from Budapest to Vienna, Bratislava, Zagreb, and beyond!

Planning a trip to Budapest? Check out these awesome resources on spending 3 days in Budapest , the very best in Budapest food , and where to find perfect Budapest souvenirs!

The best day trips from Budapest!

In our first section looking at Budapest day trips, we’re going to check out trips within Hungary. Then we’re going to hit the road, and check out visiting other countries from Budapest! For the latter, remember that Hungary is in the Schengen Area – this means that if you’re visiting fellow Schengen countries, you won’t face any passport checks. If your preferred destination isn’t on this list , you’ll need to take it along for inspection – yes, even if you’re on the train!

Day trips from Budapest within Hungary

You may not know a great deal about Hungary before you arrive there – but trust me, you’ll soon love it!

Hungary is a country of different landscapes, from wild hills to grassy plains, from huge lakes to cities with an almost Mediterranean feel. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to experience all of them! Whilst a number of them are easily reachable by public transport, there’s a few that are worth booking a place on a tour – namely, because the tours like to take you to multiple places on this list on the same day, meaning that you get more bang for your buck! I’ll let you know which ones you should definitely consider seeing on a tour as we come to them.

Let’s check them out!

Eger is a stunningly beautiful city in the north of Hungary, and is famous for three things. Firstly, the minaret in the town center. Secondly, for being in a valley renowned for its beautiful women. Thirdly – wine. Lots and lots of lovely wine!

If the first two interest you more, head into the city center. The minaret was built in the 17th century, back when this part of the world was under the control of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, and was originally used to call the faithful to prayer at an adjoining mosque. The mosque was converted into a Catholic church (and eventually pulled down entirely) when the Austrians retook Eger in 1687, and the minaret was slated to follow. However, the locals tried to pull it down using 400 oxen and couldn’t shift it, so it was decided to keep it in place and has become a symbol of friendship between Hungary and Turkey instead. Which is rather lovely, if you ask me!

However, most people visit Eger for the wine! Quite literally – check out the number plates of cars anywhere in town, and you’ll see a huge number of them are from neighboring European countries, because the wine is just that good . A short 20 minute walk out of town is the Valley of the Beautiful Women (yup, that’s its actual name) where you find wine cellars carved into the surrounding cliff faces, providing you with cool, atmospheric cellars in which to sample the local produce. The most common is Egri Bikavér, also known as “Bull’s Blood”, which is the area’s specialty, but you’re absolutely bound to find a wine you’ll love.

If you’re looking at taking just a single Budapest day trip, this is the one to do. You can reach Eger by train, but it’s a slow journey – it’s a much better idea to go on a tour, as they’ll take you to all the best wine cellars, and not judge you if you come back laden with wine bottles. And trust me, you will – my boyfriend came away with three bottles, despite telling me on the way there that he didn’t like wine. It’s that good!

Less than one hour from Budapest by train, the small town of Szentendre is a must-see!  

This place may be small in size, but it’s certainly big in history and character. It feels completely different to Budapest, or many of the towns surrounding it, thanks to the almost-Mediterranean architecture – a leftover of the town being a refuge for Serbian and Croatian settlers during a war against Turkey. This splash of character, and its quiet streets, led to it becoming popular with artists seeking to get out of the bustle of Budapest, and it’s stayed that way ever since!

Szentendre sees plenty of tourists, and it accordingly has plenty of souvenir shops at your disposal. But these are a something a little different: you’ll find plenty of places offering traditional Hungarian dress (which you can easily fit pieces of into everyday outfits, in case you don’t want to go the whole hog), and loads of artisan crafts, clothes, and pottery. Szentendre is also the home of Skanzen , an ethnographic park highlighting traditional Hungarian buildings and lifestyle.

Although the town is simple to reach by train, you might still wander to consider doing a “Danube Bend” day tour. That way, you’ll also get to see Visegrad and Esztergom in the same day – from personal experience, it’s well worth doing! But if you’ve already seen the other sites, simply get a train from Batthyány tér in Budapest; the price of the ticket is negligible. 

Like your history? Sweet; you’ll be fancying a trip to Visegrád! And the good news is that again, it’s less than an hour from Budapest by train!

Although the town itself is pretty darn small these days, Visegrád was once the capital of Hungary, thanks to the fortress which was built on a very high hill above it. You can spot it as you approach by train, perched right up on the top of a steep, almost sheer hill, with the Danube winding below it. It’s basically one of the most ridiculously defensible spots in Europe, and King Charles I was all “yup, I’m having some of that ” back in 1325.

Although it didn’t stay the capital very long, Visegrád is still a hugely important place in Hungary’s history, and the upper and lower castles are both open to the public. The upper castle is the more interesting of the two, with a real “castle feel” and historical re-enactments (not to mention some stunning views), while the lower castle is largely ruined, or hosting exhibitions about the history of the area.

I highly recommend that you visit Visegrád as part of a Danube Bend one day private tour. As interesting as the castle is, there’s not huge amounts of things to do, meaning that you may be a little bit disappointed if you make the trip just to see Visegrád alone.  However, it’s a perfect stop when combined with Szentendre and Esztergom on a day tour – especially as you’ll often be taken to a local restaurant, Nagyvillam , which serves up both delicious food and fantastic views of the castle!

The last of our Danube Bend day trips is Esztergom, situated right on the border with Slovakia – and home to some seriously impressive views!

If you enjoyed all that lovely Hungarian history in Visegrád, the city of Esztergom is going to be right up your alley. It’s actually one of the oldest habitations in the whole country, having been around since Roman times, and when you look at it, you can understand why. Just like Visegrád, it features a high hill right next to the waters of the Danube – perfect for fortifications. In this case, however, pride of place on the top of the hill didn’t go to a castle (although there was one nearby). Instead, the Hungarians decided to build one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the land.

Esztergom Basilica stands on the former site of these earlier churches, and is both the largest church and tallest building in Hungary. That’s why it’s one of the most popular day trips from Budapest: you don’t need to be a massive church-goer in order to enjoy it. The interior of the basilica is stunning, with beautiful carvings and decorations, and the burial site of Cardinal Mindszenty, who opposed fascism and communism in Hungary for over fifty years.

But it’s the exterior which really steals the show. Head out of the church and take the paths leading to the left; you’ll eventually come to a lookout platform with a large statue of St. Stephen, overlooking the beautiful surrounding countryside of Hungary and Slovakia. And yes, if you visit Esztergom as part of a tour, they’ll drive you over the bridge to Slovakia so you can take photos of the Basilica from its best angle!

Yes, I know the name makes it sounds like some sort of bodybuilder’s colony. It’s not – or not that I know of, anyway! Pécs is actually a gorgeous city in southern Hungary with a distinct Mediterranean flavor, and it’s perfect for a day trip from Budapest!

A 2.5 hour train journey from Budapest’s Kelenfoeld Station will deposit you in the city of Pecs, right near the Croatian border. This university town has such a mix of cultures and styles that you really feel like you’re somewhere on the sunny Med; check out the architecture on pretty Szechenyi Square if you don’t believe me – doesn’t it give you that Italian feel? If that’s not enough, head along to Pécs Cathedral with its four distinctive towers, and muse on how it manages to look Hungarian, Turkish, and vaguely Italian at the same time.

There’s plenty of museums to look around (including an early Christian mausoleum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site), and pottery shops abound for souvenir hunters. But another great reason to visit Pécs is the food! The city is a cultural melting pot, and you’ll accordingly find plenty of options – there’s everything from traditional Hungarian in rowdy pubs, to the best of the southern regions at the Balkan Bistro , to many Italian choices. There’s even a Czech pub! And because this isn’t Budapest, you’ll discover that everything is extremely reasonably priced, allowing you to eat somewhere just a little bit fancy for way less than you’d expect!

Pécs is an easy day trip from Budapest by train, although with so much to do, and a very kindly climate, you may be tempted to stay for a few days!

Lake Balaton

Fancy lounging on the beach, or swimming in fresh waters, but frustrated by Hungary’s distinct lack of coastline? Meh, who needs the sea when you’ve got Lake Balaton!

Best reached by car, Lake Balaton is huge – 78km in length, to be precise – with a multitude of towns and things to do along its coastline. Aside from swimming in the blue waters (and the town of Siofók is the most popular place to do that, with sandy beaches and weather that’ll have you half-believing you’re somewhere in Spain), there’s also a multitude of historic sites for you to go exploring. The town of Tihany is situated on a peninsula which juts out into the lake – it’s picture-perfect,and understandably has the highest property prices in the country!

How about days filled with spa baths, wine, and gazing out at lake views? If that sounds right up your alley, you’ll be wanting a trip to Keszthely, the largest city by the lake, where all of the aforementioned attractions are available in spades. Or is a stylish resort with thermal waters for bathing in more your thing? In that case, you’ll be wanting to visit Balatonfüred! Every town based around the lake offers something unique, and thanks to their popularity with Hungarian wanting to get away for a bit, they’re fully geared up for visitors.

If you want to see a little bit of everything that Lake Balaton has to offer – and as you can see, it’s pretty diverse – you’re better off signing yourself up for a tour from Budapest. These generally pick up a good number of the lake’s star attractions – and often throw in a yacht ride too; perfect for finishing up a sunny day!

You’ve probably never heard of Györ, but if the thought of a charming Old Town, and a plethora of museums and churches appeal, then this is one of the perfect day trips from Budapest for you!

Situated bang in the middle of Budapest and Vienna, Györ is considered one of the most important cultural sites in Hungary. Its position means that similarly to Pecs, the town became a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles – but also meant that it became hotly fought over. Nearly every nation in the area who has ever had any kind of influence over the centuries has had a pop at Györ. The Hungarians fought over it, the Turks fought over it, the Austrians got involved over it, and even the Allied forces in WW2 had a go it it. Even Napoleon had a quick attack for funsies.

Remarkably, considering everything its been through, the Old Town survived – and thank goodness for that, because it’s beautiful! Cobbled streets are lined with pastel-colored houses, and handsome squares have stately cafes along their edges, perfect for stopping in and doing a bit of people-watching. Best of all, the town is still largely undiscovered by tourists, and the locals are super-welcoming! They’ll be more than happy to point out the places you should visit, including an incredible amount of churches, and a veritable forest of statues and fountains.

Györ is easily reachable from Budapest, with regular train services departing from Kelenfoeld station. The majority of services are local ones run by the Hungarian rail service (MAV), but bear in mind that you may end up on long-distance trains run by Austrian Railways (OBB) or Romanian Railways (CFR) – these trains tend to be much busier!

Aggtalek National Park

Yeah, we all like towns and cities. All those facilities and buildings and souvenir shops; yadda yadda. But how about getting out into the great Hungarian countryside, and checking out a national park which is also a world heritage site? 

Well aren’t we lucky, because Aggtalek National Park in northern Hungary ticks all those boxes! It’s a truly beautiful place, with forests, cliffs, and crystal blue lakes surrounded by greenery and dappled sunlight. It’s the perfect place to visit for a day, and get away from the bustle of city life! It’s also a great spot for animal lovers: the park is a bastion of wildlife species which have faced their struggles elsewhere, such as lynx and wolves. The park is also home to Hucul horses, one of the closest relatives of ancient wild horses – if you visit the stud farm near Jósvafö, you can not only learn more about them, but see them living semi-wild near the village. 

But the main event is the series of caves which wind their way through the Hungarian soil, connecting up with a system of caverns just over the border in Slovakia. Signs of prehistoric life have been found here, and you can see why ancient peoples made this their pad – the caves are simply stunning! Stalactites and stalagmites do their thing while you gawp at them – and if that’s not enough, you’ll get treated to a music and light show whilst you’re there. I don’t think I need to tell you that the acoustics are just a little bit amazing.

If you love nature, visiting Aggtalek is one of the most ideal day trips from Budapest you can imagine. It’s just about possible by train (travel from Keleti station to Perkupa, then grab a taxi) but it’s a bit of a pain. If you’ve rented out a car, the drive there will take a mere two and a half hours!

The Royal Palace of Gödölló

I know this isn’t a phrase you hear every day, but I am a longtime fangirl of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, 1837-1898. I know; so cliche. But it’s true; I even have a bust of my homegirl on the desk where I’m typing this right now. And if you take a day trip to the Royal Palace of Gödölló , you can visit her 18th century baroque party pad!

Okay, she didn’t do much partying there, but she was an extraordinary woman. She was born in Bavaria and married off to the Emperor Franz Joseph, but she despised fussy court life in Vienna. She had zero intention of being treated like a royal brood mare, was way more interested in travelling, writing, and trying to acquire a pet tiger, and eventually escaped off to Hungary to get away from it all.  When she got there, she promptly learned Hungarian – a notoriously tricky language – and caused the entire country to fall head over heels in love with her.

There’s only one way to get an insight into someone that awesome, and that’s by taking a trip to her favorite home. Gödölló fell into disrepair after Sissi’s tragic death at the hands of an assassin, but it’s been lovingly restored to its former grandeur. You can skip under the beautiful chandeliers in the Great Hall, check out the artwork in the Mirror Corridor, or explore the extensive grounds around the building itself. You’re bound to enjoy it even if you know nothing about Sissi, but if you too feel a bit of a kinship with her, it’s a fascinating look into a place she loved.

You can reach Gödölló by hopping on a train at Keleti station, and travelling to the tongue-tangling Goedoelloe. Have fun pronouncing that at the ticket office!

Puszta and Kecskemét

Pop into any of the tourist information offices in Budapest , and you’ll see that one of the most popular day trips is a coach ride out into the vast Hungarian plains. This is the land which the early Magyar tribes rode through on their way to founding Budapest, and its retained a special place in the heart of Hungarians ever since.

The plain – or Puszta, as it’s known in these here parts – is covered in traditional Hungarian horse ranches, because horses are super-useful in the farming which goes on here. Plus because who doesn’t want to be a cowboy? The Hungarians certainly do, and after being treated to a hearty rustic lunch at a farmhouse, you’ll be taken off to see a horse show. This is where the locals demonstrate their absolute skill on horseback, showing that they have the absolute trust of their steeds, and looking like total badasses while they do it. It’s an exhilarating sight!

If that’s not enough excitement for you, your next stop will be Kecskemét, a market city which is at the heart of plains life. You might be expecting something a little rough and ready, but you’d be wrong – it’s actually one of the most vibrant and artistic cities in the country, with buildings which are liberally decorated in Art Nouveau style. There’s a ton of museums to look around, or if you’re after something a little more… refreshing… Kecskemét is also one of the major producers of pálinka, a super-strong liqueur. You’ve been warned!

This is a popular day trip from Budapest, so you won’t have trouble finding tour operators to take you there. It’s a much better option than trying to do it independently, especially if you want to check out the horse shows!

Debrecen is the second-largest city in Hungary – and as it’s located on the other side of the country, it’s an ideal way to see what city life outside of Budapest looks like!

It’s another Hungarian city which has had a bit of a tough life thanks to its location. Being close to the Eastern frontier, it’s been in the hands of Turks, Romanians, and Soviets over the centuries, and it was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War (if you don’t know about how tough life was in Hungary around that time, check out the House of Terror in Budapest; things were bad). But like the rest of the nation, Debrecen rose like a phoenix, and reclaimed its status as one of the most culturally-important places in the country.

As you’d expect, there’s plenty to see! Whether it’s the grandeur of the Great Church or the family friendly fun of the Kerekerdo Adventure Park, you’ll find something you’ll love. My personal favorite, however, is the Deri Museum – it’s the best kind of museum, in that it has a bit of absolutely everything. Egyptian artifacts? Yup, got those. Priceless and vast pieces of artwork? Here in abundance. A surprising collection of Samurai armors and weaponry? Hey, why not!

As you’d expect, it’s super-easy to get from Budapest to Debrecen. Catch a train from Budapest-Nyugati, and you’ll arrive in your destination a mere two and a half hours later!

Day trips from Budapest to other countries

Budapest is perfectly placed in central Europe, almost as if its a halfway point for some of the most beautiful and important cities on the continent. Luckily for us travel lovers, that means it’s the perfect base for exploring some of those cities as a day trip, saving us the exorbitant hotel costs of actually staying there! (lookin’ at you, Vienna!)

I urge you to do at least one trip from Budapest to another country – Hungary is so distinct from its neighbors that you really will feel the difference, . It makes you appreciate both your day trip destination, and gives you an increased love of Budapest when you return! Although Vienna and Bratislava are the easiest to reach, there’s some magical places available to those who can go a little further afield.

Let’s look at those lovely options!

Day trips from Budapest to Vienna are a tried and tested favorite, and it’s an ideal way to explore a city which is famously beautiful, as well as famously expensive!

It’s an easy trip by train (head on down to Kelenfoeld station for regular services, but top tip: try to get a reserved seat if you can, because this service gets BUSY), and you’ll be in fair Vienna in 2 hours and 20 minutes. A short walk from Vienna’s main station is the Old Town, the beating heart of the city, and one of the most ridiculously beautiful places in the world. You won’t lack for things to do, whether you fancy a spot of luxury shopping on Kohlmarkt, seeing the historic sights of St. Stephen’s Cathedral or the Hofburg, or just kicking back with cake and coffee at Hotel Sacher.

If you don’t mind a little more public transport, take a bus from the train station, and visit Schönbrunn Palace. This has to be one of the most extraordinary places I’ve ever visited – if looking around 1,441 room of history isn’t enough, it’s located in vast grounds which put any other public space in the world to shame. We’re talking gigantic fountains emptying into a vast basin, rose gardens for miles, a hill which leads up to a glorious viewpoint, and even it’s own zoo in the middle. You can easily spend a day here, and it’s one of the most fascinating places in Europe, let alone Vienna.

There’s so much to do in Vienna, and you’ll need to narrow it down a bit before you travel! Take a look at my guide to Vienna Instagram spots , which will help you pinpoint those perfect sights!

Second-most popular on the list of day trips from Budapest to other countries is Bratislava, located a mere stone’s throw away from Vienna. It may not have the same glamorous reputation as Vienna, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s not worth visiting – you’ll quickly fall in love!

Bratislava’s Old Town is a ten minute walk from the train station, and it’s utterly charming. Sure, Bratislava might not have the mega tourist attractions of Budapest or Vienna (the city’s castle is probably the main draw) – but seriously, that’s not what you visit Bratislava for. If you like your cities small and friendly, with cozy bars and pubs serving excellent food and beer at cheap prices, and a vibrant cafe and nightlife scene, then the city will be just perfect for you. It’s laid back, chilled out, and super welcoming.

That’s not to say that there’s nothing to see, however! Wandering the streets rewards you with achingly pretty houses and churches, broad squares filled with market stalls and quirky street performers, and statues. Actually, loads of statues. You might’ve noticed that Budapest is fairly brimming with statues , but the Slovaks take it to another level. The most famous is Cumil, the workman peeking out of the ground and seemingly watching the world go by – you can find him on Panská street, in the heart of the Old Town. 

Visit Bratislava, and be utterly charmed by what you find! For all the info you’ll need, check out my guide on how to get from Budapest to Bratislava!

Transylvania

Okay, let’s get the vampire jokes out of the way. Something about fangs or garlic? Cool, we’re done there, because you’d be absolutely bats to miss out on seeing Transylvania (I lied about being done with the vampire jokes).

Although it’s a bit of a stretch to do the journey by train (especially as you’ll need to stop and show your passport), it’s very possible to have a grand old time in Romania if you’ve rented a car. The town of Oradea is just over the border, and is a mere 3 hours from Budapest; it’s a strikingly pretty place and one well worth exploring! If history is more your thing, Corvin Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe, and one of the Seven Wonders of Romania! It’s a bit of a drive, but the scenery is so pretty that getting there is half the fun.

If you’re looking for other Transylvanian towns to explore, Timisoara is an extremely handsome place (it has two nicknames, Little Vienna and The City of Flowers, which give you an indication of just how pretty it is). Alternatively, if you don’t mind a fairly long drive, you can visit my favorite town in Romania, Cluj-Napoca. The best place you’ve never heard of, Cluj was voted the friendliest city in Europe, and they absolutely love welcoming visitors there. The main square is liberally littered with churches and museums, and it’s incredibly easy to spend a full day there!

Curious about Cluj? You should be! Check out my guide on things to do in Cluj-Napoca , and see if it’s the day trip for you!

Much like Transylvania, day trips from Budapest to Croatia are just about possible if you’re renting a car. But as long as you remember your passport, the travel to Croatia’s capital city is well worth it!

Yes, it might not be quite as pretty as Dubrovnik, but don’t dismiss it as being less interesting. For a start, you’ve got the iconic sight of St. Mark’s Church, which symbolizes the city thanks to the heraldic crests worked into its roof (if you look up Zagreb on any travel site, this is the image to represent it!). If that’s juts not enough magnificence for you, head along to the Cathedral of Zagreb, which towers over the city, and is quite simply one of the finest Gothic structures you’ll ever see in your life.

Want something a little quirkier? Well, Zagreb has you covered there too. Enter the Museum of Broken Relationships , and be confronted by the mementos of failed romances from all over the world. It’s strangely touching to look at items which were once treasured, and are now bitter reminders of relationships gone wrong, from dolls and shoes, to sex toys and, er, scabs. It’s sentimental yet vaguely hilarious at the same time, and a trip to the gift shop is a must!

Zagreb is only a three hour drive from Budapest, and it’s a day trip well worth taking!

The best day trips from Budapest by train

Okay, one more thing before we wrap up! 

Some of these day trips are far more viable by road rather than rail, and for those of us who can’t drive or don’t want to drive, I thought I’d give my recommendations for the easiest trips to take by train. These are:

So if you’re planning to take your day trips by train, you’re best off sticking to these (although do bear in mind that the Danube Bend towns are best seen on an organized tour ). Rail fares in Hungary are quite ridiculously cheap, so if you’re travelling by train within the country, you’re guaranteed a great day for very little cost!

Share this guide to Budapest day trips!

There we have it; we’ve discovered the best day trips from Budapest! Every single one of them is a fantastic day out, which will give you a better understanding of Hungarian history and culture, or a sneaky peek into the lives of its neighbors. Budapest really is an ideal spot for getting out and about!

If you’ve found this helpful, how about giving it a share? After all, you can help out your fellow travelers, and reap the good karma which comes with it! Simply hit one of those social media buttons on the side of the page, and you can plaster it all over your favorite network.

Even better, how about sharing the below images to Pinterest? That means that this article gets a share (which makes me happy), and you get a bookmark back to this page for when you need it (which makes you happy)! Everyone’s a winner!

Thanks for reading, and happy traveling!

Pssst! This article contains some affiliate links! These incur zero extra cost to you, should you choose to purchase the service provided, but simply give this blog a bit of commission which goes toward running costs. Any extra money earned gets spent on shipping Hungarian paprika to my house, because I can’t get enough if that stuff.

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The 9 best day trips from Budapest

Take a trip out of Budapest and discover castle towns, hiking trails, historic villages and one of Europe’s biggest lakes

Most travellers make a beeline for Budapest when they visit Hungary , and we can’t blame them: from ruin bars to blissful spas , the Hungarian capital boasts everything you could want from a European city break . But if you find yourself with a bit of extra time, consider taking a day trip from Budapest and exploring the villages, lakes and hiking trails that lie just outside the capital.

Whether it’s the country’s rich historical treasures, its spectacular cuisine or its beautiful nature, you can get a taste of the thousand colours of Hungary at these cool places not far from the city. All reachable within a couple of hours by public transport, here are some of the very best day trips to take from Budapest, according to Budapest-born writer Adrienn Bardossy.

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9 excellent day trips from Budapest

1.  Lake Balaton

The largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton stretches nearly 50 miles across the western part of Hungary. Owing to its size and dazzling shade, it’s known as the Hungarian Sea – and it really is the closest thing to an ocean this landlocked nation has. There are nearly 180 towns to explore along its shores, as well as several national parks and protected areas. Weather-dependent, the water is lovely for a dip, with the high season lasting from mid-June to the end of August. Summer, of course, is the best (albeit busiest) time to relax on the lake’s natural beaches, or to hop on board a boat and enjoy the sunset. It’s also well worth visiting the surrounding Balaton wine region and tasting some Hungarian wines, such as the local specialty,  Olaszrizling.

How far? 60 miles

Get there… One hour 45 minutes by train from Budapest Déli station to Balatonkenese, the first town by the lake. Once you reach this stop, the train continues to many of the other small villages.

2.  Tata

Just under an hour’s drive from Budapest, Tata makes for a great day trip, particularly if you’re a fan of small towns and nature. It’s known as the ‘city of living waters’ for its many lakes and mills, with the vast Old Lake taking centre stage. Graced at its northern tip by the fourteenth-century Tata Castle, the Old Lake is also the most valuable bird habitat in the region. Visit during the migration season – usually the last week of November – to see as many as 50,000 waterfowl resting here every day.

How far? 37 miles

Get there...  56 minutes by bus from Budapest Keleti station to Tatabánya.

3.  Rám-szakadék

This popular valley for hiking is just outside the historic village of Dömös, and can be reached by train or bus from Budapest in under two hours (or under an hour if you’re driving). Made up of volcanic rock walls dotted with magnificent waterfalls, the terrain makes for perfect – albeit challenging – hiking conditions. The three-spring valley, which cuts into the block of the Rám hill, is a particularly wild, scenic part of the valley. 

How far? 26 miles

Get there… Around 40 minutes from Batthyány tér metro station on the H5 suburban train to Szentendre, then the 50-minute 880 bus to Dömös. Or around 45 minutes by car.

4.  Gödöllő

If you want to take a trip back in time and feel like royalty for the day, the picturesque town of Gödöllő is only a metro ride away from Budapest. Thanks to its location on the outskirts of the city,  Gödöllő is a popular spot to live for ex-Budapesters. It ’s mainly famous for the eighteenth-century Royal Palace, a favourite residence of Queen of Hungary Empress Sisi, as well as the Szent István University. While you ’r e in Gödöllő, enjoy a hearty lunch of  Central European delicacies  at Smarni restaurant, followed by ice cream at Sissi ice-cream parlour. And if you’re in town in December, get properly festive at the Royal Palace’s annual Advent celebrations, which involve everything from puppet shows and concerts to Christmas decoration workshops.

How far? 18 miles

Get there… Around 47 minutes from Örs vezér tere metro station. Catch the H8 suburban train until the final stop, Gödöllő.

5.  Visegrád

A castle town on the edge of the Danube river, Visegrád is an ideal day trip destination from Budapest. Though you can get there pretty sharpish via train, if the weather is good and you have time on your hands then we strongly recommend the journey by boat. You’ll take in extraordinary sights as you sail along the Danube, including the beautiful village of Vác and the uninhabited islands along the river. When you reach Visegrád, head to its famous namesake castle to check out medieval performances, traditional weapons and even the odd jousting tournament. The Pálinka Museum is also worth a stop: it’s all about the history and production process of pálinka, the traditional Hungarian fruit spirit.

How far? 27 miles

Get there… Around 40 minutes by train from Budapest Nyugati railway station to Nagymaros-Visegrád.

6.  Prédikálószék lookout

Take Instagram-worthy photos of the Danube Bend from Prédikálószék, one of the prominent hills of the Pilis, the Prédikálószék, which translates to  ‘Preaching Chair’ . At 639 metres tall, this is the third highest point of the Visegrád Hills, and is one of the most famous viewpoints in all of Hungary. It’s very popular among hikers – and if you’re feeling up to it, you can go even higher by climbing an extra 12 metres to the lookout tower. From Budapest, catch the train to Dömös, from where popular hiking trails lead to this dizzyingly high destination.

How far? Just over 26 miles

Get there… Around 40 minutes from Batthyány tér metro station on the H5 suburban train to Szentendre, then the 50-minute 880 bus to Dömös. Start the hiking trail marked with the red triangle.

7.  Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum

The first open-air museum in the Hungarian countryside, Szentendre Skanzen opened its doors in 1967. It’s a large-scale display of folk architecture and the culture of traditional village life in Hungary. You can explore the nine areas of the museum by foot or by the Skanzen train, which leaves from the entrance.  You can also book in for a wine tasting or goulash cookery class, or  mooch around souvenir shops in each of the museum’s spaces. Once you’re done, indulge in some traditional Hungarian cuisine at the Skanzen restaurant or check out the variety of places to eat in the small town of Szentendre. Fancy staying the night? Skanzen even has its own hotel. Take note: the museum is closed throughout the winter and reopens in April.

How far? 13 miles

Get there… Around 40 minutes by train from Batthyány tér metro station. Catch the H5 suburban train to the final stop, Szentendre.

8.  Esztergom

See where two countries meet on the shores of the Danube at Esztergom: a Hungarian city connected to the Slovakian town of Štúrovo by the Maria Valeria Bridge. The Basilica of Esztergom, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, is well worth a visit. The city is also home to numerous museums: for treasures dating back to the ninth century, visit the Castle Museum; or to learn about all things water – from the history of navigation to the creation of soda water – visit the aptly named Danube Museum. And if you fancy crossing an international border on your day trip, it’s only a five-minute walk over to Slovakia for a beer.

How far? 25 miles

Get there…  One hour 30 minutes by train from Budapest Nyugati station to Esztergom.

9.  Mátrafüred

The picturesque village of Mátrafüred lies at the southern foot of the Mátra Mountains, and it takes less than two hours to get there from Budapest by train or bus. It’s a lovely day trip, but if you have time, stay for longer – there are several great hiking trails through forests in the region, and loads of lovely apartments and wellness hotels waiting to welcome you after a day in the great outdoors. If you want to discover more of the region, take the small railway from Mátrafüred to the town of Gyöngyös. Along the way, you can stop for a wine in the Mátra wine region and taste local whites and rosés.

How far? 52 miles

Get there… Around one hour 20 minutes by the Volán bus from Kacsóh Pongrác út bus stop. Take bus number 1045 and get off directly in Mátrafüred, or get the 1066 to Gyöngyös and change for the 3662 from there to Mátrafüred bus stop.

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6 of the best day trips from Budapest

Jan 24, 2023 • 7 min read

Experience more of Hungary on these top day trips from Budapest © NaPeter / Getty Images

Budapest  might offer two cities for the price of one – handsome Buda and fun-filled Pest – but you can taste more of Hungary  on a day trip.

Not far from the capital is the countryside, where wine cellars, cobbled country towns and historic, arty outposts by the Danube await. The area around Budapest is gorgeous all through the year , and once you've had your fill of history, art, wine and nature, you can always retreat back to Budapest's elegant thermal baths to soak in lavish style before supper.

These day trips from Budapest are easy by bus, train, car, or even boat, so pack your walking shoes and start exploring.

1. Delve into Hungarian history over a glass of wine in Eger

Travel time: 1½ hours

Northeast of Budapest, Eger Castle is legendary as the bastion that held out against the Turkish invasion, but the relics of the town's eventual Ottoman conquest, including a 40m-high (131ft) minaret and Turkish baths, still pepper Eger’ s baroque streets.

Apart from the legacy of the siege, Eger is known for its wine – most notably "Bull’s Blood," believed by the Turks to have given the Hungarians superhuman power in battle. Today, you can try Eger wines straight from the barrel in the Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszony-völgy Hétvége) on the outskirts of town, where wine cellars are carved into the bedrock of the surrounding hills.

If you have time, pay a visit to the city’s historic Lyceum , with its wood-clad baroque Archdiocesan Library  and its Great Tower, housing an astronomy museum filled with vintage instruments as well as a camera obscura overlooking the city.

How to get to Eger from Budapest: It takes 1½ hours to reach Eger from Budapest by car. Alternatively, trains run from Budapest's Budapest-Keleti station to Eger station, taking around two hours.

2. Wander the cobbled streets of arty Szentendre

Travel time: 40 minutes

As you stroll along  Szentendre ’s cobbled streets, with the 18th-century tower of Blagoveštenska Church  peering above the wine-red and sunset-yellow colored houses, you'll immediately understand why this handsome country town is the most popular day trip destination from Budapest. Szentendre sees visitors year-round, but aim to avoid weekends in high summer when the town can get really busy.

Szentendre had a thriving Serbian community back in the 18th century, and it became better known as an artists’ colony in the late 1920s. The town is still dotted with galleries, including the Margit Kovács Ceramic Collection and  Serbian Ecclesiastical Art Collection . More cultural encounters await at the open-air ethnographic museum on the outskirts of town, and the National Wine Museum , which traces the development of winemaking in Hungary from its earliest days and offers a wine tour with tastings.

How to get to Szentendre from Budapest: Szentendre is about a 40-minute drive north of Budapest, but it's just as fast to come by train. The H5 HÉV suburban train line runs here from Batthyány tér station in the center of Budapest. In summer months, boat services also run up the Danube to Szentendre.

3. Experience extravagance at the graceful Gödöllő Royal Palace

Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elizabeth, Gödöllő Royal Palace carries all the hallmarks of Habsburg extravagance. In the small town of Gödöllő, this many-winged baroque palace, accented with flecks of gold on the facade, houses a network of rooms decked out with upholstered silk in burgundy, turquoise, indigo and lavender. Too much? Not for the Habsburgs.

Golden chandeliers drip from stuccoed ceilings above velvet-covered chairs, Caucasian knotted carpets muffle the floors, and painted ceramic stoves are a reminder of how this lavish palace stayed warm during the icy Hungarian winter. The grounds stretch out into lawns surrounded by an arboretum of orderly trees, statues and botanical curiosities. Don’t miss the Baroque Theatre for a glimpse behind the scenes of a working 18th-century playhouse.

How to get to Gödöllő from Budapest : Gödöllő lies east of Budapest, 45 minutes away by car. Alternatively, take a direct train (40 minutes) from Budapest’s Budapest-Keleti station in the east of the city.

4. Feel the spiritual vibe of holy Esztergom

Travel time: 1 hour

Esztergom is Hungary’s most sacred city. The town’s enormous basilica , rising high above the town and the Danube River, is a striking sight, appearing unexpectedly in a stretch of green countryside. You might have to pinch yourself to be sure this is not some CGI special effect. 

But Esztergom’s appeal goes beyond its iconic domed church; there's also a former royal palace (now a museum) to explore. And, despite this being the seat of Roman Catholicism in Hungary for more than 1000 years, the town is home to a 400-year-old mosque (also now a museum) that visitors can nosy around.

For lunch or an afternoon coffee, Esztergom has a handful of great cafes – try the dramatic courtyard at Padlizsán or inventive Prímás Pince , in the cellars beneath the basilica. The town also boasts a dusting of good hotels and campsites, should you wish to stay the night.

How to get to Esztergom from Budapest: Esztergom is located northwest of Budapest. It takes about an hour to come by car, and 1 hour 20 minutes on the direct trains that run from Budapest-Nyugati station.

5. Spend the day at the lake in Balatonfüred

In summer, Lake Balaton (the largest lake in central Europe) is the go-to destination for Budapest citizens seeking a break from the city hustle. The elegant and historic resort town of Balatonfüred is an ideal taster for lake life, just a couple of hours’ train ride away from the capital.

The town was once frequented by artists, writers and scientists – you’ll find the names of illustrious past visitors inscribed on the placards embedded into the wall of the Pantheon , which overlooks  Gyógy tér , a leafy square with a natural spring at its center, dispensing slightly sulphuric, but drinkable, thermal water.

Balatonfüred remains a very popular resort, loved for its lakeside promenade, which meanders past yachts docked in the small marina with hazy views over to the Tihany peninsula in the distance. Make sure you take a boat trip around the lake from the jetty for the best views.

How to get to Balatonfüred from Budapest: Balatonfüred is southwest of Budapest, about 1½ hours away by car. Alternatively, some direct trains run from Kelenföld Railway Station in the south of Budapest to Balatonfüred in around two hours, or go to Lepsény (one hour), where you can catch a direct bus to Balatonfüred (one hour).

6. Hike the trail up to Visegrád castle

Visegrád is a small town on the Danube Bend  famous for its big views. An intense hike on a rocky woodland trail will take you up to the 13th-century citadel above town for dizzying views over this scenic kink in the Danube River, with the Börzsöny Hills beyond. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the City-Bus taxi van service from the ferry pier up to the castle.

Down in Visegrád town, go for a ramble around the romantic ruins of the handsome Renaissance palace , former seat of the warmongering king, Matthias, who ruled Hungary in the 15th century. Afterward, learn about how Hungary’s famous pálinka  (fruit brandy) is made – and how it tastes – in Visegrád’s small pálinka museum.

How to get to Visegrád from Budapest: Visegrád is located to the north of Budapest, just over an hour away by car. While you can come by bus from Újpest-Városkapu train station in Budapest (one hour and 15 minutes), it’s much more romantic to travel by boat up the Danube (one hour by hydrofoil, or three hours and 20 minutes by slow boat) from April to September. Another option is to take the train from Budapest-Nyugati station to Nagymaros-Visegrád (one hour) and then the hourly ferry across the river.

This article was first published Jun 8, 2019 and updated Jan 24, 2023.

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What's the best state for you », hungary will stay out of nato's 'crazy mission' to aid ukraine, foreign minister says.

Hungary Will Stay Out of NATO's 'Crazy Mission' to Aid Ukraine, Foreign Minister Says

FILE PHOTO: Hungary's Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto looks on during a press conference after a bilateral meeting at Eigtveds Pakhus in Copenhagen, Denmark, April 15, 2024. Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie Odgaard/via REUTERS/File Photo

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary will not participate in NATO's long-term plan to aid Ukraine, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, calling the plan a "crazy mission".

NATO allies agreed in April to initiate planning on long-term military support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion, through setting up a fund worth 100 billion euros ($107 billion).

Under the plans, NATO would take over some coordination work from a U.S.-led coalition known as the Ramstein group.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reiterated the government's earlier opposition to the plan.

"Hungary will stay out of NATO's crazy mission despite all the pressure," he told a Facebook-live event in London.

Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs, responding to NATO's initiative last month, said on X that Hungary would back no NATO proposals that "might draw the alliance closer to war or shift it from a defensive to an offensive coalition".

Relations between Budapest and NATO have soured because of Hungary's foot-dragging over the ratification of Sweden's NATO accession - finally passed by Budapest in March - and also over nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's warm ties with Moscow despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The U.S. envoy to Hungary said earlier that NATO allies are warning Hungary of the dangers of its "close and expanding" relationship with Russia and if this is Budapest's policy choice "we will have to decide how best to protect our security interests", David Pressman said.

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Ukraine war latest: Ukraine sacks commander amid fierce battles with Russian forces; Putin reshuffle 'may hint he is preparing for future confrontation with NATO'

Fierce fighting is taking place in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, with Moscow claiming to have seized nine border villages in the area. And in Moscow, Vladimir Putin has replaced a long-time ally. Submit your question on the war for our experts below.

Monday 13 May 2024 16:03, UK

• Big picture: Everything you need to know as war enters a new week
• Russia claims control of nine villages after shock advance
• Threat of fighting spreading, says Kharkiv governor | Commander sacked
• Moscow forces walked 'freely' across border, Ukrainian soldier claims
• Putin reshuffle indicates he may be preparing for future confrontation with NATO - analysts
• Eyewitness: Deborah Haynes reports from town 'flattened' in offensive
• Analysis:  Putin's 'baffling' reshuffle explained
• Who is Andrei Belousov, Putin's new pick for defence minister?

Ask a question or make a comment

That's all our coverage for what has been an important day on the battlefield and beyond.

If you're just checking in, here is a recap of the key developments that took place since this morning.

You can scan the key points above or scroll back through our posts to find out more details.

We'll be back tomorrow with more updates and analysis on the war in Ukraine.

• Russian forces claimed to have captured nine villages northeastern Ukraine, having opened a second front in the Kharkiv region on Friday;
• The governor of Kharkiv said there was a threat of fighting spreading to other settlements;
• The military commander for the Kharkiv region was sacked;
• Hundreds of people were evacuated from towns near the border;
• Ukraine said it thwarted Russian agents plotting to set off a series of bomb attacks in Kyiv and the Western city of Lviv;
• Russia's acting foreign minister said the country was prepared if the West wanted to fight for Ukraine on the battlefield;
• Analysts said Vladimir Putin's choice of defence minister indicated he was preparing Russia for a protracted war.

As fighting continues in northeastern Kharkiv, its governor has issued some updates.

Russian forces struck a farm in the town of Korotychy, killing a civilian and wounding three others, said Oleh Syniehubov.

Another attack on Liptsiy injured a 71-year-old woman, who was rushed to hospital, he said.

The regional defence council has ordered the mandatory evacuation of 113 orphans from three settlements, said Oleh Syniehubov.

Plans have been laid out to evacuate a total of 1,600 residents today.

Just 200 to 300 people remain in the embattled town of Vovchansk, he said, which had a population of 2,500 before the assault and 17,000 before the war.

Russian agents plotted to set off a series of bomb attacks in Kyiv and the Western city of Lviv, Ukraine says.

The prosecutor general's office said authorities arrested two military agents over plans to blow up markets and a site near a cafe in the capital, as well as a defence enterprise in Lviv, seizing 19 explosive devices.

Four of the bombs were intended for Kyiv on Thursday, the day when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

"According to the plan of the Russian special service, the explosives were supposed to detonate during the supermarkets' peak hours to cause maximum damage to the civilian population," the agency said.

'Disguised as tea boxes'

The explosives intended for the Kyiv builders' markets were disguised as packages of tea, while a bomb was placed in a car for the cafe, according to the SBU.

The Lviv attack was meant to happen last February, the SBU said.

An unidentified defence enterprise was the target, according to prosecutors.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Last week, the SBU said it had caught two agents within the state protection department plotting the assassination of Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.

The Ukrainian military says Russia has had a "partial success" near a village in northern Kharkiv.

But Ukrainian soldiers stopped Russian forces from moving further near Lukyantsi, the general staff said.

It said Russian troops have continued offensive actions, and Ukraine will build up its forces in the area depending on the situation.

Russia launched an incursion from the Belgorod region in Russia across the border into northern Kharkiv on Friday.

Analysts have warned it could stretch Ukrainian forces between two fronts, creating opportunities on the main frontline that Russia may exploit.

Echoing the analysis we featured earlier from the Insitute for the Study of War (see our 11.18am post), a senior Ukrainian official has said Vladimir Putin's reshuffle shows he wants to scale up the war effort.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said: "Russia is finally isolating itself and will try to scale up the war, expand its formats while reconfiguring the economy."

In a surprise move, Vladimir Putin sacked his defence minister of 12 years Sergei Shoigu and named economist Adrei Belousov as Mr Shoigu's successor.

The Institute for the Study of War said Mr Belousov, who has no military experience, will be charged with integrating the defence industrial base into wider domestic policy, further placing Russia on a war footing.

It suggests the Kremlin is preparing for a protracted conflict with Ukraine - or even possibly a future confrontation with NATO, the ISW said.

Approximately 40 miles from the fighting in northeastern Kharkiv, children in the region's namesake city are undertaking their first lessons at an underground school.

The classrooms - the first of their kind - are heavily fortified in an effort to allow some pupils to return to in-person teaching out of reach of Russia's bombs.

Kharkiv's schools have been forced to teach online throughout the war as some Russian missiles can reach the city in under a minute.

Metro stations are playing host to dozens of classrooms, while others have been welded together from layers of steel reinforcing wire and poured cement.

Russia has been increasingly carrying out off-road motorbike attacks under the cover of darkness, according to British intelligence.

Lighter, faster, all-terrain vehicles have highly likely been used since the start of this year to hit Ukrainian positions, transport personnel to the frontlines and conduct reconnaissance, the UK defence ministry has said.

It said Russia reportedly purchased 2,100 Chinese off-road vehicles named Desertcross 1000-3, some of which were personally inspected by Vladimir Putin in November.

"Since the start of 2024, Russia has highly likely increased its use of light vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorbikes, to transport personnel to the frontlines and conduct attacks on Ukrainian positions, particularly at night."

But the army has sacrificed armour and firepower for mobility, with light vehicles "far more vulnerable than their armoured counterparts", the UK MoD said.

Ukrainian drones have "already demonstrated their ability to effectively target" the vehicles, it added.

As we covered in some detail here earlier this year, Sweden dropped more than two centuries of historic neutrality by joining NATO.

The Baltic Sea, which includes maritime access to the Russian city of St Petersburg and the Kaliningrad enclave, is now almost surrounded by members of the alliance.

Today, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said Nordic and Baltic cooperation was "deeper than at any time in modern times", underpinned by increasing security threats from Russia.

He is hosting German chancellor Olaf Scholtz and the prime ministers of Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland in Stockholm, with security policy and NATO's July summit in Washington topping the agenda.

"We have long appreciated our neighbours, but at the same time underestimated the importance of concrete, operational cooperation," Mr Kristersson wrote in an op-ed in Swedish business paper Dagens Industri.

Meanwhile, the three Baltic prime ministers have been meeting in Lithuania to reaffirm that Moscow's intimidation is not going to dissuade them from supporting Ukraine.

Estonia's prime minister Kaja Kallas said that "Russia has also intensified the shadow war against all of European countries. It wants to really scare and intimidate the free world to scare us away from helping Ukraine".

"We shouldn't be scared," she added.

With a second front opening in the war and a surprise reshuffle in Vladimir Putin's cabinet, it's been an important week for the war in Ukraine.

Readers have been sending in their questions to our senior correspondents and military experts for their take on the changing battlefield environment.

Today, Jeanie asked:

Is Russia taking advantage and conducting an offensive in the border region due to the fact that several Western countries don't allow their weapons to be used on Russian soil?

Military analyst Sean Bell had this to say...

Thanks, Jeanie, for this very topical question.

Russia claims to have seized nine border settlements as part of a major offensive in the Kharkiv region. Although Ukraine has known for months that Russia was amassing military forces in the region - between 30,000 to 50 000 troops - the scale and ferocity of the attack appears to have caught Ukraine by surprise.

Although only Vladimir Putin and his senior military leadership will know the details of Russia's military strategy, most military analysts believe that Russia does not have the military resources to mount a significant and enduring second front without compromising the offensive in the Donbas - widely believed to be Russia's main effort.

However, Putin is well aware that Russia has a window of opportunity to capitalise on Ukraine's shortage of weapons, and by opening a second front, it forces Ukraine to spread its resources even more thinly, leaving Ukraine more vulnerable on the frontline in the Donbas.

Russia's military objectives for this new offensive appear to be to create a "buffer zone" to protect the Russian border town of Belgorod. This logistics hub for the Russian military effort is just within artillery range of Ukraine, and Putin has long promised to push the Ukrainian forces outside artillery range - around 30km. 

In addition, Russia wants to threaten Kharkiv, so it's pushing forward to enable its own artillery to be within range of this major Ukrainian city.

Moving large quantities of military personnel and equipment from the frontline cannot easily be done discreetly - which under normal circumstances would leave Russian forces vulnerable to Ukrainian attack. 

However, in an effort to limit the potential for escalation, the West has precluded the use of Western-provided weapons to target Russian forces on Russian territory. This significantly limits Ukraine's ability to target Russia's forces as they prepare for a fresh offensive.

However, although we can speculate on Putin's objectives, a battlefield is a dynamic environment, and Russia has considerable forces in reserve to capitalise on any momentum achieved during its current offensive.

Vladimir Putin's surprise choice of new defence minister Andrei Belousov has been speaking to a parliamentary committee as part of his confirmation process.

In his first public comments since being appointed to the post, he called for greater care for soldiers, including better access to housing, hospitals and welfare benefits. 

State media quoted him as saying there was too much bureaucracy surrounding the payment of benefits to military personnel. 

"I think it's a mess when participants in the special military operation who come back on holiday are driven from civilian medical institutions to hospitals which are often simply overcrowded. This issue needs to be resolved," Mr Belousov said.

The comments appeared to be aimed at demonstrating to members of the armed forces that he understands their concerns and will work to improve their conditions. 

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