Budapest has quickly become one of Europe’s top destinations for a city break over the years, mostly due to its quirky bars and incredible landmarks. Hungary’s capital is a firm rival to other major cities such as Paris and Berlin, offering lots to those seeking luxury spa experiences and unforgettable nights out.
Whether you’ve chosen to spend a few days here or longer, our comprehensive guide will take you through exactly what you should see and do in Budapest for an unforgettable getaway.
Relax in the Széchenyi Baths
No trip to Budapest would be complete without a dip in the healing thermal waters of the Széchenyi Baths. They are the perfect way of unwinding after a long day of exploring the city. You have plenty of pools to choose from, too, with 15 indoor and three outdoor pools, ranging from 18°C to 40°C, providing comfort even during the cold winter months.
All of the pools are open to all guests and are mixed gender (children under 14 should avoid the thermal pools), with swimwear required at all times, including in the steam rooms and saunas. A swim cap is also a must if you choose to use the swimming pool to do laps.
Booking well in advance is highly recommended, and you’ll be able to skip the queues with a Fast Track QR code. You may simply opt for a locker ticket (~13,200 HUF to ~14,800 HUF), but a cabin is the more luxe option (~14,200 HUF to ~15,800 HUF), allowing you to get changed in private and store your belongings safely – you can then access this through the use of your magnetic wristband.
Suitable footwear, such as slippers and flip-flops, is mandatory when walking around the baths, but you can purchase these at the shop along with towels and swim caps.
If you’re someone who prefers a quieter environment, aim to arrive in the morning before 8:00 a.m. The late afternoon is when things become a little busier, but the lighting begins to improve for those Insta-worthy snaps. On Saturday nights, the baths host a spa-party (Sparty), filled with lights and a live DJ, with tickets starting at around €96 or ~34,700 HUF.
Visit Buda Castle
Buda Castle is a UNESCO-listed complex that features palaces and museums, with stunning views across the Danube River. While originally built in the 13th century, the complex that you can see for yourself in 2026 was actually built between 1749 and 1769. Here, you’ll find an incomparable collection of churches, courtyards, museums, art and more.
Make your way to the castle via the Buda Castle Funicular, which you can catch from Clark Ádám Square one-way for 4,500 HUF, or you can walk using the paths (bear in mind it is quite steep) or by taking the 16 bus from Deák Ferenc Square to the castle District. While it’s free to visit all day, every day, the museums are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and do require tickets. Time your trip right to see the changing of the guard, which usually takes place on the hour every hour in front of Sándor Palace, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Attractions to Explore:
Hungarian National Gallery – Home to one of the best collections of fine art in Hungary, from all the way back to the 10th century up to the present day, including pieces like Picnic in May and Women of Eger.
St. Stephen’s Hall – One of the most important rooms of the Palace of Buda Castle, located on the southern wing. It features a pyrogranite fireplace with a bust of King Stephen, parquet flooring, curtains woven with gold thread, and walnut-panelled walls – it truly is a masterpiece. Guided or tablet tours are recommended for the best experience.
Budapest History Museum – The museum provides an insight into Budapest’s 2000-year history from prehistoric times to modern day. You can walk around the basement levels and see the Royal Chapel and discover the collection of Gothic sculptures from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Take a Boat Tour Across the Danube
Budapest transforms on an evening with bright lights illuminating the city’s landmarks, including Buda Castle and the Parliament Building. And what better way to see these than on a luxury boat tour over the Danube?
You’ll find the best cruises in Budapest on the Pest side in between Elizabeth Bridge and Chain Bridge, from providers like Legenda City Cruises and Silverline Cruises. Your choice of ticket will largely depend on whether you want a candlelit dinner with a live band or simply wish to cosy up on the boat with a glass of Prosecco, but tickets start at as little as €12 up to €130.
Aim to book a cruise during sunset, at around 7 p.m., and arrive with at least 30 minutes left until your departure. When heading north, from Pest to Buda, sit on the left side of the boat to see Parliament in all its glory, before moving over to the right on the way back to take the perfect picture of Fisherman’s Bastion and the castle.
Walk Around the Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Budapest typically run from the middle of November to late December each year and have consistently ranked highly among the best throughout the whole of Europe, being awarded the top spot in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
The market in St. Stephen’s Square, Advent Basilica, is where the magic happens. Pass by stalls selling hand-painted ceramics from the Herend traditions and handmade chocolate before sitting at one of the benches for some traditional Hungarian street food.
Must-Try Dishes Include:
Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) – A sweet dough baked in an oven or over charcoal until it begins to caramelise, where it is then rolled in walnuts or cinnamon.
Lángos – A savoury, deep-fried dough that is usually topped with sour cream and cheese or garlic.
Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposzta) – Pickled cabbage leaves filled with rice and minced meat, usually pork, and served with sour cream.
Mulled Wine – A Christmas staple, made from red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and slices of orange. You’ll also find white wine varieties on certain stalls.
Other highlights of the markets include a free ice-skating rink by the large Christmas tree, and a 3D light show projected onto the Basilica, which usually occurs every thirty minutes in the evening. There are also other markets located on Vörösmarty Square and Fő tér.
While many vendors will allow you to pay using card or contactless, like many central European countries, cash is king, particularly at smaller stalls. Plan your visit during a weekday morning or early afternoon to beat the crowds, since the square can become very busy.
Head Out for Traditional Hungarian Food and Drinks
If you’ve never tried Hungarian food before, you’re in for a treat. The country is well-known for its hearty dishes, centred around paprika, sour cream, stews, and fermented vegetables. While you can sample these in most eateries in and around Buda and Pest, there are plenty of other options, including Austro-Hungarian and Asian fusion.
Best Places to Eat in Budapest:
Stand25 Bisztró – A modern, high-end bistro founded by Michelin-starred chefs Szulló Szabina and Széll Tamás. Only a short distance from Chain Bridge, you can expect local dishes such as Goulash and lángos, along with high-quality plates like brassói styled pork and zander fillet – all of which can be paired with their list of Hungarian wines.
Mazel Tov – In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find a high-ceilinged courtyard with cosy fair lights and live jazz music. An ideal date night spot, you have a carefully crafted list of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Israeli dishes to choose from, such as shakshuka, slow-cooked lamb stew, sous-vide chicken breast, and shawarma.
Gundel – One of those places where the elite dine, Gundel is the place for Hungarian gastronomy. The interior features gold leaf and dark wood, almost allowing you to step back in time to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Top choices from the dinner menu are the smoked citrus Tahi trout, Bakony style fillet of beef, venison loin, and Gundel crêpe (a walnut-filled crepe flamed with chocolate sauce.
Pest-Buda Bistro – A cosy and homemade restaurant, but with a high-end finish, the bistro uses traditional family recipes to its advantage. Their chicken paprikash (tender chicken in a creamy sauce heavily seasoned with paprika and served with noodles) is often cited as being among the best in the city.
Budapest is also highly regarded for its variety of nightlife – particularly its ruin bars. What were previously old warehouse buildings are now vibrant, trendy pubs with bright neon lights and quirky cocktail menus. While you may hear people refer to them as dive bars, this is far from the truth.
Best Places to Drink in Budapest:
Szimpla Kert – The pioneer of the scene and one of the city’s most popular spots, Szimpla Kert houses contemporary art and lounges for the perfect evening to chat the night away with your group or other friendly travellers. While you can order a range of local beers, a shot of the national herb liqueur, Unicum, is a must.
High Note SkyBar – A more sophisticated bar on the top of the Aria Hotel, adjacent to the dome of the Basilica. You can sip on local wines like Furmint while taking in the panoramic views of the cathedral.
Boutiq Bar – An award-winning cocktail bar in the heart of the city, serving Avante-garde infusions from Negronis to the Budapest Barbecue, which is served along with a toasted marshmallow. It’s one of those places where the bartender tells you exactly what drink you should be ordering.
Take the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus
Budapest’s hop-on, hop-off bus (HOHO) is one of the easiest ways to explore the main parts of the city in a short space of time, making it ideal for those spending the weekend here.
The main operators for the buses are Giraffe Hop On Hop Off, City Sightseeing, and Big Bus Tours, with tickets for adults usually costing around €35 for the day (but you can also buy 2-day or 3-day passes). Just make sure to hold onto your ticket, otherwise you’ll have to purchase another.
You can board the buses or shuttles at any marked stop; all you need to do is show your printed or digital ticket to the designated staff member. They typically run every 15-30 minutes, but this will depend on when you visit. It’s worth noting, though, that there may be large queues during peak hours like 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., so you may need to wait for a later ride.
Top Sights to See Along the Way:
St. Stephen’s Basilica – The tallest building in the city and the best place to get a bird’s eye view. It’s also home to the hand of the country’s first king.
Parliament – The third-largest parliament building in the entire world, which contains the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
Heroes’ Square – A huge open space with statues of Hungary’s founding leaders and the gateway to City Park.
Buda Castle – The best place to learn more about the city and includes landmarks like the Royal Palace and Matthias Church.
Gellért Hill – The best place in Budapest for photos, it provides a beautiful backdrop of the Danube Bridges.
Margaret Island – A charming green space in the middle of the river, with Japanese gardens and a musical fountain.