So you're planning a trip to Budapest and wondering what to visit in Budapest? Let me tell you, this city grabbed me the moment I crossed Chain Bridge at sunset. I moved here three years ago thinking it'd be temporary, but the thermal baths and ruin bars got under my skin. What you'll find here isn't some generic listicle - it's the real deal from someone who's gotten lost in every district.
Essential Landmarks You Can't Miss
If it's your first time figuring out what to visit in Budapest, these iconic spots are non-negotiable:
Buda Castle District
Sitting high on Castle Hill, this UNESCO site almost disappointed me at first glance. The exterior feels a bit sterile, but wait till you see the views from Matthias Church. Pro tip: take the funicular up but walk down through the old cobblestone streets.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Courtyard: 24/7 | Museums: 10am-6pm Tue-Sun |
| Entrance Fee | Courtyard free | National Gallery: 3200 HUF ($9) |
| Getting There | Funicular from Clark Ádám Square (1500 HUF) or Bus #16 |
Parliament Building
That first time seeing Parliament lit up at night? Chills. Book tickets weeks ahead though - last summer I watched tourists get turned away daily. The crown jewels alone justify the hassle.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tours | Daily 8am-4pm (English tours hourly) |
| Cost | Non-EU: 10,000 HUF ($28) | EU: 5,000 HUF |
| Duration | 45 minutes (security takes another 20) |
Honestly? Fisherman's Bastion is overrated during midday. Go at dawn before the tour buses arrive - that's when my Budapest photos went from postcard to portfolio. The towers charge admission now (1000 HUF) but the lower terraces remain free.
Thermal Bath Experiences
You haven't truly experienced what to visit in Budapest until you've soaked in mineral waters. Not all baths are created equal though:
| Bath | Atmosphere | Best For | Price | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Széchenyi | Grand, social | First-timers, parties | 6,900 HUF ($19) | Skip weekends - becomes a frat pool |
| Gellért | Art Nouveau elegance | Architecture lovers | 8,500 HUF ($24) | Worth the splurge for the mosaic ceilings |
| Rudas | Ottoman-era | Authentic experience | Weekdays: 5,900 HUF ($17) | Historic dome pool worth visiting places in Budapest |
I learned the hard way: bring flip-flops (those tiles get scalding) and watch your valuables. My friend lost her locker key at Széchenyi and staff took 2 hours to help - pack patience with your swimsuit.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
Once you've ticked off places to visit in Budapest's main sights, dive deeper:
Ruin Bars
Szimpla Kert started the trend but honestly? It's become Disneyland. For actual local vibes:
- Instant-Fogasház (Akácfa utca 49-51): Seven buildings connected like a surreal maze
- Mika Tivadar (Kazinczy u. 47): Cozy courtyard with board games and craft beer
- Anker't (Paulay Ede u. 33): Skip weekends - Thursday jazz nights are magic
My ruin bar confession? The drinks aren't amazing. But sipping cheap wine ($3/glass) in a crumbling courtyard filled with Soviet memorabilia? That's the Budapest magic.
Local hack: For cheaper thermal baths, try Paskál Bath in outer Buda. No tourists, just Hungarians playing chess in the water. 2,800 HUF ($8) entry.
Practical Budapest Tips
Deciding what to visit in Budapest involves logistics too:
Transportation Reality Check
- Must know Validate tickets! Inspectors wait near popular attractions
- 72-hour travel card: 5,500 HUF ($15) - worth it if taking 4+ trips daily
- Bolt app (like Uber) works great when legs give out after castle climbing
Food Costs & Must-Tries
| Item | Average Cost | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Goulash Soup | 1,800 HUF ($5) | Belvarosi Disznotoros (best with bread) |
| Chimney Cake | 1,200 HUF ($3.50) | Street stalls near Vaci utca |
| Dinner at Mid-range | 4,000-7,000 HUF ($11-20) | Menza or Rosenstein for authentic |
Avoid restaurants with laminated menus near Chain Bridge - tourist traps serving reheated goulash. Instead, head to the Jewish Quarter for places like Kispiac where locals actually eat.
FAQs About What to Visit in Budapest
How many days do I need?
Three full days minimum. Less is criminal - I met someone who did a day trip and still feel offended.
Is Budapest expensive?
Eastern Europe on steroids - you can feast for $10 or blow $100 on cocktails. Parliament tour aside, most attractions stay under $15.
Best area to stay?
District V (downtown) for first-timers, District VII for nightlife lovers. Avoid outer districts unless you speak Hungarian.
What about safety?
Safer than most capitals but watch for:
- Pickpockets on Tram #2 (tourist hotspot)
- Currency exchange scams - only use official offices
- Overcharging taxis (use Bolt app instead)
Seasonal Considerations
Timing affects what to visit in Budapest:
| Season | Pros | Cons | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Long days, festivals | Crowds, heat, higher prices | Book baths early morning |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Christmas markets, thermal steam | Short daylight, attractions close early | Thermal baths become magical in snow |
| Shoulder (Apr-May/Sep-Oct) | Mild weather, fewer people | Unpredictable rain | My favorite Budapest experience period |
That Christmas market near St. Stephen’s Basilica? Magical but jam-packed. Go on weekday mornings or risk getting elbowed by mulled wine seekers.
Hidden Neighborhood Gems
Beyond the main sites to visit in Budapest:
District VIII - Josefváros
Gentrifying fast but still raw. Street art murals at Teleki Square and the best lángos at Vas Manufaktura bakery. Daytime only though - gets sketchy after dark.
Millenáris Park
West of Castle Hill where Budapesters actually relax. Free outdoor concerts in summer and an ice rink in winter. Perfect picnic spot when you're templed-out.
Flippermúzeum
My favorite rainy day spot - 130 vintage pinball machines (1950s-1990s). Pay 3,500 HUF ($10) and play all day. Hidden behind unmarked doors at Radnóti Miklós u. 18.
Underrated view alert: Instead of Fisherman's Bastion crowds, hike up to Elizabeth Lookout on János Hill. Panoramic city views with zero tourists. Take bus #155 from Kolosy tér.
Final Thoughts
When figuring out what to visit in Budapest, remember it's not about ticking boxes. Some of my best memories? Getting lost in the Great Market Hall's paprika stalls, stumbling upon folk dancers at Margit Island, and that time I accidentally joined a Hungarian wedding party at a ruin bar. Give yourself permission to wander - this city rewards curiosity.
One last tip: Carry cash. So many places still don't take cards, unlike what travel blogs claim. And that amazing strudel place I found in Óbuda? Cash only, naturally.