Budapest is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We fell head over heels in love with it in the 3 days we visited. It was our first stop in our tour around Eastern Europe. The city was ranked as “the world’s second best city” by Condé Nast Traveler, and we can see why. It is full of romance, history, art, culture, delicious food, and fun-loving people. There are so many fun things to do in Budapest. Budapest has around 80 geothermal springs which makes it an incredible destination for a spa vacation (think girls trip or honeymoon destination). There is so much to see that we couldn’t possibly do it all in just 3 days, but we managed to visit the best tourist attractions in Budapest and got a great feel for this fantastic city. If you’re looking for recommendations for what to see in Budapest in 3 days, here are our picks of the best things do to in Budapest.

20 Best Things to Do in Budapest

1. Take a free walking tour

We recommend starting your visit to Budapest with a free walking tour to orient you to the city, get some advice on the best places to eat and drink (where the locals go), get a history lesson of this fascinating city, learn about Hungarian culture and the highlights of Budapest before going to explore them further on your own.

There are many companies that offer free walking tours, usually lasting 2.5 – 3 hours and covering several miles, but the #1 rated free walking tour is Free Budapest Walking Tours, which offers a morning and afternoon tour as well as a Communism and Jewish District walk which are also free.

We loved our guided tour which offered insider’s tips of the top sights in Budapest. Remember to tip your tour guide well since that is their only payment for the tour. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

2. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Budapest

We walked more than ever while discovering Budapest, but decided to try the Big Bus Tour to give our aching feet a rest. The buses are double decker with an open second level allowing unobstructed views of the city’s sights. You receive headphones to listen to a recorded commentary (available in 23 languages) that covers the history of Budapest and information about the important landmarks as you pass them, with music playing in between the sights.

You can hop off and on as many times as you would like, which allowed us to check out some of the sights that were farther away when we were tired of walking. The ticket also includes a night river cruise on the Danube (see more on that later), hop-on hop-off day river cruise, a night tour, and walking tours.

Check current prices here. You can also buy packages that include admission to a thermal spa and the Buda Castle Funicular for a slight discount. A bus tour is much more expensive than taking public transportation, but if you don’t have much time to explore the city and want an easy no-brainer way to see the best sights, a bus tour is a good option. We enjoyed our lazy afternoon cruising around the city with the sun shining down on us as we soaked in the sights of Budapest.

3. Wander around Buda Castle District

Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, can be seen from all over Budapest and is beautifully lit up at night. The castle was home to the Hungarian kings in Budapest after its completion in 1265, but today it is home to several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Musuem. Buda Castle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the castle district with its medieval, baroque, and 19th century houses, churches, and buildings. You can either explore on your own or take a guided tour like this one.

You can either walk up the many steps of Castle Hill or take the Funicular for a fee, both of which we did. The Funicular has long lines but is a fun little ride, while taking the steps will get your heart pumping and help you burn off your lunch. The steps up to Buda Castle have some gorgeous photo opportunities capturing the chain bridge, Danube, and Parliament, so even if you opt for the funicular, we recommend taking the steps on the way down.

4. Explore Fisherman’s Bastion for panoramic views of Budapest

Fisherman’s Bastion in the Castle District on the Buda side of Budapest was my favorite part of the city because it is so romantic and picturesque. We were fortunate enough to be staying at the Hilton right next to it, so had views of it from our room and over breakfast every morning. It is a terrace with 7 towers representing the 7 Magyar tribes that settled the area in 896. It takes its name from the guild of fishermen who defended the city walls during the Middle Ages.

It’s beautiful neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style makes it a great backdrop for stunning photos of Budapest. The terrace and towers offer a panoramic view of the Danube and Pest, including the famous Hungarian Parliament. There’s a restaurant and cafe inside the Bastion which could quite possibly be the best lunch views in Budapest.

Bertaut had fun flying his drone from the steps of Fisherman’s Bastion. Check out his video here. We took so many photos in this picturesque area, which reminded me of a Disney castle on a hill with a stunning view.

5. Visit Matthias Church

Matthias Church is next to Fisherman’s Bastion in the historic Buda’s Castle District and cannot be missed. Its dramatic Gothic architecture from the 14th century (which was restored in the 19th century) is a must-see, especially its colorful tiled roof and gargoyles.

There is a small admission fee to enter the church, but make sure to go inside because the colorful interior is amazing. The church is home to an art museum with sacred relics, medieval stone carvings, and replicas of the Hungarian royal crown and jewels. History buffs will enjoy learning its fascinating history. The church served as a mosque during 150 years of Turkish invasion and was the venue for the coronation of the last two Hungarian Habsburg kings.

6. Soak in thermal baths at Szechenyi Spa

Budapest is known as a spa town, so you absolutely have to visit at least one thermal bath while there. I personally would love to return to Budapest for a spa vacation and visit as many as possible. Szechenyi Spa is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and is supplied by two thermal springs full of minerals that ail illnesses and are blissfully relaxing.

The complex in City Park opened in 1913 and has 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools with temperatures ranging from 18 to 40 degrees Celsius, as well as steam rooms and saunas. You can also pay extra fees for massages, pedicures, and solarium. The spa is popular with both tourists and locals and is the most well-known spa in Budapest, where people can play chess in the outdoor pool while soaking in the thermal bath.

It was a popular hang-out for young adults to socialize, drink Hungarian beer, and relax. It costs between $15-20 for all day admission depending on whether you rent a locker or cabin, and if it is weekend or weekday. This is a bargain compared to spas in the United States and well worth the cost, especially if you plan to spend the day there. You can also just pay a visitor fee of about $5 to explore the spa and take photos without getting in the thermal baths, which is a good option if you are having a hard time deciding on which one to visit. Read our post about our visit to Szechenyi and Gellert thermal baths. Buy skip-the-line tickets to Szechenyi Spa here.

7. Spend a day relaxing at Gellert Spa

We had a hard time choosing which spa to visit, so we went to two, and Gellert was our favorite because it was less crowded and we found it even more beautiful than Szechenyi. Gellert Spa opened in 1918 and is located inside the Gellert Hotel on the Pest side and contains thermal water from Gellert Hill’s mineral hot springs.

Gellert Thermal Spa is famous for its Art-Nouveau main hall with a glass roof and gorgeous blue mosaic tiles. It is comprised of 12 pools including an outdoor swimming pool with waves every half hour, an effervescent bath, saunas, plunge pools, and thermal baths of temperatures between 19-40 degrees celsius.

It is slightly more expensive with prices ranging from $18-20, and will charge extra for towel and swimming cap rentals so make sure to bring your own. We spent several hours relaxing in the various thermal baths and had a blast taking photos of the gorgeous facility. Buy tickets here including hotel pickup.

8. Walk across Szechenyi Chain Bridge

Budapest’s famous Chain Bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Buda and Pest, crossing the Danube River. It is a symbol of Budapest and you cannot visit the city without seeing it.  We recommend that you walk across it at night when it is lit up and you can get fantastic photos of Hungarian Parliament lit up beautifully. You will also want to get a photo of the giant stone lions at both ends of the bridge.

9. See Hungarian Parliament

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is well-known for its famous landmark- Hungarian Parliament, which is the largest building in Hungary and ties with St. Stephen’s Basilica as one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest. It was built in Gothic Revival style and its facade has statues of Hungarian rulers and military figures, as well as coats of arms. It houses two parliament halls, one of which is used for politics and the other for guided tours. Book a guided tour here.

It overlooks the Danube and glows magnificently at night, which makes for stunning photos from the Pest side or river cruises. We only saw it from the outside since we didn’t arrange a guided tour in advance, but would love to return one day to see the inside, which houses the Holy Crown of Hungary.

10. Walk along the Danube and see the Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial

When you are visiting Parliament, just a few steps away is the memorial Shoes on the Danube Bank to honor the Hungarians killed (mostly Budapest Jews) during World War II. They were ordered to take off their shoes and were shot at the edge of the Danube so that their bodies would fall into the river and be carried away. The somber memorial represents their shoes left behind, which included small children’s shoes. Take a few moments to reflect at this simple yet poignant memorial.

11. Take a romantic Night River Cruise on the Danube

We enjoyed a night river cruise on the Danube as part of our ticket for the Big Bus Tour of Budapest. There’s something about being on a river cruise that is so romantic, which was perfect for our anniversary celebration. It was great to see the landmarks of Budapest lit up at night and glowing from the Danube. Book a river cruise with dinner here.

12. Go up Gellert Hill and see the Freedom Statue

Take a bus or walk up Gellert Hill to see the Freedom Statue, also known as Liberty Statue, for breathtaking views of the city. Freedom Statue was first erected in 1947 in remembrance of the Soviet liberation of Hungary from Nazi forces during World War II. Today it commemorates all those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary.

It can be seen from all over Budapest and consists of a figure holding a palm leaf and several smaller statues around the base. Bertaut even flew his drone up there and was amazed at how laid back Hungarians are since everyone he asked said it wasn’t a problem to fly his drone around the city.

13. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica can be seen from all over the city with its 96 meter height (tied with Parliament) to symbolize that worldly and spiritual thinking have equal importance. Budapest regulations dictate that no building can be taller than 96 meters. This Roman Catholic Basilica was named after the the first King of Hungary and houses his “incorruptible” right hand on display. We unfortunately did not get to see this hand because there was a wedding taking place inside the Basilica when we visited, so we were only able to see a small area inside.

The basilica’s new-classical architecture includes two large bell towers, one of which is Hungary’s biggest bell. Visitors can access the dome for a panoramic view of Budapest. Choral and classical music concerts take place inside the Basilica. Book tickets for an organ concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica here.

14. See Millenium Monument in Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Momument is a famous landmark of Budapest with statues of the Seven Chieftans of the Magyars, important Hungarian leaders, and the symbolic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The monument is dedicated “To the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of our people and our national independence.”

The top of the column depicts Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross. It is next to City Park and holds the Musuem of Fine Arts and the Mucsarnok. If you are planning to visit Szechenyi Bath, it is very closeby, so it makes sense to see both and capture some great photos.

15. Stroll around City Park and explore Vajdahunyad Castle

Next to Heroes’ Square is City Park, the largest park in Budapest. There you will find Vajdahunyad Castle, a replica of a Transylvania castle that was built to show the various architectural styles of Hungary, including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. This castle that looks like it is from a fairytale houses the Musuem of Hungarian Agriculture.

We did not visit the museum but enjoyed walking around the castle and taking photos of its ornate exterior, which changed considerably due to the different time periods during which it was constructed. In the courtyard you will find a statue of Anonymous, the nameless medieval chronicler to King Bela, whose work is main source of information on Hungarian history through the Middle Ages. The lake surrounding the castle offers boat rides in the summer and turns into an ice skating rink in the winter.

16. See an opera for $2 at the Hungarian State Opera House

We were hoping to see the opera since Budapest’s neo-Renaissance Opera House is considered to be amongst the finest opera houses in the world for its beauty and quality of acoustics. Amazingly tickets can cost as little as a few dollars. Unfortunately a musical that didn’t appeal much to us was playing while we were in town, so we just went inside to check it out. The opera house offers paid guided tours but we just took a quick peek on our way along Andrassy Avenue, a historic boulevard which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

17. Eat langos and shop for souvenirs at the Great Market Hall

Budapest’s Great Market Hall is an indoor market where merchants sell everything from paprika to traditional Hungarian dolls. If you’ve visiting Budapest with kids, they’ll love shopping for souvenirs here. We did some shopping and then tried a Hungarian speciality called langos, which was recommended by our walking tour guide.

Langos consists of deep fried flatbread smothered in sour cream, garlic and cheese. You can add toppings like you would for a pizza, such as vegetables, ham, and sausage. We tried one with mushrooms and ham. It was delicious but much greasier than the food we normally eat, and surely had enough calories for the entire day. Nonetheless, you can’t leave Budapest without tasting it for yourself.

18. Have coffee or lunch at New York Cafe – “The most beautiful cafe in the world” 

Budapest has many beloved cafes, but the New York Cafe is unlike any other we’ve ever visited with its lavish decor, touches of gold, 19th century frescoes, and Venetian lamp shades diffusing a soft glow across the magnificent cafe. We felt like we stepped back in time when we entered this elegant cafe reminiscent of the Belle Époque.

We could imagine famous writers and actors sipping their coffee here at the turn of the 20th century. We decided to have lunch rather than just a cup of coffee to have more time to enjoy the romantic ambience and live piano music next to our table. We had steak and chicken paprikosh and were not disappointed. The food was somewhat overpriced for Budapest, but you are paying for the atmosphere. We spent about 50 euros for 2 main courses, which is still very reasonable considering the atmosphere and quality of food.

19. Dine at a pop-up restaurant in a Hungarian’s home

We relied on TripAdvisor for dining recommendations, and the #1 restaurant in Budapest at the time of our vacation was Eat & Meet. For only 35 euros this unique dining experience takes you into the home of a Hungarian family for traditional Hungarian food and wine while dining with other guests from around the world.

Suzie hosted the dinner in her parent’s garden in the suburbs of Budapest and explained each dish and wine that was served while encouraging guests to mingle. Her mom prepared the homemade and home-grown food and her father generously poured the drinks. We started off with aperitifs of homemade palenka and then enjoyed a delicious 3 course dinner paired with different wines for each course. We loved having the opportunity to share travel stories with our fellow guests who had come from Spain, England, Canada, and the United States. It was a night to remember and the best food we ate in Budapest.

20. Go out drinking with locals at a ruin pub

We had the fortune of visiting Budapest while some of our Hungarian friends who live in the United States were also visiting. They took us out drinking at some local hot spots and this is where my memory of the night gets foggy. I do remember that we had a blast drinking beer and cocktails at an outdoor bar and then another one and then…well we called it quits on our way to the 3rd bar as we clearly couldn’t keep up. I think jet lag was partially to blame since this happened on our first night in Budapest, but I think they could also drink us under the table.

Make sure to visit a ruin bar in Budapest, the trendiest way to drink in this amazing city. The most famous and original ruin pub in Budapest is Szimpla Kert in the Jewish Quarter where you can enjoy music in a chilled atmosphere with graffiti, art, and interesting decor. Book this all-you-can-drink guided bar crawl to 4 of Budapest’s ruin pubs which is surely one of the best things to do in Budapest at night.

Now you have 20 reasons to visit Budapest, so we hope you have added this wonderful city to your bucket list. For even more ideas about what to see and do, check out this article about unusual things to do in Budapest. If you are wondering where to stay in Budapest, check out our review of Hilton Budapest.  It’s in the heart of the historic Castle District and offers amazing views of the city. What else do you recommend seeing or doing in Budapest? We loved this city so much that we would love to return someday and have more time to explore its treasures. If you liked this post, please share it and pin it for later.

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