Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is one of the most beautiful and popular cities in Eastern Europe. Known as the City of Spas for having more thermal baths than anywhere else in the world, it is a must visit whether on its own or as part of a wider European tour including cities such like Vienna and Bratislava. The Danube river flows through the city and divides it in two halves, Buda on the west side, and Pest on the east. A true gem in the heart of Europe, Budapest impresses visitors all year round, although spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. A 3-4 day trip is ideal to visit Budapest. To help you plan your visit, this webpage is organised into several sections:
- Hotels – Where to stay for your convenience and comfort;
- Main Tourist Attractions – Must-see sights and local favourites;
- Getting around Budapest – Tips on transport options around Budapest;
- Budapest Card – A card which will provide free public transport and free entry/discounts to some key attractions.
- 4-Day itinerary – A detailed plan to make the most of your trip.
Hotels
The best place to stay in Budapest is undoubtebly District V, which includes the neighbouthoods of Lipótváros and Belváros. Both areas are close to many of the city’s main sights of Budapest. Lipótváros is slightly further from the very centree, but is well connected by public transport. My personal hotel recommendation in this area is City Ring Hotel, located within walking distance of Margit Bridge, which links the Pest side with both Buda and the island of Margit-sziget. It is also conveniently close to Budapest-Nyugati train and metro station.
If you prefer to stay in the Belváros neighbourhood, then there are several great hotels to coonsider, such as InterContinental Budapest and Hotel Rum Budapest.
Main Tourist Attractions
Budapest is packed with some amazing landmarks and stunning highlights. Here are the top attractions which shouldn’t be missed during your visit. To help you make the most of your visit, we have grouped the top attractions into different categories based on their location, making it easier to plan your days and explore the city efficiently.
Buda
- Fisherman’s Bastion – This beautiful architectural masterpiece offers stunning panoramic views of the Danube River and Pest side, with multiple photo opportunities thanks to its fairytale like design. The lower terrace is free to access, while the upper terraces require an entry ticket between 9 am and 9 pm. Admission is HUF 1500 (around €4).
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- Matthias Church – This unique church found atop of Buda castle hill, it contains stunning architecture and gorgeous interior. It is also known as the church of Our Lady of Buda Castle. The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, on Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm, and on Sunday from 1 am to 5 pm. Admission is HUF 2,900 (around €8).
- Buda Castle – The stunning castle is one of the Budapest’s main landmarks and definitely worth a visit. The open air courts and courtyards are free to enter at any time, except during festivals. Inside the castle’s complex, you’ll find several important attractions, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and St. Stephen’s Hall Museum.
- Hungarian National Gallery – Hungary’s most important art museum, it showcases an extensive collection of Hungarian art from the middle ages to modern time. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. General Admission is HUF 5400 (around €14), with the reduced admission being HUF 2700 (around €7), and they can be purchased directly on their website.
- Budapest History Museum. This Museum highlights the 2000 year history of the city, including times when Buda and Pest were still separate cities. This museum is a must visit for both history enthusiasts, and also casual tourists. Opening hours are daily from 10 am to 6 pm. General admission is HUF 3800 (around €10), with the reduced admission being HUF 1900 (around €5).
- St. Stephen’s Hall – One of the most beautiful halls in the Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Hall was rebuilt in 2021, and is a wonderful stop when exploring the castle. Tickets for St. Stephen’s Hall can be purchased as a combined ticket with the Budapest History Museum, with general admission for this combined ticket being HUF 5900 (around €15.50), with the reduced admission being HUF 2950 (around €7.75). An individual ticket can also be purchased, and this includes a handheld audio visual guide device, and general admission is HUF 4900 (around €13), with the reduced admission being HUF 2450 (around €6.50). For more ticket information, check out the official website.
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- Gellért Hill – This lush green space offers breathtaking city views from the top of hill and Citadel. At the front of the Citadel stands a large female statue, the Szabadság szobor, which commemorates Hungary’s liberation from Nazi rule.
Pest
- Hungarian Parliament – This amazing building on the banks of the Danube is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. It is especially magical at night when it is fully illuminated. One can also visit the interior by using a guided tour ticket. Admission can be purchased from the official website, and it is important to purchase the tickets based on your desired time of , as the tours often sell out, or they might be unavailable due to parliament being in session.
- Shoes on the Danube – This Holocaust memorial commemorates the thousands of people, mainly being Hungarian Jews, who, in the winter of 1944-45 were forced by the Arrow Cross militia to remove their shoes, lined up on the banks of the Danube, and shot, with their bodies dumped into the river. Today, 60 cast iron shoes sit on the Pest enbankment, serving as a stark and silent tribute to the victims. Many visitors come here to pay their respects and remember those who fell during this tragic period.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica – The largest church in Budapest and third largest in Hungary, this Neo-classical masterpiece features stunning interiors and impressive architecture. Opening hours for the church hall are from Monday to Saturdays from 9 am to 5:45 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 5:45 pm. The panoramic terrace and treasury are open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased through the official website, with various ticket options available depending on whether you want to visit the terrace, treasurt, or attend a concert.
Thermal Baths
As previously mentioned, Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. Visiting at least one of these historic baths is highly recommended, as they offer a unique combination of relaxation, culture, and history.
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- Széchenyi Thermal Baths – One of the largest and most famous spa baths in Europe, Széchenyi offers a vast complex of 3 grand outdoor pools and 15 indoor baths, along with saunas, steam rooms, and wellness/spa services. Housed in a grand, historic building, hte baths combine relaxing thermal-spring experience with elegant architecture. Located within City Park, it is a perfect way to relax and unwind. Ticket options vary depending on whether you want a private changing room or locker, with choices available for fast track entry or standard admission. For up to date pricing and ticket purchases, it is ideal to check the official website.
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- Rudas Thermal Bath – A historic Turkish bath dating back to the 16th century, Rudas is one of Budapest’s most iconic spas. Its main highlight is the rooftop panorama pool, offering breathtaking views of the Danube river, Parliament and famous bridges. Inside, the traditional octagonal thermal pool and atmospheric domed hall provided a unique medieval bathing experience. Rudas also offer late night bathing on selected days, where the Spa also opens from 10 pm to 3 am, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautifully illuminated city from its rooftop pool. For the various ticket options available to purchase admission, visit the official website.
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- Lukács Thermal Baths – A slightly cheaper alternative to the more famous baths, Lukács is located close to Margaret Island and is known for its healing thermal waters. The complex includes unique facilities such as Himalayan salt room and a weight Bath, in addition to its indoor and outdoor pools. Tickets are available through the official website.
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- Palatinus Strand Baths – These thermal baths found on Margit-sziget also features some water slides, ideal for the summer months. Tickets are available through the official website.
City Park
City Park, locally known as Városliget, is a large green space in the heart of Budapest. It is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a day out, and is home to several of the city’s notable attractions. Among them is the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of Budapest’s most popular and historic spa complexes.
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- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden – Located within City Park, the zoo is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, rhinoceroses, wallabies, and giraffes. It also features beautifully maintained botanical gardens. Opening hours are daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Adult admission is HUF 5500 (around €14.50), whilst tickets for children cost HUF 3900 (around €10.25). These can be purchased online from the official website, or even at the gate.
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- Heroes’ Square – Located at the entrance of City Park, this iconic square features a series of statues honoring prominent Hungarian rulers and national leaders spanning over a thousand years. It is a striking and picturesque landmark, popular with both tourists and locals alike.
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- Vajdahunyad Castle – Situated by the lake in City Park, Vajdahunyad castle is a beautiful historic building that also houses the museum of Hungarian agriculture. The castle’s open air courtyards are free to explore, while entry to the museum requires a ticket. Several ticket options are available, which can be purchased from the official website.
Other Amazing Location
Budapest is also home to a variety of fantastic attractions beyond its historic castles and thermal baths. From world class museums to an island and river cruises, there is plenty more to explore across the city.
Museums
- The House of Houdini – This one of a kind magic museum is dedicated to Harry Houdini, one of the most famous magicians and escape artists. The experience is split in two parts, a guided tour of the museum, where you see original relics, personal items and posters from Houdini’s shows, followed by a a close up magic show. Opening hours are daily from 10 am to 7 pm. General admission is €13 for adults, with several group tickets available, with the necessary information found in the official website.
- Ikono Budapest – This immersive and interactive art experience lets visitors wander through 12 creative, themed rooms filled with light, colour, texture and sensory surprises. General Admission varies by day, but is approximately €16. To check the prices and tickets, visit the official website. Opening hours are 10 am to 9 pm.
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- Flippermúzeum – This unique museum offers an interactive journey through pinball history, including machines from 19th century bagatelle to modern pinball machines. Visitors can play on dozens of machines, with most of them being rare and vintage. These are all included in the admission, no extra coins or tokens are needed. Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday from 4 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 1 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm. General admission is HUF 5500 (around €14.50), and reduced admission, which includes under 26 and over 62, is HUF 4000 (around €10.50). Tickets can be purchased from their official website.
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- Hungarian National Museum – Hungary’s first public museum showcases a wide range of artifacts that highlight the key moments of the nation’s history, culture, and everyday life. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. General admission is HUF 3500 (around €9), with reduced admission being HUF 1750 (around €4.50). More information can be found in the official website.
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- Szépművészeti Múzeum – Budapest’s museum of fine arts includes more that 120,000 artworks from all European art periods. This includes paintings from famous artists such as Raffaello and El Greco. The sectors of this musem are Egyptian, Antique, Old Sculpture, Old Picture, Old Hungarian, Graphic Art and Library. The Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. General Admission is HUF 5800 (around €15), with reduced admission being HUF 2900 (around €7.50). Tickets can be purchased from the official website.
Margit-sziget
Margit-sziget is a small island full of greenery, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll or relaxing escape from the city. Your walk along this island should definitely include Rózsakert, a charming rose garden featuring a wide variety of beautifully maintained roses, and Japánkert a tranquil Japanese garden found at the northern tip of Margit-sziget. Other highlights include the Musical Fountain, where water and music combine in a seasonal display, the historic Water Tower, offering panoramic views of the island and city, and the ruins of the Dominican Convent, which dates back to the 13th century and commemorate the life of Saint Margaret.
Danube River Cruise
Since the Danube runs through the heart of Budapest, a river cruise is a fantastic way to admire the city from a different perspective. A night cruise is especially recommended, as many of Budapest’s landmarks are beautifully illuminated after sunset. There are several reliable providers to choose from, and Get Your Guide is a great option for booking your cruise.
Shopping
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- Westend – This shopping centre located in the northern part of Lipótváros, this shop features a number of shops and restaurants, including C&A, Footlocker and H&M. The full list of shops and restaurants can be found on the official website.
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- Central Market Hall – Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market, Central Market Hall is a must-visit for shopping, sampling local foods, and experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The building itself is an architectural gem, with a striking roof and spacious interior. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 6 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm.
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- Arena Mall – A large shopping mall which is found outside of the city centre. Filled with numerous stores and restaurants including Primark, Sports Direct, and Zara. The full list of shops and restaurant can be found on the official website.
Restaurants
- Rustico – This traditional Hungarian restaurant in the heart of Pest has offers a wide variety of classic Hungarian dishes, making it a great place to experience authentic local cuisine. To view the menu, or to make a reservation, you can visit the official website
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- Chimney Cakes – Budapest is well known for its delicious chimney cakes, a sweet cylindrical shaped pastry baked over a spit and coated in sugar. The more modern chimney cakes have a cone structure, as they tend to be filled with ice cream. A great place to try an authentic cylindrical chimney cake is from a street kiosk, such as the popular stand in front of Budapest-Nyugati station. They are very good value for money, and common flavours include cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, and walnut.
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- Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant – This unique medieval themed restaurant is perfect for larger groups, offering generous shared platters served in an atmospheric setting. Guests can enjoy their meal while watching an entertaining knight show. For the full menu and further details, you can visit the restaurant’s official website.
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- Italian Food – There are some great Pizza and Pasta options in Pest, namely Forni di Napoli, Pizza Delarosso Budapest or Pasta Bazár Trattoria.
Getting around Budapest
The main attractions in Buda and Pest are quite compact, and can easily be explored on foot. Budapest also has an excellent and affordable public transport system, including metro, trams and busses.
Public transport in Budapest is relatively cheap compared to other Western European cities. A single tickets costs price of HUF 500 (around €1.30), while a block of 10 single tickets for a total of HUF 4500 (around €11.75). Time-based tickets are also available for 30 minutes or 90 minutes. These are ideal if you need to transfer between different lines. When using a time-based single ticket, it is important to validate your ticket before the start of travel and again each time you switch to another travel line.
Budapest also offers 24 and 72 hour travel cards, which are great if you plan on using public transport frequently throughout your visit. These passes are different from the Budapest Card, which also includes free public transport along with additional attractions and benefits. The Budapest Card will be covered in the next section.
Tickets can be purchased from vending machine, with their locations listed on the official website. Alternatively, you can download the Budapest GO app, which allows you to buy tickets digitally and view real time schedules. The app is available on both Google Play and the App store.
The Citymapper app can also be used to navigate around Budapest, as it provides real-time schedules and route planning. Citymapper is also available on both Google Play and the App Store.
Budapest Card
Budapest also offers a Budapest Card, available for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. The card includes free entry to Lukács Thermal Baths, a free river sightseeing cruise, and complimentary access to several museums and attractions. It also provides free public transport along with various additional discounts. For full details on what is included, and to also purchase the card, it is recommended to visit the official website.
4-day itinerary
Below is a suggested 3-day itinerary designed to help you experience Budapest’s main sights at a comfortable pace. The schedule can be adjusted based on the opening hours of the attractions or your personal preferences. This itinerary includes a visit to Széchenyi Thermal Baths, but if you prefer another thermal bath, or would like to visit more than one, then you can easily modify the plan to suit your choice.
Day 1 - Pest and Shopping
Morning/Early Afternoon – Start your day by visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building located in Kossuth Lajor Square. Admire its stunning architecture or take a guided tour of the interior. From there, walk to Shoes on the Danube memorial before heading to St. Stephen’s Basilica. For lunch, stop at Rustico to enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes. Afterwards, visit the Ikono Museum, or the Hungarian National Museum. Be sure to book your tickets for Ikono in advance. If you haven’t done so yet, it is best to visit the museum prior to lunch to reserve your timeslot.
Late Afternoon/Evening – Spend the late afternoon at Arena Shopping, enjoying some retail therapy. Wrap up your day with dinner at one of the restaurants within the mall.
Day 2 - Buda and Margit-Sziget
Morning – Start your day on Castle Hill by first visiting Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy the panoramic view over Pest whilst admiring the stunning Neo-Romanesque architecture. Then walk to the nearby Matthias Church to explore its beautifully decorated interior. After your visit, make your way to the House of Houdini, a unique magic museum based on the life of Harry Houdini. Finally, head to Buda Castle, where you can wander through the free open air courtyards or choose to visit one of the several museums inside the palace complex.
Afternoon – From Buda Castle, make your way to Gellért Hill. Enjoy sweeping view over Pest ffrom the top of the hill, near Szabadság szobor, the Liberty statue. After taking the scenery, cross Szabadság hid, also known as Liberty Bridge, to reach Central Market Hall, and enjoying excellent lunch in the historic market.
Evening – End your day with a Danube River cruise and enjoy the beautifully illuminated cityscape from the water. This relaxing experience offers some of the best night time views of Budapest’s landmarks. Be sure to book your river tour in advance to secure your preferred time.
Day 3 - City Park and Pest at night
Morning/Afternoon – Begin your day at Heroes Square, located at the entrance to City Park, and visit the nearby Museum of Fine Arts. Then walk to Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden for a visit to see the diverse wildlife. Enjoy lunch at one of nearby restaurants, before heading to Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Finish this part of your day with a visit to Vajdahunyad Castle, located within City Park.
Evening – Take a leisurely stroll through Pest along the Danube Promenade, stopping to admire the illuminated Hungarian Parliament and the surrounding landmarks. Finish your evening with dinner at Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant or choose from one of the many nearby restaurants.
Day 4 - Margit-sziget and Shopping
Morning – Start your day with a relaxing stroll around Margit-sziget, a green oasis in the heart of the Danube. Be sure to visit the Musical fountain, Rózsakert, ruins of the Dominican Convent Water Tower and Japánkert. If you plan to visit Palatinus Strand Baths, this is also a good time to include it in your morning itinerary.
Afternoon/Evening – Cross Margit Bridge towards Pest and enjoy lunch at Forni di Napoli or a nearby restaurant. Afterward, take a stroll to WestEnd Shopping Centre for some shopping. If you are interested, you can also visit the nearby Flippermúzeum, a unique museum featuring playable pinball machines.
Interactive Map
Explore Budapest with ease whilst using our interactive map.
In the interactive map, you have all the attractions found on this website, as well as the walking paths mentioned in the itinerary section, for your ease. It is designed to help you navigate Budapest effortlessly, following our suggested routes and highlights.
