Paris of the East, Pearl of the Danube, Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths, Capital of Festivals, these names all refer to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Whether you’re visiting because of the architecture, the cuisine, or the party experience, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Budapest for you!
What to do in Budapest
How about visiting some of the most notable buildings and places the has to offer? Read on.
Parliament
Why such a big parliament for a nation this size, you might ask? It was built for 17 years and finished in 1902, when Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, an entity with many times of the size of this country as we know today. Fun fact, the building’s design was inspired by the English parliament by the River Thames in London.
Heroes’ Square
The largest, and most symbolic square in the city. On the top of the 36-metres pillar archangel Gabriel can be seen. He is holding the Hungarian crown and a cross. The construction started in 1896, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Hungarian Basin.
Széchenyi Spa
The largest medicinal bath in Europe. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs, with a water temperature fluctuating between 74-77 °C. Sounds hot, right? You shouldn’t worry about that. It’s also a good opportunity to relax there after a cold day, as it is open all-year-round.
Buda Castle
Historical site and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. Nowadays it’s the home of some notable attractions, such as the Hungarian National Gallery and The Budapest History Museum. Don’t forget to visit the labyrinth underneath, as the hill on which the Buda castle is built hosts a huge network of underground caves and tunnels.
Vajdahunyad Castle
A castle that was originally built for the Millenial Exhibition in 1896. From cardboard and wood, it became so popular that it was rebuilt from stone and brick not much later. It resembles many landmark buildings from the Kingdom of Hungary.
Fancy some shopping?
Head to the Váci street, where you’ll surely find many of your favourite world-class brands.
Memento Park
Although the socialist era ended in Hungary in 1989, its symbols, landmarks, and statues are still kept at a park. This park is open for visitors and those who would like to dive into the not-so-distant past.
House of Terror
Or ‘Terrorháza’ (in Hungarian) is a museum depicting the dark side of the fascist and communist era in Hungary. If you’re interested in such things, then House of Terror is one of the most recommended attractions in Budapest.
Feeling like you could solve a mystery like Sherlock Holmes?
Budapest has many escape rooms or ‘szabadulószoba’ to choose from. It means you are locked into one or several rooms, and to get out you have to solve many mind-boggling puzzles. They’ve become quite popular recently, with themes like Star Wars, phobias, Jurassic Park, mental hospitals, and horror (trust me, it is indeed scary). There’s even an option to take part in your friends’ game as figurants, scaring them endlessly, till they can’t take it anymore. Just kidding, you don’t have to go that far. Still, it’s one of the best things to do in Budapest.
How can I travel by train?
Do you wanna visit Budapest and other European countries by train? Interrail Global Pass gives you a cheap price for a train pass around Europe. Click here for more info!
How about going for a spontaneous experience?
You still could not find what to do in Budapest? We have not finished yet. If you feel like you could get more of your trip with cool people, who share the same interests as you, then how about giving Unblnd a go? This new social app is designed to bring like-minded people closer together, whether as a tourist, an expat, or even a local. You can download the UNBLND app on Google Play or Apple Store. Happy Unblnding!
