January 13, 2025
Guide to the Top Things to Do in Budapest

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January 13, 2025
CM Content Team
Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary, is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Danube.” With its vibrant mix of history, culture, and a lively modern atmosphere, the city attracts travellers from all over the world. Whether you visit in the warm summer months or during the chilly winter season, Budapest offers a variety of experiences that cater to every type of traveller.
In this blog, we’ll take you through Budapest’s top attractions, from its grand architectural landmarks to its unique thermal baths. You’ll also discover the best things to do in Budapest, along with practical tips to help you make the most of your trip. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to explore one of Europe’s most fascinating cities and uncover the hidden gems that make Budapest so special.
Discover Budapest’s top attractions, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. These iconic landmarks showcase the city’s rich history and stunning architecture, making them some of the best things to do in Budapest. Don’t forget your camera for breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.
The Hungarian Parliament Building stands proudly along the Danube and is one of Budapest’s top attractions. Its Neo-Gothic design, with spires and a grand dome, makes it a photographer’s paradise. A walk along the promenade offers stunning views, making it one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Buda Castle, on Castle Hill, is one of Budapest’s top attractions. It was once the home of Hungarian kings and now has the National Gallery and History Museum. Walking through its courtyards and enjoying amazing views of the Danube is one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a beautiful spot with seven towers that represent Hungarian tribes. Its white stone design and amazing city views make it one of Budapest’s top attractions. You can walk along the terraces or enjoy a relaxing time at the cafe—it’s like being in a fairy tale.
St. Stephen’s Basilica is named after Hungary’s first king and is a beautiful and important church. Its large dome is a city landmark, and you can climb to the top for great views. Inside, it has lovely mosaics and the Holy Right Hand, a relic of King Stephen.
Soaking in thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért is one of the top things to do in Budapest. Enjoy healing waters, architectural beauty, and a relaxing escape. Known as the “City of Spas,” Budapest’s baths are truly unique and a must on your travel itinerary.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is located in City Park. It is one of Europe’s largest and most popular thermal baths. Its outdoor pools, surrounded by Baroque architecture, are open all year, even in winter. Inside, you’ll find pools, saunas, and whirlpools, making it one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Opening/Closing Times: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Located in the Gellért Hotel, Gellért Baths is famous for its beautiful Art Nouveau design and relaxing thermal waters. With indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and stunning mosaics, it’s one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Opening/Closing Times: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The Jewish Quarter is one of Budapest’s top attractions, full of history, art, and nightlife. Its streets have colourful murals, ruin bars, and historic synagogues like Dohány Street Synagogue, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Budapest.
The Central Market Hall is one of Budapest’s top attractions, offering a lively look into local life. The ground floor has fresh produce, meats, and Hungarian spices like paprika, while the upper level has souvenirs and food stalls. Trying lángos here is one of the best things to do in Budapest.
Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Budapest’s top attractions. This grand boulevard is lined with elegant buildings, luxury shops, and cafes. Stretching from the city centre to Heroes’ Square, it’s perfect for a stroll and passes landmarks like the Opera House and House of Terror Museum.
Indulge in Hungarian favourites like goulash, lángos, and chimney cakes while sipping Tokaji wine or pálinka. Exploring Budapest’s food scene is among the most delicious things to do in Budapest, giving you a true taste of its culture and heritage.
Explore Budapest’s top attractions beyond the usual, such as the city’s caves, Memento Park, and the Invisible Exhibition. These hidden gems offer unique stuff to do in Budapest for travellers seeking offbeat and unforgettable experiences.
Beneath Budapest are limestone caves formed by thermal springs, making cave exploration one of the unique things to do in Budapest. Pál-völgyi Cave offers adventure with winding tunnels and rock formations, while Szemlő-hegyi Cave provides a peaceful, illuminated walk. These caves reveal Budapest’s fascinating geological history.
Memento Park is an open-air museum and one of Budapest’s top attractions, showcasing statues and monuments from Hungary’s Communist era. Here, you’ll see sculptures of Lenin, Marx, and other symbols of the regime. It’s a quiet, thought-provoking place to learn about Hungary’s history and past.
The Invisible Exhibition is a unique and interactive experience in Budapest. Guided by visually impaired hosts, visitors explore rooms in complete darkness, using their other senses to understand the environment. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Budapest, promoting awareness, empathy, and a new perspective on the world.
Planning wisely is key to enjoying the best things to do in Budapest. From choosing the best time to visit to getting around like a local, these tips will help ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip. Whether staying for a weekend or a week, here’s everything you need to know.
Budapest is a year-round destination, but when you visit can shape your experience:
Budapest’s efficient and affordable public transport makes exploring the city a breeze. It’s also one of the easiest ways to visit Budapest’s top attractions.
By following these tips, you’ll be ready to explore the best things to do in Budapest with ease. Whether you’re riding a tram along the Danube or strolling through the historic streets, Budapest is an amazing city to discover.
Budapest offers everything—stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. From iconic landmarks like the Parliament Building and Fisherman’s Bastion to hearty Hungarian food and relaxing thermal baths, there are endless things to do in Budapest. Enjoy a Danube night cruise, explore the Jewish Quarter, or visit hidden gems like Memento Park and underground caves. With this guide, you’re ready to explore Budapest’s top attractions and create unforgettable memories. Start planning your adventure today!
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 290,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.