Looking for a fun city trip? Budapest is definitely the place to be. The capital of Hungary has a beautiful location on the Danube River, which divides the city into two parts: Buda and Pest. You’ll be amazed by the diverse attractions, architectural beauty, and the vibrant alternative scene. Budapest is the perfect blend of the cosmopolitan vibes of Paris and Berlin. It’s no wonder Budapest was named the best destination in Europe in 2019. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover the 16 most fun tips for a city trip to Budapest.
Tips for Getting Around Budapest
The most enjoyable way to explore Budapest is by bike due to the relatively short distances between most attractions. I rented a bike from Baja Bikes and I highly recommend it. You can rent a bike to explore Budapest on your own or join a guided bike tour to learn more about Budapest and its attractions. Besides biking, you can also use the well-organized public transport system. Download the Budapest Go app for this purpose. It’s wise to buy a day pass or a multi-day pass.
Tip: When renting a bike, pay attention to the bike symbols on the road that indicate where you can ride. If in doubt, cycle on the sidewalk.
What to Do in Budapest?
Budapest is a city for everyone. This student city is vibrant and offers something for everyone in terms of culture, hiking, and nightlife.
Take a Ride on Tram 2
The first tip is for anyone who wants to see some important Budapest landmarks quickly and enjoyably. Take a ride on tram 2 and enjoy the view of the Buda hills and the Danube River. It’s especially fun because both tourists and Budapest residents use this tram. You’ll also catch a glimpse of local life in Budapest. Tram 2 runs every 2 to 5 minutes and passes by major landmarks such as the Great Market Hall, Chain Bridge, Shoes on the Danube Bank, and the Parliament building. Later in this article, you’ll read more about these landmarks. A day pass for the tram costs $6 and allows you to hop on and off whenever you like.
Marvel at the Great Market Hall of Budapest
Whether the sun is shining or it’s raining outside, visiting the Great Market Hall is always a good idea. Designed by Samu Pecz, the Great Market Hall has incredibly high industrial ceilings and large windows. It has a total of three floors and offers mainly Hungarian products, from fresh vegetables and fruits to fish and meats, as well as various Hungarian souvenirs. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love it here, but it’s also great for people-watching.
Tip: Visit the market hall in the afternoon rather than early morning because mornings tend to be busy.
Visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank Monument
On the bank of the Danube River, near the Parliament building, you’ll find numerous metal shoes. The Shoes on the Danube Bank monument commemorates a tragic event from 1944. At this spot on the Danube bank, Jewish men, women, and children were forced to take off their shoes before being shot and thrown into the river. Besides this impressive monument, there’s a small narrative exhibition with photos.
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk around the impressive Parliament building and then relax at the cozy vegan café Életem étterem.
Relax at the Rudas Baths
Budapest is famous for its bathhouse culture, and a visit to one of the baths is a must during your city trip. Rudas Baths offers a relaxing and authentic experience. This beautiful bathhouse has a thermal bath on the rooftop terrace with stunning views over Budapest. Visit early in the morning to see the city slowly waking up. Note that the sauna area is accessible only to women on Tuesdays and only to men on Wednesdays.
Tip: You’ll find the old sauna area, including the rooftop terrace, by walking through the cafeteria. Also, it’s a good idea to bring your own towel and/or bathrobe as they are only available for purchase here.
Find Peace in Budapest’s Largest Park
The world’s first public park and also the largest park in Budapest is Városliget City Park. This popular city park is fun for young and old alike, and you can admire artworks throughout the park. People come here to walk, exercise, read, or visit one of the many museums located in the park. In summer, you can rent a boat or canoe, and in winter, there’s a huge ice skating rink.
Enjoy Cocktails with a View
The 360 Bar offers one of the best views over Budapest throughout the year. In autumn and winter, you can also enjoy this rooftop terrace in cozy, decorated igloos with heating. The rooftop terrace is decorated with plants, colorful tables, and chairs. The 360 Bar is known for its extensive signature cocktail menu paired with an affordable à la carte menu. Additionally, you’ll often hear live music and they regularly organize fun events. Check out their Instagram for the program.
Tip: It’s advisable to reserve a table in advance as this is a popular spot. The 360 Bar operates with 2-hour time slots.
Admire St. Stephen’s Basilica
The dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica is nearly 100 meters (328 ft) high and is the tallest building in Budapest. Fun fact: the floor plan of the church is in the shape of a Greek cross. Look up when you’re in the middle of the basilica. Tickets for St. Stephen’s Basilica can be purchased on the right side of the church. Buy a combo ticket so you can also visit the dome.
Stroll through the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, named Erzsébetváros, is a lively district in Budapest with a turbulent history. The tragic consequences of World War II devastated this district, leaving many buildings and houses abandoned, turning Erzsébetváros into a ghetto. Today, the Jewish Quarter has been rebuilt and has become a creative and lively area. Highlights include the remaining synagogues, the vibrant nightlife in the many ruin bars, and the colorful street art adorning the walls of this district. You’ll also find many cozy cafes, restaurants, and vintage shops here.
Visit the Great Synagogue of Budapest
The Great Synagogue of Budapest on Dohány Street is the largest synagogue in Europe. Visit a narrative photo exhibition here about the Holocaust and stroll through the garden to find the Weeping Willow. This steel weeping willow monument contains names of Jews who perished during World War II. It’s a place that leaves a profound impression. To learn more about Jewish culture in Budapest, it’s recommended to book an entrance ticket with a short guided tour. This ticket also allows you to skip the line.
Important tip: Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting the synagogue.
Vintage Shopping in Budapest
In the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the Godzu Weekend Market takes place from Friday to Sunday. This popular vintage and antique market spans a long street with various market stalls surrounded by cozy eateries and drink spots. On Fridays, you’ll find stalls with handmade jewelry and interior items. Saturdays focus on vintage clothing and decor, while Sundays highlight art and designs.
Support a good cause: While exploring the Jewish Quarter for vintage shopping, don’t miss the Orange Grove Vintage Charity Center. This diverse shop donates all proceeds to charities. They don’t have fixed prices; you decide what you want to pay for an item.
Step into a Fairytale at Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion on Castle Hill is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest. This fairytale-like structure was designed at the end of the 19th century, with its domes inspired by the nomadic tribe that occupied Hungary in 896. Fisherman’s Bastion is open to the public all day. The morning is particularly magical due to the rising sun and tranquility. Just behind Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll find Matthias Church, a true gem with its colorful and unique roof adorned with majolica tiles. Take a stroll around this impressive Gothic church and peek inside.
Find Coziness at Karavan
Budapest is full of cozy spots to eat or drink. Karavan is a vibrant hotspot in the Jewish Quarter. Colorful tables are surrounded by various food stalls, and lanterns decorate the courtyard. The venue opens every day at 11:30 AM, gradually filling with visitors. The offering is diverse, catering to every taste.
Try a Traditional Kurtos Kalac
Kurtos Kalac is a well-known Hungarian snack available throughout Budapest. It’s a sugared dough roll roasted over charcoal. During roasting, it’s sprinkled with melted butter until it achieves a golden-brown color. Flavors include cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, almond, walnut, or coconut. Guaranteed to be delicious!
Discover One of the Many Ruin Bars
What makes Budapest unique, aside from its numerous bathhouses, are the ruin bars. These trendy bars are located in dilapidated buildings and ruins. Budapest now boasts dozens of them, with Szimpla Kert being the most famous. This cool ruin bar was started by students in the courtyard of an abandoned building. More entrepreneurs settled here, creating a creative hub filled with unique interior decor and art items. Besides dancing in the evening, you can visit during the day for coffee or a tasty treat. They also host regular music performances, film nights, and markets.
Note: Most ruin bars open around 3:00 PM and stay open past midnight.
Take a Stroll around Budapest Castle
Budapest Castle has long served as protection for the king against external attacks. Today, you’ll find the Hungarian National Gallery, the National Széchényi Library, and the national museum with ever-changing exhibitions. An easy and enjoyable way to reach Budapest Castle is by taking the cable car, which brings you up within two minutes.
Discover the Upcoming District of Józsefváros
Let yourself be amazed by the colorful streets of the upcoming district of Józsefváros. This area is home to many students and exudes a cozy atmosphere. Here, you’ll find the highly popular Lumen café, adorned with plants, where various cultural events and mini-concerts take place. Don’t miss visiting Typo Showroom and Gizmo Vintage shops, as well as the Ervin Szabo Library. The gilded ballroom at the top of the building is particularly beautiful.
Tips for Good Restaurants in Budapest
There are countless excellent restaurants in Budapest, many of which are also very affordable. The following restaurants come highly recommended:
Twentysix Budapest – This cozy urban jungle is heated to 26 degrees year-round. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with plenty of vegetarian options.
For Sale Pub – This place is unique not only because people leave notes on the walls en masse but also for its delicious Hungarian specialties.
Élelem étterem Budapest – Craving a healthy burger or pizza? This delightful vegan and gluten-free restaurant also uses low-carb ingredients.
Kelet Café & Gallery – Immerse yourself in books and cultural activities. This café serves delicious pastries and coffees alongside simple yet tasty dishes.
Lumen Café – This café offers live music daily. An artistic and relaxed place to dine in the quieter district of Józsefváros.
Where to Stay in Budapest?
There are several great neighborhoods to stay in Budapest. District V is the historic center of Budapest, home to famous attractions like St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building, beautifully situated along the Danube River. Both the Jewish Quarter and Józsefváros are also great options for your city trip.
Our Favorite Spots in Budapest
Located in the heart of Budapest is the modern H2 Hotel. Surrounded by good restaurants, famous sights, and charming shops, this hotel offers stylish rooms with comfortable beds and luxurious rain showers. In the morning, you’ll be treated to a fantastic breakfast buffet to start your day in Budapest right. Prefer a budget-friendly apartment? Then consider Heritage Home Apartments. These spacious apartments come fully equipped with a small kitchenette including a coffee machine, fridge, microwave, and toaster. Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa is a fantastic hotel where you can indulge yourself. Located in a stunning building, it preserves its authentic details while offering luxurious extras like a large gym, a fine restaurant, a swimming pool, and a beautiful spa.
  H2 Hotel |
  Heritage Home Apartments |
  Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa |
