Whether you’re into history, food, or partying, you will love this city. Budapest is actually two cities in one, split right down the middle by the Danube River. On one side, you’ve got Buda—the hilly, quieter part filled with historic castles, cobblestone streets, and peaceful parks. It’s perfect if you want stunning views and a more relaxed vibe. On the other side is Pest, the flat, buzzing heart of the city, where you’ll find lively streets, cafes, trendy bars, and lots of shops. Here are 10 things you’ll love in Budapest that capture the best of both sides of this amazing city.
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Where to Stay in Budapest: Budget-Friendly and Comfortable Options
During our trip, we stayed at Novotel Budapest Centrum, which offered an affordable, comfortable base in the city center. If you want more options, here are some top-rated stays in various budgets:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
- Mid-Range: Hotel Nemzeti Budapest
- Budget: Maverick Budapest Soho
Getting Around Budapest: Easy, Affordable, and Fun
Budapest’s transport system is efficient and affordable — perfect for exploring every corner:
- Public Transport: Buses, trams, and metros operated by BKK cover the city reliably and cheaply.
- Taxi & Ride-Sharing: Apps like Bolt and Főtaxi make hailing rides easy and affordable.
- Lime Scooters & BUBI Bikes: Explore on electric scooters or rent bikes via the BUBI card/app.
- Walking: The city is compact and walkable — perfect for wandering its charming streets.
- River Cruises: See the city from the Danube with daytime or evening cruises for breathtaking views.
Must-Try Hungarian Food: Local Flavors You Can’t Miss
When in Budapest, indulge your taste buds with these traditional dishes:
- Goulash: A rich meat and paprika stew served with bread or dumplings.
- Langos: Deep-fried dough either made savory or sweet. Toppings can range from with sour cream, cheese, meat or sweet Nutella.
- Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): Sweet, caramelized spiral pastry cooked over an open flame.
- Strudel: Flaky pastry filled with fruit, nuts, or cheese.
- Paprika Chicken: Chicken simmered in paprika sauce, paired with dumplings or rice.
- Dobos Cake: Layered chocolate sponge cake topped with caramel — perfect for dessert lovers!
Top 10 Things to Do in Budapest (2025 Edition)
1. Explore Castle Hill & Buda Castle
Castle Hill sits on the Buda side of the Danube and is packed with some of Budapest’s most iconic historic sights. Its cobbled streets, cute cafes, and stunning views across the river to Pest make it perfect for a relaxed, scenic walk—just don’t forget your comfy shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
The real highlight here is Buda Castle, perched high above the city.
Buda Castle was originally built in the 1200s as a fortress against invading tribes. The grand Neo-Baroque palace you see today dates back to the 18th century and features over 200 rooms. Heavily damaged in WWII, much of its exterior has since been restored. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s open for self-guided visits or informative tours.
2. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is an impressive Roman Catholic basilica that is steeped in history. Dedicated to Stephen, the first king of Hungary, this magnificent church houses a reliquary that contains his right hand (crazy right?). Construction of the basilica began in 1851 and was completed in 1905. It boasts a large capacity of 8,500 people and features a stunning 300-foot dome. The area surrounding the basilica is also beautiful and lively, with numerous delicious restaurants and coffee shops to explore.
3. Marvel at the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is an unmissable landmark when visiting Budapest. Completed in 1904, it has been the largest building in Hungary ever since and truly stands out in the city’s skyline. With its stunning architecture and prime location along the Danube River, the Parliament Building is a must-see attraction for any visitor in Budapest.
4. Discover Heroes’ Square and City Park
Heroes’ Square features 14 statues of Hungarian leaders and a towering column topped by Archangel Gabriel. The statues represent key figures from Hungarian history, including the Seven Chieftains who founded the nation, and notable leaders like Stephen I, Saint Ladislaus, Matthias Corvinus, and Louis Kossuth.
It’s a gateway to the City Park — a great spot for a relaxing walk or visit to the nearby Vajdahunyad Castle.
5. Tour the Dohány Street Synagogue
The Dohany Street Synagogue in Pest is not only the most notable synagogue in Hungary but also the largest in Europe and the second largest globally after New York. With its stunning interior, it is considered one of the top ten highlights of Budapest, accommodating 3000 seated and approximately 2000 standing people. It is highly recommended to take a guided tour that includes visiting the synagogue, Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, Heroes’ Temple, and the graveyard.
6. Experience Thrilling Danube Sightseeing Cruises
A sightseeing cruise on the Danube is one of the most popular ways to see Budapest’s skyline and major landmarks, often with commentary about the city’s history and culture—great for solo travelers, couples, or families.
Now for the real fun, hop on a high-speed jet tour like RedJet. These fast-paced rides (20–60 minutes) offer an adrenaline-pumping way to see the city from the water.
7. Stroll Along the Danube Promenade
This scenic walkway between Chain Bridge and Erzsébet Bridge showcases stunning views, poet statues, and the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, honoring WWII victims.
8. Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath
You can’t leave Budapest without spending a relaxing day at one of its famous thermal baths. Pack your swimsuit and head to Széchenyi—it’s got beautiful architecture, steamy pools, and the perfect vibe to unwind after all that walking. It can get a little crowded, but don’t let that stop you—the place is a gem, especially if you catch it on a quieter day.
9. Walk Across the Historic Széchenyi Chain Bridge
It’s the OG of bridges over the Danube River in Hungary and was built way back in the 1840s. It’s named after a famous Hungarian reformer, István Széchenyi, and connects the districts of Buda and Pest. Trust me, taking the 15-minute stroll across this bridge is worth it for the stunning views alone – and the photo opportunities are worth it!
10. Ride Tram #2 Along the Danube
I love trams. Especially old ones. If you’re a fan of trams like me, you can’t miss taking a ride on Tram #2! This historic ride has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 trolley rides in the world. For just around €1, you can enjoy the most amazing panoramic views of Budapest as you travel along the Danube shores from Margaret Bridge to south Pest.
Planning a Central European Trip?
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