Is it your first time in Budapest? Welcome! As someone who moved here in 2017, I’ve shown countless friends and family around this city. Nothing makes me happier than to see people discover Budapest for the first time! There’s so much to fall in love with, from fairy tale castles to Art Nouveau architecture to cozy ruin bars. Honestly, the list goes on and on. But to get started, here are the top 10 things to do as a first-time visitor in Budapest!
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A Note on Public Transportation in Budapest
Budapest has a great public transportation system (as someone who grew up in a small town with only one bus, this is something I love!). It’s quite easy to hop a tram, bus, or metro around the major points of the city, and it’s also quite easy to get to and from the Budapest airport (if you want to book ahead for comfort, you can upgrade with Budapest Airport lounge access here!).
Tip: If you’re only in town for a few days, consider getting a Budapest Card for free public transport and free entry to 30+ attractions.
1. Explore Castle Hill
Whenever I have visitors, this is the first place I take them! Castle Hill itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there is so much to explore here. In fact, you’ll pass some of Budapest’s most famous landmarks as you walk the cobblestone streets. It’s easiest to do a little loop, starting by hopping onto the vintage Castle Hill Funicular that takes you to the top. From here, you can explore Buda Castle and get a panoramic view of the city from Savoy Terrace. Then, just a 15 minute walk will take you to the neo-Gothic Matthias Church (which has organ concerts!) and my personal favorite: Fisherman’s Bastion. It looks like a castle out of a fairytale!
If you want to go off the beaten path, head underground for a tour of the Budapest Labyrinth (legend has it they imprisoned Vlad the Impaler there).
And of course, you need to fuel up after all that exploring! Stop for a coffee and creme cake at Budapest’s oldest confectionery, Ruszwurm Cafe. If it’s too crowded, try Coffee House Korona instead!
2. Visit a Thermal Bath
Budapest is called the City of Baths for a reason! With natural thermal springs left and right, you have plenty of chances to soak the day away. And you’re really spoiled for choice! You could soak in an Art Nouveau treasure chest (Gellért Baths), a 16th-century Turkish bath with a modern rooftop hot tub (Rudas), or the largest hot spring complex in Europe (Széchenyi Baths in City Park, which also has Heroes Square!). If you want to add on something quirky, some of the baths even offer a beer spa experience!
3. Take in the Sights at St. Stephen’s Basilica
If you think the Basilica is impressive from the outside, just wait until you see the inside! No matter how many times I visit, I still get chills. The soaring dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica (named after Istvan, Hungary’s first king) and all of the intricate details surrounding it are quite breathtaking. You can even climb the 364 steps (or take the elevator, lol) to the top for some grand city views! Check the Basilica’s website for its program as you might be able to join a mass and hear the choir.
4. Grab a Drink at a Budapest Ruin Bar
Budapest’s nightlife has been making headlines for years, and a lot of that is thanks to the iconic ruin bars. They started after the fall of Communism when students took over run down buildings and turned them into off-the-beaten-path hotspots. No two ruin bars are the same–they all have eclectic decorations, from bathtub seats to lampshade sconces to everything in between. The most famous, Szimpla Kert, is like a labyrinth of surprises right in the middle of the party district. For a more local vibe, consider A Grund in the 8th district or Manyi over on the Buda side. If you don’t want to party, visit Szimpla Kert during the day for a more mellow atmospher–you can even catch the Sunday farmer’s market.
Tip: If you want to see multiple ruin bars in one night and meet new people, consider booking a ruin bar pub crawl!
5. Take a Budapest River Cruise
The riverside is one of the prettiest parts of the Hungarian capital (especially lit up at night!), especially seen from a Budapest river cruise! The Danube River separates Buda and Pest, and you can crusie past major sights like Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Chain Bridge, and more.
I also love these cruises because they’re a great way to see the city if anyone in your party is differently-abled, or if you’re just tired of walking. All you have to do is get on the boat and then the cruise will do the rest!
Need suggestions on where to start? Try a mellow sightseeing or dinner cruise, or party with a bottomless prosecco cruise.
6. Walk the Pest Riverside
Different from a cruise, walking the Pest Riverside lets you take in the sights at more of a slower pace. Of course, you can take time to marvel at the neo-gothic spires of the Parliament building, or even take a tour. Then, pause at the somber Shoes on the Danube monument—a tribute to Jews who were tragically executed during World War II. If you’re visiting Budapest during a summer weekend, the Pest riverside will be pedestrianized, and you can join the locals biking, picnicking, or sunning on the shore!
Tip: The #2 tram will take you all the way down the Pest riverside, from Parliament to the Grand Central Market. Just make sure to validate your ticket! (I’ve witnessed waaaay too many tourists have to pay the fine because they bought a single ticket but didn’t stamp it.)
7. Explore Jewish History and Street Art in the 7th District
Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is a huge part of the city’s history. Located in the 7th district, you can start by exploring the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe and fourth-largest in the world (the Budapest Card gives you discounted entry!). The small, winding streets will take you past small museums and memorials, as well as street art and trendy cafes. The 7th is also Budapest’s party district, so come back after dark to experience the famous ruin bars and nightlife.
8. Learn About Hungarian History at a Museum
When people talk about ethical tourism, I think that going to a museum is a simple way to gain more understanding and compassion for the city you’re visiting. When you learn about what the Hungarian people have gone through…whew! So much has happened even in the past century, and there are a couple of museums that will give you a deeper empathy for this city. The House of Terror tells you about the fascist and communist regimes and secret police, while the Hospital in the Rock gives you a glimpse into a wartime emergency hospital and nuclear bunker (it’s such an interesting guided tour!). Both are huge reminders of the country’s resilience.
9. Try Classic Hungarian Food
If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite ways to explore a new city is through its food! Hungarian cuisine is pretty hearty, with a lot of meat and potato-type dishes. And of course…lots and lots of garlic (yum!). Try dishes like lángos (fried dough classically topped with sour cream and cheese), kürtőskalács (chimney cake–mildly sweet dough cooked over hot coals and rolled in different toppings), and csirke paprikás (chicken stewed in a sweet paprika sauce and served over Hungarian noodles). Some of the most popular Hungarian restaurants in Budapest are Gettó Gulyás, Frici Papa, or Paprika Vendéglő.
For drinks, cheers with local spirits like Unicum or pálinka (fruit brandy–the plum is my favorite!), or consider joining a wine tasting or wine tour to explore Hungarian wine!
10. Take a Walking Tour
Walking tours are a great way to explore the city and get your steps in. Which tour fits your vibe the most? Try exploring the Buda Castle District, chowing down in a foodie tour, getting spooked with tales of vampires and myths, understanding the city’s Communist history, and more. If you’d like to get around quicker, then e-scooter tours or the Hop-On Hop-Off bus could fit the bill.
These top 10 activities in Budapest only scratch the surface of what you can do and see in the Hungarian capital. If it’s your first time visiting the city, this will get you off to a good start! Have so much fun!
Xx Denae
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