Bifurcated by Danube River, Budapest is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. With so many places to visit in Budapest, it has become one of the most-traveled destinations in the world.
A city with a tumultuous past, Budapest is known for its ornate architecture and rich history. The city is full of enchanting surprises and wonders. The pretty parks, ornate structures, and lively nightlife make Budapest one of the most exciting destination in Europe. This is one place where you won’t get bored of sightseeing or exploring.
Here are the few touristy gems in Budapest you must put on your list to have a great vacation experience.
Top 15 Places to visit in Budapest
- Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
- Buda Castle
- Shoes on the Danube Bank
- Budapest Pinball Museum
- Gellert Hill
- Parliament Building
- Matthias Church
- Margaret Island
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Fisherman Bastion
- St. Stephen’s basilica
- Gellert baths
- Heroes Square
- City Woodland Park (Varosliget)
- Hungarian National Museum
1. Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Suggested Read: Your Guide To Budapest: The Most Stunning City In Europe
Located underneath the Buda Castle, Hospital in the Rock is a labyrinth of tunnels and caves which were created as a shelter from World War II and later from the Cold War. One-hour guide tour inside the hospital takes you back in time reflecting on the hardships of that era. The museum was classified until and 2002 and finally opened to the public in 2008. It is one of the extraordinary places to visit in Budapest that you must include in your list.
Timings: Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Entry Fee: HUF 4,000
Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now
2. Buda Castle
A historical rendition of Hungary’s tumultuous history, Buda Castle overlooks the city from its elevated position from the Castle Hill. Spread over an area of 4.3 km square, the garangutan palace is an interesting conglomeration of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque architectures which were implicated by different rulers in the different centuries.
In the night, the castle is spectacularly illuminated making it one of the most beautiful Budapest attractions. The UNESCO-Heritage Site houses Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest Historical Museum. The beautiful courtyards of the castle are open 24 hours a day. Join the segway tours to take a tour around the castle.
National Gallery Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10 AM to 06 PM
Budapest History Museum Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10 AM to 06 PM
Entry Fee: While the entry into the castle is free, different tours have different prices.
Suggested Read: Budapest Nightlife: A Handy Guide To Find The Best Ruin Clubs And Bars
3. Shoes on the Danube Bank
Suggested Read: Hungary Nightlife: 10 Places Where You Can Twist & Twirl All Night Long
Conceived by a film director Jon Togay, Shoes on the Danube Bank is a Jew memorial which will evoke a thousand emotions in you. The memorial is commemoration of the Jews who were shot on the edge of the river by the Nazis. The iron rust shoes are the symbolism of the innocent lives lost in the Holocaust. The memorial is located on the Pest side of the Danube Promenade and is one of the popular Budapest points of interest. You just have to check out one of the iconic places to visit in Budapest.
Timings: Open all hours
Entry Fee: None
4. Budapest Pinball Museum
A rather eccentric places to visit in Budapest, this is one of the coolest museums where you will ever be. Budapest Pinball Museum houses a collection of all the pinball and other arcade games from the past. If you have wasted uncountable childhood hours playing arcade games, this places understands your undying love and fervor for arcade games. A museum unlike any other, you will like to spend hours here. Relive your childhood days in this bizarre yet cool museum.
Timings: Wed- Fri 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Saturday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sunday 10:00 Am to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: HUF 3000
5. Gellert Hill
Suggested Read: 12 Domes Around The World That Depict Ancient Architecture At Their Best
In case you want to enjoy the best panoramas of Budapest and Danube River, there is no better place than Gellert Hill. A gemstone of Budapest, the hill rises above skyline of Buda providing with spectacular bird’s eyes views of the historical city. It is also an important historical point which saw actions during the World War. The hill dates back to as old as 1046 when a saint named Gellert was thrown to death from this very hill. The Gellert Hill Cave and the skyline make it one of the must places to visit in Budapest.
6. Parliament Building
A notable landmark in Budapest, Hungarian Parliament Building is worth a visit while you are travelling in Budapest. The colossal structure stands erect on the sides of cobble street of Budapest. The Neo-Gothic Style building is the largest in Hungary. It is one of the popular tourist places in Budapest receiving a huge footfall from the tourists. On the days when the parliament i not in session, a 45-min guided tour can be taken inside the the third largest parliament in the world. The hexadecagon central hall and Holy Crown of Jewel are some of the highlights of the parliament.
Timings: 8AM to 6PM
Entry Fee: EU citizen (HUF 2400) Non EU Citizen (HUF 6000)
7. Matthias Church
Suggested Read: 10 Most Stunning Churches In Spain That Are A Work Of Art
Another beautiful architecture in the heart of Budapest, Matthias Church dates back to as old as 1014. Later renovated to Baroque style, the interiors of the church is adorned with the coronation of King Charles I of Hungary in 1309 and the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Elisabeth (Sissy) as rulers of Hungary. Anyone who has a love for architecture and detailing will fall in love with the ornate frescoes inside the church. Make this attraction a part of Budapest sightseeing while you are in the capital.
Timings: 9AM to 5PM
Entry Fee: Adults 1500 HUF, Children above 6 years 1000 HUF
8. Margaret Island
If New York has Central Park, Budapest has verdant Margaret Island. Right in the middle of Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is a tranquil getaway from the city. The city’s best park comes with a variety of attractions and fun activities for the visitors. Go take a ride in their funky vehicle or climb up the water tower. There is even a public pool, Palatinus, with adventure pools, thrilling water slides, and wave pools. The other attractions in the park are the Island Ruins and Musical Fountain.
Timings: open all hours
9. Hungarian State Opera House
Suggested Read: 6 Most Romantic Places In Central Europe For Couples
Built in the style of neo-renaissance, Hungarian State Opera House is an architect’s masterpiece. The colossal opera house is constructed in shape of horse-shoe and has a seating of 1200 people at a time. It is considered as one of the best houses for performances. First opened to public in 1884, the acoustics of the place are amazing. If you love watching opera shows, you should definitely get yourself a show ticket here. Or you can take a guided tour inside the Opera House.
Timing: English tour starts a 4PM
Entry Fee: HUF 2900
10. Fisherman Bastion
A medieval monument around Matthias Church, Fisherman Bastion is a Neo-Romanesque complex of tower, courtyards, and colonnades. The seven towers of the bastion represents the seven Magyar tribes that helped to settle the Magyar people in the Carpathian Basin. The Bastion is named after the guild of fishermen because they were responsible for saving the Buda Castle from this side during Middle Ages. What makes it popular among the tourists is the breathtaking view of Danube River from the top, especially during the sunset.
Timings: 9AM -11PM
Entry Fee: HUF 800
11. St. Stephen’s basilica
St. Stephen’s, basilica, one of the famous places to see in Budapest, is recognized for its ornate architecture, beautiful interiors, and panoramic views from the dome. Inside the basilica, you will find the mummified hand of the church’s patron saint, the first king of Hungary displayed under the glass. The five part Venetian Mosaic adorns the interiors of the place. Even after being damaged by World War II, it was successfully restored. The cupola offers a splendid view of the city and Danube and is often a backdrop for classical organ concerts.
Timings: Mon- Fri 9AM-5PM, Saturday 9AM-1PM, Sunday 1PM-5PM
Entry Fee: HUF 500
12. Gellert baths
Suggested Read: Gellert Spa: The Popular Thermal Spa In Budapest
Budapest is awarded with the supreme title of ‘Spa City’, thanks to the generous thermal water springs. For those who love spa and wellness, Gellert Baths is the address for them. Rejuvenate your body and soul in the fountains of healing water of Gellert Baths. Make these rejuvenating baths a part of your Budapest Travel Guide. You will regret it if you came to Budapest without indulging in the comforting experience of hot water baths.
Where: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary
Entry Fee: HUF 6300
13. Heroes Square
Suggested Read: 35 Best Places To Spend Christmas In Europe Where Festivities Breathe Magic Into The Air!
The hip and happening square is one of the iconic places to visit in Budapest which was constructed in 1896 to celebrate the thousand anniversary of Hungary. The square is flanked with Millenium Monument, a tall statue of Archangel Gabriel and a group of bronze horsemen which represent the conquering of Magyar Prince. On the right of the square, you will find Museum of Fine Arts and on the right is the Hall of Art. The Hungary’s World Heritage Site looks different yet equally spectacular in both day and night.
Timings: Open day and night
Entry Fee: None
14. City Woodland Park (Varosliget)
If you get tired of sightseeing in Budapest and wish to take a catnap, go straight to the City Woodland Park. The park has its entrance from Heroes Square. Established in 1751, it became the first public park in the world known today as Varosliget. Now doesn’t it make one of the must places to visit in Budapest? Enjoy the verdant greenery and cool shade of the trees. A park so beautiful, it is worthy of visiting while you are backpacking in Budapest.
15. Hungarian National Museum
Suggested Read: 15 Very Amusing Yet Very Weird Museums Around The World
For those who show great interest in history, Hungarian National Museum is one of the recommended places to visit in Budapest. It is a treasure of history, art, and archaeology of Hungary. The museum preserves and collect the artifacts and relics of Carpathian Basin and Hungary since 1802 The museum houses paleolithic and lithotheca collection along with a wide collection of coins. They even organize scientific, informative, and educational exhibition to inspire their visitors think and challenge their own thoughts. It is a place worth visiting for the history buffs and intellectuals.
Timings: 10AM – 6PM
Entry Fee: HUF 1600
Explore this gem of a city with customized Europe Tour Package with TravelTriangle.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Budapest
What is Budapest famous for?
Budapest is famous for its art, music, rich culture, magnificent architecture and happening nightlife.
What should we do in Budapest?
Here are some fun things to do in Budapest while you are touring the city:
1. Cruise the Danube river
2. Rejuvenate at Gellert Bath and Spa
3. Visit an exhibition at The House of Terror
4. Attend a concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica
5. Ride the funicular up to Buda Castle
6. Enjoy a ride on the lit Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel
Is Budapest worth visiting?
If you are interested in architecture or a lover of art and music or simply want to explore a new place and learn about some new cultures and traditions, Budapest is a perfect place to be. With its rich culture and renowned heritage of music and art, Budapest is definitely worth a visit.
Which is the best time to visit Budapest?
Budapest is best visited during the spring season of March to May and the autumn season of September to November. These shoulder seasons are when the weather is idyllic and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists.
Where do tourists stay in Budapest?
Some of the best places to stay in Budapest for tourists are:
1. District I – Castle District
2. District V – Belváros
3. District VI – Terézváros
4. District VII – Erzsébetváros
5. District VIII – Józsefváros
How many days do you need in Budapest?
3 days is quite sufficient for a detailed Budapest tour but if you want to spend some more time in this beautiful city and get some time to relax, add one more day to your plan.
Do they speak English in Budapest?
If you are traveling in the city, you will find that English is widely spoken in Budapest, the case may not be the same in the countryside.
Is Budapest safe to visit?
Budapest is a pretty safe place and does not see any violent crime. However, on rare occasions, you may experience some petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
