34 Things to Do in Budapest
34 Things to Do in Budapest (on Your First Visit)
Budapest remains one of my favorite cities in the world, even after nearly a decade of travel to 80+ countries.
If you’re planning a trip to Budapest, get ready for gorgeous historical sites, unique attractions, fun ruin bars, and vibrant neighborhoods.
I count myself as something of an amateur Budapest travel expert – I’ve been to the city a half dozen times. To help you plan your visit, I’ve poured my heart and soul into trying to curate the best possible list of things to do on your first visit to Budapest.
My 34 Best Things to Do in Budapest St. Stephen’s Basilica
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +36 1 311 0839 | St. Stephen’s Basilica Website | Church, Terrace & Treasury Admission: 4,500 HUF (~11 Euros) | 👉 Reserve Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets Here
My personal favorite is visiting the top of the observation deck at St. Stephen’s Basilica. When I have friends visiting Budapest from out of town, this is the first place I take them.
It’s a bit of a hike up the steps (there is an elevator – but the line is often long, so I just hike it up). But you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view of Budapest’s skyline.
After climbing up, it’s also definitely worth taking a peek inside St. Stephen’s Basilica’s beautiful interior.
Buda Castle
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +36 1 458 3000
Taking a tour of Buda Castle is definitely worthwhile. But my favorite way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site is actually just to climb up Buda Castle Hill to the free-to-enter grounds, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Pest at sunset.
If you’re feeling lazy, though, you can also ascend via the Buda Castle Hill funicular! There are also lots of castle tours that will give you a different perspective on the history (including a Vampire tour!).
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Hungarian National Parliament Building
Me admiring the Parliament building
I also suggest viewing it from the Buda side of the river
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +36 1 441 4000 | Hungarian National Parliament Website | Admission: 6,500 HUF for EU Citizens or 13,000 HUF for non-EU citizens
Personally, I think the Hungarian Parliament’s exterior is the second most beautiful in the world after India’s Taj Mahal. Simply admiring it from the outside (or from the deck of a river cruise) is a must do in Budapest.
But, if you can, try to also go inside. Tours do fill up fast, so be sure to book ahead – especially if you will be traveling to Budapest during the peak summer season.
Book tickets on the official Parliament site here, and be sure to check the language of your Parliament tour, as many different languages are offered.
