What to do in Budapest

Activities, attractions and tours

Budapest which includes heritage architecture, a bridge and a ferry
Buda Castle featuring heritage architecture, a statue or sculpture and château or palace
Matthias Church showing a church or cathedral, a monument and heritage architecture
Budapest
Budapest

Places to Visit in Budapest

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Budapest, Hungary while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Budapest attractions from NZ$4, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Budapest tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 584 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Budapest. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Gellért Thermal Bath

Famed for its art nouveau design, the Gellért Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool has been an important fixture for locals and visitors since it was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. These baths use the thermal springs from Gellért Hill to fill the pools in its majestic rooms. Spend a day taking advantage of the treatment options in this tranquil spa.
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Soothe your aching joints in Budapest’s famous mineral hot springs housed in an impressive building where you can also enjoy a range of spa treatments.

2. Parliament Building

Hungarians call this palatial parliament building, lying resplendent on the banks of the Danube, the 'House of the Nation'. And it is certainly a grand house, fit for a country as proud of its democracy as Hungary is. A mass of white pinnacles, topped by a mountainous red-roofed dome, the Parliament Building is huge. At nearly 270 metres in length, 100 metres wide and 96 metres high, this century-old marvel is the tallest building in Budapest – and in fact the largest one in the country.
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Parliament Building which includes an administrative building, heritage architecture and a city

3. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is among the largest thermal spring spas in Europe. Its natural hot water is used for medicinal purposes to aid degenerative joint illnesses and inflammations. Admire the neo-Baroque style of the buildings and the pools that date back to the turn of the 20th century.
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Szechenyi Thermal Bath featuring heritage architecture, a day spa and flowers

4. St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a neoclassical church with an imposing dome and elegant turrets. With a height of 315 feet (96 meters), it is the tallest building in the city and among the largest churches in the country. Admire the opulence of this majestic church that features stunning stained-glass windows and works of art.
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Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.

5. Buda Castle

Buda Castle’s imposing silhouette is impossible to miss on the hill above the Danube, and it has more to offer than just great architecture. This castle has been repeatedly caught up in the thick of history. Thirty-one sieges, countless sackings and at least three relentless poundings by artillery have seen Buda Castle reduced to rubble many times. Each time, the people of this city have, eventually, picked up the pieces and started Buda Castle anew.
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Buda Castle featuring a garden, château or palace and heritage architecture

6. Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is one of the grandest buildings lining the opulent Andrássy Avenue, its three-tiered neo-Renaissance front dominating the surrounding streets. Home to both the Hungarian National Ballet and the Hungarian State Opera, it has witnessed performances by all manner of operatic stars – including Montserrat Caballé, Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo.
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Hungarian State Opera House which includes theatre scenes and interior views

7. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge connecting the two sides of Budapest across the River Danube. Opened in 1849, it was considered a triumph of engineering and played a huge role in the growth of the city. Admire the elegant classicist design of this cast iron suspension bridge that has become an icon of Budapest.
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Szechenyi Chain Bridge featuring heritage architecture and a bridge

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Recommended things to do in Budapest

Number of things to do
584
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Jewish Quarter of Budapest Walking Tour: NZ$4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Budapest

Discover the most popular places to visit in Budapest

Margaret Island which includes a city and a river or creek

Margaret Island

Explore the great outdoors at Margaret Island, a popular spot to commune with nature in Budapest. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Margaret Island
Gellért Thermal Bath

Gellért Thermal Bath

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Soothe your aching joints in Budapest’s famous mineral hot springs housed in an impressive building where you can also enjoy a range of spa treatments.

Gellért Thermal Bath
Parliament Building which includes an administrative building, heritage architecture and a city

Parliament Building

4.5/5(65 reviews)

The majestic white-and-red Parliament Building is adorned with half a million precious stones, 40 kilos of gold – and a uniquely Hungarian grandeur.

Parliament Building
Szechenyi Thermal Bath featuring heritage architecture, a day spa and flowers

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

4.5/5(35 reviews)

Relish the remarkable experience of a bath party and relax in one of the 18 pools of Budapest’s famous hot spring water.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath
St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica

4.5/5(68 reviews)

Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.

St. Stephen's Basilica
Buda Castle featuring a garden, château or palace and heritage architecture

Buda Castle

4.5/5(66 reviews)

This iconic building has been a King's castle, a Queen's folly, a nunnery, a university – and a ruin.

Buda Castle
Hungarian State Opera House which includes theatre scenes and interior views

Hungarian State Opera House

4.5/5(33 reviews)

This exquisite building has proved to be as much a work of art as the opera and ballet performances that take place within it.

Hungarian State Opera House
Szechenyi Chain Bridge featuring heritage architecture and a bridge

Szechenyi Chain Bridge

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Learn about the intriguing history and construction of the city’s most famous bridge, which offers interesting views along the River Danube.

Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Vaci Street

Vaci Street

4.5/5(13 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Vaci Street during your trip to Budapest. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums.

Vaci Street

Explore areas of Budapest

Buda Castle featuring heritage architecture, a statue or sculpture and château or palace

Budapest City Centre

Known for its stunning cathedral, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Budapest City Centre. Top attractions like Ferenc Deak Square and Ferris Wheel of Budapest are major draws. Catch the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Deák Ferenc tér M Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Budapest City Centre
Budapest featuring a river or creek, a bridge and heritage architecture

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Egyetem Tér and Vaci Street are top sights in Inner City Budapest, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ferenciek Square Station or Március 15. tér Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Inner City Budapest
Lipotvaros which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Lipotvaros

The Hungary Parliament Building shines as a beacon of Budapest’s architectural prowess in this gracious quarter on the Danube’s east banks.

Lipotvaros
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Erzsebetvaros

4.5/5(41 area reviews)

Kiraly Street and Nagymezo Street are top sights in Erzsebetvaros, and you should be sure to explore the luxurious spas. Hop aboard the metro at Wesselényi utca - Erzsébet körút Tram Stop or Király utca / Erzsébet körút Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Erzsebetvaros
Hungarian State Opera House featuring a statue or sculpture

District VI

If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror Museum or Andrássy Út and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.

District VI
St. Stephen\'s Basilica showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Belváros - Lipótváros

Known for its fantastic nightlife and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Belváros - Lipótváros. Check out top attractions like St. Stephen's Basilica and Danube Palace, and jump on the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Vorosmarty Square Station to see more of the city.

Belváros - Lipótváros

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Budapest

Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Vecsés

Photo by Olivia-Petra Coman

Urom

Frequently asked questions

Is Budapest worth visiting?
Renowned for its bars and pubs and dining, discovering fun things to do in Budapest is easy. Remember to add Széchenyi Thermal Bath to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Budapest?
Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Budapest while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Budapest?
The top tourist attraction in Budapest is Széchenyi Thermal Bath, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Budapest?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Buda Castle and St. Stephen's Basilica with a three-day break in Budapest. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Lipotvaros.
Is Budapest a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Budapest is a good place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Buda Castle. Then take a stroll through Inner City Budapest, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Belváros - Lipótváros, which is about 0.80 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Budapest with kids?
Planning what to do in Budapest with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Budapest for adults?
Ferenc Puskas Stadium and Andrassy Avenue are just a few of the things to do in Budapest. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Budapest?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Budapest. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. St. Stephen's Basilica is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.