Must-see sights
There is certainly much to see and do in Budapest. However, there are some must-see sights that you should definitely not miss: Central Pest (St. Stephen’s Basilica, Freedom Square, Parliament), Buda Castle (Royal Palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion), Jewish Quarter (Synagogues, Street Art, Ruin Bars), and City Park (Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, Szechenyi Thermal Bath). Make sure to come by the Danube after sunset; the views are, specifically, fantastic at night. These are some of the essential things to do in Budapest.
River cruise
The Danube is the heart of Budapest. To see the city from the water is a breathtaking experience, especially at night. Budapest is a beautiful city in the daylight but at night, it turns into extraordinary.
There is no better way to experience this than the Budapest night cruise. There are, generally, many options available. A sightseeing cruise with an audio guide, usually with drinks. Maybe a full dinner with live music or folk dancing. If you are part of a bigger group, there are private options available as well.
Check out https://nightcruise.hu/ to see the offers and choose one that suits you!
Thermal baths
Budapest is generally known as the “City of Spas” for a reason. Healing hot waters were first used by Romans. The best Budapest thermal baths are Szechenyi (the biggest outdoor section and the most amenities), Gellert (the most beautiful interior), and Rudas (an authentic Turkish spa with a nice rooftop with great views over the river. Check out their special offers). The first two welcome mixed couples every day. in Rudas some weekdays Turkish part is exclusive for men or women (check out opening hours).
Flea markets
Budapest significantly showcases a blend of various historical periods, with the Habsburg, socialist, and pre-war eras being the most prominent. This diverse heritage is undoubtedly represented in the flea markets and antique shops found throughout the city.
Check out these flea markets in Budapest: Antik Placc, Ecseri piac, Bakancsos bolhapiac, and Gozsdu Weekend Market.
For kids
There are undeniably many fun activities that children, and whole families, can enjoy in Budapest.
Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest zoos in the world, is without a doubt a must-visit. It is home to more than 1000 animals and 2000 kinds of plants. The Elephant House and petting area are the most popular attractions at the zoo. Check out the feeding times that children might really enjoy.
Aquaworld, one of the largest indoor water parks in Europe, boasts an impressive array of 17 pools. These include a swimming pool, a wave pool, a plunge pool, a surf pool, and an assortment of 11 thrilling slides. For younger visitors, Kid’s World offers a dedicated area with pools of varying depths, slides, and playful structures.
The largest collection of natural history artifacts in Hungary can be found at the Hungarian Natural History Museum. This museum offers an engaging and educational experience for people of all ages. To this end, there is a great combination of permanent displays and captivating limited-time exhibits. The interactive exhibits are particularly popular among children, who are also fascinated by dinosaurs. Additionally, the breathtaking sight of coral reefs beneath a glass floor is sure to leave visitors in awe.
One of Budapest’s most unique attractions is the Children’s Railway. While it has all the typical features like ticket offices, diesel locomotives, signals, switches, and a timetable, what makes it special is that it is operated by children. The railway spans across the Buda Hills, and the stations are conveniently located near lookout towers, forest playgrounds, places of pilgrimage, and other attractions. This makes it an excellent starting point for families, friends, groups, or solo travelers looking to embark on a half-day trip.
VR Vidam Park offers a one-of-a kind experience. Using the latest technologies and great storytelling, virtual reality adventures for all ages are created. Fighting pirates, traveling back to the times of dinosaurs, riding a motorcycle, racing cars, and riding a rollercoaster simulator are just some of the things you can try.