Budapest

Written by Chloe Davies, Keith Roberts
07/09/2025
Stunning view of the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest glowing against the night sky.
Nikolay Tenev, Pexels

Budapest, a vibrant European capital, offers a captivating blend of rich history and stunning architecture, alongside renowned thermal baths for relaxation. It presents a dynamic cultural scene and lively entertainment options.

For socializing, the Jewish Quarter, specifically District VII (Erzsébetváros), stands out as the main hub. This area is famous for its unique 'ruin bars,' which are eclectic venues built in abandoned buildings, providing a popular setting for tourists and backpackers to connect and enjoy the nightlife.

Top 6 Things to do in Budapest

Experiences in Budapest encompass rich history, rejuvenating thermal waters, unique architectural sights, and a vibrant social scene.

1. Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Indulging in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths is a quintessential Budapest experience, providing a relaxing dip in Europe’s largest thermal bath complex. It features 18 pools with healing waters, along with various saunas and steam cabins, making it ideal for unwinding.

Cost: General admission typically has a fee, though specific recent prices are not detailed. For transportation, a public transport ticket costs approximately 450 HUF (about €1). Taxi transfers can be arranged for around €12 per person for a single trip.

Transport: The baths are easily accessible by public transport. Take the M1 metro line (yellow line) to 'Széchenyi fürdő' station, which takes about 10 minutes from the city center. Alternatively, bus 105 from Clark Ádám tér stops near Hősök tere M, followed by a short walk, with a journey time of 15-24 minutes. A taxi from central Budapest would cost approximately 2500-3100 HUF (around €6.5-8) and takes about 9 minutes.

2. Buda Castle District (Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Buda Castle)

Exploring the Buda Castle District transports you through history on the picturesque Buda side. The Fisherman's Bastion offers stunning panoramic views of the Danube, the Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge from its neo-Gothic terraces and seven turrets. Adjacent to it, Matthias Church stands as a magnificent Gothic structure. The Buda Castle complex itself houses notable museums like the Hungarian National Gallery, showcasing Hungarian art.

Cost: Access to the lower terrace of Fisherman's Bastion is free and open at all times. The upper towers incur a small fee of approximately 1200 HUF (around $3.50) during daytime operating hours, but are free before 9 am or after 9 pm. The Buda Castle Funicular ride costs about €10 for a brief ascent, unless a Budapest Card 72H Plus is used. Entry to Matthias Church and the museums within Buda Castle typically requires a ticket.

Transport: To reach the Castle District, take Bus 16 or 216 from Deák Ferenc tér or Széll Kálmán tér to 'Szentháromság tér', which is right by the Bastion. Another option is the Buda Castle Funicular from Clark Ádám Square (near the Chain Bridge), which takes you up Castle Hill, followed by a 10-15 minute walk. Walking from the Chain Bridge takes about 15 minutes but involves an uphill climb. Taxis can drop off near Matthias Church.

3. Hungarian Parliament Building Tour

A guided tour inside the Hungarian Parliament Building offers a glimpse into Hungary's political history and allows appreciation of its impressive Gothic Revival architecture. The 45-minute tour provides insightful audio commentary as you explore its grand interiors.

Cost: Ticket prices vary, with non-EU citizens over 18 paying approximately 12,000 HUF (around €30-32). EU citizens and students receive discounts. Free entry is available on certain national holidays, such as March 15th, August 20th, and October 23rd, though long queues are common.

Transport: The Parliament Building is located on Kossuth Lajos tér on the Pest side, making it easily reachable by various public transport options including metro, tram, and bus. It is also within walking distance from many central Pest areas.

4. Danube River Cruise

Taking a Danube River Cruise provides a unique perspective of Budapest's iconic landmarks, especially enchanting when illuminated at night. Cruising along the river, you will pass by the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and Gellért Hill, offering a relaxing way to view the city's beauty.

Cost: Basic daytime cruises with a welcome drink start from around €9.9-€15. Night cruises with a welcome drink can be about €21. More elaborate options, such as dinner cruises, typically start from approximately US$94 (around €87), while unlimited prosecco/beer cruises are around €24.8.

Transport: Cruises depart from various docks along the Danube in the city center, which are generally accessible by walking or public transport.

5. Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert, Instant-Fogas)

Diving into Budapest's ruin bar scene, particularly in the Jewish Quarter (District VII), reveals eclectic venues housed in abandoned buildings and courtyards. These bars, like Szimpla Kert and Instant-Fogas, are renowned for their quirky decor, lively ambiance, and varied music, offering a distinct social and cultural experience.

Cost: Entry to most ruin bars is free. Drink prices are generally higher than standard bars but often more affordable than in Western European cities.

Transport: The main ruin bars are concentrated in the Jewish Quarter (District VII), specifically around Dob and Dohány utca near Klauzál tér. This area is easily explored on foot from central Pest and well-served by public transport (metro, tram, and bus).

6. Gellért Hill

Hiking up Gellért Hill rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Budapest, encompassing the winding Danube River, the Parliament, and the Chain Bridge. While the Citadella and Liberty Statue are located at the summit (currently under renovation but still visible), the scenic paths leading up the hill offer a refreshing and active experience.

Cost: Visiting Gellért Hill and its viewpoints is free of charge. Public transport tickets cost approximately 350 HUF (about €1) per ride.

Transport: Gellért Hill can be reached by taking Bus 27 to the 'Busuló Juhász' stop, followed by a 5-10 minute walk (total cost approx. 350 HUF). Alternatively, take the M4 metro line to 'Szent Gellért tér – Műegyetem' or Trams 47, 49, 19, or 41 to 'Szent Gellért tér', then walk up. Walking from the Elizabeth Bridge or Liberty Bridge takes about 20-30 minutes. A taxi from central Pest costs roughly 2300-2800 HUF (around €6.5-8).

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