Budapest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Budapest showing a river or creek, a ferry and heritage architecture
Buda Castle which includes a castle, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Matthias Church showing a monument, a statue or sculpture and a church or cathedral
Budapest
Budapest

Budapest Travel Guide Video

From palaces along the Danube River to grand thermal spas, buzzing nightlife and one of the best tram rides in the world, Hungary’s capital offers a captivating holiday.

Stroll along the elegant boulevards of Budapest and it’s hard to know which majestic building to photograph next. Split in two by the Danube River, the city is decorated with art nouveau architecture and dotted with renowned museums and galleries. New blends with old in shopping districts such as pedestrian Váci Street with stylish boutiques and trendy cafés.

Time your trip with the warm weather of June to August to enjoy a range of exciting events including VeszprémFest for jazz and opera music. Sample some of the country’s best wine at the Budapest Wine Festival in September and enjoy Hungarian sausages with mulled wine at atmospheric Christmas markets.

Things to do in Budapest

Take the funicular up to Castle Hill for sweeping views of the city and river. The historical Castle District, home to medieval monuments, museums and a fascinating system of underground tunnels and caves created by thermal springs. You’ll need plenty of time to discover the Buda Castle complex, which includes the Hungarian National Gallery, the National Széchényi Library, the Budapest History Museum and the Fisherman's Bastion.

Often called the City of Spas, Budapest’s medicinal thermal springs created a bathing culture that has lasted for more than 2,000 years. Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in City Park to soak in outdoor and indoor pools framed by grand architecture or luxuriate in a Turkish bath environment at the 16th-century Rudas Thermal Bath.

Though Váci Street might be the most popular place for shopping, Budapest has no shortage of other districts for fabulous retail therapy. Falk Miksa Street is a joy for treasure hunters, with antiques stores and fine art galleries. Prestigious Andrássy Avenue is the city’s widest road and lined with high-end fashion stores between iconic landmarks. When it’s time to rest your feet, take a sightseeing boat tour down the Danube by day or night.

History and culture in Budapest

Residing in the Palace District, the Hungarian National Museum is the largest in the country and housed in a grand neoclassical building. Learn about Hungary’s history as you browse millions of items, including works of art and archaeological finds from the prehistoric period to now. Stroll around the gorgeous garden surrounding the museum, among statues and seating areas.

The spectacular Hungarian Parliament building is the city’s postcard-worthy photo op on the river. Take a guided tour to gaze at the golden staircase and enter the Dome Hall where the Crown of St Stephen is displayed. Visit the Basilica of St Stephen and you might recognise it as a backdrop for Hollywood movies. It was built across 50 years to 1905 and contains the mummified hand of the church’s patron.

With its European sculptures, Old Masters collection and the Esterházy Madonna by Raphael, the Museum of Fine Arts is home to extraordinary artworks. From here, walk to Heroes’ Square to see monumental statues of rulers and statesmen through history. For a unique look at the dark side of history, see the toppled communist-era statues of dictators, including Marx and Stalin, at Memento Park.

Dining and nightlife in Budapest

If trying traditional Hungarian goulash is on your to do list during your Budapest visit, you’ll have no trouble finding it on menus across the city’s thriving dining scene. But you can also sample a little bit of everything at the Great Market Hall, where restaurants serve stuffed cabbage and stalls sell fresh produce. The market hall is located in the neighbourhood of Ferencváros where trendy Ráday Street lives up to its gastronomic reputation with plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Another foodie and nightlife neighbourhood is the Jewish Quarter, an historically rich area with an array of modern bistros. Hop between “ruin bars”, named for venues that enlivened previously dilapidated buildings. There’s almost nothing more romantic than a dinner cruise on the Danube, many of which include live music and traditional folk shows. Dress up for a night out at the ballet or opera at the Hungarian State Opera House.

Getting around Budapest

Fly into Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, which is a 30-minute drive from the city centre via taxis, buses and airport shuttles. Budapest’s public transport system is excellent, with metro, tram, bus and ferry services. However, it’s a walkable city and many attractions are easy to reach on foot from central hotels.

Car rentals and car sharing services are available. Take advantage of efficient trains to reach popular day trip destinations such as Visegrád castle town and the natural wonders of the Danube Bend.

Where to stay in Budapest

Buda Castle which includes a castle, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture

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 showing a river or creek, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Inner City Budapest

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

Vaci Street and Liberty Bridge 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

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Lipotvaros. Check out top attractions like Danube Palace and Szechenyi Istvan Square, and jump on the metro at Széchenyi István tér Tram Stop or Kossuth Lajos ter Station to see more of the city.

Lipotvaros
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Erzsebetvaros

4/5(679 area reviews)

Kiraly Street and Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue 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 which includes 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 heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

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
Park Plaza Budapest
Park Plaza Budapest
4 out of 5
Bem Rakpart 16-19, Budapest
The price is £78 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£78
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Budapest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"clean, central"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Park Plaza Budapest
InterContinental Budapest by IHG
InterContinental Budapest by IHG
5 out of 5
Apaczai Csere Janos 12-14, Budapest
The price is £115 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£115
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Budapest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Location and view was great. Service was excellent."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

InterContinental Budapest by IHG
Continental Hotel Budapest
Continental Hotel Budapest
4.5 out of 5
Dohany Utca 42-44, Budapest
The price is £105 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£105
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Budapest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Struggled with use of half ironing board asked for full sized one and received it immediately. Also one of my guests pillows were too soft, asked and received additional firm pillows. Couldn't find fault with hotel all requests were handled promptly and professionally. Gym and spa access, great breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Continental Hotel Budapest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
7seasons Apartments Budapest
7seasons Apartments Budapest
4 out of 5
Király utca 8, Budapest
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Budapest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,502 reviews)
"It was cleaned and we had access to laundry machine in the apartment."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

7seasons Apartments Budapest
Marbles Residence
Marbles Residence
3 out of 5
82 József krt., Budapest
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Budapest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Vaci Street and Gellért Thermal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"Room was nice but bed and pillows were very uncomfortable. The bed was too hard and divided in two and both were horrible. I requested a Queen bed. The hotel is next to subway and tram so that’s very good."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Marbles Residence
Silver Crown Hotel & Residence
Silver Crown Hotel & Residence
3.5 out of 5
4 Szentkirályi u., Budapest
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Budapest. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vaci Street and Hungarian State Opera ...
9/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"This hotel is awesome.....staff is great, the room is modern.....location is near tourist spots, around 20 minutes walk to major landmarks....walkable from the central train station. And to add the breakfast is great with good hot meals options."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Silver Crown Hotel & Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Budapest

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1477
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
526
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
47
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Perfect for a long weekend.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very nice city definitely worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Budapest and will revisit when next able to do so.

5/5 - Excellent

HumairaYasin

Loved the city, beautiful and clean. People were lovely too.

5/5 - Excellent

Ashleigh

Absolutwly beautiful place, was there for 6 days and theres still so much to do. Will be making it an anual trip to come back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing city with so much to see and do. I would recommend using the “Lime scooters” as a cheap and convenient way to get around.

Cities near Budapest