19 Unexpected Things to Do in Budapest

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Budapest is a city that charms every visitor with its rich history, architectural grandeur, and unique attractions.

We wanted to put together a list of the best things to do in Budapest and include some more unusual options that are off the beaten path.

Below, find a variety of activities and experiences that will make your trip to Hungary truly unforgettable.

Wade in natural hot springs

Budapest is famous for its rejuvenating thermal baths, thanks to its natural hot springs. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, with its neo-baroque architecture and soothing waters, is a top pick among tourists and locals alike. Whether you want relaxation or health benefits, this experience is quintessentially Hungarian.

💡 Working hours and tickets can both be found easily online. 

Buda Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buda Castle is a historical marvel perched on Castle Hill. It houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, offering insight into Hungary’s rich past alongside breathtaking views of the city.

There are several tours available at Buda Castle, including Castle Cave tours, WWII tours, and even a gothic vampire castle tour.

💡Options, including tickets and touring companies, can be found online. 

Have a picnic in one of the world’s first public parks

Originally a private royal hunting ground, City Park is a vast green oasis filled with attractions like the Vajdahunyad Castle and Széchenyi Baths (mentioned above), all on the same compound.

The park itself is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, paddle boating, or a picnic in the heart of Budapest’s lush landscape.

Pay your respects to victims of the Holocaust

The Shoes on the Danube is a memorial that commemorates Jews who were tragically executed during World War II. Bronze shoes line the riverbank, symbolizing the victims forced to remove their footwear before being executed and falling into the Danube.

The Shoes on the Danube is a somber, reflective spot that honors the city’s history while reminding us never to forget.

Learn about Budapest’s underground era

Hospital in the Rock, a museum underneath Buda Castle, tells gripping stories of Budapest’s history during World War II and the Cold War.

Originally a wartime hospital and nuclear bunker, it’s now an interactive museum where you can explore how life continued to thrive beneath the city.

💡 Tickets can be purchased online and tours are available. 

Enjoy Hungarian cuisine in luxury

The New York Palace is a grand café that is part of the Anantara New York Palace Hotel… and a masterpiece of opulence. Known for its elaborate frescoes, chandeliers, and gourmet coffee, it’s the perfect spot to feel like royalty while indulging in a rich cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

💡 A full menu and restaurant hours can be found online, as well as booking information for the hotel itself.

Take in the beauty of a Gothic cathedral

With its colorful tiled roof and ornate Gothic details, Matthias Church is a symbol of Budapest’s architectural beauty. Located near Fisherman’s Bastion (which we will talk about later in this article), it has witnessed coronations, wars, and celebrations, making it a must-visit landmark.

💡 Matthias Church requires tickets to visit. They can be purchased online ahead of your visit. 

Explore Budapest like a local

Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest and a feast for the senses. Sample traditional Hungarian fare like lángos, pick up unique souvenirs or simply soak in the bustling atmosphere of this vibrant spot. 

Visited by locals and tourists alike, Central Market Hall is a community melting pot that you won't want to miss.

Learn about agriculture in a Hungarian castle

Set within City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle is an eclectic architectural masterpiece that combines styles from across Hungary’s history.

Originally built for a millennium exhibition, it now houses the Agricultural Museum and offers a fairytale-like experience for visitors. 

💡 Tickets can be purchased online. 

Visit a church inside of a cave

Gellért Hill Cave is a unique chapel carved into the hillside – the church itself is inside a cave! This hidden gem, with an intriguing past, offers a truly sublime experience and provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside.

💡Tickets are required to visit and can be purchased onsite. 

Walk from Buda to Pest

If you didn't know, Budapest is the combined name of two neighboring cities, Buda and Pest. Nowadays, the two are technically combined into one capital city. However, people still refer to each side of the river as Buda (on the eastern side) or Pest (on the west).

Connecting Buda and Pest, is the Chain Bridge. And it isn't just a functional structure, it's also a historic icon.

Take a walk across for stunning views, especially after sunset when it’s beautifully illuminated.

Take in a panoramic view of Budapest

St. Stephen’s Basilica is dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen. Its stunning interior, panoramic views from the dome, and cultural events make it a top attraction for visitors. 

In fact, this 19th-century church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Buffer Zone!

💡 St. Stephen’s Basilica holds weekly organ concerts and tickets can be found online. 

Live a real-life fairytale at the Halászbástya

Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace that offers sweeping views of the Danube and Pest. Its turrets and towers feel straight out of a storybook, making it a favorite for photographers and history buffs alike.

The Halászbástya (its Hungarian name) is an architectural masterpiece that was part of the castle’s original walls. Now, Fisherman’s Bastion sees many visitors a year and has earned its (well deserved) UNESCO World Heritage status.

Learn Hungarian history at the House of Terror

Located on Andrássy Avenue, the House of Terror Museum is a haunting tribute to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. Exhibits provide a deep dive into the country’s tumultuous history.

💡 Guided tours are offered in English and tickets can be purchased online. 

Spot the mini statues around the city

For something to do throughout your visit to Budapest, play a game of I-Spy!

Scattered throughout the city, artist Mihály Kolodko’s whimsical bronze mini-statues add a playful touch to Budapest. From cartoon characters to historical figures, hunting for these tiny treasures is a fun way to explore the city.

You'll have the opportunity to find several sculptures while out and about, even this one on one of Budapest's bridges.

Take in Budapest’s rich Jewish heritage

The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and a testament to Budapest’s rich Jewish heritage. Its Moorish Revival architecture and the Holocaust Memorial in the garden make it a place of profound significance.

The synagogue offers walking tours which can be found on their official website, giving you a meaningful glimpse into Jewish life in Hungary. 

Happen upon an ancient sewage system

Called Ördög-árok in Hungarian, The Devil’s Trench travels beneath parts of Budapest. Historically, this was the city’s sewage system.  Today, sometimes water flows, and sometimes it doesn’t.

While it’s not widely accessible, exploring its history and impact on the city’s infrastructure adds an offbeat touch to your visit.

Ride on a train controlled by children

The Gyermekvasút is a train that is operated by local children under adult supervision. Offering a delightful journey, this narrow-gauge railway runs through the scenic Buda Hills. It’s a unique experience that showcases Hungary’s love for trains and tradition.

💡 Schedules and ticketing can be found online. 

Grab a drink at a unique pub

With its quirky decor of hanging notes, peanuts and hay strewn across the floor, and hearty portions of Hungarian food, For Sale Pub is a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

The walls and ceilings of this local haunt are no longer visible, as guests are encouraged to leave a handwritten note during their visit.

Read the notes from guests of yesteryear and leave a special message yourself. It's the perfect way to end your voyage abroad to Budapest.

Copy & Paste this list and add it to your notes:

• The Széchenyi Thermal Bath - Wade in the natural hot springs
• Buda Castle - Spectacular views and history
• City Park - One of the world's first public parks
• Shoes on the Danube - A touching public memorial to the victims of the Holocaust
• Hospital in the Rock - WWII and Cold War history underneath Buda Castle
• The New York Palace - An opulent cafe and eatery
• Matthias Church - Ornately decorated tiled roof
• Central Market Hall - For authentic cuisine and souvenirs
• Vajdahunyad Castle - Quirky architecture/museum, near The Széchenyi Thermal Bath
• Gellért Hill Cave - A church inside of a cave
• The Chain Bridge - Over the Danube, connecting Buda and Pest (lights up at night)
• St. Stephen’s Basilica - Stunning interior, weekly organ concerts
• Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) - Fairytale-like castle walls
• House of Terror Museum - Learn about communist/fascist Hungarian rule
• Mini sculptures around Budapest (keep an eye out!)
• Dohány Street Synagogue - The largest Synagogue in Europe with tours available
• The Devil's Trench (Ördög-árok) - Budapest's original sewage system
• Gyermekvasút - A train with child conductors
• For Sale Pub - A quirky local haunt with drinks and food

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Europe travel

Hidden travel gems or off the beaten path

Hungary