This post is all about the BEST things to do in Budapest!

Budapest is quickly earning the title of one of the trendiest capitals in central Europe. You can spend weeks in this beautiful city and still have SO much to see.

Planning a trip to a city with so much to offer can be exciting and overwhelming! That’s why I’ve created this FREE Checklist to print off for your trip.

Click here for your Ultimate Budapest Checklist

Planning your trip to Budapest? I recommend going for St. Stephens Day. It’s undoubtedly the most magical day of the year to visit.

My Budapest Essentials

Here are 7 things you must do in Budapest.

1. Tour the Budapest Parliament building.

Taking a tour of the breathtaking Budapest Parliament is a must.

Book your parliament tour plenty of days in advance. More info on booking Parliament tours here.

2. Visit The Fisherman’s Bastion

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Budapest! Located in the Buda castle, this whimsical bastion offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.

3. The Shoes on the Danube Bank

This memorial was constructed by film director Can Togay to honor the Jews murdered by the fascist Arrow Cross in Budapest during WWII.

The Jews were ordered to take off their shoes and were shot at the edge of the water. This memorial is terribly sad, but a beautiful tribute to remember those who had their life taken from them.

4. Go to a Thermal Bath

This is the “thing” you have to do in Budapest! All you need to bring is a towel, a swimsuit, and some cash.

Here are some of the best thermal baths in Budapest:

Szechenyi is the most popular, especially for parties.

Gellert is a beautiful art deco and relaxing experience.

Rudas is where the locals go. This is the most low-key, cheapest, and most relaxing thermal bath that you’ll find in the city. and where I chose to go!

5. Go to a Ruin Bar

Budapest is all about trendy grunge and ruin bars are the perfect example of that. Ruin Bars are old buildings that have been converted into bars/clubs.

Book a pub crawl here to hit some of the best ruin bars in Budapest with other travelers.

Some of the most popular Ruin Bars in Budapest are:

–Szimpla Kert

–Instant

-Fogasház

6. Dine at the famous New York Café.

The most beautiful café in the world. This place is so grand, the decor will take your breath away. Although the menu is expensive, it is certainly worth just walking in the building to view the decor if it’s out of your budget.

7. Visit a Museum or Gallery

Budapest is home to loads of incredible museums and art galleries. Check out the Hungarian National Gallery and see what traveling exhibitions they are hosting.

If you are interested in Budapest’s history, I recommend visiting the House of Terror, a memorial for victims of the fascist and communist regimes. This museum is quite popular, so be sure to book in advance.

Top Galleries & Museums in Budapest:

– Hungarian National Gallery

–House of Terror

–Museum of Fine Arts

More to See

Budapest has several landmarks that you just take a quick stroll by to view. Don’t forget to check these off your list for your Budapest trip.

Heroes Square

Buda Castle

St. Stephens Basillica

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Elisabeth Bridge

The Danube