If you want to take a break from doing touristy stuff in Budapest and try something different, this post is for you. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best non-touristy things to do in Budapest. But, if you’re in Budapest on vacation or want to explore the city intensely, here’s a 2-day Budapest itinerary with all the best things to do.
Fun,non-touristy things to see & do in Budapest
1. See the city from Janos Hill
While Gellert Hill is a great place to see Budapest from above, Janos Hill offers even better views. Unlike Gellert Hill, Janos Hill is located outside the city center, making it a less desirable lookout site for most tourists. However, this shouldn’t faze you but instead attract you even more.
To see the glorious city of Budapest from Janos Hill, you can either hike up to the Elizabeth Tower or take bus number 291 to Zuglo and then take the Zugliget Chairlift. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and see it from a different pov.
2. Go down under and explore the caves
One of the most unique things to do in Budapest is visit the caves. Unknown to many visitors, there’s a Labyrinth right underneath one of the most popular places in Budapest—the Buda Castle. With over 200 caves stretched over 1.5km, the caves are well worth a visit for a unique and possibly spooky experience in Budapest.
The caves are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, so if you’re on a mission to track down UNESCO’s top sights, the caves are a great place to see.
3. Dine at Kopaszi Dam
If you love the sound of dining at a riverside café or restaurant, you’re going to fall in love with Kopaszi Dam. This 10-acre recreational area is located on the Buda side of Rakoczi Bridge and offers visitors a serene environment to unwind from the hassle and bustle of the city. It’s only 10-15 minutes from the city center but is a hidden gem and unknown to many—locals included!
You can find a handful of cool restaurants on this island that boast great service and, most importantly, mouthwatering food.
Le Bistro, Café Ponyvaregény, and Fruska Bisztró are some of the top places I’d recommend!
4. Treat yourself to a spa day
The Turkish baths are one of the best things that were picked up from the Ottoman Empire and are certainly to be enjoyed. To avoid crowds and tourists, steer clear of popular thermal baths like the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath, as these are tourist-heavy.
A wonderful alternative would be attending one of the local baths in the city.
Luckas Bath and Kiraly Bath are just two of the many local thermal baths in Budapest that offer a beautiful ambience for its visitors. In addition to this, these baths are more local and don’t attract many crowds.
5. Escape to nature at Lake Feneketlen
Nestled in the 11th district is a quaint lake with floating ducks and a surrounding park. This hidden gem is a wonderful place to get away from the busy city center and soak in some nature.
If working out sounds like the perfect non-touristy activity for you, bring a yoga mat or some running shoes.
The park has a tennis court, running track, and lots of space for you to get your zen on.
Even though there isn’t anything else that makes this park spectacular, it’s a better place to hang out, unlike Margaret Island, which is very touristy.
6. Unwind at Ervin Szabo Library
Fancy reading in a palace? Then, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library awaits you. The 19th-century Neo-baroque palace is one of the most beautiful places to see in Budapest and cannot be missed.
Simply stroll in, purchase your ticket, and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the architectural details of the interior.
The library is also a lovely break from the ordinary coffee shop if you’re working remotely as you travel.
Speaking of working remotely, check out some of the best laptop-friendly cafés in Budapest.
7. Indulge in Fine Arts at the Opera
If there’s one activity that Hungarians love (second from drinking palinka, of course), it’s going to the opera. There’s no surprise there, as Hungary has produced numerous talents that have been internationally recognized.
On most evenings, it’s common to spot elegantly dressed people making their way to the opera house.
The only downside to visiting the opera in Hungary is that most acts are in Hungarian. However, if this doesn’t faze you, put on your fanciest outfit and enjoy some non-touristy fun at the opera.
8. Marvel at the Vajdahunyad Castle
Though located in one of the most popular parks in Budapest, the Vajdahunyad Castle is a wonderful non-touristy place to visit. The castle was built as an extension of the Hunyad Castle in Romania, and it’s a replica of the Romanian castle.
This little fun fact can perhaps pique the interest of architecture lovers.
After enjoying this architectural beauty, visit Varosliget, also known as Budapest City Park. Though touristy, this park has beautiful museums, lovely restaurants, and lots of green space where you can be tucked away from visiting crowds.
9. Watch the sunset from Gellert Hill
One of the best things to do in Budapest on a summer evening or when there’s a clear sky in sight is to watch the sunset. Gellert Hill is centrally located and is very easy to get to.
Take a short hike up the hill for sweeping views of the city.
Gellert Hill is probably the most touristy place on this list, so expect to run into tourists, especially in the evening.
An alternative would be watching the sunrise from Gellert Hill.
10. Get a chimney cake underground
Walking through the city center, you’ll see shops selling chimney cakes nearly everywhere. This sweet treat has gone from a basic sweet pastry to a culinary art.
For a truly local experience, skip the ice cream-filled chimney cakes at Deak Ferenc Ter and head to Astoria Metro Station. There’s a small chimney cake shop that sells this delicious street for as low as 3 euros.
Touristy places in the city sell the same chimney cakes for 3 times the price.
11. Go outdoors for some fun
If you’re visiting Budapest during summer, there are plenty of outdoor activities going on all around the city.
The best part is that most of these activities are non-touristy and only bring in local crowds. Some of these activities include outdoor cinemas, local concerts, and beer/ wine festivals.
Budapest Park often hosts events like these, so check their page to stay in the loop.
12. Hop on a train and go wine-tasting
Maybe the non-touristy thing you’re looking for isn’t in Budapest but outside the city? There are so many great places a few hours away from Budapest that are worth visiting, even for a couple of hours.
You could take the train to Eger and go wine tasting there. You could also take a shorter trip to Szentendre and have the best langos there.
Regardless of what you decide, keep in mind that the fun doesn’t end in Budapest, and there’s lots to discover throughout Hungary.
13. Attend a fashion show
These don’t happen too often, but when they do, they’re usually very fun. Budapest Central European Fashion Week is one of the best fashion events in the city. It happens twice annually, but there are also several other fashion shows which are held more frequently.
FAQs
1. What is unique about Budapest?
What makes Budapest unique is what happens above the city and beneath it. Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, which have medicinal powers that have been utilized for millennia. The city also has labyrinths that run underneath it, preserving secrets from thousands of years ago. On the ground level, you’ll find famous ruin bars, Michelin restaurants, and bustling streets.
2. What can you not miss in Budapest?
Some of the top sights that you cannot miss in Budapest include:
- Buda Castle
- Parliament
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Gellert Hill
- Heroes Square
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Castle Hill
- Buda Castle Hill funicular
- Chain Bridge
3. Which is Buda and which is Pest?
Buda is on the western side of the Danube River, and Pest is on the eastern side. The Buda side is also where you’ll find Gellert Hill, Buda Castle, Fishermans Bastion, and Buda Hill. Pest is flatter and where you’ll find the famous party district.
4. What local things can I do in Budapest?
- Hiking up Janos Hill
- Exploring the Labyrinth underneath Buda Castle
- Enjoying a glass of froccs at Kopaszi Dam
- Going to a local thermal spa
- People watching in parks
- Studying/ working at Ervin Szabo Library
- Going to the opera
- Watching the sunset at Gellert Hill
5. What is the hippiest neighborhood in Budapest?
The 7th district, also known as the Party District or Jewish Quarter, is Budapest’s hippiest district. A lot of the city’s most popular ruin bars are located here, and many tourists swarm this area throughout the year. However, there are also many non-touristy things to do on this side of Budapest.
