While Budapest is famed for its Ruin Bars, architecture, and beautiful thermal baths, there’s still so much more to explore! The Hungarian capital isn’t only a European budget destination, but it’s also a haven for those who love to explore and unwind. Here’s a list of 10 indoor things to do in Budapest, plus 40 other cool ideas for what to do in Budapest.
10 free things to do in Budapest
Budapest is amazing because many of the city’s best activities are inexpensive, and there are also several free activities.
1. Enjoy a walk or a picnic along the Danube
The Danube River extends through thousands of kilometers, gracing several countries with its presence. If you’re in Budapest and wondering what to do for free, consider a stroll around the Parliament Building, Nehru Part, and Kopaszi-gat.
2. Explore Fisherman’s Bastion
If you visit the Castle District, be sure to see a little more than the castle! There’s so much to see around that area, and there are many things to do in Budapest’s first district. Spend some time walking around and sighting Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Vienna Gate, and stopping at one of Budapes’s oldest cafés.
If you’re willing to spend some money, you can also ride the Budapest Funicular or take a tour of the Castle District.
3. People watch at Deak Ferenc Ter
If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Budapest, especially during summer, head over to Deak. It’s right in the city center and one of the places in Budapest where you can see all sorts of people.
You can people-watch or take in the views of the beautiful Budapest Eye.
4. Wander around City Park (Városliget)
City Park is one of the most underrated places in the city. People who live nearby know how great it is, but many others, especially expats, think of it as a tourist attraction.
While that’s not too far off, especially with attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, House of Music, Ethnology Museum, and Heroes Square, the park has more to offer!
You can enjoy a solo or group workout, visit the zoo, or even ride the hot-air balloon.
5. Go hiking in District 2
Many locals know about Normafa and Gellert Hill, but there are so many other hills on the Buda side of the city.
One of the best free and outdoor things you can do in Budapest is embark on a little hiking adventure.
District 2 offers some really good hiking trails and viewpoints, such as Szechenyi Hills, Károly Guckler Lookout, and Árpád Lookout.
6. Visit local flea markets
While this might always be free, there’s no price on “window shopping.” You can visit some of Budapest’s coolest vintage stores, attend regular flea markets at Szimpla Kert, or visit Makers Market.
7. Go on a street art tour
Another free thing to do in Budapest is go on the hunt for street art.
The Jewish District is the place to be for street art, and you can enjoy a photo walk in this area or capture the memories off camera.
Speaking tours…
8. Take a free walking tour
One of the best ways to go exploring, especially in Budapest (and most of Europe), is by taking a free walking tour.
The best part of these tours (besides being free) is that you can go on very specific tours. You can try a guided street art tour, one of the castle districts, and even one of Budapest’s top attractions.
You could consider enjoying a guided tour at a small cost.
9. Get artsy at a gallery
The Hungarian art scene is only growing, and there’s a lot to see. While most museums in Budapest aren’t free, there are several art galleries that are.
You can also visit HAB, which has an ever-changing exhibition, workshops, a café and restaurant, and an outdoor terrace to enjoy views of the famous Andrassy Boulevard.
To visit museums for free, you can wait for the Night of Museums or take advantage of the museum discounts that are available to EU citizens and students.
10. Visit the historical streets of Buda and Pest
If you live in Budapest or are visiting, there are probably top-of-list destinations you’ll visit. But it’s good to break away from the norm, especially if you want to do some free stuff.
Thanks to the city’s beautiful architecture, there are many historical streets and neighborhoods where you can experience a different side of Budapest.
10 unique things to do in Budapest
If you’re looking for something that you can maybe only do in Budapest, try some of the following.
1. Soak in a thermal bath, like Széchenyi or Gellért
Not many people may know this about Budapest, but it’s home to thousands of hot springs and some of Europe’s oldest thermal baths.
While you may want to ditch the spartys, soaking in a thermal bath every once in a while is a good experience.
2. Take a ride on the Children’s Railway (Gyermekvasút)
There aren’t many other places in the world (if any) that operate a children’s train.
While adults drive the train, you can get a one-of-a-kind experience with the Children’s Railway, which is mostly operated by children.
3. Visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Not many people may know about this museum, and this not only makes it something unique to do in Budapest but also a hidden gem.
Explore a former hospital and nuclear bunker hidden within the Buda Castle caves, offering a glimpse into Budapest’s wartime history.
4. Explore the underground labyrinth of the Buda Castle
Another unique thing to do in Budapest is visit the underground labyrinth.
The city is known for its beautiful architecture, but there’s a whole unexplored world underneath.
5. Try authentic Hungarian street food
Everybody in Budapest and the rest of Hungary has probably tried lángos or kürtőskalács (chimney cake) at least once.
It’s a must in Budapest, but it needs to be done right. Ditch the trendy, transformed versions of these dishes and go for the local, authentic kind.
An example would be purchasing kürtőskalács at the little pop-up stands at Astoria, Basilica, and Octogon.
6. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Danube River
While a Danube sunset cruise isn’t unique to Budapest, the one here is the only one that offers you views of the iconic Parliament building, Buda Castle, and Gellert Hill.
7. Visit the House of Terror Museum
History lovers may find this activity particularly interesting, but it’s still worth a visit for anybody who is looking for unique things to do in Budapest.
You can learn about Hungary’s 20th-century history at this museum, which is a former secret police headquarters.
8. Party at a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter
Budapest’s nightlight wouldn’t be the same without its famous ruin bars.
These spots have sparked a movement, and they’re several others around the city and in other parts of Europe.
However, nothing beats the mother of all ruin bars, which you can visit in Budapest.
9. Ride the Budapest Cogwheel
Trams such as Tram 2, 2B, 4, and 6 have acquired a lot of fame, but few go unnoticed. One such tram is the Budapest cogwheel, which is also referred to as Tram 60.
You can take this train up the Buda hills and enjoy a little hike with views of the city.
10. Explore the caves of Budapest, such as Palvolgyi Cave
Take a chance to experience something unique and indoor in Budapest by taking a guided tour of the caves.
Visit natural caves and caverns and learn about the geographical formations of this unique activity in Budapest.
10 family-friendly things to do in Budapest
Some of Budapest’s best things to do aren’t only great for solo explorers or pairs, but they’re also great for families. A couple of these must-see and must-do things in Budapest may be a:
1. Visit the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
Budapest is home to a lovely zoo and botanical garden right next to City Park, one of the city’s most popular places!
Plan a visit here with family, learn about fascinating wildlife, and observe rare animals.
2. Ride on the Buda Castle Funicular
Enjoy the view of Budapest from a unique perspective abord the Buda castle Funicular.
You can enjoy a ride upwards, downwards (for striking views), or possibly both.
3. Visit the Palace of Wonders
If you’re looking for interesting things to do in Budapest, consider a little trip to the Palace of Wonders. You can learn many things here and have a pleasant time with several interactive activities.
4. Take a day trip to Szentendre
While this activity takes place in Budapest, it’s still one of the things you must do when you’re in the city.
Hop on the HEV and head to a quaint waterside town. Stroll through the center, enjoying a langos or lavender ice cream.
5. Head over to the Tropicarium Budapest
Tropicarium Budapest is definitely one of the city’s hidden gems. It is located on the outskirts of the city center.
Learn a thing or two about marine life and maybe even enjoy dinner here for a truly unique experience.
6. Ride the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel
One of the other things to do in Budapest is ride the Ferris wheel at Deak Ferenc Square.
Enjoy a panoramic view of Budapest from up above and create wonderful memories here.
7. Have a picnic in City Park (Városliget)
Sometimes, less is more, so why not pack a picnic basket and head to the city park with your family?
It’s inexpensive, fun, and a nice way to spend the day.
8. Have fun at the Budapest Pinball Museum
Everybody loves games. Right?
Enjoy a nostalgic gaming experience with your family and see a collection of vintage pinball machines.
9. Visit the Museum of Ethnography
The initial recommendation would have been to visit the Miniversum, but it has been closed for about four years now.
But that doesn’t mean the fun is over.
You can still see a model of Buda and Pest at the Museum of Ethnography and play an impromptu game with your kids there.
10. Find the tiny statues in Budapest
One of the most fun things to do in Budapest is to find Mihály Kolodko’s mini sculptures throughout the city.
You can think of it as a scavenger hunt and do this on days when your family is feeling very energetic.
10 indoor things to do in Budapest
Winter in Budapest may call for more indoor activities. Here are a few things you could add to your list.
1. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re anywhere near City Park and in the mood for something fancy and artsy, stop by the Museum of Fine Arts for a quick visit.
You’ll have the chance to see classical and contemporary art from around the world, as well as works by European masters and Hungarian artists.
2. Explore Budapest History Museum
For those interested in history, visit the Budapest History Museum and learn about the country’s past.
While here, don’t miss the beautiful garden, which is a wonderful place to read a book or simply lay on the grass.
3. Attend a concert at the Liszt Academy of Music
Hungary is home to several artists, so why not take the chance to listen to some of them?
Experience world-class musical performances in an Art Nouveau concert hall, which happens to be Hungary’s renowned music academy.
4. Visit the Hungarian State Opera House
One of the things to do in Budapest that many people miss out on is to visit the opera!
Depending on your mood, you can take a guided tour or attend a ballet or opera performance in the Neo-Renaissance opera house.
5. Try an escape room
You’ll need a group for this activity, but it’s one of the things you must do in Budapest.
The city is full of differently-themed escape rooms, so you can choose one based on your interests.
6. Explore Bedö House
Bedö House, also known as The House of Hungarian Art Nouveau, is one of Budapest’s hidden gems.
It’s a wonderful place to visit, especially for architecture lovers and those drawn to furniture.
7. Experience a traditional Hungarian folklore show
If you’re looking for a local thing to do in Budapest, attending a traditional show may be a great place to start.
It’s an interesting way to immerse yourself in the culture and experience something that you wouldn’t see daily.
8. Participate in a cooking class
There’s no better way to experience a culture than through its food.
You can take several cooking classes in Budapest and learn to make some of your favorite Hungarian dishes.
9. Explore Budapest’s parliament building
While you can’t just walk into the house of parliament, you can take a guided tour of Budapest’s most iconic buildings.
10. Visit the House of Music
One place that is slightly underrated in Budapest is the House of Music.
This museum isn’t only architecturally aesthetic but it offers an interactive experience, with chances to immerse yourself in a relaxing experience.
10 outdoor things to do in Budapest
And last but not least, some of the best outdoor things to do in Budapest.
1. Take a walk or bike ride along the Danube River
One of the simplest pleasures you can enjoy in Budapest is a walk along the Danube.
If you’ve got a bike or feel like renting one, you can also cycle along the river.
2. Go hiking in the Buda Hills
Buda is one of the parts of the city that is yet to be explored by many people.
If you’re looking for something to do outdoors, I’d highly recommend visiting District 2 and enjoying a hike.
3. Have a picnic in Margaret Island
This activity is a summer favorite, and for good reason.
If you’re looking for something cool to do in Budapest, pack a little picnic with you, or better yet, watch an outdoor movie or have some cocktails here.
4. Visit the Budapest Outdoor Farmer’s Market
Another thing to make it on the must-do things in Budapest is visiting the makers’ market.
You can get a lot of cool locally-made products here or sell some of your own creations.
5. Attend a festival
Not just the Sziget Festival, but the several smaller ones in the city!
Facebook is a great place to look for events like this, and you can also join food festivals, wine festivals, and beer festivals.
6. Explore some gardens
The city is full of green spaces, and there are several gardens tucked away in discreet corners. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Budapest, go on the hunt for greenery.
7. Go on a pub crawl
Why go to one ruin bar when you can go to several?
8. Take a guided walking tour of the city
Something fun that’s worth doing in Budapest is going on a guided walk.
You can join free tours or paid ones for the chance to learn about the city.
9. Explore Budapest Park
For something fun to do in Budapest, head over to Budapest Park and places like Romai Park for a real outdoor Budapest experience.
10. Visit the Open Air Museum
Take a trip through memory lane and explore the Roman Ruins in District 3.
You can visit several museums in this part of the city, including an open-air museum.
Summary: 50 things to do in Budapest
- Enjoy a walk or a picnic along the Danube
- Explore Fisherman’s Bastion
- People watch at Deak Ferenc Ter
- Wander around City Park (Városliget)
- Go hiking in District 2
- Visit local flea markets
- Go on a street art tour
- Take a free walking tour
- Get artsy at a gallery
- Visit the historical streets of Buda and Pest
- Soak in a thermal bath, like Széchenyi or Gellért
- Take a ride on the Children’s Railway (Gyermekvasút)
- Visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
- Explore the underground labyrinth of the Buda Castle
- Try authentic Hungarian street food
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Danube River
- Visit the House of Terror Museum
- Party at a ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter
- Ride the Budapest Cogwheel
- Explore the caves of Budapest, such as Palvolgyi Cave
- Visit the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Ride on the Buda Castle Funicular
- Visit the Palace of Wonders
- Take a day trip to Szentendre
- Head over to the Tropicarium Budapest
- Ride the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel
- Have a picnic in City Park (Városliget)
- Have fun at the Budapest Pinball Museum
- Visit the Museum of Ethnography
- Find the tiny statues in Budapest
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
- Explore the Budapest History Museum
- Attend a concert at the Liszt Academy of Music
- Visit the Hungarian State Opera House
- Try an escape room
- Explore Bedö House
- Experience a traditional Hungarian folklore show
- Participate in a cooking class
- Explore Budapest’s parliament building
- Visit the House of Music
- Take a walk or bike ride along the Danube River
- Go hiking in the Buda Hills
- Have a picnic in Margaret Island
- Visit the Budapest Outdoor Farmer’s Market
- Attend a festival
- Explore some gardens
- Go on a pub crawl
- Take a guided walking tour of the city
- Explore Budapest Park
- Visit the Open Air Museum
Such a great list! Loved the mix of free and unique experiences—especially the hidden gems like the ruin bars. Super helpful for planning my Budapest trip!
Such a helpful and inspiring list! Loved the mix of unique and free things to do in Budapest great for budget travelers.