Budapest’s city center is the part of the city where most of the action happens. Here, you can experience everything from local culture and international cuisine to serene parks and unique spots with panoramic views of the city. Budapest city center, or downtown (Belváros in Hungarian), mainly consists of the 5th district. However, other districts, like the 6th and 7th, are also considered the center.
This article will focus on District 5 and all it’s unmissable attractions. For more central attractions in Budapest downtown, you can check out District 6 and District 7.
What shouldn’t you miss in Budapest City Center?
The center of Budapest has so much to offer, it’s almost impossible to catch it all! But, with a great plan, you can easily create your Budapest itinerary and see most of the city’s attractions.
This article will highlight famous sites, including UNESCO-listed ones, hotels, places to eat, and local favorite spots to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
1. St Stephen’s Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica is probably one of the most popular places in District 5 and all of Budapest. It’s the largest church in Hungary and can fit 8500 people!
Luckily, it never gets that crowded, so you won’t have to rub shoulders to explore this neoclassical cathedral. You can purchase tickets to St Stephen’s Basilica online or physically at the ticket office.
One of the fascinating things to see inside the Basilica is the mummified hand of St Stephen! Another highlight of visiting St Stephen’s Basilica in District 5 is climbing to the roof for a panoramic view of the city.
Read on to get all the details on visiting the Basilica, including tickets and opening hours.
2. Hungarian Parliament Building
No one can visit Budapest and not see the famous Hungarian Parliament Building. It’s one of Budapest’s architectural gems that attracts thousands of people daily.
While you can only go inside the Parliament building with a 45-minute guided tour, it’s still worth it if you’re curious about the interior.
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether the parliament is worth visiting. Lots of people ask this question, so I wrote everything you need to know about the parliament here.
3. Shoes on the Danube Bank
While most Budapest attractions downtown are upbeat and fun, not all of them are. The Shoes on the Danube Banks reflect a darker side of the city’s history.
This location, which is a UNESCO heritage site in Budapest, is a holocaust memorial with 60 pairs of men’s, women’s, and children’s cast iron shoes.
During the last months of World War II, over 10,000 Jewish people were murdered here by being lined up and shot into the ice-cold river.
Before execution, the Jews were ordered to take off their shoes, and the people who murdered them either kept their shoes or sold them.
4. Budapest Eye
Another attraction that’s hard to miss in downtown Budapest is the Ferris wheel. It’s located in Elizabeth Square, right by Deak Ferenc Square.
The Ferris wheel is 65m high and has beautiful views of the city. A ride lasts about 10 minutes, but you can book it for longer. The Budapest Eye is open daily, and you can purchase tickets online or physically.
If you’re visiting during summer, you can also bring a picnic basket with you and people-watch from the green park surrounding the wheel.
There’s a skate park on site, a few bars and restaurants, and the aquarium, where several events are held throughout the year.
5. Fashion Street
If you’re into fashion or anything shopping-related, you might enjoy visiting Fashion Street.
It’s a haven with clothing stores like Bershka, Zara, and Nanushka, and it’s a more budget-friendly option than the stores on Andrassy Avenue.
Fashion Street has several shops, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and bars. The famous Vörösmarty Square, where several markets are held, is nestled right at the center of the area and close to the Danube.
6. The famous Bridges of Budapest
In Budapest, eight bridges connect Buda and Pest over the Danube River. Some of these famous bridges start (or end) in District 5, making them an addition to the city’s central attractions.
The most famous bridges in Budapest include Margaret Bridge, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and Liberty Bridge. All of these are part of the 5th district.
There are so many interesting facts about the bridges in Budapest.
Margaret Bridge leads to Margeret Island and provides a fantastic view of the parliament. Széchenyi Chain Bridge is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, while Liberty Bridge is a beautiful bridge to sit and relax on.
7. Tram 2
Tram 2, considered one of Budapest’s most scenic routes, runs through Budapest city center.
It doesn’t cost more than 1 euro to ride this tram and enjoy views of famous attractions such as the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, the Danube River, and the Buda Hills.
You can ride this tram from Jászai Mari to the National Theatre.
8. Danube River
Another attraction you can see in Budapest’s city center is the Danube River!
This magnificent body of water flows through several countries in Europe and holds a special place in Budapest.
You can spend your time in the 5th district walking along the Danube and enjoying views of the Buda Castle. While you’re at it, you can also try to spot some of the tiny statues of Budapest along the river.
Budapest City Center Hotels
If you’re exploring Budapest from out of town, chances are, you’ll need a place to stay! Luckily, downtown Budapest has so many hotel options ranging from luxury to budget-friendly.
Some Budapest hotels located in the city center include:
- Hotel Rum
- Hotel Gin
- Matild palace
- City Hotel Matyas
- Gerloczy Hotel
- Budapest Marriott
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Aria Hotel
- Four Seasons Hotel
- Verno House
This is just a brief list of hotels in downtown Budapest. You can stay in several other places, such as hostels and Airbnb. You could also use couchsurfing as a means of accommodation while you’re in Budapest.
Are you visiting Budapest during the Sziget Festival? Here’s a quick guide on hostels near the Sziget Festival.
RECOMMENDED: Budapest 2-day Itinerary | Everything you shouldn’t miss plus more
Places to eat in Budapest City Center
The city center of Budapest is a haven for restaurants, bars, and brunch places. It’s home to popular spots like Cookie Beacon and hidden gems like Meron Budapest.
You can find some of the best brunch places in Pest in this district, as well as popular laptop-friendly cafés and bakeries.
Discover some of the best places to eat in the 5th district here and below.
Brunch places in Budapest City Center
Some of the best breakfast and brunch places in downtown Budapest include:
- Meron Budapest
- DoubleShot Coffee and Brunch
- Nor/ma Bakery
- Csemege
- Portobello Coffee, Brunch and Wine
- Budapest Baristas
- Feteke
- Szimply Brunch
- Vaj
- Parisi Udvar
Restaurants and bars in Budapest City Center
Some go-to spots for dinner and drinks in the 5th district include:
- I55 American Bar and Restaurant
- Iguana Bar and Grill
- Turkiz Restaurant Budapest
- Flavia
- Tokio
- Gizi Gastro Bar
- Retek Bisztro
- Akademia Italia Budapest
- Bestia
- Bombay Budapest
Places to see in District 5
Besides the popular attractions, hotel and restaurant recommendations, there are several other places to visit in the center of Budapest. If you’d like to stay updated on everything in Budapest, follow me on Instagram or TikTok, where I regularly share recommendations.
