District III is one of Budapest’s lesser-explored districts on the Buda side of the city. However, most locals may know it and also refer to it as Obuda-Bekasmegyer. On the other hand, most foreigners have unknowingly been in District 3 when they visited Sziget Island for the annual festival.
Yes, District 3 is home to the Sziget Festival!
But that’s not all. This district is also home to several historical sites monumental to Hungary’s past.
Firstly, the Celts inhabited Budapest, and they were overtaken by the Roman Empire, who established a town in District 3.
Today, you can see many of these remains and get a bit of an inside look at life in Budapest during the Roman Empire and the town of Aquincum.
Things to do in Budapest’s District III
1. Visit Aquincum Museum
Address: Budapest, Szentendrei út 135, 1031
Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Mon
Not to be mistaken for unicum, the Aquincum Museum is one of Budapest’s oldest museums. It first opened in 1894 and is home to the archaeological findings from the remains of the Roman city Aquincum.
The museum features a wide array of permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase the area’s Roman history. You can see a coin and brick collection, animal bones, mosaics, and wall paintings.
2. Explore Hercules Villa (note that it’s temporarily closed Feb 2024)
Address: Budapest, Meggyfa u 21, 1033
Hours: Temporarily Closed
Also part of District 3’s historical heritage is the Hercules Villa, decorated with mosaics and wall paintings. You can browse through different rooms featuring geometrical patterns, meander patterns, and even depictions of Hercules.
3. Marvel at the Baths Museum (note that it’s temporarily closed Feb 2024)
Address: Budapest, 1032
Hours: Temporarily closed
The Bath, also known as Thermae Maiores, is the iconic fortress nestled in District 3. Due to the therapeutic waters of Budapest’s thermal springs, the baths served as a monumental feature in the city.
Soldiers came here to unwind in the warm and hot pools, steam baths, and exercise court, which was present on site. Another notable site is the outdoor Military Town Museum, where the soldiers lived. The museum features 4th-century burial sites, hot and cold baths, and what is assumed to have been an inn.
4. Wander through the archaeological park
Address: 135 Szentendrei út, 1031 Budapest
If amphitheaters, villas, ruins of courtyards, baths, and a marketplace sound good to you, you’ll enjoy the archaeological park in District 3.
While here, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the museum with jewels, glassware, and wall paintings that depict life in Aquincum.
5. Visit Fő Ter
You can’t miss Obuda’s main square when visiting District 3. This cobblestoned area is reminiscent of the 17th and 18th centuries and offers a charming experience for anybody visiting. It also has a small town square feel, which you may experience when visiting other smaller cities in Hungary.
It’s worth walking around the square and admiring its colorful buildings, contrasting the communist blocks in the backdrop. You can also use this chance to try some local food in one of the surrounding restaurants.
6. Go museum hopping
The part of Obuda is full of museums that are just waiting to be explored. Some of the museums in Budapest that you shouldn’t miss include:
1. Kassak Museum
Housed in the baroque-style Zichy Castle, Kassak Museum is one of the places to visit while exploring District 3. The castle itself has a long history. It was built in the 18th century as a castle, then served as a silk factory, an apartment during World War II, and then renovated for cultural purposes.
You can see contemporary art exhibitions, Lajos Kassak collections, and several temporary exhibitions.
2. Kiscelli Museum
This is one of the most exciting museums in Buda. It features an extensive collection of furniture, musical instruments, photos, games, ceramics, and architectural pieces.
They also have several ongoing events you can learn about on their website.
3. Vasarely Museum
If you’re an art lover in Budapest, you’re going to appreciate Vasarely Museum, which serves as a foundation and art center. The museum focuses on the works of Vasarely and temporarily showcases the work of related artists.
They’re mostly open throughout the week, and you can even enjoy their volunteer program if you’d like to contribute to the arts.
Other things to do in Obuda
Depending on when you visit, you can also visit the district to attend the famous Sziget Island. The lineup for performers at this year’s Sziget Festival is already available online, and there’s no better time to start planning for the festival than now.
Find hotels near the Sziget Festival, learn how to get from the airport to the city, and discover the best Budapest itinerary before your trip.
If you’ve exploring Budapest in the summer, don’t miss out on catching views of Margeret Island or having some fun at Budapest Park, which has several food courts, outdoor bars, a skating rink, beach volleyball, a trampoline park, a football pitch, and lots of other fun outdoor activities.
District 3 Summary
Unlike District 1, which is mostly home to the castle and prestigious buildings, or District 2, which is great for hiking and outdoor activities, District 3 offers a blend of both and an interesting journey from old to new.
