Panorama of the Hungarian Parliament building at sunrise in Budapest, Hungary

Things to do in  Hungary

Budapest and beyond

Hungary has a proud history spanning 1,100 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest countries. Visitors to Budapest's grand capital can uncover many layers of this long history, from the Neoclassical Hungarian State Opera building to the 13th-century Buda Castle, the Gothic Revival Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Rococo coffee houses. And while many travelers stick to the capital, there are many things to do in Hungary beyond Budapest. The famous Danube River snakes through the country, freshwater Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular summer destination, and did someone mention natural hot springs? There’s all this and more in Hungary.

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Top 15 attractions in Hungary

#1

House of Parliament (Országház)

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The Hungarian House of Parliament (Országház) is one of the world’s most photogenic government buildings. Perched on the UNESCO World Heritage–listed banks of the Danube River, the mainly neo-Gothic structure features 691 rooms, a handful of which are open to the public—including the Domed Hall, where the Crown of St. Stephen is on display.More
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#2

Budapest Danube River

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Flowing through the heart of Budapest, the Danube River is the lifeline of the Hungarian capital, as well as its geographic center, separating the hilly Buda district on the west bank from the bustling Pest on the east bank. The striking waterfront is also part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed treasures, home to landmarks such as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Liberty Bridge, Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Margaret Island.More
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#3

Buda Castle (Budai Vár)

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Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube riverfront, the Buda Castle (Budai Vár), or Buda Royal Palace, is one of Budapest’s most photographed landmarks. The magnificent palace dates back to the 13th century, but has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, most recently in a neo-baroque style.More
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#4

Széchenyi Thermal Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdo)

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One of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Europe, Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdo) are one of Hungary's most visited attractions. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters, with startling blue pools set against the backdrop of a grand neo-baroque palace, is a quintessential Budapest experience. It’s also a luxurious one, especially when coupled with a visit to the spa, which offers everything from saunas and mudpacks to rejuvenating massages and balneal therapies.More
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#5

Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom)

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Matthias Church (Matays-templom), is a top sight in Budapest's must-see Castle Hill district. This Roman Catholic church boasts neo-Gothic architecture and intricate detailing, from ornately tiled roof and carved gargoyles, to frescoes and stained-glass windows. Visit Matthias Church as part of a Buda Castle complex tour.More
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#6

St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika)

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With everything from holy relics to frescoes, the neoclassical St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is a must for first-time visitors to Budapest. Marvel at the architecture, the clock towers, the stained glass windows—and the preserved hand of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary.More
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#7

Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid)

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It's no surprise that the Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid is a top Budapest attraction since this 19th-century landmark offers fantastic views of Castle Hill. You can walk across for waterfront views, pose for a snapshot with the Buda Castle in the background, and marvel at the bridge's stone towers while crossing the Danube.More
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#8

Heroes' Square (Hosök Tere)

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Heroes' Square (H?sök Tere) is a grand public space at the entrance to Budapest's City Park. Visitors find sweeping columns, statues, and monuments to Hungary's celebrated statesmen. A worthy place to visit, Heroes' Square is an ideal stop for visitors wandering the park, or before stepping into Budapest's well-curated Museum of Fine Arts.More
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#9

Margaret Island (Margit-Sziget)

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Nestled in the Danube River, Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) is an oasis in Hungary’s capital of Budapest. This verdant park is packed with attractions, including a pool, a spa, playgrounds, and a Japanese garden. When the sun is shining, locals and tourists picnic on the island’s green lawns and, in summer, listen to free concerts.More
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#10

Fisherman’s Bastion (Halaszbastya)

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Fisherman’s Bastion, or Halaszbastya, is one of Budapest’s most picturesque lookouts. Nestled high on Castle Hill, the neo-Romanesque terrace was built between 1895 and 1902, in celebration of millennial Hungary. Though today’s structure is decorative, it sits on fortified walls that were used to defend the city throughout its early history.More
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#11

Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy Út)

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Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy Út is an elegant Budapest thoroughfare not unlike Paris' Champs-Élysées or Madrid's Gran Vía. The avenue is known as an upscale area full of art nouveau buildings, ritzy shops, and chic eateries. Among them all, the State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház stands as a grand testament to times past.More
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#12

Citadella

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Situated atop Buda's Gellért Hill—just west of the Danube—the Citadella is a 19th-century fortress that's a prime destination for urban hikers seeking some of the best views in Budapest. You can ascend the hillside to reach the fortification, stop by the small museum on World War II history, and marvel at the unbeatable panorama from the viewpoint.More
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#13

Gellért Hill (Gellert-Hegy)

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Gellert Hill (Gellert-hegy) is best known for its panoramic city views, 19th century Citadel, and historic monuments. While the hike up Gellert Hill’s stone steps can be challenging, the sweeping vistas of Budapest and the Danube River from the top are worth the climb.More
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#14

Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)

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This neo-Renaissance opera house (Magyar Állami Operaház) has an illustrious history as one of Budapest’s greatest cultural venues, with legendary composer Gustav Mahler having once served as director here. Behind the Miklós Ybl–designed facade, which features statues of Puccini, Mozart, Liszt, and Verdi, is a plush interior with gilding, marble, and chandeliers.More
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#15

Central Market Hall (Nagycsarnok)

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Budapest’s largest indoor market is a hub of activity, with hundreds of stalls spread over three floors. Housed in a striking 19th-century building, it’s a place where local chefs shop for fresh produce, tourists haggle over traditional handicrafts, and the upstairs food court serves delicious Hungarian cuisine.More
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Top activities in Hungary

Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise
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Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise

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Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music
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Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music

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Half-day Wine Tasting Tour in Etyek Wine Country near Budapest

Half-day Wine Tasting Tour in Etyek Wine Country near Budapest

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Budapest Private Tuk Tuk Half-Day Tour
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Budapest Private Luxury Sightseeing Tour

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Budapest Highlights Sightseeing Cruise
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Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

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Guided Tours in Budapest on MonsteRoller e-Scooter

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Budapest Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

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Budapest Tuk Tuk City Tour

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Budapest Danube Sightseeing Cruise with Drink and Audio Guide

Budapest Danube Sightseeing Cruise with Drink and Audio Guide

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Budapest Private Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour

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Evening Cruise on the Danube with Optional Drinks

Evening Cruise on the Danube with Optional Drinks

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Budapest All in One Walking Tour with Strudel Stop
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Budapest All in One Walking Tour with Strudel Stop

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Budapest ️Highlights️ Live Guided Segway Tour

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Budapest Jewish Heritage Tour & Synagogue Ticket

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Full Day 7 hours Private Budapest City Tour With Lunch and Cruise

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When to visit

As a landlocked Central European country, Hungary experiences cold, snowy winters with short days and generally hot, dry summers with long hours of sunshine. The spring and autumn seasons are also pleasant. While visitors can find indoor attractions to enjoy in the capital, Budapest, in winter, most will find it more worthwhile to visit in the warmer months, between April and October.

Getting around

In Budapest, many areas of interest to tourists are easily walkable. Budapest also has an excellent public transport system, with underground metro railways, trams, and buses. Active travelers might also want to rent a bike. Beyond the capital, most Hungarian towns and cities have good bus and tram networks, and longer-distance buses and trains are effective and affordable ways of getting around the country.

Traveler tips

While English-speaking travelers can generally get by with only English in Budapest, this is more difficult beyond the capital. German tends to be the more common second language in other parts of Hungary (although Hungary doesn’t share a border with Germany, it does with Austria and was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries). Beyond Budapest, learn a few words of Hungarian and German to ease your travels.

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People Also Ask

What is Hungary best known for?

Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is best known for its grand capital, Budapest, and its spa towns and hot springs. Budapest is home to the Gothic Revival Hungarian Parliament Building, which sits beside the Danube River and is a major attraction. The indoor and outdoor Széchenyi Thermal Bath is perhaps the most famous hot spring complex.

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Is Hungary expensive to visit?

No, Hungary is not an expensive country to visit—in fact, it is one of the more affordable destinations in Europe. Travelers can indulge in high-end accommodation and meals if they wish, but it’s also easy to sleep and eat on a budget, and the public transport is affordable and extensive.

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What to do in Budapest as a tourist?

Some of the most popular and worthwhile attractions for tourists in Budapest are the Gothic Revival Hungarian Parliament Building, cruising on the Danube River, soaking in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths or other hot springs, exploring the Castle District, and having a coffee and cake in an ornate, traditional coffee house.

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Why do tourists go to Hungary?

Many tourists visit Hungary to spend time in its exciting capital, Budapest, where many cultural and architectural attractions exist. Beyond Budapest, tourists also visit the Tokaj Wine Region, medieval Visegrád and the Danube Bend, Lake Balaton, Miskolctapolca Cave Bath, and the caves in the Aggtelek National Park, among other lesser-known sites.

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Is Budapest friendly to tourists?

Yes, Budapest is generally friendly to tourists, as many tourists visit the city, and locals are used to interacting with foreign tourists. However, far-right groups and Neo-Nazism have increased in Budapest and throughout Hungary in recent decades, and some travelers may feel uncomfortable in certain situations. Avoid political rallies or protests.

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How many days do you need in Budapest?

Most travelers find that two or three days is enough time in Budapest, although it’s a vibrant city of more than 1.5 million inhabitants, so there is a lot to see and do. With two-to-three days you can check out the famous Hungarian Parliament Buildings, the Castle District, and a hot spring bath or two.

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