10 Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest is an excellent city to explore by bike, with plenty of dedicated cycle paths and the magnificent Danube River flowing through the middle of its two sides, Buda and Pest. We offer 10+ Danube cycling tours, which are perfect for leisurely cycling and exploring multiple countries. Of course, there's also the option to join a guided cycling tour or hire a bike for the day and explore it from the saddle!

Hungary's capital is a special city, and one well worth spending some time in rather than passing through. Fortunately, most of our tours that pass through Budapest schedule a day to explore the fun-filled streets.

To ensure the best 'things to do' are all tried and tested, I've drawn upon the experiences of various members of the Freedom Treks team who’ve been lucky enough to visit. These primarily include my own personal February 2025 visit, as well as Sales Consultant Arianna, who visited in May 2025 as part of our Danube River 4 Countries Boat & Bike Tour.

One huge plus to Budapest is the transport links - you'll be able to experience all of the city, and subsequently my ten recommendations, as it's expertly connected by tram, bus and train. Download the BudapestGO app to see it all in one place and plan your routes around the city.

Here’s what we suggest to make the most of your time in Budapest.

With so many mouth-watering Hungarian specialities to try, you’ll be seriously tempted to eat your way through the city - luckily, your wallet won’t suffer too much as the food is not only delicious, but also great value.

Everywhere you go, you'll see lángos and chimney cake - these are the two must-haves to really dive into the local culture.

Lángos is a deep-fried flatbread, which is traditionally topped with just sour cream (a popular topping or side with almost every meal here!) and cheese - plenty of other options are available, of course. I'd describe it as a cross between a doughnut and a pizza - sounds odd, but it's worth a try. I loved it!

Chimney cake is a traditional street food snack. A tall, cylinder-shaped pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon. It's similar to a cinnamon bun, so if that's up your street then you'll be a fan.

Meal-wise, chicken paprikash is a favourite for all who try. Bone-in chicken, served in a flavourful sauce, with a side of dumplings or noodles and sour cream. Arianna suggests stopping for lunch in one of the many options near the Vorosmarty Ter Square, while I recommend Bestia for a formal dinner setting and great views of St. Stephen's Basilica.

Goulash is Hungary's national dish, a beef-based soup with heaps of flavour. It's served in pretty much every food establishment, so I'll let you take your pick where you try it!

One last recommendation is to check out 'Street Food Karavan'. A bustling passage with local food vans on either side, as well as the classic burger and chips options, it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink and soak up the culture.

In the heart of Budapest lies one of the most impressive and significant parliamentary buildings in the world. Designed in neo-Gothic style, its spires and sheer size grab your attention whenever it's in sight. A walk up close should be right at the top of your to-do list - it's the best way to take it in! You'll also see the gardens and statues that surround the building from here.

If you were wondering, the Hungarian National Assembly still meet here, but it's primarily a tourist attraction.

Whilst I didn't venture inside, that certainly is an option. For a small fee, you can experience the incredible interior, which is just as awe-inspiring as the exterior. Guided tours of the Hungarian Parliament lead you through the magnificent halls and chambers, crowned by the unique sight of the Holy Crown and Crown Jewels - a sight which leaves a lasting impression of Hungary’s rich history and cultural pride.

Looking to take that holiday picture to show your friends and family? Well, views don't get better than from Fisherman's Bastion. This architectural marvel lies in a fairytale-esque setting with panoramic views across Budapest, including the Danube and the famous Parliament building. Take a look below (although I can promise that, like any great view, it's better in person!):

Even better, it's free to look around the grounds and take as many photos as you want. Fisherman's Bastion is a real highlight - especially if you follow Arianna's top tip of visiting in the dark. The city lights up, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Budapest at its best.

Just a short walk from the Parliament building, the Shoes on the Danube Bank is a deeply moving memorial. It commemorates the Jewish victims who were executed along the river by the Arrow Cross Party - a far-right Hungarian ultranationalist group - during the brutal winter of 1944-45.

Sixty pairs of iron shoes line the river's edge, symbolising those who were forced to remove their footwear before being shot. The monument is incredibly moving and powerful; a site of remembrance and a time to reflect.

It's one of Budapest's most visited historical landmarks.

Budapest is renowned for its stunning thermal baths, which offer a historical and cultural experience as well as a relaxing retreat. The baths are fuelled by natural hot springs and set in grand buildings, with all the spa-esque amenities you'd expect. But it’s the steamy, mineral-rich pools themselves that truly steal the show.

There are three 'main' baths to choose from: Szechenyi Baths, Gellért Baths and Rudas Baths.

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are the largest and most popular (and the place I went to). They're one of the largest bath spas in Europe, with 15 indoor baths and three grand outdoor pools joining saunas, steam rooms and a rooftop spa greenhouse.

Arianna visited the Rudas Thermal Baths, saying: "We had a lovely, relaxing visit. With no phones allowed, it was the perfect way to unplug and unwind in the warm pools and saunas - plus, the architecture was just beautiful".

The Gellért Thermal Baths (visited by Marketing Manager Craig) is an Art Nouveau-style building attached to one of Budapest's oldest and grandest hotels. With some incredible indoor baths and an easy-to-get-to location, this is the place to go if indoor relaxation is your priority.

A short river cruise is the best way to see both sides of the city (besides cycling, of course!) These are generally 90 minutes, and often include a welcome drink or unlimited prosecco (although if you're looking for a more calming time, I'd recommend staying clear of the alcohol-focused cruises!). If timings allow, my top tip is to aim for a sunset cruise - you see the city in the light, and then see it lit up in the dark on your way back - simply incredible.

Seeing the Parliament Building from the river is the best place to do so by far. Plus, these trips are often inexpensive, especially for what you get. There's a whole host of providers, which will cost you around £25, including a drink or two, for a 90-minute cruise - not bad if you ask me.

If you're keen to explore more of the Danube River, which touches or crosses the border of 10 countries, view our Danube cycling holidays.

A vibrant and lively indoor market, this is the place to go for some authentic Hungarian culture. This three-story market is the largest and oldest indoor market in the city, with stalls offering all sorts of uniquely Hungarian products.

On the ground floor, you'll find a plethora of fresh and dried foods, while the upper floor stocks handicrafts, souvenirs and clothes amongst the cafés and food stalls. The basement level has various fishmongers, a drugstore and an Asian supermarket.

Stunning inside and out, Buda Castle is a staple of Budapest. With jaw-dropping panoramic views over the Danube, visitors can take a stroll through the courtyards and gardens free of charge. But you'll have to pay to access the inside, as well as the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, which are located in several wings of the Buda Castle.

Széchenyi National Library, Hungary's largest library, is also found in one of the wings.

It's a building steeped in history, having been robbed clean and bombed in WW2. After being restored, it was left empty. Nowadays, it's kept in excellent condition and is a key tourist hotspot.

Located in the peaceful City Park, right next to the aforementioned Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest Zoo is a brilliant attraction. One of the world's oldest zoos, having opened its doors in 1866, it receives over one million visitors yearly and holds 1,072 animal species.

Spending a few hours at the zoo is a real delight - and comes personally recommended by Marketing Executive Archie. With its convenient location, just a short bus ride from the scenic stretch of the Danube between Buda and Pest, it has a wide appeal to all visiting Budapest.

Also on the grounds of the zoo lies a beautiful botanical garden. In fact, the whole area covers 11 hectares, so there's plenty to see and do! Seasonal shows and guided tours enhance the visit, and there are plenty of cafés dotted around for a relaxing break.

Whether you're an animal lover, a fan of pretty garden strolls, or simply looking to unwind in one of Budapest’s most charming green spaces, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden has to be on your list.

Budapest has an excellent network of public transport, but many of the city’s top sights can be enjoyed on one scenic riverfront walk. The route takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and covers everything on this list - except for the Budapest Zoo and Széchenyi Baths, which are just a 45-minute stroll from the Parliament Building.

The walk includes the following stops:

• A = Hungarian Parliament Building
• B = Shoes on the Danube Bank
• C = Fisherman's Bastion
• D = Buda Castle
• E = Rudas Thermal Baths
• F = Gellért Thermal Baths
• G = Central Market Hall

The best way to see any place is by bike. Here at Freedom Treks, we offer multiple tours that either go through or end in Budapest. You can find most of them on our Danube Cycling Holidays, but you're best placed to speak to our team who have first-hand experience and will recommend the right tour for you based on your needs.

Call our friendly team at +44 (0)1273 225066 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm UK time) or enquire online. Join our mailing list for more tips and advice from our team, and like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for all things cycling.