tourist attraction map of budapest

Budapest Map

Places of interest detailed in our guide, budapest maps and guides.

If you are planning your trip to Budapest, on the interactive map on this page you can find all the places of interest that we recommend you visit and other useful points of interest for your trip, such as the airport , or locations around Budapest . Simply click on the placeholders on the map, or in the list just below, to go to the in-depth tabs on the individual point of interest.

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However, if you are used to organising your itineraries with a traditional paper guide, buy one of the following.

Tourist map of Budapest

The Hungarian Tourist Board has made the city map available in PDF format, you can download it below.

Budapest Metro Map

If you will be using the Budapest Metro to get around during your stay in Budapest, take a look at the map of the lines to better plan your trip; to view it, download it in PDF format and possibly print it, click on the button below.

Where Budapest is located

The city is divided into two towards the North-South direction by the  Danube  river, which represents a central asset for the city trade. On the left side of the river there is the  Buda district, characterized by its 20 hills and its Castle. On the right bank of the river there is  Pest , which is characterized by the majestic Parliament building. Buda is a residential district, while Pest is rich in commercial and industrial areas.

Budapest holds the primacy of being the only world’s capital with  natural thermal springs . With more than 120 springs, there are about 70 million liters of water flowing everyday providing healing effects. The water may reach up to 58 Celsius degrees.

There are 3  islands on the Danube  belonging to the administrative area of the Hungarian capital city: Margaret Island, Csepel Island, and Obudai Island.

How to save on transport and entrance fees

City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.

Map of Budapest — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Budapest, Hungary for travelers! Check out Budapest’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Budapest? See our Budapest Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Budapest. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Budapest map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Budapest by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 20 attractions in Budapest

Fisherman's bastion, st. stephen's basilica.

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Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Matthias Church

Hungarian parliament building, heroes' square.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Buda castle, hungarian national gallery, müpa budapest, hungarian state opera, shoes on the danube bank, budapest castle hill funicular, four seasons hotel gresham palace budapest, andrássy út, hungarian national museum.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Budapest History Museum / Castle Museum

House of terror, széchenyi thermal bath, dohány street synagogue, top 10 restaurants in budapest, borkonyha winekitchen.

Rosenstein Vendéglő

Babel budapest.

Café Gerbeaud

Két szerecsen, menza étterem és kávéház, kádár étkezde, stand étterem, transportation in budapest, nearby airports, budapest ferenc liszt international airport, highways and major roads.

• M1/E60 Motorway
• M3/E71 Motorway
• M5/E60 Motorway
• M6/E73 Motorway
• M7/E71 Motorway
• M9/E71 Motorway
• Körút (Grand Boulevard)
• Andrássy Avenue
• Rákóczi Avenue
• Budaörsi Street.

Top searches in Budapest

Popular road trips from budapest, what's the weather like in budapest.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Budapest for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Budapest in January
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All road trips from Budapest

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Explore nearby places

• Torokbalint
• Pilisborosjeno
• Halasztelek
• Szigetszentmiklos
• Szazhalombatta
• Dunavarsany
• Pilisszentkereszt

All related maps of Budapest

• Map of Budaors
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• Map of Diosd
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• Map of Budakalasz
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• Map of Piliscsaba
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Budapest throughout the year

• Budapest in January
• Budapest in February
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• Budapest in May
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• Budapest in July
• Budapest in August
• Budapest in September
• Budapest in October
• Budapest in November
• Budapest in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Budapest?

Get inspired for your trip to Budapest with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Budapest Itinerary
• 2-Day Budapest Itinerary
• 3-Day Budapest Itinerary
• 4-Day Budapest Itinerary
• 5-Day Budapest Itinerary

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Budapest   Travel Guide

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19 Best Things To Do in Budapest

Updated May. 8, 2023

The thermal baths are king here, but there are plenty of other ways to kill a day. World-class museums, island parks, shopping and cafes are available in spades. Foot it around Castle Hill for a taste of medieval Budapest or spend an afternoon

• All Things To Do

Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) free

Located in the historic district of  Castle Hill , Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace that looks like a structure taken straight out of a fairy tale. Designed and built in 1905 by Frigyes Schulek – the same architect who built the adjacent Matthias Church – Fisherman's Bastion is named after the medieval guild of fishermen who protected Budapest from invasion.

Visitors say Fisherman's Bastion's gleaming white structure provides panoramic views of the city: From here, you can snap some breathtaking pictures of the Danube River , Margaret Island and Pest. Also save time for exploring the sight's seven ornate turrets, which symbolize the tents of the seven Magyar leaders who settled the Carpathian Basin, ultimately leading to the existence of modern-day Hungary. 

Danube River Danube River free

Dividing the city's Buda and Pest sides is the impressive Danube River. Flowing roughly 1,770 miles from west Germany through Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and, of course, Hungary, before meeting the Black Sea in southern Ukraine, this sprawling river is the second longest in Europe. Along its Budapest shores, travelers will find iconic sights like the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle .

Recent visitors highly recommend checking out the Danube River on foot or by boat. If you decide to go for a stroll, consider doing so at the Danube Promenade, which offers picturesque views and the must-see Shoes on the Danube Bank Holocaust memorial, according to past travelers. Many also suggest signing up for an evening sightseeing cruise through local operators like Legenda Sightseeing Boats and Portum Lines .

Castle Hill (Várhegy) Castle Hill (Várhegy) free

Located on the west side of the Danube River , Castle Hill is a must-see district for any Budapest visitor. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, the area's iconic Buda Castle was constructed in the 13th century. Walk the cobblestone streets, take in the medieval atmosphere and dive deep into Budapest's history.

From the castle to  Matthias Church  to the underground Castle Labyrinth to  Fisherman's Bastion , you'll find there's almost no end to what you can learn about Budapest's past. The lack of vehicle traffic also lends an old-world charm to the area. Plus, travelers say you'll discover sweeping city panoramas from multiple locales in the neighborhood.

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Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) free

It's hard to miss the nearly 1,250-foot-long Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Originally built in the 1800s by English engineer William Tierney Clark, this stunning suspension bridge was mostly destroyed during World War II. Though it was badly damaged, it still features its original pillars and stone lions that flank its entrances. Since being reconstructed in the late 1940s, visitors have flocked here to walk, bike and drive across it.

Travelers rave about this impressive bridge, saying it's a superb subject for photos. For the best views, visitors suggest arriving at night when lights illuminate the bridge and surrounding attractions. Sights you can see from the Széchenyi Chain Bridge include Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament .

Heroes' Square (Hosök tere) Heroes' Square (Hosök tere) free

Heroes' Square is one of Budapest's grandest landmarks. In fact, it's the largest public square in the city. Swing by this area to take a picture of the Millenary Monument, which was erected in 1896 to celebrate Hungary's 1000th anniversary.

The square and the monument are dedicated to those who lost their lives while fighting for the country's independence. At the base of the famous column (topped with the Archangel Gabriel) are statues representing seven Magyar chieftains – considered to be the founders of the Hungarian nation. Behind the column are matching colonnades with 14 statues of royalty and other important figures in Hungarian history.

Hungarian Parliament (Országház) Hungarian Parliament (Országház)

Completed in 1902, the Hungarian Parliament is one of Budapest's most famous landmarks. The Hungarian National Assembly still meets here, but visitors come mainly to take in the building's architecture (primarily Gothic Revival-style) and beautiful statues and paintings. According to many, there is no structure in Hungary that serves as a better symbol of the country's independence and commitment to democracy. 

Travelers and locals alike say this structure is a must-see for any visitor's first trip to Budapest. It not only features incredible architectural details but also stunning Danube River views and significant artifacts, such as Hungary's crown jewels. If you're interested in touring the inside, visitors suggest booking well in advance since tours – which are the only way to gain interior access – fill up fast. Photography is permitted during a tour; however, taking pictures inside the Dome Hall (where the crown jewels are located) is not allowed.

St. Stephen's Basilica (Svent István Bazilika) St. Stephen's Basilica (Svent István Bazilika) free

One of downtown Budapest's most popular sights is St. Stephen's Basilica. Featuring two clock towers and an impressive cupola, this historical church, which was dedicated to Stephen I (Hungary's founder and first king) upon completion in 1905, took more than 50 years to build. Visitors flock here to catch a glimpse of its main attraction – the Holy Right. This mummified, jewel-adorned right hand of the property's namesake rests inside an ornate golden reliquary in the church's Holy Right chapel.

Past travelers praised St. Stephen's Basilica's stunning architecture and interior, as well as the breathtaking city views from the cupola's balcony. Visitors can explore the church on their own, but for more insight about its history, reviewers recommend paying for the guided tour, which includes looks at the Holy Right chapel, the on-site treasury and the cupola.

Buda Castle (Budai vár) Buda Castle (Budai vár) free

As its name implies, Castle Hill 's main attraction is its medieval castle. Built in the 14th century to accommodate various kings, the structure now features Baroque and neo-Baroque details added during various restorations. It's also home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library.

Like Gellért Hill and the  Széchenyi Chain Bridge , Buda Castle boasts picturesque city panoramas, according to past visitors. However, previous travelers had mixed feelings about using the Buda Castle Funicular. Some enjoyed riding it to the top, while others bemoaned its pricey fees and suggested walking. If you are not keen on walking but want to avoid paying 1,200 forints (about $5) for a one-way fare or 1,800 forints ($7) for a round-trip ticket, consider using the No. 16 bus. Each ticket costs 350 forints (roughly $1.50) when purchased in advance; to get a ticket on board, expect to pay 450 forints (less than $2). For Budapest Card holders, rides on public transportation are covered.

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Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) free

The neo-Gothic Matthias Church in  Castle Hill  has been around for centuries and, in many ways, its history corresponds to that of Budapest itself. Built in the 13th century, Matthias was the city's first parish church. However, it was transformed into a mosque during the 1541 Ottoman occupation and remained an Islamic place of worship until the Turkish expulsion nearly 150 years later. Today, tourists come to admire its imposing architecture, take in its historical symbolism and spend some time studying its impressive artwork.

Recent visitors said the church's architecture is striking and the informational place cards throughout the property give you a sense of its expansive history. Don't forget to check out the Ecclesiastical Art Collection, also housed inside. You can see the medieval crypt where 10th-century King Béla III and his wife Agnes are buried, as well replicas of royal jewels and other religious artifacts. And if you enjoy organs, the church's (with 7,771 pipes and 18 bells) is regularly the star of on-site concerts and shows.

Dohány Street Synagogue (Dohány utcai Zsinagóga) Dohány Street Synagogue (Dohány utcai Zsinagóga) free

Also referred to as the Great Synagogue, this place of worship is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world (only Temple Emanu-El in  New York City  is slightly bigger). Opened in 1859, this building features Romantic and Moorish Revival-style architecture and can accommodate up to 3,000 people.

Travelers suggest you visit for the atmosphere and to learn of the synagogue's historical significance  –  particularly its connection to the Holocaust.  In 1939, the synagogue was bombed by a Hungarian pro-Nazi party, and between 1944 and 1945, Dohány Street itself constituted the border of Budapest's Jewish ghetto. Visit the adjacent Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives to learn about the history of Hungarian Judaism and to pay your respects at the Garden of Memory in its courtyard.

Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum) Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum)

Located in City Park by Sz é chenyi Baths and the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Museum of Fine Arts showcases Hungarian art dating back to the Middle Ages, plus Egyptian antiquities and 13th- to 19th-century European paintings. Exhibitions feature medals, prints, drawings, wooden sculptures, altarpieces and modern art – all of which contributed to Hungarian history and art development.

Previous museumgoers heap praise on the Museum of Fine Arts, adding that the renovation it underwent until October 2018 is beautiful. Some past visitors specifically raved about the informative displays, noting that they're so well-done that you don't need an audio guide.

Thermal Baths Thermal Baths

A soak in a thermal bath is a quintessential Budapest experience. (It hasn't cultivated a reputation as the "City of Spas" for nothing.) These baths, or fürdok in Hungarian, are heated by natural thermal springs and usually include on-site massage services, as well as steam rooms.

With more than 100 thermal springs, the various baths around the city cater to different tastes – from relaxation to cures for illness – and some transform into pulsating dance clubs at night, so if you're bathing with your family, you might want to do so during the daylight hours.

Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy) Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy) free

Across the Danube River from the Inner City lies Gellért Hill. Measuring 771 feet high, this neighborhood is best known for its 19th-century citadel, but the area is also home to an arboretum, a church built into a cave and various statues, such as the Liberty Statue (a traveler favorite) and one of the region's namesake, Saint Gerard. Legend has it that the Italian monk was pushed off of the hill to his death in the 1000s.

On a sunny day, visitors say Gellért Hill offers jaw-dropping views of the river and downtown Budapest. Travelers also praise the neighborhood's statues but recommend learning more about their histories before arriving to supplement your visit. What's more, some caution that the walk up the hill is exhausting, but limited parking is available by the citadel for a fee. You can also take the No. 27 bus most of the way up to the Búsuló Juhász stop.

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Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)

Central Pest's Hungarian State Opera House has been an institution in Budapest since its opening in 1884. Featuring a neo-Renaissance style, the opera house holds more than 1,200 seats and has a reputation for its exceptional acoustics. But the building's main draw is its opulent architecture –  inside and out.  Marble columns, gilded vaulted ceilings, an enormous bronze chandelier, and murals and frescoes depicting Greek mythological scenes provide a romantic setting.

According to recent visitors, the opera house's exterior justifies a stop, even if you don't head inside for a guided tour. If you do decide to take a tour, keep in mind that the building is currently undergoing renovations. Some past travelers bemoaned not being able to see the auditorium during their visits. 

House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum) House of Terror Museum (Terror Háza Múzeum)

Located in the Terézváros neighborhood in Pest's District VI, the House of Terror Museum is a jarring but important museum that documents the dictatorial oppression Hungary faced during its fascist and Stalinist regimes. Once the headquarters of the State Protection Authority (similar to the Soviet Union's KGB), the building was where brutal interrogations and the torturing of countless political activists and dissidents took place throughout the 20th century. Tour the chillingly realistic prison cell replicas in the basement, and brace yourself for the powerful and moving exhibit on Hungary's post-World War II years leading up to the 1953 uprising against its Soviet-controlled government.

Recent visitors said this museum's exhibits are thought-provoking and informative. However, a few lamented the no photography policy inside. Another drawback: the Hungarian-only displays. To understand the material presented in each exhibit, you'll need to ask for handouts with English translations or pay an extra 1,500 forints (roughly $6) for an English audio guide. You can also reserve a guided tour with an English-speaking guide at least 10 days in advance for 8,000 forints (about $31).

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum) Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum)

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Budapest Tourist Attractions Map PDF

Printable Map of Budapest Attractions, Walking Tours Map

Home / Budapest Tours / Attractions Map

Top 5 Must-See Activities in Budapest

These are the most famous Budapest tourist attractions & sight tours which sees thousands and millions of visitors each year:

Budapest Parliament Tours

Budapest Danube River Cruise Tours

Széchenyi Bath Tickets

Gellert Bath Tickets

Budapest Card

Budapest Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

Budapest is no doubt one of the most fascinating cities in Eastern Europe. The city is surrounded with buildings in Neoclassical and Baroque architecture and several exciting historical and cultural sites. If youre visiting Budapest, go check out our Budapest tour map. This map will take you to explore the citys most famous attractions and landmark.

In an effort to help travelers in easily finding their way in Budapest, we have provided different kinds of Budapest city sightseeing maps. If youre the kind of traveler who would prefer to use your device in navigating the city, the Budapest interactive map is a great map to download. But if you prefer an old school way of carrying an actual physical map as you tour the city, then check out our printable map of Budapest.

Taking the Budapest metro is an economical way of exploring the city. Its very convenient and easy to use, especially if you grab yourself a copy of our Budapest metro map with attractions. The map details the various stations that the train would stop, including the Budapests famous attractions such as the Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament Building, Fishermans Bastion, Matthias Church, and more!

If you find it a challenge to navigate Budapest on your own, why dont you take the hop on hop off bus? You can refer to our Budapest hop on hop off bus map for information on where this bus would stop. If you prefer to discover the city through walking, then you can benefit from our Budapest tourist map walking. The map will help you find your way into the citys maze of streets.

Regardless of how you plan to see Budapest, the tourist information Budapest will definitely be a great help. At Tripindicator, our aim is to help tourists in easily exploring Budapest and this is why we have provided free copies of the map of Budapest. We have different types of maps available for you to use. You can print a copy of the Budapest tourist map pdf or save it on your phone. Otherwise, go check out our printable tourist map Budapest, which is a printable version of the city map.

• Interactive Budapest Attractions Map
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Budapest Map: The Attractions

Parliament Building

Buda Castle

Fisherman's Bastion

St. Stephen's Basilica

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Central Market Hall

Heroes' Square

Matthias Church

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Great Synagogue

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Budapest top tourist attractions city travel maps

City centre detailed travel guide in english showing must-see places & best destinations to visit - budapest top tourist attractions map.

Maps of best attractions in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest maps will guide you to the best destinations in this historic and sprawling city. By following the maps you be able to locate the major sights and experiences. Budapest is surprisingly easy to navigate with the use of the excellent public transportation network which includes Metro (M1, M2, M3, M3 lines), trams, funicular rail and buses. The city is split down the center by the Danube River. On the west side of the Danube is hilly Buda, and on the east is flat Pest. Buda and Pest are connected by a series of characteristic bridges, e.g. Margaret Bridge, the famous Chain Bridge or the Elisabeth Bridge. These bridges are fun to cross by foot, but it’s faster to go under the river (on the M2/red Metro line), or to cross over it by tram or bus. The maps will show you the detailed locations of the must-see sights including Szechenyi Baths, Castle Hill, Turkish thermal baths, City Park, Royal Castle, House of Terror, Great Synagogue, Jewish Quarter, Vaci Utca, Aquaworld, Gellert Baths, Deak Square, Liberty Bridge, Little Princess statue, Memento Park, National Museum, St Stephen Basilica, National Theatre, Parliament, Virgin Mary Cave Church, Zoo - just click on a selected map to access a high resolution version that can be downloaded and printed; or saved onto your mobile device.

Free inner city map with main landmarks, historical sights, Jewish Quarter, Great Synagogue, museums, churches, pubs, bars, nightlife clubs - Budapest iconic tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Points of interest, pedestrian walking area, Metro stops, shopping malls, tourist information office, train rail transit - Budapest jpg map

Metro (subway, underground, tube) & tram (tramway) stations - Suburban HEV railway lines - BKK public transport system network with Liszt Ferenc airport terminal link - Budapest map

Big Bus city sightseeing hop-on hop-off double decker open top bus tour stops with boat river cruises, night coaches & hotels - Budapest free city map

One-day trip to explore top 15 great spots & major sites worth visiting - What to see - Where to go - What to do - Budapest printable sightseeing map

Thermal turkish baths, spas, swimming pools including Szechenyi & Gellert Baths - Fun things to do with family & kids - Budapest large scale map

Buda famous must-do sites - Visitor itinerary planner showing Chain Bridge, Fisherman's Bastion - Budapest offline map

Pest favourite must-go locations - Most popular historical buildings including House of Terror, Great Market Hall - Budapest pop up map

Danube River, Margaret Island, City Park, Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest Zoo - Budapest online map

Old Town hop-on hop-off pink & green bus tour routes diagram showing Royal Castle Hill, Heroe's Square - Budapest simple map

Street plan with road names - Bird's eye aerial 3d virtual interactive view poster - Budapest tourist guide map

Vaci & Kiraly Streets direction map of central district neighborhood zone regions showing Liberty Bridge - Budapest main tourist attractions map

City center map of monuments for tourist including Elizabeth Bridge, State Opera, National Museum - Budapest map of things to do

Map of top 10 attractions in Budapest

The typical top ten attractions are listed below. You can find the detailed locations of these places on the maps above.

• Szechenyi Baths - Budapest's steamy soaking scene in City Park — the city's single best attraction.
• Great Market Hall - Colorful Old World shopping mall with produce, eateries, souvenirs, and great people-watching.
• House of Terror - Harrowing remembrance of Nazis and communist secret police in former headquarters/torture site.
• Hungarian Parliament - Vast riverside government center with remarkable interior.
• Heroes' Square - Mammoth tribute to Hungary's historic figures, fronted by art museums.
• Great Synagogue (Grand Synagogue) - The world's second-largest, with fancy interior, good museum, and memorial garden.
• Gellert Baths - Touristy baths in historic Buda hotel.
• Walk Across the Chain Bridge - The Chain Bridge was considered to be one of the wonders of the world and the architect was so immensely proud of his work that he challenged anyone to find fault with the bridge. It is said that when it was discovered that the lions that stand guard at either end are missing their tongues, the architect committed suicide.
• City Park (Varosliget) - Budapest's backyard, with Art Nouveau zoo, Transylvanian Vajdahunyad Castle replica, amusement park, and Szechenyi Baths.
• Margaret Island - Budapest's traffic-free urban playground, with spas, ruins, gardens, a game farm, and fountains, set in the middle of the Danube.

Other popular landmarks and activities include:

• Vaci Utca Street - A street famous for its shops and korzo (promenade) since the eighteenth century.
• Gellert Hill Liberation Monument - Situated in a park on Gellért Hill, the monument is visible from all over the city. It is now one of the symbols of Budapest.
• Hungarian State Opera House - Neo-Renaissance splendor and affordable opera.
• Hungarian National Gallery - Top works by Hungarian artists, housed in the Royal Palace.
• Memento Park - Larger-than-life communist statues all collected in one park, on the outskirts of town.
• Hospital in the Rock - Fascinating underground network of hospital and bomb-shelter corridors from WWII and the Cold War.
• Szabadsag Ter - Monumental square with a controversial obelisk honoring Soviet 'liberators'.
• St. Istvan's Basilica - Budapest's largest church, with a saint's withered fist and great city views.
• Take a Danube River Cruise - Budapest is beautiful by day, but absolutely stunning by night as the buildings lining the banks of the Danube twinkle and reflect on the dark waters.
• Matthias Church - Landmark Neo-Gothic church with gilded history-book interior and revered 16th-century statue of Mary and Jesus.
• Lookout from the Fisherman's Bastion - The neo-Gothic terrace of the Fisherman's Bastion is located on the Castle Hill and provides panoramic views of the city.

What are some interesting facts about Budapest?

The name 'Budapest' is the composition of the city names 'Buda' and 'Pest,' which merged along with third part Obuda (Ancient Buda) into a single city in 1873.

Budapest is a host to a number of World Heritage Sites, including its banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway. It is also ranked as the most livable Central/Eastern European city on EIU's quality of life index, Europe's 7th most idyllic place to live by Forbes, and as the 9th most beautiful city in the world by UCityGuides.

Budapest has the second oldest metro in the world, built after the one build in London. Work on the first (yellow) metro live began in 1896. Today the city is served by 4 lines.

The city has more thermal springs than any other capital in the world. An amazing 70 million liters of thermal water rises to the surface daily. As a result, there a number of medicinal baths all around Budapest, which have been enjoyed by millions of people since the Roman Empire.

You'll find one of the world's longest passenger tram in Budapest. It's a 54-metre (177 ft) long Siemens Combino, which run at 60 to 90 second intervals at peak time and 3–4 minutes off-peak and is usually packed with people. Aside from trams, the city's public transportation also includes three metro lines, as well as buses, trolleybuses, suburban railway lines, a boat service, a cogwheel railway, a funicular, and a chairlift called Libego.

Budapest is a host to the popular Sziget Festival, which is visited by some 400,000 people. It takes place on a large Hajogyari-sziget island where both locals and tourists come to have a fun time.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Budapest

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is a treat to visit and has long been a popular tourist destination. The capital and largest city of Hungary boasts a long and illustrious history that has seen it ruled by everyone from the Romans and Ottomans to the Austro-Hungarians. As such, the city is awash with impressive historical sights, fascinating museums, and astounding architectural styles.

Known as the ‘City of Spas’ due to all the hot springs it lies atop of, Budapest straddles the Danube River and once consisted of the two different cities of Buda, on the west bank, and Pest in the East, which only united in 1873.

In addition to its many charms and tourist attractions, Budapest is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, which centers around the ruin bars found in the Jewish Quarter. Not to be missed out on, Budapest is certainly one of the highlights of any visit to Central Europe.

17. Liberty Bridge

Only opened in 1896, Liberty Bridge spans the width of the Danube River and connects Gellert square in Buda to Fovam square in Pest. While strolling across it is a great way to get from the Central Market Hall to Gellert Hill or Gellert Spa, the wrought iron bridge also showcases some delightful Art Nouveau architecture, as well as some lovely views out over the river.

Originally named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was at its opening, the bridge was built for the Millennium World Exhibition, and some wonderful mythological bronze sculptures can be found at either end of it.

16. Central Market Hall

The oldest and largest indoor market in the city, Central Market Hall is loads of fun to peruse. Its cavernous interior is home to a huge range of different shops, stalls, and eateries. Located in a gorgeous building that was constructed in 1897, the market is set over three floors and hums with life: vendors hawk their wares and tourists and locals bustle about.

Lying in Fovam square, just a short walk away from many other remarkable sights, the Central Market Hall is a great place to sample some local delicacies or pick up some souvenirs.

15. Hospital in the Rock

Set up in the 1930s, the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum can be found in the amazing network of caves that lie beneath Buda Castle. Used as an emergency hospital and bomb shelter in WWII, it was later reinforced and became a secret nuclear bunker during the Cold War.

Nowadays, it is a popular tourist attraction. Exploring the subterranean world of the museum is a fantastic experience as you pass waxwork figures, hospital beds, and Soviet spying equipment. In addition to showing you what it once looked like, the informative exhibitions and displays tell you all about the history of the facility.

14. Vajdahunyad Castle

Appearing very much as if out of a fairytale, Vajdahunyad Castle’s imaginative design exhibits a breathtaking array of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque features. Modeled on a similar fortress in Transylvania, it was originally erected out of cardboard and wood for the Millennium World Exhibition.

Its fantastical features proved so popular amongst locals, however, that the architect Ignac Alpar’s vision was then created in 1896 out of proper materials. Located in City Park, the unique and unusual castle certainly makes for some great photos. It lies just a short distance away from both Heroes’ Square and Szechenyi Bath.

13. Great Synagogue

Also known as the Dohany Street Synagogue, the Great Synagogue is one of the most important and impressive buildings in the city. Built in 1859, it showcases some exquisite Moorish Revival architecture, with its ornately decorated interior being no less astounding to gaze upon.

Remarkably it is the second-largest synagogue in the world after Belz Great Synagogue in Jerusalem; this indicates just how influential and sizeable Budapest’s Jewish population once was. As it is connected both to the large Jewish cemetery behind it as well as a Jewish museum and several memorials commemorating the Holocaust, the Great Synagogue is well worth heading to if you want to learn more about the city’s Jewish past.

12. Heroes’ Square

Lying at one end of Andrassy Avenue right next to City Park, Heroes’ Square is dominated by the huge monument that lies at its heart. Stretching towards the heavens, the large column that towers over the square is flanked by two elegant colonnades. Each proudly displays statues of famous and important Hungarian national leaders.

At the bottom of the column are yet more fabulous and epic looking statues; these depict the ‘Seven Chieftains of the Magyars’ – the first leaders of the Hungarian people. Bordered by both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art, Heroes’ Square is the largest and most important square in Budapest.

11. Matthias Church

Set in a stunning spot right next to the Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Its lofty spire and marvelous facade exhibit some incredible Gothic features, and in the sun, its light-colored bricks veritably sparkle before your eyes. Rebuilt in the second half of the 14th century after the previous one was destroyed by the Mongols, the church boasts a long and fascinating history.

Besides being used as a mosque during Ottoman times, it was here within its walls that Franz Joseph I was crowned Emperor; its lavishly decorated interior is certainly fitting of such an occasion. Well worth visiting when in Budapest, Matthias Church makes for some fantastic photos and looks just as magical lit up at night.

10. Shoes on the Danube Bank

Only erected in 2005, this small and simple memorial tells the harrowing story of 3,500 dissenters and Jews who were brutally murdered by the Arrow Cross Party – a fascist party that briefly ruled Hungary in WWII.

After being rounded up by the militiamen, the unfortunate victims were ordered to remove their shoes, after which they were shot and their bodies were swept away by the river. Scattered about the riverbank just a short distance away from the Hungarian Parliament Building, the bronze shoes that commemorate their tragic deaths make for a moving sight.

9. Citadella

Perched atop of Gellert Hill, the Citadella offers commanding views out over Budapest and the Danube River below. Built in 1851 by the Hapsburgs, the solid-looking fort was later commandeered by the Nazis and then Communists. Over the course of its history, it has both protected and oppressed the local population.

Nowadays, visitors can find a striking Liberation Monument located on top of it. Although the fort’s interior has recently been closed to the public, you can still enjoy the dazzling views from its lookout point.

8. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

When it was opened in 1849, Szechenyi Chain Bridge was heralded as an engineering wonder and a symbol of Hungary’s reemergence and reawakening. Linking Buda to Pest, the cast iron construction was the first permanent bridge to span the Danube in the country and helped bring East closer to West.

Besides the fine architecture on show, the bridge also features some superb decorative elements, with four distinguished-looking lion statues guarding each end of it. Beautifully illuminated at night, Szechenyi Chain Bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

7. Margaret Island

A very pleasant and picturesque place to spend some time, Margaret Island lies right in the middle of the Danube and is mostly covered in lovely leafy parks. Connected to both sides of Budapest by Arpad Bridge in the north and Margaret Bridge in the south, the island also boasts a water park, athletics center, and lots of scenic paths and trails.

As such, it is a very popular recreation spot with both locals and tourists, with some interesting medieval ruins and a playful Music Fountain also on show.

6. Fisherman’s Bastion

Located inside of Buda Castle, the magical Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest, and justifiably so. Set upon the edge of the hilltop, its dazzlingly bright white walls are punctuated with seven elegant and elaborate towers – one for each of the Hungarian chieftains who founded the country back in 895.

Only built in 1902, the bastion is named after the fishermen’s guild who used to protect this stretch of the city’s defenses. Besides taking in its fabulous Neo-Romanesque architecture, visitors can bask in its breathtaking view of the Danube and Hungarian Parliament Building, with sunset being a particularly special time of day to visit.

5. Buda Castle

Fascinating to explore, the large Buda Castle and palace complex was once the home of Hungarian kings and queens of years gone by. Built in 1265 at one end of Castle Hill, the regal Baroque palace is now home to the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery, both of which are well worth visiting.

While the former sports lots of interesting artifacts that take you through Budapest’s tumultuous past, the latter exhibits a huge array of incredible paintings, sculptures, and prints. Perfect for people interested in art, history, and architecture, Buda Castle lies just a stone’s throw away from many of the most important sights in the city.

4. St. Stephen’s Basilica

Almost blocking out the sky with its magnificent and monumental facade, St. Stephen’s Basilica makes for a spectacular sight. Named after the first king of Hungary, the enormous Roman Catholic basilica also sports two mighty bell towers and is topped by a large cupola. Its spacious interior is lavishly decorated, and amongst its sturdy marble columns, you can find some awesome mosaics, statues, and paintings.

Completed in 1905, St. Stephen’s is the most important church in the country and still bustles with life to this day: choir performances and classical concerts take place alongside daily religious services.

3. Szechenyi Bath

While Budapest has lots of amazing thermal baths for you to check out, none of them are quite as famous or popular as Szechenyi – the largest spa complex in Europe. Set in a lovely bright yellow Neo-Baroque building that was built in 1913, the expansive facilities include saunas, steam rooms, and of course, thermal pools for you to enjoy.

With lots of fine decorations, such as mosaics, sculptures, and chandeliers, it is a delightful place to relax and unwind. Although it can get quite crowded, there is always a tranquil feel about the place – unless you visit during one of its Saturday night pool parties, that is! When in the ‘City of Spas,’ wallowing in Szechenyi Bath’s thermal pools is a must.

2. Castle Hill

Set on the Buda side of the city, Castle Hill looks out imperiously over the Danube River and the rest of Budapest. While the hill is not all that large, it is home to many of the capital’s most important and impressive sights, with Buda Castle and its fantastic museums found alongside Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Tower.

Wandering around the small and narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town and the elegant buildings of the Royal Palace complex really is a treat as beautiful Baroque, Gothic, and Neoclassical architecture lies all around you. A great way to get to the top of the hill is to take the wonderful old Castle Hill Funicular that trundles its way up the hillside.

1. Hungarian Parliament Building

The largest building in the whole of the country, the sheer size and scale of the Hungarian Parliament Building is staggering to behold – it dwarfs everything around it. Set on the banks of the Danube River, the colossal building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. One of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture around, its two symmetrical facades are sumptuously decorated with sculptures of critical Hungarian figures; these lie to either side of a large, imposing dome.

Completed in 1904, its interior is equally bewitching, and tours take you to see the Golden Staircase, the Dome Hall, and Congress Hall. All told, there are 691 rooms in the parliament, each more exquisitely decorated than the last. Still in use to this day by the country’s government, the Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is not to be missed out when exploring Budapest’s many wonders.

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World Map » Hungary » City » Budapest » Budapest Tourist Attractions Map

Budapest Tourist Attractions Map

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Budapest maps, get familiar with the city layout.

As you can see on our Budapest Maps it’s a well-layed-out city, you can’t get lost.

Actually you can explore two cities in one, because Budapest is made up of Buda and Pest , with the Danube flowing between them along a stretch of 28 kilometers.

The two previously independent cities were united with Óbuda in 1873, establishing Budapest.

Hilly Buda lies on the western bank of the Danube and it’s mostly a residential area. Pest stands on a plain and it’s more businesslike with its shops and boulevards.

Pest makes up roughly two-thirds of whole Budapest. You can walk between the two connected, but still very different parts of the city on magnificent bridges . The most famous is the Chain Bridge.

The Danube , and the bridges spanning it, are the best reference points to find your way around in Budapest.

Table of Contents – Budapest Map

Budapest bridges.

• Árpád Bridge (Árpád-híd)
• Margaret Bridge (Margit-híd)
• Chain Bridge (Lánchíd
• Erzsébet Bridge (Erzsébet-híd)
• Liberty Bridge (Szabadság-híd)
• Petőfi Bridge (Petőfi-híd)
• Rákóczi Bridge (formerly Lágymányos Bridge)

Three Main Islands Surrounded by the Danube

• Margitsziget ( Margaret Island ): It’s ideal for leisurely walks. You can get there either via the Margaret Bridge or Árpád Bridge.
• Óbudai-sziget: home to the Sziget Festival every August .
• Csepel-sziget: district XXI. is here. One of the major factories of heavy industry operated in this district in the communist era.

In Pest there are three semicircular roads (called körút = ringroad), the following two are interesting for tourists. You’ll find the major places of interests, attractions along them.

Budapest Map Showing the 23 Districts

Budapest has 23 municipal districts , they are marked by Roman numerals (I.-XXIII.).

About two-thirds of the city is Pest, the rest is Buda (I., II., III., XI., XIII., XXII. districts). Central districts have lower numbers (e.g. I., II.), see below the blue circle on our Budapest map. The outer districts have higher numbers (e.g. XXI., XXII.).

Find out more about Budapest Districts !

Budapest City Map

This is an overview map of downtown Budapest that helps you to get familiar with the inner city’s layout.

Top Budapest Attractions

TIP: Explore Budapest on a Hop On Hop Off Bus! Convenient, air-conditioned bus takes you around the city showing you many sights and attractions. Multi-language audio guide is provided. Inexpensive and fun!

You can read more about and book a Budapest Hop On Hop off Tour here.

TIP: Here you find a more detailed description of our favoutite attractions in Budapest.

Budapest Thermal Baths

Budapest is rich in healing thermal springs that fed several historic thermal complexes:

• Turkish Baths (Király, Rudas, the recently renovated Veli Bej and, the Rác Bath) date back to the Ottoman era in the 16th century
• The Gellért, Széchenyi, and Lukács Baths are more recent establishments, they date from the turn of the 19th-20th. centuries.

Budapest Metro Map

Budapest is easy to explore on foot . Most of the major places of interest fall within a relatively small central area.

Nevertheless you might get tired after walking several hours ,or a sudden summer shower can discourage you from further walking. Budapest has an extensive and efficient public transport system.

Read more about Budapest Public Transpor t and other ways to Travel in Budapest.

Here is more information on Budapest Metro System.

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About the author.

Zoli is a product development engineer who has been living in Budapest for more than 20 years. He loves baking - grows his own sourdough starter - and has a keen interest in urban photography.

Map of Sights & Attractions in Budapest

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The interactive map of Budapest is featured below. Organizing and planning a trip in advance in order to become familiar with the local street names in view of a better orientation and in order to easily find a hotel, hostel or apartment, as well as the historical monuments, churches and other tourist attractions within Budapest is an inspired strategy.

In order to find the address visitors are interested in, the map is provided with a zoom in and out button and a scale on the left hand side. Visitors can zoom in and out to the scale at which the street names become visible. The "hybrid" button (right upper side of the map) helps visitors visualize an itinerary using satellite images.

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Free Budapest Walking Tour With Budapest Attractions Map

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Budapest is dazzling and evocative, glorious and imposing. Our Self-Guided Free Budapest Walking Tour features the top attractions and best viewpoints. To help visitors to Budapest find their way, we have included step-by-step directions and our complete Budapest Attractions Map marked with all sights!

Free Budapest Walking Tour Self Guided

With an intriguing past, monumental sights and scenic landscape, Budapest is best discovered on foot.

We created this free walking tour in Budapest to highlight the prime spots of the city. Our self guided walking tour route begins at iconic Budapest sights and moves through the most interesting districts and neighborhoods.

Because the city is so massive, we have sectioned our walking tour of Budapest into six shorter walks. That said, all six of our free walking tours in Budapest can be linked together if you’re just short on time.

These six free Budapest tours are listed in order, so ambitious travelers can simply continue to the next one. Those who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience can easily split our walking tours of Budapest into two or three days.

Budapest Sightseeing Map

Whether visitors complete our Budapest city tour in one day or at a more leisurely pace, a Budapest map is essential to getting around.

No need to worry! For each Budapest free tour, we provide a map link with walking directions. Furthermore, at the end of the article, we include a Walking Map of Budapest marked with all of the sights.

Guided or Self Guided Walking Tour Budapest

We enjoy seeing cities at our own pace which is why we designed a detailed Budapest Walking Tour Self-Guided route . However, we know that many visitors prefer to join Guided Walking Tours. Therefore, in addition to our Budapest Self Guided Walking Tour, we feature some of the highly rated guided walks, too. 

Planning a Trip to Budapest, Hungary

While our Budapest Walking Tour Self Guided Route is ideal for sightseeing, there is so much more to planning your trip. Our day-by-day 3-Day Budapest Itinerary features all our helpful tips and advice. It is ideal for visitors touring on their own or at the beginning or end of a European River Cruise . Furthermore, budget-conscious travelers should read our Cheap and Free Things To Do in Budapest . 

Travelers arriving from overseas can also use our comprehensive guide to Planning a Trip to Europe . 

As you begin to make your plans and reservations for your trip to Budapest, organization is key. Use our Trip Planning Printables to stay on top of the details of your trip! 

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Budapest Travel Guide to plan your trip to Hungary!

6 FREE BUDAPEST WALKING TOURS

Our free walking tours of Budapest cover some ground! The areas that we discover are: Pest Sights, Castle Hill Buda Tour, Gellert Hill Sights, Jewish Quarter, City Culture and Budapest after Dark. Remember, our Budapest city walking tour can be done as one long tour or in several shorter walks. 

#1 ICONIC SIGHTS OF PEST

Explore the city’s most recognizable sights in this short – but essential – Budapest walking tour. This Pest walking tour includes Budapest landmarks and memorials. Start at Budapest’s most opulent building: Parliament. Use this Google Map .

Budapest Parliament

A first look at the Hungarian Parliament Building up close often stops visitors in their tracks. The colossal building is much larger than most people anticipate. The Budapest Parliament stretches for 879 feet along the bank of the Danube River – and ranks as the world’s third largest Parliament building.

Built from 1885 to 1904, Parliament was inaugurated in 1896 for the country’s 1,000th year celebration. The Gothic design features spires, statues, arches and a dome that soars 96 meters high (which honors Hungary’s birth year, 896).

If time allows, walk around the entire structure so that you can gaze at it from all directions. Just make sure to end up in Kossuth Square.

Budapest Parliament Tour: Visitors can see the magnificent interior of the Budapest Parliament Building, but only with paid admission. Highlights of the 45-minute tour includes the lavish central staircase and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. We highly recommend booking a tour in advance if you want to see the inside of Parliament. Find out more!

Kossuth Square

With perfectly manicured green lawns and a smattering of statues, Kossuth Square exudes grandness. Even more so because of the majestic buildings that surround it.

The two stately buildings on the east side of the square are the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Justice, which now houses the Ethnographic Museum. Relaxed guards are stationed at the entrances, with more rigid guards standing at the base of the flag in the center of the square.

Leaving the square from the southeast corner near the equestrian statue, walk past the Imre Nagy Statue (man standing on a bridge) in the corner park and follow the southeast diagonal street, Vecsey, to Liberty Square.

Liberty Square

Liberty Square is ringed by historic buildings, such as the Hungarian National Bank, the Old Stock Exchange and fashionable apartment buildings from the late 1800s. The stoic US Embassy is on the east side of the square (and is guarded by a high fence and blockades). Liberty Square, however, is inviting with a center café and a small dog park.

There are two statues on the square – both of which honor famous Americans. One statue is of Harry Hill Bandholtz, an officer from World War I; the other statue is of U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The smiling president is strolling down the path into the square. Visitors often grab his hand to stroll alongside him and pose for a picture.

In addition to the statues, two memorials stand at each end of Liberty Square. A Soviet War Memorial on the north and a sculpture on the south end of the park commemorating the country’s German Occupation on March 19, 1944. Both monuments are controversial.

Leaving the square from the southeast corner, walk south for a couple of blocks on Sas Street to St. Istvan’s Square in front of the famous basilica.

St. Istvan’s Basilica

The next stop on our Self Guided Tour Budapest is the city’s famous Basilica. Also built for Hungary’s 1,000th birthday, the enormous St. Istvan’s Basilica has two bell towers and a dome that reaches the height of 96 meters. The height, celebrating the year in which Hungary became a nation (896) matches that of Parliament’s dome and is meant to signify the balance between church and state. No other building in Budapest can exceed that height.

Visitors can climb the wide staircase and enter the church’s glittering interior. The extravagant décor is breathtakingly beautiful. Entrance to the church is free (although they may request a small donation). The Budapest Basilica dome is also open to guests, but requires a ticket.

Pro Tip : Find the small chapel to the left of the altar that houses the decaying right hand of St. Istvan, Hungary’s first Christian king. Slightly gruesome, visitors can pay a small fee to light up the box for a view.

From the front steps of the church, walk west (away from the church) through St. Istvan’s Square onto the pedestrian street, Zrinyi.

Zrinyi Street Budapest

The pedestrian-only Zrinyi Street connects St. Istvan’s Basilica to Szechenyi Square and the famous Chain Bridge. The street is lined with typical Hungarian eateries – most of which cater to tourists and offer classic dishes, like goulash and meat platters.

Pro Tip : Don’t miss a photo op with the “Fat Policeman.” The statue of the old-time Hungarian police officer is complete with a big belly and mustache – both of which are rubbed for good luck.

Walk west on Zrinyi Street to the east end of Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge Budapest 

Visitors can get their first look at the iconic Chain Bridge from the riverbank. The bridge was commissioned by Count Istvan Szechenyi and built by Adam Clark between 1842 and 1849. It was the first bridge to span the Danube River and connect the towns of Buda and Pest.

Although the original Budapest Chain Bridge was destroyed in World War II, the lions that mark both ends of Chain Bridge miraculously survived the destruction.

Walk onto Chain Bridge along the north side walkway…and marvel at the spectacular views of Budapest.

This ends our first free walking Budapest tour. Visitors who want to continue sightseeing can follow our Buda Walking Tour – which picks up right were we left off!

#2 CASTLE HILL & BUDA TOUR

Our Buda Castle walking tour begins at the west end of Chain Bridge. From Chain Bridge, walk west around the roundabout to the entrance of the Varhegy Tunnel. Use this Map . 

Varhegy Tunnel

Also called the Buda Castle Tunnel, the passageway runs for 350 meters under Castle Hill. It was opened in 1857 and features a panoramic lookout terrace above the arch. In front of the tunnel is the Zero Kilometer Stone, which marks the center point from which all distances from Budapest are measured. To the left of the tunnel is Buda Castle Funicular, which makes ascending Castle Hill effortless.

To continue we are going to the right of the tunnel to the Kiraly Lepcso stairs that lead up the hillside. At the top, take a left onto Hunyadi Janos, then your first right onto Disz Ter. Stay to the right where the road splits, passing the Statue of the Independence War. Continue walking on Tarnok Street.

Tarnok Street

In the Middle Ages, Tarnok Street – or Treasurer’s Street – was lined with shops, just as it is today. Now catering to tourists, the quaint street features shops adorned with painted facades and beautiful balconies. The Tarnok Café (number 14) dates to the 14th century.

Walk north on Tarnok Street to Trinity Square.

Holy Trinity Square Budapest

At the end of colorful Tarnok is Trinity Square. The ornate Holy Trinity Column, which dates to the early 1700s, stands in the center of the square and was originally built to ward off the Black Plague. When the disease returned just three short years later, it was determined that a bigger and better plague column was necessary…and the plague passed.

On the east side of the square is Matthias Church.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church is a must see on your Budapest walking route. There has been a church on this site since 1015, when the Church of Mary was built at the request of St. Stephen (St. Istvan), Hungary’s first king. That church, however, was rebuilt, updated, renamed and changed several times.

The Budapest Matthias Church that stands today, which is a fabulous display of Hungarian architecture, is nothing like the original. Although the elaborate Neo-Gothic spire (added in the 15th century) rises high above the church, it is the colorfully tiled rooftop that garners all the attention.

The Matthias Church history is as fascinating as the design. Named for King Matthias Corvinus – not the saint – the Matthias Church is where Hungarian kings were coronated. At least until the Ottoman Turks took over and turned it into a mosque. Completely overhauled in the 19th century, the Catholic Matthias Church is a true gem. To enter, visitors need to buy a ticket and wear appropriate clothing (covering shoulders and knees).

To the east of Matthias Church is the white Fisherman’s Bastion.

Fisherman’s Bastion & St. Istvan Statue

East of the church, at the edge of the hill overlooking the Danube River, is Fisherman’s Bastion. Constructed in a completely different style from the church, the arches along the columned arcade offer fantastic views of the river and Pest side of Budapest.

The seven, pointed towers represent the original Magyar tribes that founded Hungary. In the center sits a statue of St. Istvan, the Hungarian king responsible for bringing Christianity to Hungary.

Pro Tip : Portions of the Fisherman’s Bastion require a ticket to enter – but not all. There are plenty of free places to enjoy the sights and the view; so only buy a ticket if you want to go up to the top. And, from December 23 to March 15 or before 9am or after 9pm daily, you can access all of the Fisherman’s Bastion for free!

After taking in the views, walk west past the church and through Holy Trinity Square onto Szentharomsag Street. Walk west to Ruszwurm Café; then continue west to the viewpoint terrace and promenade.

Ruszwurm Café & Buda Hills Lookout Point

Claiming to be one of the oldest cafes in Budapest, Ruszwurm is a good place to stop to rest your feet and recharge with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. Operating since 1827 and featuring some original décor, it’s the perfect spot to try a classic Hungarian pastry, the Ruszwurm Cream Cake.

From the café, continue walking to the west-facing terrace, Toth Arpad. From the lookout point, take in the views over the neighborhoods of the Buda Hills. Consider taking the stairs and elevator down to tour the Hospital in the Rock Museum. This WWII hospital is built in a cave and was used as a nuclear bunker. Tours begin on the hour and require a ticket. Otherwise, walk north along the promenade to St. Mary Magdalene Church.

St. Mary Magdalene Church

Built in the middle of the 13th century, the St. Mary Magdalene Church has been expanded, used as a mosque and nearly destroyed in war. Only the bell tower remains – and it sat in ruins for decades. The tower been re-opened to the public, and for a fee, visitors can climb to the top of the bell tower for incredible Budapest views.

Before leaving the north end of Castle Hill, find the Turkish Grave, the Archive Building and the Vienna Gate. Use this Map to these three sights. Pass the small Lutheran Church, which was built in 1895, and walk back to Trinity Square on Tancsics Mihaly.

Follow Tarnok Street as it turns into Disz Ter, turn right and walk a few steps to the Statue of the Old Hussar (a Hungarian warrior holding a sword) and turn left along Szent Gyorgy. Walk past the ruins, along the Hungarian flag-lined road to the large white Sandor Palace.

Sandor Palace Budapest

Once the residence of kings and governors, today Sandor Palace is the official residence of the President of Hungary. Built in the early 1800s, the Neo-classical palace was built for Count Vincent Sandor. Heavily bombed during WWII, gutted and left in ruins, Sandor Palace has been restored according to original plans.

Two guards stand on the south entrance. A ceremonial Changing of the Guards takes place every hour. The palace is open to visitors only during select weekends in the summer.

Directly opposite the Sandor Palace is an ornate gate that leads to the front of the Buda Castle. The back of the castle can also be explored; don’t miss out on the ruins!

Buda Castle Royal Palace

The enormous Royal Palace is essentially a replica (of a replica…of a replica) with barely any of the original features still standing. Regardless, the castle is a top attraction and is featured on all of the top Budapest walking tours. 

The first palace was built in 1265, but it was destroyed – both by fires and wars – numerous times. World War II left the Buda Castle in complete ruins.

After the war, archaeological research commenced and revealed remains of the Medieval castle, as well as other substantial finds. However, rather than reconstructing the castle according to prior plans, any remaining castle embellishments were destroyed, and the castle was rebuilt with a less ornate and more modern design.

Today, the main use of the Buda Castle is to house museums – the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery – and the National Library. Tickets are required to enter the museums, but it is free to enter the palace grounds and courtyard.

Buda Castle Statues

When exploring the palace grounds, seek out these statues.

King Mattias Fountain – Honoring the last Hungarian-blooded king of Hungary, the Mattias Fountain resembles the Trevi Fountain of Rome (on a much smaller scale). The fountain is on the exterior of the castle, towards the back, near the courtyard entrance.

Eugene of Savoy – Dedicated to the French General who fought against the Ottomans, the equestrian statue of Eugene of Savoy sits in front of the palace, under the large green dome.

Turul Bird Statue – The Turul Bird is a mythical creature of Magyar legend. The statue dates to 1905 and, although it was damaged in the war, it was restored.

Buda Scenic City Viewpoint

Before leaving the Buda Castle grounds, take in the sweeping views of Budapest. The scenic view encompasses Gellert Hill to the south and the Basilica and Parliament to the east. From the castle perch, visitors can see the length of the Danube River and the many bridges that cross it – including a phenomenal view of Chain Bridge.

This completes our Budapest Castle Hill Walking Tour. Those who are ready for more can continue to our next walking tour of Budapest, Hungary: Gellert Hill.

Note : There are several routes that lead from Castle Hill to Gellert Hill; the walk takes about 20 minutes. Use this Map for the best route. It is also possible to hop on a Budapest tram and ride just two stops.

#3 GELLERT HILL

Gellert Hill is the tallest hill in central Budapest, standing at 771 feet. With a few top Budapest tourist attractions and amazing scenic viewpoints, we think trekking up Gellert Hill is one of the best free attractions in Budapest.

Shrouded in trees, visitors get to experience a touch of nature and the shade is nice in the summertime. Gellert Hill is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sight that encompasses the Banks of the Danube River.

The first stop on our Gellert Hill Budapest Walking Tour route is the St. Gellert Statue. Use this Map .

Top Tip : The sights are well-connected by hiking paths – and there are viewpoints and benches along the way. Although the paths are not clearly marked, they are almost all interconnecting. Just keep going up and you will eventually arrive at the Citadel.

Statue of St. Gellert

The hill is named for Bishop Gellert, a monk who was brought to Hungary in the year 1000 by King Istvan to aid in converting people to Christianity. According to legend, a group of those opposing that plan captured Gellert. They sealed him in a barrel and rolled him down the hill to his death. The statue was built to honor the monk. In addition to his statue, there is a waterfall and panoramic viewpoint.

Continue following the trail up the hill, passing a few scenic lookout points along the way, until you reach the Liberty Statue.

Liberty Statue

The 45-foot-tall statue of a woman holding a palm leaf overhead represents peace. The Liberty Statue, which is visible from most points along the Danube riverside, sits on an 85-foot-tall pedestal. The inscription reads: To the memory of those all who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom and prosperity of Hungary.

There are two other statues that sit at the base of the Liberty Statue – one of a man slaying a dragon, which represents the defeat of fascism.

Behind the Liberty Statue is the Citadel of Budapest.

Budapest Citadel & Views

The Gellert Hill Citadel building was constructed in 1851 by the Habsburgs (but built by Hungarian forced laborers) as a show of power after the (unsuccessful) Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The military fortress was designed to be a strategic vantage point over Buda and Pest – we think it offers one of the grandest views on our Budapest Free Walking Tours!

After savoring the views, start the downhill trek. Walk south along the paths to the Cave Church.

Gellert Hill Cave Church

Continue your Sightseeing Tour Budapest Route to the intriguing church in a cave. Transformed into a church in the 1920s, the Budapest Cave Church is a unique thing to see.

The church is under the care of the Pauline Order and the monks live in the nearby hillside monastery (it’s the building with turrets just below). Standing in the front is a statue of St. Istvan and his horse, with a lovely view of Liberty Bridge in the background.

During the communist era, the entrances to the church were sealed with concrete and the monks were imprisoned. It was restored in the early 1990s and is now open for mass and tours (for a small – but we think worth it – fee).

Continue the downhill hike to the base of the hill. At the base is the famous Gellert Bath.

Gellert Thermal Baths

At the base of Gellert Hill on the south end is the opulent Gellert Thermal Baths, one of Budapest’s famous natural hot springs spa. Featuring grand Art Nouveau architecture, the Gellert Bath opened in 1918 to provide medical water treatments. Today, the baths are used by tourists (and some locals) for luxurious spa treatments and the swimming pool.

From the Gellert Baths, walk east to the Liberty Bridge.

Liberty Bridge

The green Liberty Bridge – sometimes also called Freedom Bridge – is one of the prettiest bridges in Budapest. It was originally built in the late 1800s as part of the Millennium World Exhibition. Sitting atop the bridge are four Turul birds – the mythical creature from the ancient Magyars.

Cross Liberty Bridge to the east side of the Danube River. Pause at the end to take a look back at Gellert Hill. Then, continue walking east one block to the Great Market Hall.

Great Market Hall Budapest

The last stop on our Self Walking Tour Budapest Gellert Hill actually ends across the river at a must-see attraction: the Great Market Hall.

Not only is the Great Market Hall the largest market in Budapest, it is also the oldest. The market, which opened in 1897, is housed in a 10,000 square meter building and has market stalls on three floors. In the basement, vendors sell fresh fish and meat; on the ground floor, stalls overflow with cured meats, produce and paprika. On the upper mezzanine, visitors will find small kiosk restaurants and souvenirs.

This marks the end of our free walking tour of Gellert Hill. From the Central Market Hall, you can continue on our next Self-Guided Walking Tour of Budapest: The Jewish Quarter.

#4 JEWISH QUARTER

There had long been Jewish people living in Budapest – and by the 20th century, Jews made up nearly a quarter of the Budapest population. After German Occupation in 1944, the Nazi regime created a Jewish Ghetto in Budapest, confining all Jewish citizens to a small district surrounded by stone walls and barbed wire.

The Ghetto only existed for two months before the Red Army liberated Budapest. During that time, Jews were killed, died of disease and sent to concentration camps, diminishing the Budapest Jewish population of 200,000 citizens to just 70,000.

Our Jewish Walking Tour Budapest begins at the landmark Dohany Street Synagogue. Use this Google Map .

Pro Tip : In recent years, the Old Jewish Quarter has become a hub of bars – including both Ruins Bars and Budapest Craft Beer Bars . While many people flock to the district to party the night away, our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Budapest Jewish Quarter is a stroll of historic sights.

Dohany Street Synagogue

Also called the Great Synagogue, the Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Built in the 1850s, the synagogue has a capacity for nearly 3,000 seats. The Dohany Street Synagogue was damaged during WWII, but was restored in the 1990s.

In addition to the Great Synagogue, the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Heroes’ Temple, a Jewish cemetery and the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park are also found within the complex. There is a fee to enter the synagogue and complex, but everyone can get a good view of the Dohany Street Synagogue building from the front.

Walk around the synagogue to the left (north side) on Wesselenyi Street. Peer through the gates to the Memorial Park at the back of the complex.

Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park

Get a glimpse of the moving Holocaust Memorial Park from Wesselenyi Street. The park is dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg – a Swedish diplomat credited for saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust by issuing them protective passports.

The park’s most stunning feature is the Weeping Willow Tree sculpture. Also called the Emanuel Tree, the metal weeping willow features leaves engraved with the names of Holocaust victims.

The next stop on our free Jewish Walking Tour Budapest is the Kazinczy Street Synagogue. Standing outside the memorial park, walk northeast on Wesselenyi to Kazinczy Street and turn left (northwest) and walk to the Synagogue.

Pro Tip : Turning right (southeast) on Kazinczy Street – rather than north – will take you to one of the famous Budapest Ruins Bars, Szimpla Kert.

Kazinczy Street Synagogue

Tucked tightly into Kazinczy Street, the enormous Kazinczy Street Synagogue was built in the early 1900s for the strict Orthodox Jews. Although the synagogue was damaged in WWII, the building has been renovated and features a vibrant interior. There is a fee to enter the synagogue.

From the synagogue, continue on our Budapest Jewish Walking Tour to the next stop: Klauzal Square. Continue walking on Kazinczy Street to the first intersection. At Dob Street turn right. Walk one block on Dob to the park.

Klauzal Square Budapest

Although now Klauzal Square looks like any other city park with a playground and dog park, it once was the heart of the Old Jewish Quarter. It’s a nice spot to rest and reflect, before continuing on your Budapest walk.

Retrace your steps south on Dob Street, passing Kazinczy Street, to Frohlich Koser Cukraszda.

Frohlich Kosher Bakery

Established in 1953, the family-run Frohlich Pastry shop is the only kosher bakery in Budapest. The bakery churns out delectable Hungarian treats – like tortes and strudels. The signature Hungarian Jewish sweet is Flodni, which features five layers of cake alternated with four fillings: apple, walnut, poppy seed and plum jelly.

Note : It appears this Budapest institution has closed for good.

To get to the next stop on our free walking tour Budapest Jewish Quarter, Carl Lutz Memorial, continue walking south about one block on Dob Street. Look for the understated memorial on your right.

Carl Lutz Memorial

A Swiss Diplomat, Carl Lutz served as the Swiss vice-consul in Budapest during WWII. Using his diplomatic skills, he was able to negotiate a deal to save more than 60,000 Hungarian Jews from death. The poignant memorial is emblematic of Lutz helping the Jews.

Pro Tip : Carl Lutz also set up Safe Houses around Budapest; his most famous, The Glass House, was a safe haven for more than 3,000 Jews. Visitors can learn more about Lutz and his work with the Jewish Community at the Glass House Museum.

From the Carl Lutz Monument, continue walking south on Dob to the next street, Rumbach Sebestyen. Turn right and walk to the last stop on our Jewish Quarter Walking Tour Budapest: Rumbach Street Synagogue.

Rumbach Street Synagogue

The beautiful Rumbach Street Synagogue was built in 1872 in the Moorish Revival style. The intricately patterned façade and rising turrets make it the most beautiful synagogue in Budapest. The interior is currently under renovation.

This concludes our Jewish Quarter Walking Tour. Want to see more? Keep walking on our Free City Tour Budapest Culture!

#5 BUDAPEST CULTURE WALK

The city’s famous museums, theaters, concert halls, spas, squares and parks emanate it’s dedication to the arts and historic figures. On this sightseeing tour of Budapest culture, we feature some of the city’s most prestigious places.

Begin your self-guided Budapest Tour on Deak Ferenc Utca Fashion Street. Use this Map for the walking route.

Budapest Fashion Street: Deak Ferenc Utca

Built as a prominent street in the late 1700s as a means of connecting the city to the riverside, Deak Ferenc boasts grandiose architecture. However, the street was time worn by the early 2000s. Rather than let the buildings deteriorate, it was renovated with strict attention to historical details and is now home to major retailers from around the world. Visitors will find familiar brands, like Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and Lacoste on Fashion Street.

Pro Tip : Fashion Street is especially beautiful at Christmas Time ! Illuminated with holiday lights, each retailer creates artful window displays, as well.

Walk to the end of the street to the riverside Vigado Ter Square.

Vigado Concert Hall and Square

The large plaza, Vigado Ter, provides a stunning view of the riverside Vigado Concert Hall. Built in 1859, Vigado is the second biggest concert hall in Budapest. Vigado has a firm place in Budapest history. It’s where it was declared that Buda and Pest would merge into one city, where Emperor of Austria Franz Joseph held his coronation celebration and where numerous famous musicians have taken stage. The building was heavily damaged during WWII – and it took 36 years to repair. Visitors can see the interior on guided tours with a ticket.

From the plaza, walk around the north side of the building and walk along Vigado Street into Vorosmarty Square. Exit the square on the north side (by the Lion Fountain) and turn right on Harmincad Street, then walk to Erzsebet Square.

Erzsebet Square Budapest

Home to the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel and a few chic bars and restaurants that occupy the former city bus station, Erzsebet Square is a popular hangout in the summer months.

From the northeast corner of Erzsebet Square, cross diagonally to Andrassy Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare.

Andrassy Avenue

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Andrassy Avenue was built in 1872 and connects Erzsebet Square to City Park. The wide boulevard is lined with stately mansions, embassies, luxury shops, fine boutiques and the famous Opera House.

During the turbulent times of the 1950s, the street’s name was first changed to Stalin Street, then the Avenue of Hungarian Youth (after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956), and then People’s Republic Street. The street’s name reverted to the original name, Andrassy (after Prime Minister Gyula Andrassy) in 1990. 

Walk along Andrassy Street to the Opera House.

Hungarian State Opera House

The Opera House in Budapest is one of the city’s most luxurious buildings. Constructed from 1874 until 1884, the Opera House auditorium seats nearly 1,300 people and boasts excellent acoustics. The interior is just as sumptuous as the exterior, featuring marble columns, an elaborate staircase and an extraordinary chandelier. Visitors can tour the Opera House with paid entry.

Pro Tip : There are a handful of incredibly inexpensive tickets to some of the performances at the Opera House. We bought upper balcony seats to a performance for just $2 USD. Step inside the ornately decorated lobby and inquire about tickets.

Continue walking along Andrassy to the Oktogon intersection.

Budapest Oktogon

Although a busy intersection where Terez Korut and Andrassy meet, the large, octagonal juncture is ringed by chic cafes. When the intersection was designed, it was considered an architectural achievement. 

Walk two blocks north of Oktogon to the House of Terror Museum.

House of Terror Museum

Aiming to reveal the crimes of the fascist and communist governments that reigned in Hungary during the 1900s, the House of Terror displays exhibits and shares real-life stories of the regimes’ victims. The specific building at 60 Andrassy was chosen purposefully, as it served as the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazi Party (also known as the Arrow Cross Party) during WWII.

Continue walking on Andrassy to where it ends at Heroes’ Square.

Ride the Metro: Rather than walk, take a ride on the famous M1! Retrace your steps to Oktogon and use the city’s underground Metro Line M1 (Yellow Line) to get to Heroes’ Square. Established in 1896, it’s the city’s oldest metro line – and the third oldest in the world. Built specifically to transport passengers to City Park, the short ride is just three stops and trains are frequent and cheap . 

Heroes’ Square Budapest

Heroes’ Square is dedicated to Hungary’s most revered residents. At the center is the grand Millennium Monument, which features 14 of Hungary’s most legendary leaders. The column acknowledges the Seven Magyar Tribes that settled the area in the year 896. Archangel Gabriel sits atop the column at the height of about 120 feet.

The square is also home to the Hungarian War Memorial and two museums – the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. The space is often used for modern art installations, protests and by kids on skateboards.

From Heroes’ Square, exit to the east…and enter into City Park.

Budapest City Park

Sitting northeast of the busy Budapest center is a 302-acre enclave of green space, simply named City Park. It dates to the 13th century, however, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that it became a public park. City Park is often cited as being the first public park in the world.

In 1896, the grounds were revamped for Hungary’s millennium celebration. Besides the many paths that weave through Budapest City Park, there are ponds, monuments and a castle.

Vajdahunyad Castle

The Vajdahunyad Castle was originally constructed of wood and cardboard for the 1896 celebrations, with a clear intent to tear it down once the party was over. However, the site gained such popularity that it was reconstructed using stone.

Four distinct architectural styles (Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque) are incorporated to replicate some of Hungary’s finest architectural styles. The main castle, built in the Renaissance style, is patterned after the Transylvania Castle (which is in Romania , but was part of Hungary at the time).

Jaki Chapel

The Romanesque Benedictine Jaki Chapel is modeled after those of the 13th century. The mansion is decorated in Baroque touches and houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

Szechenyi Thermal Baths

Budapest has more than 120 natural springs – and about 25 thermal bath houses that feed the naturally occurring hot water into elaborate, fancy and playful pools (some of which are even lined with jets).

Inside the grandiose Szechenyi Baths, which ranks as one of the largest spa complexes in Europe, there are 21 different pools. The bath was constructed in 1913 and expanded in 1927 to include an outdoor pool.

Szechenyi Baths are the most popular thermal spas in Budapest. A ticket is required to enter, but even guests not venturing inside can gaze at the impressive structure and gardens from afar.

Give your feet a rest, perhaps dipping into the relaxing pools at Szechenyi. Then, if you want to see the city at night, follow our Budapest Night Tour.

#6 BUDAPEST NIGHT WALK

Walking around Budapest at night is a stunning sight! After the sun goes down, the iconic monuments and buildings are illuminated by spotlights. Our Budapest Night Tour takes in the best sights on a short stroll along both banks of the river.

Because we have already covered these Budapest sights in detail in our previous Budapest walks, we are only sharing our suggested route and attractions to see along the way. Use this Map . 

Chain Bridge Walk

Start the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Budapest at Night at Chain Bridge on the Pest side. Take a moment to marvel at the bridge from the east riverbank. Cross the bridge using the north walkway. Pause halfway across the bridge to take in the Buda Castle (up on the hill to your left). At the end of the bridge, near the Lion, take in the view of Parliament down the river.

Buda Riverside Path to Margit Bridge

From the west end of Chain Bridge, take the stairs (to your right) down to the riverside path. Walk north along the riverside, keeping your eye across the river on Parliament. Continue walking all the way to Margit Bridge. Cross the street (walking west) to find the stairs to Margit Bridge, then using the southside walkway, cross the bridge. At the crook in the bridge, pause to take in the panoramic views of Budapest.

Pest Riverside Path to Chain Bridge

Complete the walk across Margit Bridge to the east and take the stairs down and walk back to the riverside. Walk south on the riverside, passing right by the colossal Parliament Building, to the Shoes on the Danube Bank monument (which we think is the most heartbreaking of all monuments in the city). From the monument, take in the views across the river of Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Then, complete the loop back to Chain Bridge.

St. Istvan’s Square

Take one last look at the serene landscape, then walk around the north end of Szechenyi Square to Zrinyi Pedestrian Street. Walk east to St. Istvan Basilica, one of Budapest’s most beautiful nighttime sights!

Szimpla Kert Ruins Bar

It wouldn’t be right to visit Budapest and not visit a ruins bar! Szimpla Kert is the most famous one – and from St. Istvan’s Church it is just a short 15-minute walk.

That Ends Our Free Walking Tour Budapest. We hope you enjoyed your visit!

Use this Budapest walking tour map to get to the sights outlined in our Free Budapest Walking Tour. All six of our Walking Tours of Budapest are marked on the map, each in a different color. RED = Iconic Pest Sights; YELLOW = Buda Castle; GREEN = Gellert Hill; BLUE = Jewish Quarter; PURPLE = City Culture; BLACK = Night Tour. This link will take you to an online version of the map.

Budapest Guided Tours

Our Budapest free walking tours include everything you need to explore Budapest – information, directions and a sightseeing Budapest map! We also happen to think it is the best Budapest sightseeing route. That said, we understand that some travelers prefer having a guide to lead the way. We are highlighting a few of the top rated Guided Walking Tours Budapest. 

Small Group Guided Tour Budapest with Strudel

This Guided Walking Route Budapest tour features top attractions. Plus, it includes a stop for strudel. Get the details!

Budapest Private Tour

On a 4-hour private tour of Budapest, learn about the history and sights from a local tour guide. The personalized tour begins in your hotel lobby and includes a stop at a café for cake and coffee. Book it!

Sandemans Budapest Free Guided Tour

If you want to take a tip-based tour, we recommend checking out Sandemans Budapest tours. It is important to remember that a Budapest Free Guided Tour is not really free. The guides do work for tips – and hopefully deserve to be compensated accordingly. 

Budapest Big Bus

The Big Bus Budapest Hop On Hop Off Bus is a great option, because it makes stops at all the top attractions. You can still use our walks as a Budapest Guide…but you can take a ride between the sights rather than walking between them. Find out more!

Budapest Pub Crawl

Meet fellow travelers and bar hop to the most notorious bars on pub crawl of Budapest. This fun bar crawl features five different ruins bars – with a free shot at each bar. Get the details ! 

Budapest Card

Visitors who plan on entering sights and using public transportation should consider purchasing a Budapest Card. One of the benefits is an included Budapest walking tour! Check out the details and pricing here . 

Walking Tours Budapest: What You Will Need

Whether you choose to use our detailed self-guided Budapest city walk or join a tour, make sure you pack the following items ! 

Walking Shoes 

Budapest is a walkable city – but only if you have the right travel shoes ! For city walking tours, I like to wear comfortable and lightweight shoes, like these from Columbia , while Kris prefers wearing Merrell .

Sunscreen…or Rain Gear

The weather in Budapest varies greatly by season. Make sure you are prepared! In the summertime, don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring along a wide-brimmed travel hat . In the spring, having a travel umbrella or raincoat is a necessity. Autumn and winter in Budapest can be cold – so bring a winter coat, hat and gloves , too!

Water Bottle and Day Pack

Regardless of what season you visit Budapest, you will need water. We recommend using a refillable, collapsible water bottle . Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will also want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your essential everyday travel items .

Travel Camera 

Budapest is a beautiful city! Rather than trying to capture the sights with your phone, we recommend upgrading to a real camera for top quality photos. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens . However, those who want a great budget camera that is lighter – but still takes great shots – we recommend a Canon Powershot . 

Budapest Paper Map and Wifi

Although we have provided a walking tour Budapest map and links to Google Maps for each walk, you will need an mobile internet connection to use them! We have a GlocalMe mobile hotspot that we use to stay connected when we are out exploring cities.

Visitors who don’t anticipate having access to the internet while discovering the sights should purchase a paper Budapest City Tour Map . A Budapest Guidebook is a good idea, too – like this one.

European Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may come in handy during unfortunate flight delays or lost luggage , or if you fall ill or get injured during your trip. Check out the coverage and rates with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Hungary ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions of Budapest's Castle Hill

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Castle Hill is a large limestone plateau located on the west bank of the Danube in Buda's Old Town area. Here, you'll find many of Budapest's most important historic sites and tourist attractions . Settlement here dates as far back as the Stone Age, resulting in an interesting mix of important medieval ruins and architectural highlights from the last few centuries.

Today, the most prominent building is Buda Castle. This huge palatial structure dominates the hill's Castle District (Varnegyed) and offers some of the best views over the beautiful Danube and the architecture of Pest on the other side.

Like much of Budapest, it's a great area to explore after nightfall, when it's lit up in spectacular fashion. And for adventurous night owls, the castle courtyards remain open 24 hours a day, offering tourists an opportunity to enjoy one of the top free things to do in the city: explore its endless cobbled streets and alleyways on foot.

Be sure to also take a trip on the fully restored historic Castle Funicular Railway . This must-do attraction departs from the Buda end of the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge and deposits travelers in the heart of the Castle District.

For even more great ideas of the best things to do, be sure to refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions of the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary.

See also: Where to Stay near Budapest's Castle Hill

1. Buda Castle

2. hungarian national gallery, 3. budapest history museum, 4. fisherman's bastion, 5. matthias church: the church of our lady, 6. trinity square, 7. museum of military history, 8. andrew hess square, 9. gentlemen's street (uri utca), 10. the labyrinth: the caves beneath castle hill, 11. hospital in the rock nuclear bunker museum, 12. the rock chapel, 13. the house of houdini, 14. széchenyi national library, 15. museum of music history, where to stay near budapest's castle hill for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to budapest's castle hill, map of tourist attractions of budapest's castle hill, budapest's castle hill - climate chart.

Built in the 13th century, the first castle was located on the south spur of Castle Hill to provide protection from attacks by Mongols and Tartars. The current incarnation of Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), also sometimes called the Castle Palace, is a massive 18th-century, Neo-Baroque-style structure of more than 200 rooms. These are arranged in a symmetrical layout around the 62-meter-high central dome facing the Danube.

The castle was badly damaged in WWII, but much of the exterior has since been fully restored. Although the interior was stripped and destroyed during the war, parts are open to the public, and these contain its museums and galleries: the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the Széchenyi National Library.

Be sure to explore the old Mace Tower (Buzogánytorony). Part of the castle's south wall, this medieval fortification was built in the 1300s and saw action in numerous conflicts, most notably against the Ottoman empire in the late 17th century and the closing months of WWII.

Outside the castle walls, a number of Turkish tombstones can still be seen, while in front of the domed building, facing the Danube, stands a bronze equestrian statue. It represents Prince Eugene of Savoy, a hero for having opposed the Turks.

This entire historic landmark is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be explored either on your own or as part of an informative walking tour. And for a memorable souvenir of your visit, be sure to stop at the impressive Matthias Fountain (Mátyás kútja), one of Castle Hill's most photographed points of interest, for a selfie or group photo.

Address: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2

Official site: http://budacastlebudapest.com/

The Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria) is housed in the main wing of Buda Castle facing the Danube. A cross-section of Hungarian sculpture and painting is on display, ranging from the time of the Magyar invasion through the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, right up to the richly productive 19th and 20th centuries.

Sculptures and panel paintings from the medieval and Renaissance periods are of particular interest, as are the gallery's large collections of late Baroque works. There are also impressive collections of 19th-century paintings, as well as sculptures by Bálint Kiss, Mór Than, László Pál, Mihály Munkácsy, Alajos Stróbl, and György Zala.

The equally impressive collections of 20th-century paintings include works by Béla Czóbel, József Egry, and József Rippl-Rónai. Guided tours of the gallery's permanent collections, as well as temporary exhibits, can be booked through their website and are highly rated. Check their site for unique programs, including kids' events and a highly recommended monthly late opening.

Also worth a visit is the Koller Gallery , Hungary's oldest private gallery. Situated in an attractive old home, the focal point is an exhibit dedicated to famed Hungarian artist Amerigo Tot.

Official site: https://en.mng.hu

Occupying the south wing of Buda Castle, the four floors of the Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum) are filled with artifacts and exhibits relating to Hungary's long and rich history. Highlights include rare documents, ceramics, wrought-iron work, textiles, household utensils, and other objects that give a picture of life as it once was in the independent towns of Óbuda, Buda, and Pest up to their unification in 1872.

In the Renaissance Room, a painting shows Matthias Corvinus and Beatrice of Aragon, his second wife, while the Gothic Room's fine sculptures date from between 1370 and 1420 (they were discovered during excavation work in 1974).

The Royal Chapel contains a beautiful 15th-century triptych and Gothic sculptures. Other highlights include a restored section of the medieval castle and the rib-vaulted Gothic Hall.

Behind the Matthias Church, at the exact spot where the local fishermen's guild built their defence installations in the Middle Ages, is the spectacular Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya). Built between 1895 and 1902, its seven towers, colonnades, and embrasures were designed in Neo-Romanesque style by Frigyes Schulek. From here, you'll find some of the best views over the city and the Danube.

In the north courtyard of the bastion stand two statues of the monks Julianus and Gellért (Károly Antal, 1937), while in the south courtyard stands a bronze equestrian statue of St. Stephen (Szent István), the first King of Hungary (A. Stróbl, 1906). The plinth includes four lions, and the reliefs on the sides depict scenes from Stephen's life.

If arriving at lunch or later in the day, a good restaurant offering great views over the Danube is located close by. A visit to Fisherman's Bastion in winter is also a fun thing to do, and resembles a scene right out of a greeting card.

Address: 1014 Budapest, Szentháromság tér 5

Official site: www.fishermansbastion.com

A prominent sight in Budapest, Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom)-also known as The Church of Our Lady-was built on the site of an 11th-century church and was completed in 1269. Reflecting a distinctly Baroque style, this Roman Catholic Church served as a mosque during the Turkish reign.

The church's side aisles were extended and given polygonal ends in the 14th century, when the magnificent south doorway with its relief depicting the Death of Mary was added. In 1309, Charles Robert of Anjou was crowned King Charles I of Hungary here.

Under King Matthias, after whom the church is named, side-chapels were added, together with an oratory for the royal family and a new south tower bearing the arms of Matthias Corvinus, dated 1470. In 1867, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Elisabeth were crowned rulers of Hungary here (Franz Liszt composed the famous coronation mass for the occasion).

Visitors are welcome to visit the church, as well as its tower (admission required). It's an especially memorable place to visit during its regular classical music and choir events, and at Christmas. A gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 1014 Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2

Official site: https://matyas-templom.hu/home

The central square on Castle Hill is Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér). One of its most interesting features, apart from beautiful Matthias Church , is a large Baroque plague column-the Holy Trinity Statue-designed by Barbier and Ungleich in 1714. Such "Holy Trinity" columns were common across Europe at that time, erected in the belief they would help ward away the deadly plague that had killed so many people during previous centuries.

Several other noteworthy buildings are grouped around the square, including the old Town Hall of Buda , a magnificent building erected at the end of the 17th century from plans by Italian architect Ceresola. The oriel balcony, small towers, courtyard, and staircase are of particular architectural interest, and below the east oriel window you can see Pallas Athene, by Carlo Adami (1795).

Another landmark is the House of the Hungarian Culture Foundation , which is worth a stop inside to see its beautiful interior.

Located within Buda Castle, the Museum of Military History (Hadtorteneti Muzeum) is a treasure trove of military history, vintage weapons, historic uniforms, flags, and artwork. Given the country's long history and location, Hungary's military were often heavily involved (and greatly influenced) by most of the major European wars over the centuries, as well as numerous local conflicts.

Set in the former castle barracks dating from the 1830s, this fascinating museum does an excellent job of telling the stories of the people involved in these conflicts since medieval times. While there's an obvious focus on the Hungarian perspective, in particular relating to the country's 19th-century war of independence from Austria, the displays relating to the country's Soviet occupation in the 1950s and onwards are especially interesting.

Afterwards, be sure to visit the museum's memorial park for its statues of Hungarian military leaders and its superb views over the River Danube. Guided tours are available.

Address: 1014 Budapest, Kapisztrán tér 2-4

Official site: https://militaria.hu/en

Named after the first printer of books in Buda, Andrew Jess (circa 1473), this lovely old square is well worth exploring. Highlights include medieval remains cleverly incorporated into the architecture of the highly modern Budapest Hilton.

Among these important medieval structures is St. Nicholas Tower (Miklós torony), a relic of the Late Gothic Church of St. Nicholas of the Dominicans, who had a monastery here. The monument to Pope Innocent XI was the work of J Damko (1936).

Behind the monument is the architectural complex known as "Vörös sün" (the Red Hedgehog). The complex dates from the 17th and 18th century and was later remodeled in Classical style.

Splendid examples of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture line Castle Hill's popular Gentlemen's Street (Uri utca), a one-kilometer-long stretch of cobblestone lined with numerous boutique shops and galleries, restaurants, and cafés.

Must-see points of interest here include No 40, where you can see a superb example of fine vaulting and the sedilia (stone seats for clergy) from a church, the elegant Gothic gateway located No 6, and the attractive old Archbishop's palace at No 63.

Also worth taking a look at is the 13th-century Church of Saint Mary Magdalene located at the top end of Uri utca. Although now mostly ruins-only the church tower remains intact-the church's colorful past, including hosting the coronation of Emperor Francis I in 1792, is featured in a small but interesting exhibit.

A little farther along the street is the Museum of Telephones (Telefónia Múzeum), with its fascinating displays of old phones and related communications paraphernalia.

Underneath Castle Hill and accessed via an entrance off Uri Utca is a vast and complex system of natural caves and passages that have been carved between them throughout their long history of human use, which dates back to prehistoric times.

Puzzling remains, enigmatic stone monuments, and the general spookiness of this subterranean world have combined to inspire legends that mix with the known history. The Turks began the connecting passageways, and three Turkish tombstones dating from as early as the 14th century remain from their occupation.

In the 15th century, it was a prison reputed to have housed the infamous Vlad Tepes, better known as Count Dracula . Tours of this six-mile underground world are available, taking in the exhibits on these and other famous caves of the world, as well as historical information on the various uses they have served through the centuries.

Address: Úri 9, Budapest

Official site: http://labirintus.eu/en/

During World War II, Castle Hill's caves and passageways were fortified and used as an air raid shelter and emergency hospital, housing at the time one of the most advanced surgical theaters in the world. Later, during the Cold War, the hospital was further fortified to protect it from chemical and nuclear contamination.

Both the hospital and the nuclear bunker, known as the Hospital in the Rock (Sziklakorhaz), are now open as a fascinating museum and are well worth checking out.

Inside the subterranean facility are two exhibitions opened in 2016, one detailing the Siege of Budapest during World War II and showing the lifesaving efforts here during that emergency. The other explores the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. Both can be enjoyed as part of an interactive English language guided tour.

Address: Lovas út 4, Budapest

Official site: www.sziklakorhaz.eu/en

If there's time in your Castle Hill itinerary, and you're inclined to learn a little more about Budapest's rich history – including the castle and its surrounds – head to the old Rock Chapel just behind Matthias Church.

Here, in addition to having the chance to see the city's most unique place of worship, you'll find 3D past , a unique 3D Hungary History Show. This first-rate cinema experience provides a great overview of the history of the country and its people. An English language audioguide is available with your admission.

Address: 1114 Budapest, Szent Gellért rkp. 1

Official site: https://sziklatemplom.hu/eng/

A fun thing to do for fans of the great escape artist Harry Houdini is the House of Houdini on Dísz Square. Although he made his name in the early 1900s in the US, the world-famous magician and escapologist was born in Budapest, a fact that's celebrated in this fascinating interactive museum, opened in 2016.

Exhibits feature a large collection of Houdini magic-related paraphernalia and personal artifacts, including handcuffs and props from some of his movies, and movies made about him. A highlight of a visit is the chance to see one of the museum's resident magician's put on a show in the facility's theatre. English language guided tours are available.

Address: Dísz tér 11, 1014, Budapest

Official site: www.houseofhoudinibudapest.com

The huge Széchenyi National Library (Országos Széchényi Könyvtár) has been housed in the southwest wing of Buda Castle since 1985. Founded by Count Ferenc Széchenyi in 1802, this superb facility now serves as the country's national library.

Inside are more than six million documents, with an emphasis on important Hungarian manuscripts and maps. The highlight of the collection is the famous Budapest Manuscripts, some of the oldest known medieval illustrated scripts. A bookshop and café are located on-site.

Just a few minutes' walk from the library, and running parallel with the Danube, is the delightful Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár). It's a great place for a stroll or, thanks to its spectacular river views, to simply find a quiet bench or piece of grass and watch the boat traffic float by. The attractive Neo-Renaissance architecture has been completely renovated, as have the many old halls, theaters, and gardens, some of which are now home to cafés and restaurants.

Address: 014 Budapest, Szent György tér 4-5-6

Official site: www.oszk.hu/en

The interactive exhibits at the excellent Museum of Music History (Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Zenetudományi Intézet – Zenetörténeti Múzeum) – also often referred to as the Institute for Musicology - consist of more than 1,000 musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries. Displays include rare violins plus folk, military band instruments, and numerous traditional musical instruments and related artifacts.

Informative guided tours of the facility are available and often include a short concert afterwards. The museum also offers a first-rate program of recitals and concerts, with a focus on Hungarian music, ranging from folk music, gypsy music, and popular composers such as Liszt and Bartók.

Address: Táncsics Mihály utca 7, Budapest H-1014

Official site: http://zti.hu/index.php/en/museum

We recommend you look into the quality accommodations and hotel deals available at these charming hotels, each located just a short hop from Budapest's magnificent Castle Hill district.

Luxury Hotels :

• The Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection is a five-star luxury hotel featuring an excellent rooftop lounge, complimentary refreshments and snacks throughout your stay, along with wonderful spa treatments, an indoor pool, and a hot tub.
• The relatively new four-star Prestige Hotel Budapest offers elegant ornate furnishings, plush bedding, an award-winning restaurant, plus a sauna and hot tub for guests to enjoy, all just a short walk away from the city's top attractions.
• The InterContinental Budapest is another good choice, particularly for its location opposite the famous Chain bridge, along with its spacious rooms and suites with views over the Danube and Castle hill.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Leading our selection of notable mid-range accommodations, Hotel Moments Budapest features stylish décor and a modern bistro, and offers guests a tasty complimentary breakfast.
• Also worth checking availability for is the historic Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center , just a short walk from the city's Hungarian National Museum and boasting classy rooms and good rates.
• And check out the trendy D8 Hotel , a modern affair featuring bright rooms and suites, a huge lobby, and a great casual restaurant.

Budget Hotels :

• Our favorite budget hotels include the Ibis Budapest City budget hotel, which ranks highly for its friendly staff, good value, and sleek furnishings.
• Other good cheap hotels in Budapest that offer good quality rooms include the modern Star Inn Hotel Budapest Centrum , close to the Budapest Opera House and featuring great buffet breakfasts, and Six Inn Hotel Budapest , popular for its great central location and bright décor and hip vibe.
• Walking To urs: The Castle District is part of a great three-hour small group Budapest City Walking Tour , led by an English-speaking guide, that takes in the main sights across the city, plus a stop for coffee and Hungarian pastries. Castle Hill is the sole focus of the 2.5-hour Budapest Castle District Walk with Matthias Church Entry , led by a private guide and including the attraction's most important things to do. Along the way, you'll see preserved medieval streets plus some fascinating places tourists normally miss, all of it enlivened by local history, folklore, and legends.
• For Your Comfort: Wear good walking shoes. Castle Hill covers a large area with uneven cobblestones underfoot. If you tour the caves, you'll want a light jacket or sweater even on a warm day.
• Festival: On August 20, the Hungarian national holiday, Budapest Castle is the prime viewpoint for the evening's mammoth fireworks display. During the day, the hill is alive with the Festival of Crafts, food stalls, and music.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Hungary Vacation Ideas : If there's time in your Hungary travel itinerary, be sure to allow time to explore the many attractions and things to do surrounding Budapest . Highlights include the spectacular Baroque town of Eger, as well as the beautiful Danube Bend and the historic town of Vác. Other great Hungary attractions include the popular resort town of Tihany, on Lake Balaton, and the spectacular Caves of Lillafüred.

More on Hungary

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What Are the 8 Best Art Attractions in Budapest? (local tips)

B udapest is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and somewhat unconventional culture. That’s why it is a fabulous place to explore art in different ways – from visiting traditional museums to exploring a mural through virtual reality. We take a look through a handful of the most enticing art attractions the city has to offer.

Budapest Museums

The most exciting and efficient way to immerse in the art world is to visit Budapest’s many museums. The options are numerous, and one can quickly go from classics to contemporary pieces. There are traditional national-level museums, exhibition spaces, and privately owned venues. World-famous artists like Rembrandt and Picasso can be found at the Museum of Fine Arts, while exquisite art of Hungarian origin is at the Hungarian National Gallery.

The Budapest Kunsthalle, also known as Műcsarnok, offers exhibition space for many contemporary artists, both local and international. Finally, there is the Ludwig Museum or the Budapest Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum collection features pieces by artists from Central and Eastern Europe, including Hungary, and all around the globe. It is a dynamic collection with new pieces added every year. 

The Photography Centers of Budapest

Budapest is home to some incredible photography museums. Finding them is like winning the lottery for genuine art enthusiasts. One such place is the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center. As can be guessed by the museum’s name, there is an exceptional display on Robert Capa , the renowned Hungarian-American war photographer. However, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that often feature the finest photographers and photojournalists of today.

The other photography center worthy of attention is the Mai Mano Haz. The museum’s Art-Nouveau building was once the residence of Mai Mano, the Hungarian photographer and writer. Known as the Hungarian House of Photography, the museum offers historical and modern photographs by Hungarian and international artists.

The Hungarian State Opera

The Hungarian State Opera is the true icon of Hungary and one of the most dazzling sites in Budapest. This opera house is one of the greatest in Europe and has a long history that started during the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Miklós Ybl, a prominent architect of the 19th century, designed the Opera’s neo-renaissance building. There are two ways to explore it: see a performance or take a guided tour. Either way, everyone should see the marvelous fresco in the auditorium. It is a massive masterpiece by Károly Lotz, the famous 19th-century painter.

Budapest Markets

Budapest is a big European city, which means there are interesting markets on the map. The best-known and the oldest in Budapest is the Great Market Hall. It is a beautiful 19th-century building in the Neo-Gothic style. On the market’s first floor are stalls with fresh produce, pastries, spices, and Unicum. The second floor features eateries, all perfect for tasting Hungarian national dishes like goulash.

For unique souvenirs, it’s best to visit the Ecseri Flea Market, where vendors sell various antique items, from furniture to paintings. Every two months, Budapest also hosts the WAMP Design Fair. It is a large-scale event where Hungarian designers present and sell their creations. These include clothing, jewelry, handmade crafts, cosmetics, and more.

The Museum of Sweets & Selfies

The Museum of Sweets and Selfies in Budapest is the place to unleash creativity and experience something out-of-the-ordinary. It is Europe’s first museum of such kind, with two floors and eight rooms filled with fun installations. The interactive display includes a chair of fluffy flamingos, strings of bananas, a large pool of plastic balls, a strawberry swing, and many others.

The City’s Ruin Bars

Ruin bars are a massive part of Budapest’s authentic experience and identity. They are essential to every local and are a famous attraction for tourists. These bars are usually located in old and abandoned buildings, decorated with quirky furniture and peculiar objects. It is what makes these places so unique. The choices are rich and depend on whether visitors would like to party or casually chat over a drink. The most famous ruin bars of Budapest are the Szimpla Kert (a pioneer, but often overcrowded), Csendes Vintage Bar & Cafe, and Doboz.

Murals Around Budapest Streets

Budapest street art is an experience of a different level created by local and international artists. There are graffiti and murals on residential and commercial buildings, bridges, and even garage doors, among other locations. The Jewish Quarter is the center of Budapest street art; however, there are many street artworks in different neighborhoods. Budapest’s street art scene has a bit of everything – from doodles and classic paintings to pieces seen with the help of virtual reality.

Local Concept Stores

Those who value originality and talent will appreciate Budapest’s concept stores. These stores offer exclusive items designed and catered to a specific audience. In Budapest, there are many stores of such type, and they sell mainly antiques, books , clothing, accessories, and perfumery. Printa, Szputnyik, Nanushka, Nubu Zen Store, and Ludovika are among the best-known concept stores in the city.

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