Budapest

DESTINATIONS hungary budapest

Budapest

From its majestic bridges spanning the Danube River to its grandiose castles to its historical thermal baths, Budapest captivates visitors with its rich heritage and vibrant energy. Regarded as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, this enchanting city seamlessly blends its medieval past with modern flair, offering a myriad of attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, a thriving culinary scene, and a pulsating nightlife.

The City Spas & Thermal Baths

The City

Situated along the banks of the Danube River, Budapest’s origins trace back to the merging of two historic towns: Buda, which sits on the hilly west bank of the Danube, and Pest, located on the flat east bank. The history of Budapest is marked by a series of invasions, occupations, and revolutions. From Roman settlements to Ottoman rule and Habsburg dominance, Budapest has seen its share of conquests and conflicts. The city reached its peak during the 19th century when it emerged as a vibrant cultural hub of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, witnessing the construction of iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. However, the 20th century brought turmoil to Budapest with World Wars, communist rule, and the 1956 uprising against Soviet control. The fall of communism in 1989 marked a turning point, ushering in an era of democratic governance, economic reform, and cultural revival. Today, Budapest stands as a testament to resilience and renewal, blending its rich past with modern innovation. Visitors flock to the city to explore its magnificent architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and savour its vibrant culinary scene. With its bustling markets, lively festivals, and thriving arts scene, Budapest continues to captivate travellers from around the world.

Spas & Thermal Baths

Thanks to the geological features of the Carpathian Basin, Hungary is extremely rich in thermal springs, and the area of Budapest is no exception: the capital stretches across over 100 springs, many of them accessible to the public in beautiful historical buildings.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Budapest offers plenty of entertainment all year round: from green parks and soothing thermal baths to architectural gems and fascinating museums.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Spanning the majestic Danube River, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of the city's grandeur and architectural prowess. Completed in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to connect the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and later modified by Scottish engineer Adam …

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Parliament is arguably the most prominent landmark of Hungary, also noted as the third largest parliament building in the world. It was designed in the Gothic revival style by architect Imre Steindl. It is 96 metres tall, which refers to the year 1896 when extensive constructions were carried out to celebrate the country's …

Castle District

The charming district of the Buda Castle entails the prominent Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, several museums, as well as some residential homes. You'll find the National Gallery here, along with a wide range of other museums dedicated to music, military history, pharmacy (housed in the first pharmacy of Buda), and the life of Houdini. …

Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise

Marvel at Budapest's UNESCO-listed panorama on this lovely Danube River evening cruise. See the city's floodlit landmarks, such as the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle district, and sail under the illuminated Chain Bridge as well as other …

St Stephen's Basilica

St Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. It was built in Neo-classicist style and has a capacity of up to 8,500 people. Its most noted relic is the mummified right hand of Stephen I, Hungary's first king, who among others converted Hungarians to Christianity. The adjacent square is home to several markets …

Heroes' Square

Situated at the end of Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square is one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks. Dominated by the Millennium Monument, it pays homage to Hungary's history and leaders. It is flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art, and if you continue your way past the wall of sculptures, …

Dohány Street Synagogue (The Great Synagogue)

The distinct symbol of the Jewish quarter in Budapest, the Great Synagogue is also noted as the largest synagogue in Europe, seating up to 3,000 people. The visit entails a guided tour with a walk in the building and its surrounding garden, where you will also find sculptures of famous Hungarian writers and artists …

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Conceived by film director Can Togay, Shoes on the Danube Bank is an ironwork memorial erected in 2005 consisting of sixty pairs of shoes, which pays tribute to the thousands of Jewish victims who were shot into the Danube during the Arrow Cross movement in 1944-45. With over 800,000 people expelled or killed, the …

Hungarian State Opera

The Hungarian State Opera is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece, boasting the third-best acoustics in Europe after the Scala in Milan and the Opera Garnier in Paris. It was designed in 1884 by Miklós Ybl, who also planned St Stephen’s Basilica. Lavish inside and out with a gorgeous fresco by Károly Lotz gleaming in a vast …

Aquaworld Aquapark

One of the biggest indoor water theme parks in Europe offers unforgettable entertainment to visitors of every age throughout the …

Margaret Island (Margitsziget)

The 2.5-km-long Margaret Island between Buda and Pest makes for a perfect lazy day outside the bustling city centre. The island is home to a small zoo, an art nouveau water tower, medieval ruins, and a beloved musical fountain. It also offers an array of outdoor activities with jogging tracks, thermal spas, and swimming …

City Park (Városliget)

Stretching behind the imposing Heroes' Square, Városliget is one of the most popular recreational venues in the city. There are plenty of entertainment options in the neighbourhood, including the Széchenyi Baths, Budapest Zoo, Circus, the Vajdahunyad Castle housing the Agricultural Museum and various fairs, as well as a pond that turns into a popular …

Museum of Fine Arts

Built in an eclectic-neoclassical style, between 1900 and 1906, the Museum of Fine Arts houses a vast collection spanning from prehistory to the present day. Highlights include an impressive Egyptian collection, Renaissance frescoes, and an array of 19th-century …

Palace of Arts (Müpa Budapest)

Known locally by its acronym Müpa, the Palace of Arts (Művészetek Palotája) is a striking complex by the Danube created for the new millennium. It consists of the Bartók National Concert Hall, the Festival Theatre and the Ludwig Museum. The Bartók National Concert Hall is known for its outstanding acoustics created by Russell Johnson, …

Citadella

A fortress built under the Austrian empire and used also by fascist and communist forces, Citadella sits atop the 235-metre high Gellért Hill, together with the Liberty Statue, a bronze lady holding a palm leaf and guarding the city since 1947 (hence was originally intended to celebrate the Soviet liberation from the Nazi forces …

Hungarian National Museum

Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building along what is called the small boulevard of Budapest, this museum houses various permanent and temporary exhibitions on the history of Hungary, starting from the Roman period, when the province of Pannonia stretched far beyond the present borders of the …

House of Terror

Located in what once was the headquarters of ÁVH, the secret police authority of the communist era, the House of Terror gives a strikingly honest insight into the history of fascism and communism, the two terror regimes Hungary suffered from in the not-so-distant history. It is also a memorial to the victims of these …

Tram Line 2

Regarded by the National Geographic among the most scenic tram routes in the world, these yellow trolleys will help you discover Budapest's most beautiful buildings for the price of a single tram ticket. Make sure you do it at night (as well), to see the splendid city lights illuminating the elegant Buda …

Elizabeth Lookout Tower

Only 20 minutes by bus, and you will find yourself in the midst of unspoilt greenery without even setting foot out of the capital. Start your trip by taking the bus to the Normafa parks, and try the best strudel in the city with scenic views over the Buda hills. From here stretches a …

Memento Park

An imposing sculpture park paying homage to the era of Cold War and communism. When the proletarian dictatorship’s enormous monuments and statues were no longer considered politically correct, they were moved from their conspicuous locations to this southern suburb of Buda. Works to see include the gigantic Lenin statue and the Cubist statues of …

Dining

A gastronomic revolution has taken over Hungary in the past few years. New restaurants, bistros, and street food places have been opening on almost every corner of its capital city. Whether they want to have a multi-course meal while tasting the best wines of the country or prefer to grab a bite in a more casual place, visitors to Hungary will definitely find something for themselves in the large selection of venues for dining. From exquisite wine bars to unique and creative cooking courses and gastronomy festivals, the country offers an exciting spectrum to everyone who loves to eat.

Onyx

Onyx, boasting two Michelin stars and being the first in Budapest to achieve this distinction, provides an exquisite dining experience. The restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and tasting menus with expertly paired wines. Signature dishes like rooster consommé, duck ravioli, and flódni, a Hungarian dessert filled with poppy seeds and walnuts, showcase the culinary excellence. …

Gundel

Located in the vibrant scenery of the City Park, Gundel is an elegant restaurant dedicated to Hungarian cuisine. It started as a father-and-son establishment in the hands of Bavarian chef Károly Gundel in the late 19th century. Its menu features traditional Hungarian flavours with a modern and international twist, served through à la carte …

Déryné

Déryné is Buda's symbolic restaurant, heavily frequented by locals living west of the Danube. It opened in the 1910s and served several well-known artists at the time, but it welcomes today's visitors with the same quality and hospitality. It offers Hungarian and French-style dishes along with homemade bakery products that are the subject of …

Menza

Menza is Hungarian for canteen, and indeed this restaurant serves the very staples of Hungarian cuisine, in an elegant but very friendly atmosphere. The menu includes goulash, garlic soup, trout, veal stew, and apple strudel, just to name a …

Costes Downtown

The second venue of the Costes team serving fine courses inspired by local and international cuisine, all made of unique ingredients from quail to mangalica. An elegant, bistro-style restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star shortly after its …

Fakanál

Housed in the busy Great Market Hall, Fakanál is a traditional restaurant serving Hungarian meals in an authentic setting accompanied by live gipsy music. A vibrant atmosphere is guaranteed here, either because of the events they host, or the pálinka shots that are always in high demand (and a must for every …

Borkonyha

Borkonyha is a mix of a contemporary family restaurant and a French bistro, though the chef Ákos Sárközi often includes Spanish and Italian specialities on the menu as well. A huge part of their concept is their extensive wine list, which includes 200 different wines, most of them Hungarian. This was the third Hungarian …

Spinoza Café & Restaurant

Spinoza is a low-key restaurant in the Jewish quarter offering a blend of traditional Jewish and Hungarian cuisine, nicely complemented by live piano music every …

Retro Lángos

With its central location and vast topping selection, this little stall is probably the best place in Budapest to try Hungary's favourite street food. Lángos is a deep-fried flatbread that is best served with cheese and sour cream on top, but sausage-filled versions are also available — humbly called nuclear …

Kék Rózsa

A traditional restaurant in the heart of the Jewish quarter with a simple design and rich Hungarian flavours, at highly affordable …

Lecsó

A decent budget-friendly restaurant serving buffet lunch during the day, Lecsó is always busy with locals looking for traditional and home-cooked flavours. The menu includes a variety of Hungarian specialities such as stews, egg soup, Schnitzel, Hungarian ratatouille, and meat-filled pancakes (hortobágyi palacsinta). For one-time visitors, Lecsó provides a chance to experience authentic Hungarian …

Leves.

'Leves' is Hungarian for soup, and it will not be long before you realise how it is an integral part of Hungarian lunch rituals. This small takeaway soup shop offers hearty cups of traditional as well as exotic flavours of a wide range, perfect for a quick lunch in the heart of the city. …

Al Dente

Al Dente is a hidden gem among Budapest's neighbourhood restaurants. It specialises in authentic Italian cuisine, featuring delightful dishes like bruschetta, calzone, lasagne, gnocchi, and notably, some of the city's finest pizza. The menu concludes on a sweet note with options like tiramisu, panna cotta, or cannoli. Nestled on a quiet and beautiful street, …

Fecske Presszó

Fecske Presszó is a casual and budget-friendly restaurant and bar popular among local students. The menu features dishes inspired by Hungarian and international cuisine, with highlights such as sausage ratatouille and stuffed potato pies. Fecske offers both outdoor terrace seating under a leafy canopy and quaint underground …

Cafés

From opulent, fin de siècle cafes to new-wave coffee houses, Budapest never fails to entice lovers of caffeine. Confectioneries too abound to offer you traditional Hungarian desserts — make sure to try a good strudel or kürtőskalács, a spit cake best had with a cinnamon coating (look in markets or Váci street). Winter favourites include walnut puree with whipped cream and flódni, a traditional Hungarian Jewish pastry, filled with layers of apple, walnuts, poppy seeds, and plum jam.

Gerbeaud

Once the venue where the aristocracy would meet during the times of the dual monarchy, Café Gerbeaud will take you back to a time of sumptuous delicacies in luxurious surroundings, preserved to this day. Gerbeaud is also the name of the signature dessert, a flavourful cake layered with walnut and apricot jam and covered …

New York Café

New York Café, once hailed as 'the most beautiful café in the world', is a lavish establishment steeped in history since its inception in 1894. Serving as a meeting point for artists and intellectuals in the early 20th century, the café retains its opulent ambience, following a recent renovation, including its ornate frescoes and …

Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar

First opened in 1887, Centrál Grand Cafe was one of the most important intellectual venues in the country, serving coffee to the most prominent scientists and writers of the time. Today, its mission is to evoke the atmosphere that prevailed at the turn of the century by serving traditional Hungarian treats in a restored …

Művész Kávéház

Művész, meaning 'artist' in Hungarian, is a historic café dating back to 1898, renowned as a gathering place for writers, philosophers, and intellectuals of the past century. With its grand architecture featuring high ceilings, large mirrors, and elegant chandeliers, the café offers a charming ambience for enjoying coffee, cakes, and light meals. Its outdoor …

Ruszwurm Confectionery

Ruszwurm Confectionery on the Buda side is what Café Gerbeaud is for Pest. Still run by the well-known confectionery dynasty, the café has preserved its fin de siècle feel, finely adorned with red velvet curtains, marble tables, and beautiful Biedermeier furniture. The famous cream pastry and strudel (rétes) are always in demand …

Gerlóczy Kávéház

Gerlóczy Kávéház is a charming Parisian-style café at the intersection of Gerlóczy and Vitkovics streets in the busy city centre. Food is served from breakfast through lunch and afternoon tea, to special dinners like Fish Friday. In front of the café stands the statue of Károly Kammermayer, the first mayor of Budapest from 1873, …

Callas Café

Callas Café is located next to the Opera House in a neo-Renaissance building, constructed in 1880. It changed hands several times in the early 20th century and also served as the headquarters of a British bank between the wars. Today, it provides an elegant setting to enjoy Hungarian flavours with live salon music, or …

Szamos Gourmet Ház

Szamos is noted amongst the most prominent confectionery dynasties in Hungary, specialising in the production of marzipan treats. Today, they offer an extensive selection of confectionery at several locations in the country (including a chocolate museum), and their flagship store below also serves breakfast and light snacks throughout the …

Auguszt Cukrászda

A family-run confectionery business with deep-rooted traditions and devotion to serving desserts of varied flavour and exceptional quality. The first Auguszt opened in 1870; now they have three locations in …

Hadik Café

Once the gathering place of Hungary's most prominent writers, Hadik still enjoys a steady flow of visitors, choosing Buda's cosy flagship café for a creamy coffee, a light dinner, or a literary event — if poems scattered on the menu pages were not …

Lumen Café

Located in Budapest's elegant Palace District, Lumen offers a casual yet charming atmosphere, complete with a patio for al fresco dining and regular live music performances. Serving a diverse menu that evolves with the seasons, the restaurant prides itself on roasting its own coffee beans and offering a rich selection of delicious …

Fekete

A quaint espresso bar with a small terrace in the heart of what is noted as the capital's oasis for second-hand books, serving specialty coffee, breakfast and brunch fare alongside baked goods and …

Artigiana Gelati

A tranquil walk in Buda's residential area will give you a completely different picture of the otherwise vibrant capital. This Italian artisanal ice cream shop is located conveniently next to Városmajor, Buda's green oasis, and offers an ample selection of fine ice cream flavours, arguably among the best in town. The Sacher torte flavour …

Cafe Frei

Cafe Frei is a popular franchise founded by traveller-journalist Tamás Frei, featuring over 70 coffee specialties from five continents, bringing you genuine flavours from as far as Brazil and the Himalayas. With several locations in town, usually directly linked to a bookshop of the Hungarian chain …

Cserpes Tejivó

A traditional milk bar chain serving sandwiches, salads and traditional Hungarian breakfast pastries, along with a large variety of hot beverages, made with their popular own brand dairy products. With four locations in town, make sure you won't miss locals' favourite breakfast …

Fruska Bisztró

If you feel like basking in the sun and enjoying great views of the Danube, you should visit the Fruska Bisztró on the Kopaszi dam. It has a cool terrace offering coffee, beers, wines and picnic snacks as …

Cat Café

A small friendly café near the Opera House, welcoming visitors with cakes, paninis, coffee and cocktails, along with cosy, cushioned seats, cat-themed art and souvenirs, but most importantly, 15 permanent feline residents to keep you purrfect …

Bars & Nightlife

Ruin pubs in Budapest are having their heyday, as old abandoned buildings are given a second chance by being creatively transformed into quirky eclectic bars, having earned the city the nickname Party Capital of Europe. Head to Deák Ferenc tér or get off the tram anywhere along the Grand Boulevard, and take to the streets of the fifth and seventh districts, the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods where parties and shots of pálinka never seem to come to an end.

Szimpla Kert

Get a taste of Budapest's famous eclectic ruin pubs at the city's number-one venue of this kind: Szimpla has become a flagship bar in the city, with two floors furnished with mismatched second-hand items and a disused Trabant car, serving not only as a watering hole of young internationals but also a hangout place …

Pontoon

Located at the foot of the iconic Chain bridge, Pontoon is probably the most scenic outdoor bar in Budapest. Grab a chair and drink, enjoy the live music, and admire the sparkling night lights of …

Spoon

Spoon is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy drinks with splendid views across the Danube. It is a two-floor boat anchored by the Pest quay, with a buzzing lounge bar and an upscale restaurant serving fusion …

Gozsdu Court

Arguably Budapest's busiest pedestrian street, Gozsdu is filled with trendy bars, eateries and nightclubs, welcoming visitors from the afternoon until late in the night. The stylish decors and murals are worth even a simple stroll through this covered courtyard, which turns into a flea market every …

Instant-Fogas

With 6 dance floors, 18 bars, plus two gardens, Instant-Fogas is an unmissable party haven of the nightlife district, hosting various music events and throwing some of the longest parties in town — and equipped with a map of the venue, in the likely case you get lost …

A38

A38 is a floating venue for night-long entertainment, unmissable near Petőfi Bridge on the Buda side. A reconstructed Ukrainian ship equipped with several bars, a restaurant, and a concert hall that hosts hip artists several days a week and throws some of the most popular dance parties in the …

Kisüzem

If Szimpla Kert is too international for you, head to Kisüzem: this small but busy pub gets filled with locals every day of the week, enjoying the moderately priced, vast drink selection and relaxed atmosphere in Budapest's crazy party …

Morrison's 2

Morrison's 2, Budapest's largest disco, offers a vibrant nightlife experience with multiple bars, four dance floors featuring techno and disco music, as well as karaoke sessions. The venue includes an all-year heated garden, providing guests with an inviting atmosphere to enjoy music and drinks regardless of the …

Macska

Macska is a small neighbourhood pub with a warm and eclectic interior, offering a unique beer selection along with vegan food, to be had on a cosy gallery stuffed with pillows and …

Grandio Jungle Bar

Housed in one of Budapest's most popular party hostels serving booze around the clock, Grandio Jungle Bar is a place where you can hang out with other visitors and have some pre-drinks for an extended pub crawl in the party …

4es6os Wesselényi

You'll probably not leave Budapest without hopping on trams 4 and 6 several times as you make your way through the Grand Boulevard of the city. This popular and affordable chain has several easily recognisable venues along what is also the busiest tram line in the world. Sports broadcasts, table football, and a vibrating …

Shopping

Upscale shopping streets, unique antique shops, and a vast selection of Western brands at convenient Eastern European prices have made Budapest a popular shopping destination. The city is also abundant in world-famous treasures of Hungarian origin, as porcelain manufacturers Herend and Zsolnay both have a factory shop here.