budapest tourist map english

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.

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

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
• Weather in Budapest in February
• Weather in Budapest in March
• Weather in Budapest in April
• Weather in Budapest in May
• Weather in Budapest in June
• Weather in Budapest in July
• Weather in Budapest in August
• Weather in Budapest in September
• Weather in Budapest in October
• Weather in Budapest in November
• Weather in Budapest in December

All road trips from Budapest

• Budapest to Vienna drive
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• Budapest to Madrid drive
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• Budapest to Salzburg drive
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• Budapest to Turin drive
• Budapest to Naples drive
• Budapest to Moscow drive
• Budapest to Dubrovnik drive
• Budapest to Warsaw drive
• Budapest to St. Petersburg drive
• Budapest to Zagreb drive

Explore nearby places

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

All related maps of Budapest

• Map of Budaors
• Map of Budakeszi
• Map of Diosd
• Map of Torokbalint
• Map of Pilisborosjeno
• Map of Solymar
• Map of Budakalasz
• Map of Halasztelek
• Map of Szigetszentmiklos
• Map of Biatorbagy
• Map of Dunakeszi
• Map of Pomaz
• Map of Paty
• Map of Csobanka
• Map of Mogyorod
• Map of Gyal
• Map of Vecses
• Map of Szentendre
• Map of Budajeno
• Map of Tokol
• Map of Szazhalombatta
• Map of Pecel
• Map of Piliscsaba
• Map of Etyek
• Map of Dunavarsany
• Map of Perbal
• Map of Maglod
• Map of Pilisszentkereszt

Budapest throughout the year

• Budapest in January
• Budapest in February
• Budapest in March
• Budapest in April
• Budapest in May
• Budapest in June
• 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

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Budapest Printable Tourist Map

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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Budapestbylocals.com

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.

TIP: See also our walk itineraries with map .

See also Our Facebook page for fresh news.

Related Articles

Costs, Prices in Budapest, Currency in Hungary

Budapest Weather

Safety in Budapest

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.

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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Budapest: map and city districts

The tourist map of the city of Budapest can be roughly divided into two parts, representing two banks connected by numerous bridges.

Buda is the oldest part of the city. It was here that the first Hungarian settlements were located, and you can still see the ruins of the ancient Roman Aquincum. With its Gothic windows and doors, centuries-old stone benches, and mosaic patterns in the Matyash temple, you can truly feel the spirit of the Middle Ages here.

If you're looking for Buda Hill on a map of Budapest, you can find it easily. You can reach it either by foot or by taking a cable car.

Pest , on the other hand, represents the more modern and fashionable part of the city. When checking a map of Budapest with hotels, this is an area worth exploring. Most of what you'll see here was constructed in the late twentieth century. In 1838, almost all of Pest experienced a flood, leading to the development of new boulevards and avenues in the imperial style.

Pest's key attractions include the Hungarian Parliament, Europe's largest synagogue, the Western Railway Station (designed by Eiffel), and the Paris Arcade.

When tourists inquire about the best neighborhoods to stay in Budapest, the concise answer is: nearly anywhere. Budapest is an exceptionally clean and peaceful city with a well-established transportation system, making it easy to travel between neighborhoods via bus or metro.

Budapest encompasses a total of 23 neighborhoods, which can be categorized into three groups: Obuda (the city's oldest section), Buda (on the right bank of the Danube), and Pest (on the left bank). The central districts of Buda and Pest, located in the heart of Budapest, are where you'll find the primary tourist attractions in the Hungarian capital.

Here is a selection of Budapest neighborhoods where tourists often choose to stay:

District 1 (Buda) is the city's most prestigious neighborhood, renowned for its geothermal springs, fortress, and royal palace.

District 2 (Buda) is among the city's most upscale districts, extending from the Danube riverbank into the hills.

District 6 (Pest) , also referred to as "Hungary's Champs Elysees," is Budapest's most picturesque neighborhood. However, it's worth noting that the architecture here leans predominantly Austrian.

District 12 (Buda) is the city's elite mountainous neighborhood. It offers a refreshing atmosphere and tranquility, which is why even Hungarians seek to invest in property here.

There are no dangerous neighborhoods in Budapest. As in any city, it's advisable to avoid wandering alone in the outskirts during nighttime.

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Budapest  >  Central Budapest Free Walking Tour

‎ Budapest Tourist Tips ‎ |  Suggested Itineraries For Budapest

• Central Pest Walking Tour
• Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
• Castle Hill Walking Tour
• City Park Walking Tour
• Gellért Hill Walking Tour
• More Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Visitor Tips
• Suggested Itineraries

Free Budapest Walking Tour:

Location :  Pest ( East Side of Danube River ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Museum and sight costs below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start :  Holocaust Shoe Memorial Stop :  Grand Market Hall Walking Distance :  3 Miles Time :  1 hour of walking ( 4 hours with sights; +1 hour for Parliament Tour ) Fun Scale :  9 out of 10

Central Pest Overview:

Sitting of the Eastern bank of the Danube River is Budapest’s lively and history Pest neighborhood.  Pest was founded in was an economic powerhouse in the 11th-13th Centuries until it was sacked by the Mongols in 1241.  The city made a comeback through the Middle Ages which later lead to grand buildings and cathedrals.  After severe flooding spread 8 feet of water through Pest, it merged with Buda and Óbuda on the Western bank in 1873.

Even through all of the changes and wars, Pest has retained many historic monuments like Saint Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament to remain the heart of Budapest.  Our self-guided walking tour through central Pest is the perfect way to get a feel for the Budapest’s history.  Different sights will highlight Pest’s war-torn past, the days of power grandeur, plus an easy to love culture and flair.

Pest Walking Tour Sights:

1. holocaust shoe memorial :.

About The Holocaust Shoe Memorial :  On first glance, the Holocaust Shoe Memorial looks like just a collection of bronzed shoes by the waterside, but knowing the history of this spot makes a visit truly moving.  During WWII, the Nazi’s secret police group  Arrow Cross  often executed Jews and other citizens here by shooting them then pushing them into the Danube River.  All of the victims were required to line up and take their shoes off not knowing which of them would be shot.  When the Nazis wanted to save bullets they would tie a few people together, shoot one, push the group into the freezing river, and watch the dead bodies drag the entire group down.  The Memorial’s 60, 1940’s era shoes represent the shoes left behind by the fallen Arrow Cross victims and you really should not missed it.

As you walk North along the river the big white mansion on your right is the  Office of the Prime Minister .  The building once was a mansion for Hungarian aristocrats, and the grandmother of US Sectary of State and former Presidential candidate John Kerry’s grandmother was born here as a daughter of the chambermaid.

2. Hungarian Parliament Building :

About The Hungarian Parliament Building :  The huge Gothic-style Hungarian Parliament, or House of the Nation, is the formal  seat of government for Hungary  and the most photographed monument in Budapest.  The massive 315-foot-tall and 879-foot-long building is a symbol of Hungary’s power as it dominates the Eastern bank of the Danube River.  The Parliament’s silhouette of the white Gothic spires, red domes, and 242 sculptures is breathtaking.

Construction of the Parliament started shortly after Budapest was united out of three cities ( Óbuda, Buda, and Pest ) in 1873 to centralize Hungary’s government.  Although it wasn’t completed until in 1904, the building was symbolically consecrated 1896 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the country being formed.  It is impossible to not be impressed by the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament with its exterior spires and interior filled with carved woodwork, stained glass windows, Gothic arches.  We will talk more about the interior of the Parliament next on this free Budapest walking tour, but first we want to point out a few other of the interesting exterior features you should know about.

On the North side of the Hungarian Parliament Building is a small park with a memorial statue from 1975 for controversial former president Károlyi Mihály (ruled from  1918-19 ).  Early in his political career, Mihály was credited with helping give women, veterans, and other citizens the right to vote in 1915.  He became Prime Minister after opposing the previous leader ( who got them into WWI ), and then quickly turned Hungary into a democracy.  With an anti-war mindset, Mihály pushed for Hungary to make peace with the Allied Nations to end WWI, but was forced out of power after his efforts led to too many territory concessions.  In the end, Hungary did have to give up further land to end the war with the  Peace Treaty of Trianon  which also led to a long economic decline.  With these negative circumstances considered, modern Hungarians look past the bad things under Mihály and honor the good intentions he had for the country.

Another larger statue around the Parliament grounds is of former president  Lajos Kossuth  (ruled from  1848-49 ) on a red stone pedestal directing both the people and the army.  Kossuth was the President through the Revolution of 1848-49 and was a strong social advocate who signed the first law which recognizing minority rights in Europe.  The inscription at the memorial calls him “Father of Hungarian Democracy, Hungarian Statesman, Freedom Fighter”.

3. Hungarian Parliament Interior :

About The Hungarian Parliament Interior :  While we love the admire the Parliament Building from every possible angle on the outside, you really need to see the gorgeous interior.  In total there are 10 courtyards, 28 staircases, and 691 rooms inside the massive complex.

On a tour of the interior of the Hungarian Parliament you will see some of the most beautiful rooms for 50 minutes with a guide.  The tours start with a walk down the gold-plated Staircase XVII framed by statues, stained glass.  Old Upper House Hall which has colorful paintings of Hungary’s royal families and murals depicting the historical role of the nobility in a medieval beer hall style room.  This leads to the Upper House Lobby which is the most exotic space in the Parliament resembling the inside of an Ottoman Sultan’s palace .  The large wrap around murals in both the Nándorfehérvár and Munkácsy Halls are also very impressive with their depictions of religious and battle scenes.

Reaching the geometric center of the House of Parliament and the symbolic center of Hungary, you enter the sixteen-sided Dome Hall.  Since 2000 this vast space is has been home to the Holy Crown Of Hungary  protected 24 hours a day by two royal guards.  The Byzantine-style royal crown dates back to the between 1031-1070s, was made in Constantinople ( modern-day Istanbul ), and was used to coronate over 50 Hungarian Kings.  Make to look up at the stunning ceiling while inside the Dome Hall which looks like a radiant sun beaming light down on you.

We love the main corridors filled with statues representing the different Medieval professions from horse herders to stonecutters, but the Grand Stairway is the most impressive space.  The combination of arches, ceiling murals, and lighting make the Grand Stairway feel like the inside of an old-world castle.

General Hours : April-October 8am-6pm; November-March 8am-4pm.   Guided Tours :  50-minute tours leave from the underground entrance on the park side of the building toward the East ( away from the river ).  Tours in English at 10am, Noon, 1pm, 1:45pm & 3pm; many other languages available throughout the day.   Tour Cost :  6000 HUF for Adults; 2400 HUF for EU Citizens; Students Half price; Kids 6 & Under Free.   Buying Tickets :  Tickets can be purchased in advance to save yourself waiting in line and can sell out if you don’t buy in advance.   Parliament Website :  ( HERE ).

4. Museum of Ethnography ( Neprajzi Muzeum ):

About The Museum of Ethnography :  The Museum of Ethnography is a great way to get an eclectic mix of cultures throughout the World all in one building.  They have a diverse collection of more than  200,000 ethnographic artifacts , as well as historical photographs, manuscripts, folk music recordings, and videos of everything you can think of.  Its European collection covers every ethnic group on the continent, its Oceania and Africa Collections are assembled by famous Hungarian world travelers and ethnologists, and its collections of authentic artifacts from America, Asia, and Indonesia, are also pretty awesome.

The palace-like building housing the Museum of Ethnography was actually first built for the Department of Justice in the 1800s as a Supreme Court, and supreme it is.  Its grand style and richly ornamented interior reflect the powerful place Hungary’s government occupied in Europe in the 1800s.  The museum was moved here in 1973 and it just seems like a perfect fit.  You’ll be wowed from the second you step into the dimly lit grand hall and entertained through the last exhibit.  Adults seem to appreciate the collects more than kids do.

Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; Closed Mondays.   Cost :  1000 HUF; 500 HUF for EU Citizens; special exhibit combo tickets are usually 200 HUF more.   Guided Tours :  Available in numerous languages and 8,000 HUF covers a group up to 25 people.   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

Closure Notice : The museum is closed for renovations and will re-open sometime in 2020.

5. Imre Nagy Memorial :

About The Imre Nagy Memorial :  Located in the middle of the small leafy Martyrs Square ( Vértanúk Tere ) is the Imre Nagy Memorial consisting of a cozy footbridge and the former leader symbolically looking out over Parliament .  Nagy was Prime Minister of Hungary during the anti-Soviet Revolution of 1956 when many Hungarian Citizens fought to get rid of Soviet influence.  The Revolution was foiled but Nagy shared the group’s views and took action to make his Communist government neutral from both the Soviets and Stalin.  The biggest step he took was when he withdrew from the Warsaw Pact  and asked the United Nations to recognize Hungary and a neutral 3rd party.  He also took steps to open the Hungarian Government up to a multi-party system although he remained himself a Marxist.

The steps Nagy took faced a lot of hostility as the Soviets had helped liberate Hungary from the Nazis at the end of WWII and many Government officials were still loyal to the USSR.  Because of these strong loyalties, Nagy was arrested for treason in 1958, tried secretly, executed by hanging, and was buried in an unmarked grave.  Many viewed this as a message from the USSR to other Communist leaders of what would happen if they started growing away from them.  The corruption involved was obvious since the same man who had Nagy tried for treason ( János Kádár ) became the next Prime Minister.  Over the following 30 years of Communist rule, it became illegal to utter Nagy’s name as he was viewed as a martyr and symbol of freedom.  After Communism fell in 1989, Nagy was reburied and a crowd of over 200,000 people gathered in Heroes’ Square near Budapest’s City Park for his funeral.

6. Freedom Square ( Szabadság Tér ):

About Freedom Square :  Named after the freedom fighters who were executed here in the 1840s, Freedom Square is actually the former site of a military barracks.  The main highlight of the square is the  Soviet Monument  dedicated to the Soviet’s Red Army troops who liberated Hungary from the Nazis at the end of WWII.  A standing Soviet Monument is really quite rare in Budapest as most Communist statues were moved to Memento Park outside of town when Hungary became a true Democracy in 1989.  While most modern-day Hungarians seem to want the Soviet Monument removed, try to view the monument as more of a celebration for the Nazis being kicked out than as an honor for Soviets coming in.  The square also holds other monuments to freedom including a statue of Ronald Regan who was the US President the year Communism ended in Hungary.

7. The Fat Policeman Statue :

About The Fat Policeman Statue :  The iconic bronze statue of the Fat Policeman is one of many good luck statues you will see on this free Budapest walking tour.  The statue was added along Zrínyi Street in 2008 by artist Illyés András who used his own grandfather as inspiration.  The exaggerated features of the Fat Policeman, especially the huge belly, are meant to show how hearty the Hungarian foods like goulash are.  It has become a tradition to rub the gut of the Fat Policeman for good luck which keeps like belly a shiny gold color.

8. Saint Stephen’s Basilica ( Szent István Bazilika ):

About Saint Stephen’s Basilica :  The two towers and large dome of the huge, 315 foot tall Saint Stephen’s Basilica towers of the large open square around it.  This powerful church is named after Stephen, the  first King of Hungary  ( 975–1038 ), whose mummified fist is still housed in the reliquary.  His first is known locally as the Holy Right and can be seen in the back of the church mummified and holding jewels.  The display is dark and they make you pay 100 HUF to light it up which is pretty weird, but worth it.  If you are looking to see it for free you have to be in town on August 20th known as St Stephen Day when they have the hand attend services and also lead the parade in his honor.

As you can imagine with a church this big the construction, which started in 1851, didn’t go as smooth as they wanted.  The first dome collapsed 17 years after the groundbreaking and then the second architect Miklos Ybl, who also built the  Opera House , died.  It seemed like the church was doomed, but finally they got it all together 50 years after the groundbreaking.  After the stabilized Church was finally standing strong, the best painters and sculptures in Hungary came in to finish off the masterpiece.

The interior today is a great mix of light and dark, stone and wood, marble and gilding to combine into a very impressive church.  We highly suggest swinging by the treasury, twin bell towers, and Szent Jobb Chapel.  Among the two bell towers, the left tower has one of the better panoramic views of Budapest and the right tower houses a giant 9-ton church bell.  Which one you choose depends on what you want to see.

Visitor Hours :  Church is open Daily 7am-7pm; Treasury is 9am-5pm ( 10am-4pm in winter ); Szent Jobb Chapel 9am-5pm ( Sundays 1pm-5pm ); Tower daily 10am-4:30pm ( July-September until 6pm ).   Cost :  Church Free; Treasury 400 Ft; Tower 500 Ft.  Church Services :  Daily 8am, 530pm, & 6pm; Sunday Mass is at 8am, 9am,10am, Noon, 6pm, & 7pm.   Church Website :  ( HERE ).

9. Elizabeth Park ( Erzsébet Tér ):

About Elizabeth Park :  Elizabeth Park is a great park to visit any day of the week and is extra busy on the weekends.   The area is busy not just because it is a large beautiful and hip park, but also because it is a cross roads for three different Metro Lines which leads to a very eclectic crowd.  The West side of the Square is more of a laid-back standard park area with trees and fountains while the East side is definitely the bustling, young, hip area.  Adding to the hipness of the East side are a large look-like pond and multi-level terraces filled with outdoor furniture.

This area is surrounded by numerous cafes where you can grab a bit to eat or a drink.  Many locals bring their own wine in the evening and drink around the pond.  Also on the East side, there are the two popular bars/nightclubs called Gödör Klub ( website ) and Akvárium Klub ( website ).  We love both of them, but end up spending more time in Akvárium as we really like their outdoor fit pits in the Winter.  The funky band memorabilia and Volt signage in the lobby of Akvárium comes from the annual Volt Musical Festival they help promote in Western Hungary which 80,000 people go to.

Just off of the Southeast corner of the Park is the giant yellow Anker Mansion House which was built as the first apartment building in Budapest in 1907.   The two-towered building, with its pyramid roof, gets its name from the Anker Life and Pension Insurance Company which first built it.

10. Gresham Palace Four Seasons Hotel :

About Gresham Palace :  Overlooking Roosevelt Park at the foot of the famous Chain Bridge, is the architectural treat called Gresham Palace.  The Palace was built in 1906 as the grand headquarters for the foreign Gresham Life Insurance Company and they spared no expense.  The headquarters were built so fancy that tons of wealthy British aristocrats all spent time living on the upper floors.

During WWII the Soviets used Gresham Palace to house troops and after the war, the damaged building served as a rundown apartment complex.  Finally, after over 50 years of falling apart, the Four Season’s Hotel chain bought the property and quickly restored to its original grandeur.  Today the Palace serves as a great backdrop to Roosevelt square and offers great views of Castle Hill which is directly across the Danube River.  Even if you can’t afford its $400+ a night rooms, a brief stroll through the magnificent lobby will leave you in awe.

Sitting in front of Gresham Palace is a long park called  Roosevelt Square .  On the North side of the Park statue of Count István Széchenyi ( 1791-1860 ) who founded the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and also originally thought up nearby Chain Bridge. The Southside has its own statue of Ferenc Deák ( 1803-1876 ), who advanced relations between Austria and Hungary and had the nickname “Wise Man”.   Hotel Website :  ( HERE ).

11. Chain Bridge ( Széchenyi Lanchid ):

About The Chain Bridge :  The historic quarter-mile long Chain Bridge was  completed in 1849  as the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest.  The bridge was needed to help Pest escape constant flooding and led to the city merging with Buda and Óbuda to form Budapest in 1873.  With  large lion statues  guarding all four corners of the Bridge, its easy to feel its power.  Great photo opportunities come not only from the statues but also from the Chain Bridge itself with the breath-taking Buda Hills & Royal Palace in the background.  The Chain Bridge is absolutely gorgeous when it is lit up at night.

If you only have a short amount of time in Budapest we suggest that your break this  free Budapest Walking Tour  off here and follow the Chain Bridge across the Danube River to follow our  Castle Hill Walking Tour .   If you have a few days in Budapest, however, continue on this tour taking your time and visit Castle Hill later.

12. The Spoon Restaurant :

About The Spoon Restaurant :  The Spoon is an amazing restaurant inside a docked boat right on the Danube River.  The setting on the water is especially beautiful at night.  Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or just a beautiful place to get a drink we highly suggest the Spoon.  The-250 foot-long three level riverboat has two restaurants, five bars, a panoramic open terrace, convertible winter garden, and an underwater Oriental bar.  The Spoon remains docked the entire year so it’s always there and has a lot of outdoor seating plus posh inside seating.  It’s worth buying a drink or food just to be able to check The Spoon out and take some photos especially if you go down into the Red Velvet Oriental Bar on the bottom level.

Depending on your taste for the menu there is also a second really good boat restaurant right next door to The Spoon called the Vén Hajó ( website ).  After your visit, we suggest taking the crosswalk between the two boat restaurants to reach the steps that will up the opposite side of the tram tracks.  Crossing here is the easiest way to continue with the rest of the sites on the free Budapest walking otherwise you will have to go down the riverfront a long distance for the next set of steps.

Cost :  High end drinks average $6-15; Meals are $10-20.   Hours :  Daily Noon-Midnight.   Restaurant Website :  ( HERE ).

13. Royal Princess Statue ( Kis Királylány ):

About The Royal Princess Statue :  Often referred to as the Jester, the bronze Royal Princess Statue is one of the top photo opportunities in Budapest with the Danube River and Royal Palace in the background.  The artist, László Marton, modeled the famous statue after his daughter who often dressed with a paper newspaper crown to pretend to be a princess.  The original Royal Princess Statue can be seen at the Hungarian National Gallery and this larger replica was created added near the tram tracks in front of Vigado Square in 1990.

Like the Fat Policeman Statue’s belly from earlier on this free Budapest walking tour, the Princess has gained polished golden knees from visitors rubbing her for good luck.  The artist, László Marton, also has a noteworthy statue of poet Attila József sitting on the riverside steps not far from the Hungarian Parliament Building.  On a trip to Budapest,  Prince Charles  of England liked the Royal Prince Statue so much he had a replica made for his residence in London.

14. Vörösmarty Square :

About Vörösmarty Square :  As you enter the large Vörösmarty Square you will find a huge limestone statue of  writer Mihály Vörösmarty , who the Square is named after.  Vörösmarty gained his fame not just from his romanticized poems and plays, but also for his patriotic lyrics making him a national treasure.  The statue was built in 1908 on a pedestal of limestone blocks and is surrounded by tons of figures representing different classes of Hungarian society.  These figures include a farmer, students, peasants among many others.  Vörösmarty’s writings were both appealing to and made up of a very wide range of people as you can tell by the diversity of the  figures who surround him.

The Square is also home to the Vörösmarty tér Metro Stop, but it is the beautiful  Gerbeaud Café  ( website )opened in 1858 that you will remember the most.  Gerbeaud Café is a delightful pastry shop with a lavish marble and ornate interior whose white facade dominated the Square.  If pastries are not your thing, Gerbeaud also has a nice authentic pub and a great high-end restaurant that will make you feel like a Hungarian aristocrat.  Gerbeaud can hold up to 300 guests inside and also has great outdoor seating, so don’t worry about getting served if you see a crowd, there is plenty of room for everyone.  You can always get something to go and do a makeshift picnic.

Our favorite time of year to visit Vörösmarty Square is in December when you’ll be treated to a number of great outdoor stands that make up Budapest’s Christmas Fair and Market.  The Market has the perfect look and feels just like the large Christmas markets of Austria and Germany.

15. Váci Shopping Street (Váci Utca):

About Váci Utca :  The pedestrian-only Váci Street is the best shopping area in all of Budapest and stretches all the way from Vörösmarty Square to the Great Market Hall.  The architecture along the street is some of the best from the 1700s, the atmosphere is always upbeat, and there is a great mix of both affordable souvenir shops and high-end fashion boutiques.  If you wander slightly off Váci Utca, in almost any direction, you can find a great number of mom-n-pop style eateries that have great deals and even better food.

Speaking of food, notice the  Historic McDonald’s  on your right as you begin down Váci, it is a big deal. This McDonald’s was the first Western fast food restaurant built in the Communist East Block when is came here in 1988.  The people of Budapest were so excited for McDonald’s to be here that the line to get food typically ran outside the restaurant and down the road a few blocks.   McDonald’s went on to build what we feel is their fanciest restaurant in the World to the Northeast of here near the train station, which is also marked on the map above.

While the McDonald’s and the shopping on Váci Utca are special, the most unique thing is definitely the statue of the  Peeing Boy .   It is quite literally is a statue of a peeing boy and serves as a gathering spot for travelers looking to rest their feet.  As you continue down the street make sure to investigate numerous statues you come across.

16. Roman Fortress Ruins ( Contra Aquincum ):

About Contra Aquincum :  The Roman city of Aquincum ( modern Óbuda ) was founded just up the river from here on the opposite bank of the Danube in 41AD and became the capital of the state of Pannonia in 106AD.  This elevated status made Aquincum a target of rival Barbarian groups which led to the need for greater protection.  A large fortress called Contra Aquincum was built here in the early 100s AD to serve as the first line of defense for the regional capital.

Interestingly the Contra Aquincum was built on the Barbarian side of the Danube which was not fully controlled by the Romans.  The placement of the fortress on just beyond the Roman borders at the edge of the frontier made it very important.  When Roman Emperor Diocletian visited in 296AD he ordered the fortress be massively re-enforced.  It was common for Emperors to visit Budapest and many did starting with Domitian in 86AD through Valentinian I in 374AD.

After the Romans left, the Hungarians continued to use Contra Aquincum for defense until around just after the country was officially founded in 896AD.  A settlement began to grow around the former fortress which sparked the true beginning of the city of Pest .  Much of the village and the remains of the fortress were ravaged in the Mongol Invasion of 1241, but the city continued to grow.  In Medieval times a wall protected Pest and on any modern map you see a natural half circle in the road ( Károly > Múzeum > Vámház ) 5 blocks out from the river where the wall enclosed the Inner City of Pest.

Through the plexiglass viewpoints middle of Március Square, you can still see parts from the original Contra Aquincum Fortress sitting just below the pavement.  These Roman ruins used to be open air, but had to be covered in the early 2000s to protect them from vandalization.  If you are further interested in the Roman history of Budapest you can visit the ruins of the former regional capital Aquincum just North of the city with an easy 20-30 minute metro ride from the center of town.

17. Inner City Parish (Belvárosi):

About Inner City Parish :  Rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, the Inner City Parish was the heart of the neighborhood of Pest in Medieval times.  In as early as 296 this location was the watchtower for the Roman Contra-Aquincum Fortress and was then a massive military control room by 350.  When the Romans left, a small village ( Pest ) began to form around the old fortress.  Shortly after Hungary officially formed in 896 the fortress was no longer needed and the first church was built here in the 11th century by Hungary’s first King Saint Stephen ( 1000-1038 ) to honor the Virgin Mary.

The original Inner City Parish was made of stone with three naves and was said to have inspired other famous churches like the hand-carved  Ják Abbey.  This early church was where the  monk Saint Gellért was buried after he was martyred just across the river on Gellért Hill in 1046.  Saint Gellért ( Gerard of Csanád ) had been put in a barrel and rolled to his death by citizens resisting his attempts to convert them to Christianity.  The church even had to be extended in 1053 to hold all of the new relics from Saint Gellért ( who was a mentor of King Stephen ).  Some of his foot bones and vertebra can be still found at the altar Inner City Parish even though much of the original church which was destroyed by the Mongols in 1241.  There are also bones from Hungarian Princess Elizabeth ( 1207-1239 ) who was engaged in the church to Saxon count at age four.  Our favorite remnant on display from this era of the church is a marvelous fresco of the Virgin Mary sitting in a throne.

A second church was built here in the Gothic-style and was famously where a congregation of nobles  appointed Matthias Corvinus  the King of Hungary on January 23rd, 1458.  The Gothic parish survived being converted into a Mosque during Ottoman rule ( 1541-1686 ) and was turned back to a church again before burning in a fire in 1723.  The third and current Franciscan ( Catholic ) church was heavily influenced by the Austrian-Hungarian alliance as its Baroque-style looks like many of the small parishes near Salzburg and Vienna.  The beloved Hungarian composer Franz Liszt even lived and worked on the church grounds between 1858-1871.  From the ancient Roman sections, to the original Medieval cellars, and the Muslim Mihrab niche near the altar, it is very interesting to see all parts of the parish’s history incorporated into the current church.

You can learn more about the famous monk Saint Gellért on our  Gellért Hill Walking Tour . which picks up just across the Danube River from the Inner City Parish.

Entrance Cost : 1,000 HUF for Adults; 700 HUF for Children; Kids 6 & Under are Free.  Hours :  Weekdays 9am-4:30pm; limited hours in the evenings and weekends due to church services.  Website : Here .

18. University Library & Ybl Palace :

About University Library & Ybl Palace :  A series of great mosaic title roofs all right next to each other leads to one of the more icon photos opportunities in Budapest.  The blue and grey Ybl Palace was designed as an upscale apartment building in 1869 by famous Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl.  Ybl’s best-known work is the Hungarian Opera House, but his influence in the buildings of Budapest seems to pop up all over.  The bright yellow University Library houses many priceless works of literature and art including works from the days of King Matthias and Hungary’s founding.

19. University Church ( Egyetemi Templomi ):

About University Church :  Built in 1742 on the site of a Turkish Mosque, the University Church is by far the biggest and best baroque-style church in Budapest.   It is tucked tightly into an alley on Egyetem Tér but is easily viewed and photographed at the nearby Károly Garden to the Northeast. The exterior dominated by two green-cap towers, which were added in 1771 and statues of the hermits Paul and Anthony in the middle.  Can you spot the palm between two lions with a raven?  This is the traditional emblem of the Pauline Order of priests and it sits directly above the image of Madonna on a globe.  The theme of the Madonna carries inside as the interiors frescoes are full of scenes depicting the life of the Virgin.

20. Hungarian National Museum :

About The Hungarian National Museum :  Housed in a building that looks like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Hungarian National Museum has been an icon of Budapest ever since it was built in 1807.  The museums main claim to fame was when a reading on the front steps of Sándor Petőfi’s  12 Points  and famous poem  Nemzeti Dal  partially helped inspire citizens to begin the Revolution of 1848.   Today there are two statues at the museum commemorating this Revolution.  The most fascinating exhibits are the preserved art treasures, and Princes from Afar, but whatever the Exhibit of the Month happens to be is usually worth the stop in itself.

Cost :  Adults 1600 HUF; Discounts for students and families.   Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; closed Mondays.   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

21. For Sale Pub :

About For Sale Pub :  One of the most famous pubs in Budapest because of the unique decor.  For centuries it was a custom around town for people to post their items for sale in their local pub as an early version of classified ads.  This pub carries on that tradition as every inch of the walls and ceiling are covered in paper for sale notices.  The floor even looks like an old barn-style tavern with nut shells and loose straw scattered about.

Hours :  Daily Noon-3am; can get very busy from 7-10pm which a reservation is suggested by phone.   Phone :  +36 70 599 3860

22. Grand Market Hall ( Nagycsarnok ):

About The Grand Market Hall :  Also known as Central Market Hall, this three-story-tall bustling food epicenter is grand indeed.  The basement has a large grocery area, the second floor has a lot of meat and vegetable sellers, and the second floor has a bunch of clothing knickknack sellers.  The Grand Market is the most touristy yet the most beautiful of the five major market halls in Budapest.

You can go to the strudel stall on the first floor and taste the typical Hungarian poppy-seed and cabbage strudels. You can also go to the Langos stall (fried salty dough topped by cheese, sour cream ham etc) on the second floor where you can also sample wine and spirits for a reasonable price. You will also find strings of red paprika and garlic, the famous Hungarian salami, sausage, ham and other meat product along with fresh pastry, frisbee-sized salty doughnut, cheap and delicious Hungarian wine and fruit brandies are sold.  Definitely, a must stop while in Budapest and this is the best of the five big markets in town.

Hope you enjoyed your time on the Pest Monument Walking Tour, from here you have a couple different options for where to go next. You can either take the short walk across the bridge which leads you to our  Gellért Hill Walking Tour , you can head straight north on Vaci Utca to catch up on any shops you miss, or you can head back up to Kalvin Square to jump on the Metro – the choice is yours.

Hours :  Mondays 6am-5pm; Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm; Saturdays 6am-3pm; Closed Sundays.   Market Website :  ( HERE ).

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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

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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.

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Price of a cup of coffee

From € 2 to € 3

You will find many Euronet ATMs in Budapest. Our recommendation is to avoid using them, since they give you a very poor exchange rate. Regular banks, for instance the Hungarian OTP are preferred.

It is standard practice to tip around 10% of the bill in sit-down restaurants. Check your bill to see if tipping was already included in the amount. Small tips and rounding off is also common in taxis, provided that the service was good.

Visiting a bath

Budapest contains many amazing baths, like Gellért or Veli Bej. The baths can differ considerably though, in terms of rules, atmosphere and facilities. It can be hard to figure out which bath is the right pick for you, and how to prepare for your visit. Our article which bath to pick will definitely help you making your choice in Budapest.

The tap water in Budapest is drinkable.  

Public transport

Public transport in Budapest is organized by BKK. Their official website offers all the timetables and a trip planner.

The extensive public transport network of Budapest consists primarily of (trolley) buses, trams and metro. It also offers the HÉV suburban train, a cogwheel railway up the Buda hills, and even a riverboat that zigzags over the Danube during daytime from March till October. Rides on the river boat are part of regular public transport, and are free during weekdays if you possess a Budapest Card (see below).

Regular public transport operates between 4:30h and 23h, after which night buses take over.

Tickets can be bought at vending machines, located inside metro stations and at major transport junctions. Cards and cash (forints) are both accepted means of payment. If you buy a booklet of 10 tickets, you will pay around € 10.

Please note that you'll need to validate your ticket before going on a journey. Validation machines can be found for instance near the entrance to the metro, or inside buses and trams.

Budapest Card

The Budapest Card gives free access to public transport as well as free entrance to the biggest museums and several other attractions in Budapest. The cards are offered with validity ranging from one day to five days. The Budapest Card can be purchased directly on the official website of the tourist office, and can be picked up at Budapestinfo Points – for instance at the airport.

Transport at night

Regular public transport finishes at about 23h, to start again around 4:30h. Public transport during the night comes down to night buses (indicated by the numbers 900-999), together with tram line 6.

A good number of night buses operate across the city every 15-60 minutes. Most night buses pass Astoria , in the heart of Budapest. Plan your journey on the official BKK page .

Metro line M3

Please note that metro line M3 is currently under construction, which brings some disruptions in the timetable. After 20:30h on workdays and all weekend, the metro line is being replaced by buses. See the official BKK page for further details.  

From the airport (BUD) to Budapest

Terminal 2 is the main passenger terminal of Ferenc Liszt International Airport . It is divided into terminal 2A and 2B, which are located next to each other and interconnected.

Shuttle bus

The shuttle bus is a very popular choice to reach the centre, as it is quite fast (about 40 minutes) and not expensive. Find the bus stop outside the arrivals terminal. There you can choose between bus 100E and bus 200E, which both run frequently during the day.

Bus 100E drives you to the heart of the city, with stops at Kálvin Square, Astoria and Deák Ferenc Square. Please note that there's no service from the airport between 1:20h and 5h.

Bus 200E doesn't run all the way to the city centre. It makes stops at for instance Kőbánya-Kispest and Nagyvárad Square, which are both stations on the blue metro line M3 (please note that there are currently disruptions in the service of metro line M3, see above). The good news is that bus 200E also runs at night, though less frequently.

Bus tickets can be purchased with forints or card at the vending machines near the bus stop. Please note that you need to buy a special airport ticket in order to board bus 100E (around € 3 for a one-way ticket). Find the timetables on the official website of Ferenc Liszt Airport.

Taxis line up outside the arrivals hall. Official taxis in Budapest are yellow, and metered. Főtaxi is the name of the official taxis at Budapest airport. A ride to the city centre costs typically less than € 30.

See the official website for more details about Ferenc Liszt Airport, and the various ways of getting there.  

Events in Budapest

The spring uprising.

The Spring Uprising on 15 March is a national holiday, marking an important event in the history of Hungary. It was the day that the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 began, a rebellion of the Hungarian people against the Habsburg occupation. On this holiday, thousands of people fill the streets of Budapest, with speeches and street theatre. The centre of festivities is in front of the Hungarian National Museum .

Budapest Spring Festival

Absorbing all the best from classical music, opera, jazz, folk music and folklore, dance, visual arts and theatre, this annual festival is one of the biggest cultural events in Hungary. You just can't miss it! About 200 events are organized in churches, concert halls and other sites, attracting people of all kinds. The festival takes place every year for several weeks in April. Learn more about the program on the official website .

Buda Gourmet

Buda Gourmet is a popular picnic event organized in Millenáris Park, every year for several days in May. The event by the creators of the Sziget Festival, calls upon all visitors to enjoy all possible culinary delights and hearty dishes prepared by the top 25 restaurants of the country. Visit the official website for more info about the program and tickets.

Sziget Festival

The Sziget Festival is known as one of the greatest festivals in Europe. People from anywhere travel to Budapest to take part in this great event organized every August for seven days long. Almost half a million visitors enjoy the camp site and stages with rock, jazz and folk concerts set up across Óbuda Island . Learn more about this year's edition on the official website .

St István's Day

August 20 is the main national holiday of Hungary, a day when the foundation of the country by Szent István is celebrated. Festivals, fairs and theatrical performances are held on the main streets of Budapest. Traditional events on this day are a mass in St Stephen's Basilica followed by a huge procession, as well as the raising of the national flag on Kossuth Lajos Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament . The festivities end with colorful fireworks along the Danube.

Christmas markets

Budapest enters into a cozy winter mode as of the last week of November until the first of January. Roast-chestnut sellers appear on Christmas markets, ice skating rinks invite for dancing on ice, and Christmas trees adorn squares like Vörösmarty Square . The two largest Christmas markets can be found in the centre, on Vörösmarty Square ( get directions ), and in front of the Basilica of St Stephen ( get directions ). Find the most famous ice rink in the City Park of Budapest ( get directions ).  

Local pages

Boat tours on the Danube are offered all year round, and can be a great way to see Budapest. Various companies offer their services from the embankment in front of Vigadó Concert Hall – get directions . Well-known sightseeing cruises are Legenda and MAHART PassNave . For a special touch, consider a cruise after nightfall!

CitySightseeing and City Open Tour are well-known bus tours through Budapest, good to get a quick idea of the city, and hop-off at any station. Each company offers a number of tours to choose from, including night tours and short boat tours.

Uber is not available in Budapest. The most popular alternative app in Budapest is Bolt . Or call for official yellow-colored taxis on the streets, like in the good old days. Official taxis in Budapest always use the meter.

Tourist office

The tourist office is always ready to help you with further questions, seven days a week. Budapestinfo Points can be found inside the airport terminals 2A and 2B, as well as on several locations in the city, such as near Deák Ferenc Square ( get directions ) or on Heroes' Square ( get directions ). Learn more about their services on the official website .

Railway transport in Hungary is well developed. You can easily reach other major cities in Hungary, and there's an impressive number of 25 direct train connections to other capital cities. Find timetables and book your tickets on the official website of the Hungarian Railways.

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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Budapest

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

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is considered by many to be the "Paris of the East." Not only is this beautiful city one of the most culturally important metropolises in Eastern Europe, it's also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Straddling the River Danube , Budapest is famous for its thermal springs , some of which have been used for therapeutic purposes since prehistory. In fact, Budapest has so many things to do that you'll want to spend at least a few days exploring this dynamic city. Popular attractions range from impressive architecture and poignant reminders of 20th-century history to its vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, with everything from street buskers to classical concerts in beautiful churches.

Budapest is also a shopper's paradise , from the traditional wares and foodstuffs available at the grand old Central Market Hall to Vaci Street, noted for its mix of luxury boutique stores and big brand names.

Whatever your sightseeing preferences, get the most out of your Hungary travel itinerary with our guide to the top tourist attractions in Budapest, Hungary.

1. Buda Castle & Castle Hill

2. hungarian parliament building & crown jewels, 3. st. stephen's basilica, 4. fisherman's bastion, 5. the danube promenade, 6. matthias church (church of our lady), 7. exploring gellért hill, 8. central market hall, 9. the museum of fine arts, 10. heroes' square and the millennium monument, 11. széchenyi thermal bath, 12. hungarian state opera house, 13. budapest zoo & botanical garden, 14. hospital in the rock nuclear bunker museum, 15. the university church, 16. hungarian national museum, 17. city park (városliget), 18. margaret island, 19. gellért spa, 20. labyrinth of buda castle, 21. ferris wheel of budapest, 22. the garden of philosophers, where to stay in budapest for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to budapest, map of tourist attractions in budapest, budapest, hungary - climate chart, more must-see destinations near budapest.

Towering over the Danube, Budapest's Castle Hill (Várhegy) contains many of the city's most important medieval monuments and museums. Topping the list of these impressive structures is the 18th-century Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), a massive 200-room palace that replaced a 13th-century castle built to protect the stronghold from Mongol and Tartar attacks.

Although badly damaged in World War II, much of the exterior has been restored, along with sections of the interior, which now houses a number of important museums. These include the Hungarian National Gallery in the main wing, while in the south wing, the Budapest History Museum occupies four floors.

In front of the castle, overlooking the Danube, stands a bronze equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a hero of Turkish attacks on the city. Castle Hill is worth exploring for its medieval lanes and it Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. This entire historic complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Like much of the city, Buda Castle is spectacularly illuminated at night, and the castle courtyards remain open 24 hours a day. You can reach the castle on the restored historic Castle Funicular Railway , which departs from the Buda end of the Chain Bridge.

Address: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2

A highlight of a walk around Budapest's lovely pedestrian-friendly cobbled streets is the area around the country's architecturally pleasing Parliament building (Országház). Along with its neighbors, the Museum of Ethnography and the Ministry of Agriculture, it's perhaps one of the city's most attractive quarters architecturally.

The world's third largest parliament building, this Neo-Gothic building was inaugurated in 1886 to mark the country's 1,000th anniversary. (Hungary was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.) This impressive structure boasts 691 rooms, as well as an impressive 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs.

Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and are available whenever the government is not sitting, and include many of the building's highlights, such as the main entrance hall, various lobbies, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Most tickets sell out a week in advance, so make your reservations as early as possible.

Address: 1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3

Official site: http://hungarianparliament.com/tours/

Budapest's St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) is a popular attraction for its impressive architecture, the beauty of its interior, and the panoramic views from its dome. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, Hungary's holy king and the founder of the Hungarian state, and construction began in 1851, but after several construction setbacks—including the collapse of its unfinished dome—it was not dedicated until 1905.

The roof, towers, and external walls were badly damaged in World War II, and the church's precious mosaics fell from the walls. However, these were successfully restored to their original place and are the highlight of the richly decorated interior. The most impressive of these, the five-part Venetian mosaic is in the sanctuary and represents the allegories of the mass.

The cathedral's most precious holy relic, the mummified right hand of the church's patron saint, the first king of Hungary, is displayed under glass in the chapel to the left of the high altar.

One of the best things to do here, if time permits, is to take one of the two elevators that carry visitors up to the cupola for sweeping 360-degree views over the city and the Danube (alternatively, you can climb the 364 steps). Guided tours of the basilica are available on weekdays. Also, be sure to check the cathedral's website for details of one of its frequent organ and classical music concerts .

Address: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér

Official site: http://en.bazilika.biz/

Overlooking the Danube, on the spot where the city's fishermen's guild built their defence walls in the Middle Ages, stands the impressive Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya). This exquisite collection of Neo-Romanesque towers, courtyards, colonnades, and walls was built between 1895 and 1902, and is one of the most popular points in the city for tourists, largely for its spectacular views over the city and the Danube.

While here, be sure to look for the bronze equestrian statue of St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary, in the south courtyard. The reliefs on the sides of the base depict scenes from Stephen's life, and make for an incredible selfie backdrop.

For more great photo ops , head to the upper towers or turrets. There's a small entry fee, but it helps reduce crowding on that part of the attraction.

Address: Szentháromság tér 5, Budapest

Official site: www.fishermansbastion.com

The Danube (or "Duna" in Hungarian) flows through Budapest from north to south, and in some places within city boundaries is as much as 640 meters wide. One of the top free things to do in Budapest is strolling along the Danube Promenade (Dunakorzó), a pleasant century-old riverside walk that extends between the Elisabeth and Széchenyi Chain Bridges.

Although there are many places from which to enjoy views of the majestic river as you stroll its banks (either the Buda or Pest sides, they're both good), the Danube Promenade is definitely one of the best vantage points to take in views of the city's stunning architecture.

It's also on the banks of the Danube (the northeast side, close to the Hungarian Parliament buildings) that you'll find the chilling Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. It consists of a series of 60 pairs of steel sculpted shoes memorializing Jews shot here by the Nazis, and is a poignant and moving reminder of the Nazi atrocities suffered by Hungary in World War II.

Another great way to view the city is via a boat cruise along the Danube . Numerous tourist excursions depart regularly from the landing stages at Vigadó tér on the Pest bank and Bem József tér on the Buda bank, and are highly recommended. It's also fun watching these sturdy vessels from the historic Freedom Bridge as they whip down river only to have to struggle back against the current.

Alternatively, you could enjoy incredible views on a budget by taking a ride on the number 2 tram . Skirting the eastern bank of the Danube, it's considered to be one of the most beautiful tram lines in the world .

Matthias Church, also known as The Church of Our Lady (Nagyboldogasszony-templom), is a prominent landmark on Castle Hill. It was completed in 1269, and its magnificent south doorway with its relief depicting the Death of Mary was added in the 1300s.

During the Turkish occupation of 1541-1699, the church was used as a mosque, and was later renovated in the Baroque style. It has been the scene of several historic events, including the coronation of King Charles I of Hungary in 1309 and the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Elisabeth (Sissy) as rulers of Hungary. It was for this event that Franz Liszt composed his coronation mass.

The free organ concerts held here on some Sunday evenings are well worth attending (check the website for specific dates).

Also worth checking out, the Ecclesiastical Art Museum is located on the church's medieval crypt and features a collection of sacred relics, stone carvings, and replicas of the Hungarian crown jewels.

Address: Szentháromság tér 2, Budapest

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

Another of Budapest's most striking features is the panoramic Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy), a 235-meter block of dolomite that falls steeply down to the Danube. It's here along the hill's geological fault line that several of the city's most famous medicinal springs emerge to supply the Gellért Spa and Rudas Baths , which have lured visitors from far and wide since the 13th century.

The Rudas Baths are one of a handful of buildings remaining from the Turkish occupation, and are among the few original Turkish bathhouses in the world still in use that date back to the 1600s.

On the hill's northeast slope is the Gellért Monument , a tribute to Hungary's beloved famous saint, a Benedictine monk who died in 1046 and after whom the hill is named. Perched high above a man-made waterfall, it offers magnificent views over the city. The Citadel on the summit was built by the Austrians in 1851, and the Liberation Monument was erected in 1947 in memory of the Soviet soldiers who died fighting in WWII.

Finally, if you have energy left, take a stroll around Jubilee Park . Laid out to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution, it's home to many charming walkways, beautiful flowerbeds, and sculptures.

Located just across the Freedom Bridge from the Gellért Spa is Budapest's Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), also known as the Great Market Hall. You can't miss it for its central location and its roof of colorful Zsolnay tiles from the town of Pécs.

Built in 1897 and the largest and oldest of Budapest's many markets, it's as interesting to view from the inside as it is on the outside – particularly if you enjoy people watching. As cavernous as any major rail terminal in Europe, this popular indoor marketplace encompasses an area of over 10,000 square meters and is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists, here for the abundance of fresh produce, food stuffs, and other goods being traded across its many levels.

Feeling peckish? Grab a bite to eat from one of the vendors on the second mezzanine level, or a pastry and coffee on the go as you continue to explore. There, you can try typical Hungarian street food, like lángos, a delicious deep-fried dough smothered in sour cream, cheese, and your choice of veggie and meat toppings.

While Saturdays are naturally the busiest days at the market (it's closed on Sundays), you can avoid the larger crowds with a weekday visit. If you're an early riser, get here for early morning; it opens at 6am, when it's fun watching the vendors setting up and prepping their produce for sale.

Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary

Official site: https://piaconline.hu/en/central-market-hall/

The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum) is not only Budapest's most important art gallery, it houses one of the largest collections of works by the Old Masters to be found in Europe.

The extensive array of Italian, Spanish, and Dutch paintings are on display in a spectacular, classically influenced 19th century building with long rooms for the larger paintings, cabinets for smaller and more intimate items, together with architecturally interesting space such as the Renaissance Hall.

Established in 1870 after Hungary inherited a fine collection of paintings, drawings, and prints, the museum is divided into six excellent departments: Egyptian Art, Ancient Art, the Old Sculpture Gallery, the Old Painter Gallery, the Modern Collection, and the Graphics Collection.

The adjacent Palace of Art is the city's leading contemporary art museum and hosts many temporary exhibits, so be sure to check for current offerings. (Note that this is not to be confused with the Palace of Arts, a high-tech arts center that houses the Ludwig Museum , a contemporary art collection with works by Picasso, David Hockney and numerous Hungarian Masters.)

Address: 1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41

Official site: www.szepmuveszeti.hu/main

The impressive Heroes' Square (Hosök tere) was largely the work of architect Albert Schickedanz, who was also responsible for the huge Museum of Fine Arts that flanks this large open space.

Highlights include the Millennium Monument, a 36-meter column crowned by a figure of the Archangel Gabriel and unveiled in the late 19th century. Around the plinth can be seen a group of bronze horsemen representing the conquering Magyar Prince Árpád and six of his fellow warriors.

On either side of the column, colonnades extend in a semi-circle, and between the individual pillars stand statues of Hungarian rulers. Above the corner pillars are beautiful works in bronze by Zala.

In front of the Millennium Monument stands a memorial to the Unknown Soldier. It's an especially nice place to visit at night when illuminated.

Address: Budapest, Hosök tere, 1146

Budapest is well-known worldwide for its incredible thermal springs, many of which have been harnessed to provide citizens, as well as visiting tourists, the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in thermal baths.

Of the many such attractions Budapest, the best known is Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi gyógyfürdo). Established in 1913, it's supplied by two thermal springs; it's also the biggest such facility in Europe, capable of handling thousands of bathers at a time in its three outdoor pools (including an adventure pool that's great for families) and 15 indoor pools.

In addition to its pools, guests can enjoy its saunas and steam rooms, as well as spa services including massages. For a special treat, pay a visit to the baths after nightfall. Day tickets, which include use of a locker, can be purchased online, or upon arrival. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, a towel, and flip-flops!

Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146

Official site: www.szechenyibath.hu

As impressive inside as it is on the outside, the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) is a must-see when in Budapest. The building's dimensions alone are impressive, and since it opened in 1884, it has commanded top spot on the city's cultural events calendar.

As delightful as its many performances (more on that in a minute) is the sumptuous interior of the building. Festooned with wonderful artwork and sculptures from the country's most significant artists, the Opera House can seat up to 1,300 people in its horseshoe-shaped (and acoustically pleasing) auditorium.

The Hungarian State Opera House is home to the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hungarian National Ballet , and you'd certainly find attending a performance a crowning moment in your Budapest travel itinerary. The orchestra's season typically runs from September to June, and tickets can be purchased online. Daily guided English-language tours are also available.

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061

Official site: www.opera.hu/?lan=en

Said to be one of the world's oldest still-operating zoos , Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden (Fovárosi Állat- és Növénykert) is one of the top things for families to do when visiting the city. Established over 150 years ago, the park is home to over 1,070 different species of animals, and has the rare distinction of being located in the heart of its host city, just around the corner from the Museum of Fine Arts.

In addition to its well-preserved Art Nouveau animal homes , this top-notch zoo park features a nature reserve, themed animal enclosures, and a variety of kid-friendly programming including feeding opportunities. If you're not in a big hurry to leave, hang around for one of the regular evening concerts.

Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12, 1146

Official site: https://zoobudapest.com/en

Underneath Castle Hill, the rock is a maze of caves and passageways that have been used for various purposes since prehistoric times. In World War II, some were fortified as an air raid shelter and emergency hospital. Now known as the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum), this site was, at the time of the Cold War, further secured against nuclear contamination.

This former hospital and bunker is well worth exploring and features a variety of exhibitions on the kind of lifesaving efforts seen here during the Siege of Budapest in World War II. Another exhibit explores the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. Admission is via guided tours only (English language tours available).

Address: Lovas 4/c, Budapest

Official site: www.sziklakorhaz.eu/en

Budapest's University Church (Kisboldogasszony-templom) is widely regarded as the most beautiful Baroque church in the city. Although somewhat hidden—it stands in the south of Pest away from the main shopping streets—its main front faces onto a narrow side street, which scarcely does it justice.

Built between 1725-42 (the two mighty towers were not completed until 1771), the principal façade incorporates a triangular tympanum with representations of St. Paul and St. Anthony, as well as the arms of the Pauline Order (a palm between two lions and a raven).

The church has a single nave with pilasters and enclosed side-chapels, and its walls are clad in artificial marble. Highlights include the frescoes on the barrel-vaulted ceilings depicting scenes from the life of Mary (1776), the choir-stalls, and the sculptures of St. Paul and St. Anthony on the High Altar (1746). Also of note is the Pauline Monastery near the church.

Address: Budapest, Papnövelde u. 8, 1053

Although founded in 1802, the superb Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) didn't move into its current home, a large classical building surrounding two courtyards, until 1847. In addition to its massive portico, a monument to the famous Hungarian poet János Arany impresses, as does its park-like gardens with their numerous busts of famous people.

Major exhibits comprise the Royal Regalia , including the magnificent Crown of St. Stephen with its precious stones and pearls, as well as Hungary's pre- and early history from the Stone Age through to Roman times and the early Middle Ages.

Also of interest are the exhibits and artifacts dealing with the country's many struggles for independence, as well as historic Hungarian and Turkish weapons.

For music buffs, Beethoven's grand piano, which later belonged to Franz Liszt, can be seen here.

Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum körút 14-16

With its pretty lake, the 302-acre heavily wooded City Park (Városliget) is a popular recreational site for both Budapest locals and visitors. Laid out in the 19th century, the park has had many additions over the years.

Sightseeing highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art; the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Garden ; the excellent Transport Museum of Budapest ; Tivoli Pleasure Park , with its kids' rides and arcades; and the massive open-air Széchenyi Medicinal Bath .

Also worth seeing are the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle and the 100,000-seat People's Stadium.

Margaret Island (Margitsziget), barely 2.4 kilometers long and 503 meters wide, is Budapest's main recreation and recuperative center for locals. Thermal spring-fed medicinal baths, carefully tended gardens and paths, as well as the ruins of many historic buildings also serve to attract many tourists, too.

A highlight of any visit is the Palatinus Baths , a huge spa complex that covers more than 17 acres and includes a bath with artificial waves, together with various medicinal, swimming, and children's pools capable of accommodating up to 20,000 bathers at a time.

Other island highlights are the pretty Rose Garden (Rózsakert); the Union Monument , a metal sculpture by István Kiss (1972) in the form of a flower; ruins of the Dominican convent, once home to Princess Margaret, the daughter of King Béla IV; the 51-meter water-tower, built in 1911, with its excellent viewing platform; and a large open-air theater.

Other things to do here include bike rentals or enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants. If visiting at night, be sure to head to the Margaret Island Musical Fountain for its illuminations.

Gellért Spa is another famous thermal bath in Budapest. The Art Nouveau bath palace has welcomed bathers to take to its medicinal waters, fed from deep underground springs, since 1918 (check out the vintage photos on display!).

Inside you can soak your muscles in five thermal baths, get a refreshing chill in two plunge pools, and take a few laps in the stunning swimming pool, flanked by tropical plants and columns. The spa also boasts lovely outdoor facilities, including a wave pool and thermal sitting pool.

Address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118

Official site: http://gellertspa.com/

If you're looking for a unique thing to do in Budapest , check out the Labyrinth of Buda Castle.

Located in natural caves beneath Castle Hill , the underground attraction allows you to visit the dank chambers where the man now known as "Dracula" was imprisoned for many years during the 15th century.

You can also see a series of statues of historical Hungarian figures, and try your best to navigate the Maze of Darkness in pitch blackness. Whatever you do, don't let go of the garden hose flanking the wall – it's the key to finding your way around the maze.

Address: Budapest, Úri u. 9, 1014

For the best views of the entire city, take a ride on the Ferris Wheel of Budapest in Erzsébet Square . Its 65-meter height allows you to get amazing vantage points of Buda Castle , St. Stephen's Basilica , and the Hungarian Parliament Building from any of the 42 partially open cabins.

You're guaranteed to take at least three full turns on the wheel for a ride that lasts up to 10 minutes.

Hot tip: Sunset is the best time to ride the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, so plan your visit accordingly.

Address: Budapest, Erzsébet tér 1051, 1051

Official site: https://oriaskerek.com/en/

Atop Gellért Hill is a series of serene sculptures called the Garden of Philosophers. The installation was created in the 1990s by Hungarian sculptor Nándor Wagner who wanted his work to inspire a better understanding of the world's religions and philosophies.

It features Buddha, Abraham, Jesus, Laozi, and Akhenaten situated around a shiny orb. You can also see statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Francis, and Bodhidharma along the sidelines.

The beautiful attraction offers the opportunity to take a few moments out of a day of sightseeing for quiet contemplation.

The best option when it comes to finding accommodations in Budapest is to focus on the Pest side of the Danube (the east bank), home to wide cobbled streets as well as attractions such as the Parliament Buildings and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Luxury Hotels:

• For stunning views over the Danube, try the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace , popular for its large rooms with high ceilings and excellent indoor spa and pool.
• In the heart of Pest's palace district, historic Hotel Palazzo Zichy impresses from the get-go with its palatial foyer and sumptuously decorated, spacious rooms.
• Equally luxurious, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest boasts large, well-appointed rooms, some overlooking a lovely courtyard. Guests can also enjoy the terraced indoor pool.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Steps from great shopping and dining, the Casati Budapest Hotel offers a relatively quiet, intimate experience of the city due to its small size (check out the sauna and gym in the brick-lined cellar).
• Another boutique hotel in the heart of Pest, Gerloczy Rooms de Lux offers larger rooms with high ceilings, the best with balconies overlooking a picturesque city square.
• A little more modern, the Bo18 Hotel Superior offers well-appointed rooms, along with amenities such as a gym, hot tub, and Finnish and infrared saunas.

Budget Hotels:

• Popular for its affordability and central location in the heart of Pest, Hotel Erzsebet City Center offers good-sized modern rooms.
• Although a little further east of Pest's inner city area, Hotel Chesscom offers large rooms and is close to public transport and the airport.
• Also close to public transport, the charming Kis Gellert Guesthouse offers excellent value in a quiet area of town.
• Sightseeing: For independent sightseeing and to get oriented with the city, the Budapest Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour is a great option. This excellent tour option incorporates bus stops at all major tourist attractions. Tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. If you are pressed for time or would like a more in-depth guided tour, the Budapest Half-Day Sightseeing Tour is your best bet. For a unique perspective on this scenic city try a Budapest Night Walking Tour and River Cruise to see the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge lit up at night and capture some awesome photos.
• Day Trips: If you want to see more of this fascinating region than just Budapest, there are some wonderful day trip options. You can visit Slovakia's capital on this Private Bratislava Day Trip from Budapest . The 10-hour tour will show you popular attractions, like Michael's Gate and Bratislava Castle. Nature lovers can also hike the beautiful mountains surrounding Budapest on this One Day Wonder Hiking Trip . A private guide will take you to Prédikálószék peak and Ram Canyon at whatever pace is most comfortable for you, giving you time to appreciate the scenic waterfalls and forest.

Some of the top destinations in Hungary can be visited on easy day trips from Budapest , which makes it a good base for visitors. A tour of Eastern Europe's capitals combines Budapest with visits to Bucharest in Romania , and the picturesque city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Like Budapest, Prague is crowned by a beautiful hilltop castle .

A good stopover en route to Prague is the art-filled city of Brno . Only 2.5 hours by train or a three-hour drive from Budapest is the cultural city of Vienna , on the Danube River in the heart of beautiful Austria.

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Welcome to Budapest!

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In 2024, budapest.hu will be relaunched to provide even more up-to-date content for those interested in Budapest. The foreign-language content will be gradually developed, but in the meantime we have collected some useful information below. 

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Get the most out of your stay with the official city pass. See more. Save more.

Official Budapest Tourist Information Offices

Városháza Park Hütte (1052 Budapest, Károly körút) Opening hours: 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.

BKK Customer Service at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport Terminal 2A Opening hours: 8.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.

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On this site you can find how Municipality of Budapest helps you if you are in need, and how you can help as a citizen of Budapest.

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We work with the Budapest's economic operators, domestic and international partners to boost the city's economic performance and reputation. Our aim is to build Budapest's diplomatic relations, develop our international network and influence, and channel our expertise to help improve Budapest's public services.

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Free Budapest Walking Tour With Budapest Attractions Map

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

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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