Last updated: 28 June 2023
Day 6 saw us in Budapest. A dedicated rest day meant I wanted to spend almost the entire day at the Thermal baths but there is so much more to do and see in Budapest. I’ve listed my top 10 and best of all, most of them are free! Budapest is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, often even beating Prague for one of the top spots. The city itself is separated by the Danube into two halves Buda, and Pest to the East. However that’s really all in past since it became a united city in 1873.
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10 things to see in Budapest
Castle Hill (Varhegy)
Situated on the Buda side of the city Buda Castle sits on top of Varhegy. Your best bet is to walk up and you get a progressive view of the city. Those with basic fitness will survive the trek although you’ll be convinced you’re long overdue for a heart attack about half way up the hill. Those anti-exercise or with limited mobility your options are Buda Hill Funicular (see below) walking or taxi as no private cars are not allowed into the area.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Straight out of the fairy tales, this Castle looks like it belongs in some kind of Dracula movie. In actual fact, it’s not as old as it appears. Built in the late 1800s, it now houses the Agricultural Museum of Hungary. It’s free to stroll around the grounds. See if you can find the Anonymous statue.
City Park
If you’re in the area in winter, nearby in City Park is the city’s Ice Rink. Part ice rink, part discothèque there are no barriers for beginners to grab onto, but loads of space for learners, speedsters or world class figure skaters.
Matthias Church
A Roman Catholic church perched atop of Buda’s Castle District. Some great views of Pest can be seen from here. While entrance fees apply to the Church, the views from here are highly recommended and free.
Chain Bridge (Szechenyi lanchid)
A must when in Budapest. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to span across the Danube. Free to stroll across at your leisure, watch out for rogue cyclists on the footpath.
Parliament (Orszaghaz)
Even if you’ve never been to Budapest this building should look familiar. One of the most notable landmarks of Hungary and the tallest building in Budapest. Tours are available in a variety of languages and cost about 2500 HUF (£7) adult.
Heroes’ Square
Flanked by nearby Art galleries and museum this is one of the major squares in the city. It features statues of the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary other outstanding figures of Hungarian history.
Free to stroll around and take photos. Come in the afternoon when the sunlight is hitting the statues front on.
House of Terror
A museum dedicated to the communist dictatorial regimes of the 20th Century in Hungary. Apparently quite confronting the museum gets mixed reviews for it’s (or lack of) English content. I wanted to go but they were closed at the time.
Korzo – Danube Embankment (Dunakorzo)
Take a leisurely stroll along the embankment one evening. Budapest government spends loads of money keeping the Embankment lit. It’s very pretty. Take your camera, pack your tripod. It’s well worth it, and its free.
Budvari Siklo (Buda Hill Funicular)
This old railway can be used as transport up and down Castle Hill while visiting in Budapest’s Old Town, Buda Castle and Varhegy. I’d opt for walking but the Funicular is a good alternative for those with mobility issues.
Thermal baths
No trip to Budapest should be had without paying homage to the Thermal baths left behind by the Turkish occupation of the city.
I spent the day at Széchenyi located in Pest just near Vajdahunyad Castle, however there are plenty of others to choose from, including:
- Rudas Baths
- Lukács Baths
- Gellért Baths
- Király Baths
Budapest has so much to offer. Pack your walking shoes, take your camera everywhere. So much of the city is free or very cheap to explore. Budapest won’t break your budget and it has made my must-return list.
This is such an interesting and informational post. Great tips. That castle looks amazing to tour.
Great tips for Budapest! I would love to roam around the city and check out the sights mentioned in this post, especially Parliament – the architecture of this building is absolutely amazing.
It was a pleasure to read about my capital in your blog and you really chose some of the most amazing spots there (there are so many others). Thanks for sharing!
Really nice and eays to read summary. Looking at all your pictures makes me wonder why I didn´t take ANY when I was there. I agree ithat it´s a beautiful place but at the same time, I have witnessed some of the ugliness of the city (in terms of delapilated buildings, uncared for parts of town and casual racism).What a fun Eatsern Euro trip! x
The road trip really was simply incredible. I loved Budapest, I didn’t encounter any of the things you’ve said, but I want to go back so hopefully then Ill see more of the city.
Seems you\\\’ve covered pretty much all the highlights nicely in this post! Statue Park just a bit outside the main touristy area is also interesting for anyone with an interest in history too!