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Budapest is the capital of Hungary & indeed a very beautiful city. In last few years, Budapest has emerged as one of the top destinations for tourists. This is mainly because of the high-quality of life, tourism & transportation. Compared to Western European cities, Budapest is very pocket friendly as well.

So what are some important things to do in Budapest? We’ll get to the list, but first, let’s go through some basic information that you need to keep in mind!

How to reach?

Budapest is well-connected by air with most of the world. Major Middle-Eastern airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Etihad & Turkish Airlines fly to Budapest. Other European & American airlines have direct connections with Budapest as well.

If you are in Europe, train journey to Budapest can be very scenic & affordable. Book via RailEurope to get the best rates.

Important Routes

Bratislava to Budapest: 3.5 Hours

Vienna to Budapest: 2 Hours 50 Mins

Check out our review on OBB – The train that we took from Budapest to reach Vienna.

Important: It doesn’t matter if you are in Budapest for 1 day, 2 days or 3 days. You must buy the Budapest Card – The official citypass for the ease that it offers to tourists.

With Budapest card you get free public transport in the city (Buses, Trams, Trolleys, Metro Lines, Boats etc). It also comes with Free walking tours of Buda & Pest, a free entry to Lukacs Thermal Bath, free Budapest castle bus ride & free entries to many museums.

Things to see in Budapest:

1. Hungarian Parliament

Hungarian Parliament is a grand structure which can be recognized by everyone in Budapest. You can visit the parliament any time of the day. Do not forget to take a guided tour of the building. Since it is a very popular tour with limited availability, it is recommend to book the tour for yourself very well in advance.

2. Buda Castle

The Buda Castle sits on top of the city offering a beautiful view of Budapest 24×7. At night, the entire city of Budapest is lit up & to see that stunning view, you need to go to Buda Castle. With your Budapest card, you can get a free bus ride to the top. If you want to take a funicular to the top, you need to pay for it. Allow at least 2 hours to explore the entire castle & of course, to soak in the view.

3. Chain Bridge

Perhaps the most iconic structure of Budapest is chain bridge. Numerous films have been shot on this bridge. It is there on every traveler’s Instagram & on potential tourists’ bucketlists! The chain bridge is the oldest bridge connected Buda & Pest. You can visit the bridge by public transport or admire its beauty by taking a cruise on river Danube.

4. Thermal Baths

Budapest is the city of baths! I’d gladly spend an entire week just to visit these bathhouses of Budapest. The most beautiful & notable one is Széchenyi thermal bath. It is the largest & the most popular bath complex of Budapest (and Europe). Gellért Baths is the classiest of all bath complexes. Rudas Thermal Bath is built in a Turkish style & its roughly 450 years old. Lastly, Lukacs Thermal Bath is a quaint, beautiful bath complex which is free with your Budapest card.

5. Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is a place located on the bank of river Danube. It is located on a hill from where you can see the panoramic view of Budapest. If you want to click a perfect picture of the Hungarian Parliament, this is the spot you should be at! There are lots of things to do in Budapest around Fisherman’s Bastion so keep about an hour and half while visiting it.

Read our review on Fraser Residence Budapest – One of the finest apartment-hotels in the world.

6. Matthias Church

This beautiful church is located at Fisherman’s Bastion. The design of its main altar is out of this world. Don’t forget to check out Saint Steven Chapel, Saint Laszlo Chapel and the Loft hallway inside the Matthias Church.

7. Hungarial State Opera House

If you are making a list of things to do in Budapest, don’t forget this Opera House. As you can already see in the above picture, Hungarial State Opera House is MAJESTIC! If you can catch a show in the Opera House, please do it. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! ♥

8. Market Hall

For me, this was the second best thing in Budapest after its thermal baths. Imagine being in a market which is so big that you can’t cover on feet (but you have to) selling all sorts of food that you love. Honestly, even 1 day is not enough to roam around in the market hall & eat everything but you need to try.

9. Danube Promenade

Along the bank of Danube, there are many promenades. Some are popular & some are not so popular. There are many different cafes on the bank & they offer spectacular views with some scrumptious food. You can also opt for some cruise rides. There are lunch, evening & dinner cruises as well! Basically, there are a lot of things to do in Budapest.

10. Gellert Hill

Do you want to see Buda, Pest, Chain Bridge & other popular monuments of the city from bird’s eye view? (Without spending on a helicopter ride, of course) Head to Gellert Hill either early in the morning or in the evening. It is a little far from the main city, so make sure that you have enough time for the entire trip.

Going to Bratislava | Vienna | Prague after Budapest? Check out our city guides for these cities as well!

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