Things to do in Budapest Hungary

Things to do in Budapest Hungary.

Budapest, the city of spas, thermal baths, and ruin bars – where else can you drink a beer in a bathtub while soaking in natural hot springs? If you’re looking for an adventure that combines history, culture, and a touch of quirkiness, then Budapest should be at the top of your bucket list!

In this article, we’ll take a dive into the top things to do in Budapest, but with a twist – we’ll be uncovering some unique facts and hidden gems that you won’t find in your average travel guide. So sit back, relax, and get ready to fall in love with one of Europe’s most charming cities.

Soak in the city’s famous thermal baths
Budapest is known for its thermal baths, and for good reason! The city is located on top of more than a hundred thermal springs, providing a unique opportunity to soak in natural hot waters. The most famous of these is the Gellért Baths, located in the stunning Art Nouveau Gellért Hotel.

Did you know that the thermal baths in Budapest have a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire? The Romans were the first to discover the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs and built public baths for the people to enjoy. Today, you can still experience this ancient tradition while soaking in the warm waters and admiring the beautiful surroundings.

Explore the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion
The Buda Castle, perched on top of a hill overlooking the Danube River, is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. The castle has a rich history, serving as a royal palace for centuries before being transformed into a museum. Take a stroll through its beautiful gardens, visit the exhibitions, and admire the breathtaking views of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Fun fact: The Fisherman’s Bastion is named after the medieval fisherman’s guild that used to defend this section of the city. It has seven towers, each representing one of the seven Magyar tribes that settled in Hungary.

Discover the city’s ruin bars
Ruin bars are a unique feature of Budapest’s nightlife scene, and you won’t find anything like them anywhere else in the world. These bars are set up in abandoned buildings and feature a quirky, eclectic decor, making them a must-visit for anyone looking for a good time.

One of the most famous ruin bars in Budapest is Szimpla Kert, which was the first of its kind in the city. It’s located in the Jewish Quarter and has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Take a walk along Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue is one of Budapest’s most beautiful streets, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture, as well as several important cultural institutions. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s main shopping areas.

Fun fact: Andrássy Avenue is home to Hungary’s first underground railway, which was built in 1896. The line is still in use today and is a great way to get around the city.

Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the largest parliamentary buildings in the world and is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture. Visitors can take guided tours of the building, which include a visit to the beautiful Main Hall and a walk through the historic halls and chambers.

Fun fact: The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the few parliamentary buildings in the world that has a central dome. It’s also the tallest building in Hungary, standing at 96 meters tall.

Explore the Great Market Hall
The Great Market Hall is a bustling indoor market located in the heart of Budapest and is a must-visit for anyone who loves food and culture. You’ll find everything from Hungarian specialties like goulash and chimney cakes, to fresh produce, souvenirs, and handmade goods.

Fun fact: The Great Market Hall is one of the oldest indoor markets in Europe and has been serving the people of Budapest for over 100 years. It’s also one of the largest indoor markets in the world, covering an area of 10,000 square meters.

Enjoy a concert at the Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House is one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings, and it’s also home to some of the world’s best operas and ballets. Visitors can enjoy a performance or take a tour of the building, which is a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture.

Fun fact: The Hungarian State Opera House is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young ballerina who died on stage. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure dancing in the shadows during performances.

Take a stroll through City Park
City Park is one of Budapest’s largest and most beautiful parks, covering an area of over 500 acres. It’s home to several important cultural institutions, including the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts and the Budapest Zoo. Visitors can also enjoy a walk through its lush gardens, take a boat ride on the lake, or relax at one of its many cafes.

Fun fact: City Park is also home to the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest medicinal baths in Europe. The bath is famous for its natural hot waters and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue
The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and is one of Budapest’s most important cultural landmarks. It’s also a museum, dedicated to the history of the Jewish community in Hungary, and visitors can learn about the Jewish culture and traditions through its exhibitions and guided tours.

Fun fact: The Dohány Street Synagogue is also known as the “Great Synagogue,” and it was built in the 19th century in the Moorish style, inspired by the Alhambra in Spain.

Take a river cruise on the Danube
The Danube River runs through the heart of Budapest, offering visitors a unique perspective of the city’s famous landmarks and stunning architecture. Take a river cruise and admire the views of Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks.

Fun fact: The Danube River is one of Europe’s most important waterways, flowing through 10 countries and connecting the Black Sea to the North Sea.

In conclusion, Budapest is a city that truly has something for everyone, from its rich history and culture, to its thermal baths and ruin bars. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, you’ll find it all in this beautiful city. So pack your bags, grab a chimney cake, and get ready to experience all the unique and quirky things that Budapest has to offer!”