29 free things to do and see in Budapest

Budapest, the capital of the country that invented the Rubik’s Cube, is a city of contrasts. Its imperial charm coexists with its recent communist past. It is both classic and alternative. You can explore it on foot, yet it also offers an extensive and efficient public transportation network. Divided by the Danube but united by history, Budapest has been the stage for imperial weddings and major historical milestones. It’s a city where the past lives on in every street, yet its vibrant present and ambitious future make it more alive than ever.

Budapest is a compact city that, thanks to its excellent public transport system, is easy to get around. That’s why it’s an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Plus, it’s quite affordable, making it a great choice for a low-cost trip. Sound like a good plan? Then we 100% recommend checking out our Budapest guide!

29 free things to see and do in Budapest

1. Whether it’s day or night, take a stroll along the banks of the Danube and admire its vastness as you relax on one of the wooden benches you’ll find along the way.
2. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in the city (and the entire country!). Its dome stands at 96 meters—exactly the same height as the Parliament. Entry is free, though a small donation of 200 forints (just over half a euro) is suggested.

Fun fact: Inside, you can find the right hand of St. Stephen, Hungary’s most revered relic. St. Stephen was the king who converted Hungary to Christianity and was later canonized.

3. For panoramic views of Budapest, climb the right tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica. This is a paid activity, but it’s relatively cheap—500 forints (about €1.55) grants you access via stairs or elevator.

The imperial airs of Budapest

4. Be amazed by the Hungarian Parliament Building. As mentioned earlier, it is the tallest building in the city, alongside the basilica.

Curious fact: During the communist era, a star was added to the top of the Parliament, making it the tallest structure in Budapest and diminishing the significance of the basilica.

5. Stroll down Andrássy Avenue. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, it’s one of the city’s most important streets.
6. Admire the beautiful Renaissance façades and palaces along Andrássy Avenue as you make your way to the stunning Budapest Opera House.
7. Feel small in Heroes’ Square, where its sheer size and colossal central monument will leave you in awe.
8. Relax and wander through the vast and picturesque City Park (Városliget).
9. Enter City Park from Heroes’ Square and turn right to find Vajdahunyad Castle, built for the 1896 Expo.
10. If you turn left instead, you’ll reach one of the city’s most famous thermal baths: Széchenyi Baths. Entry is paid, but taking a dip in its thermal waters is an unforgettable experience.
11. Ride Metro Line 1, the second-oldest underground line in the world. Its vintage charm sets it apart from the city’s other, more modern metro lines.
12. Step back in time at the elegant New York Café.
13. Or enjoy a coffee at Alexandra, which doubles as a bookstore.

Budapest’s bridges

14. Cross the famous Chain Bridge, inaugurated in 1849. Before its construction, the Danube could only be crossed by boat. Officially called Széchenyi Lánchíd, the bridge is named after the count who funded its construction.

Fun fact: Look closely at the lions guarding the bridge. Notice anything unusual? They have no tongues! According to legend, the sculptor János Marschalko was so proud of his work that he challenged Budapest’s residents to find a flaw. When someone pointed out the missing tongues, he was reportedly so devastated that he threw himself off the bridge. The truth? He lived a long life and died of old age.

15. Another famous bridge is Liberty Bridge, an all-steel structure that some say is even more beautiful than the Chain Bridge.
16. Nearby, visit the Central Market Hall and stroll through its lively stalls.

Budapest from above

17. Wake up early and visit one of the city’s most breathtaking viewpoints: Fisherman’s Bastion. Located in Buda, this stunning structure offers unique views of Pest and its impressive Parliament.
18. Facing away from the Danube, you’ll spot the strikingly colorful roof of Matthias Church, the site of Empress Sissi’s wedding.
19. Another great panoramic spot is the Citadel, where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset.

The Jewish Quarter

20. Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is in the heart of Pest. Wander its streets and admire the vibrant street art on many of its buildings.
21. Visit the Great Synagogue, the second-largest in the world (after Jerusalem’s). Its cemetery and memorial honor the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
22. In the evening, grab a beer at one of the district’s famous ruin bars. The most famous (and our favorite) is Szimpla Kert.
23. Hungry? Try Hungarian street food at Street Food Karavan, right next to Szimpla Kert. Don’t miss the Lángos and Kürtőskalács—watching the latter being made is a spectacle in itself.
24. For dinner, head to Mazel Tov, a more sophisticated ruin bar. Be prepared for a wait—this place is so popular that queues can be up to an hour long.

Communist remnants in Budapest

25. Did you know there’s a statue of Ronald Reagan in Budapest? You’ll find it at Szabadság Square (Liberty Square), facing the U.S. Embassy and standing near the only remaining Soviet monument in the city.
26. The last Soviet monument in Budapest stands in Plaza Szabadság, surrounded by the U.S. Embassy and banking headquarters—an ironic contrast.
27. If you want to see more communist-era statues, head to Memento Park outside the city. The entrance fee is worth it for the fascinating history lesson.

Budapest’s role in the holocaust

28. In Plaza Szabadság, you’ll find a controversial monument erected by the Hungarian government to commemorate the Nazi occupation. The Jewish community built a counter-monument here, protesting the statue’s message, which suggests Hungary was a victim rather than a willing accomplice to the Nazis.
29. By the Danube, near Parliament, you’ll find the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. This haunting tribute commemorates the thousands of Jews executed by the Arrow Cross Party, a Hungarian Nazi-aligned faction. Victims were shot at the river’s edge so their bodies would fall into the water. Before being executed, they were forced to remove their shoes, a deeply symbolic act in Jewish culture.

Budapest is full of history, beauty, and hidden treasures—many of which you can enjoy for free. Ready to explore?

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