Top things to do in Budapest
Attractions, tours, and activities in Budapest
Recommended museums in Budapest
Where to find art and culture in Budapest
Budapest: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Budapest
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01. Budavár
1 miles from downtown
Not so little Buda. This district is dominated by Budavári Palota, a mammoth medieval palace complex. Zip up Castle Hill on the old-time funicular, and stand atop the castle walls to capture sweeping vistas of the Danube River and Pest beyond it. In the high-class Vár area, hop from upscale bar to classy restaurant like you’re modern-day royalty.
Places to stay from $23 a night
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02. Rózsadomb
2 miles from downtown
Buda’s “Hill of Roses” is highly affluent. During the Turkish occupation, roses were planted all over these hills. Now it’s home to filmmakers, celebrities, and a new generation of Hungarian movers-and-shakers. Renowned for its open meadows, dense forests and sweeping views of the Danube, it’s also a prime spot for romantic evening walks.
Places to stay from $12 a night
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05. Belváros - Lipótváros
0.1 miles from downtown
Here’s the recipe for Lipótváros - take a genteel neighbourhood; add a litany of uniform neo-classical buildings, a splash of art deco and voilà! You’ve got the historic heart of Budapest. It’s the centre of the finance industry and government. St. Stephen’s Basilica and Freedom Square are all a stone’s throw from each other.
Places to stay from $8 a night
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06. Terézváros
0.6 miles from downtown
Learn the “Hungarian Dances”. The WestEnd City Centre is a mad shuffle to rival Brahms’ famous ditties - pram-wielding dads push through the crowds, friends converse loudly in the food hall and fashion fiends dart from shop-to-shop. It’s an upbeat introduction to an area famed for commerce, as well as the green grounds of City Park.
Places to stay from $6 a night
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07. Erzsébetváros
0.6 miles from downtown
An up-and-coming residential area. The Great Synagogue (Nagy Zsinagóga) attracts crowds by the droves. Yet youth culture is slowly colonising Erzsébetváros, as “ruin bars” – dining areas built between abandoned buildings – increase in popularity. Unless you’re in the mood for crowds, skip the exceedingly hip Szimpla restaurant and dine at low-key Ankert.
Places to stay from $5 a night
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08. Józsefváros
0.9 miles from downtown
Józsefváros is a canvas for the city’s artistic community. This petit neighbourhood of urban parks and charming squares is dotted with cultural institutes like the National Museum and the Academy of Drama and Film in Budapest. At nightfall, it’s the best place to cut a rug – the Art-Nouveau inspired nightclubs here rank among the best in town.
Places to stay from $11 a night
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09. Ferencváros
1.2 miles from downtown
Ferencváros’ Palace of Arts is worth a deep-dive. An amalgam of modern and classical design elements, it’s a venue where Hungarian culture is celebrated in play, opera and theatre. See the Palace’s famed pipe organ, or venture to the Great Market Hall for 1001 cuisines – it’s where you’ll see the area’s students and young profs on any given afternoon.
Places to stay from $8 a night
About Budapest
Including tips for the best time to visit Budapest
It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Budapest. From the eclectic architecture and revitalizing thermal baths to the endless bowls of goulash and all-night “ruin bar” parties, this city always has something to do.
The 1640-foot wide Danube River splits the city into two parts – Buda and Pest. Take a boat tour to get an up-close view of all the landmarks lining the riverbanks, or just cross one of the 8 bridges for a more panoramic view. The Chain Bridge will take you to the grounds of Buda Castle, a huge baroque-style complex dating back to the 13th century. Walk or take the short funicular ride to the top of Castle Hill and check out historic monuments like the Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica, a huge domed church that shimmers when lit up at night.
After all that walking, taking a dip in one of Budapest’s thermal baths is the perfect way to relax and recharge. Choose between Széchenyi Baths and Géllert Spa – both feature indoor and outdoor temperature-controlled pools and massage services.
No trip to the capital of Hungary would be complete without experiencing its exciting nightlife and amazing food. You can find all the best bars and restaurants in District VII— the city’s old Jewish Quarter—where the nightlife fun doesn't stop till dawn.
Tonight
From $67 per night
This weekend
From $135 per night
Next weekend
From $65 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.07 |
| Language | Hungarian |
| Average weekend price | $90 per night |
| Average weekday price | $95 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Budapest
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Budapest
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Aquincum
4.7 miles from downtown
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Chain Bridge
0.6 miles from downtown
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Gellért Thermal Baths
1 miles from downtown
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Citadella
0.9 miles from downtown
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Buda Castle
0.7 miles from downtown
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Széchenyi Thermal Bath
1.9 miles from downtown
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Dohany Street Synagogue
0.2 miles from downtown
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St. Stephen's Basilica
0.2 miles from downtown
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Budapest Sports Arena
2.3 miles from downtown
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Hungarian State Opera House
0.4 miles from downtown
Budapest reviews
What other travelers say about Budapest
Excellent city trip with family.
May 6, 2024
Excellent city trip with family. One day is sufficient to visit parliament building in the morning and evening the buda castle. One day to visit Zoo and botanical garden. One need to buy ticket in advance to visit parliament or go there at 8am to buy the entrance ticket. One day to visit opera etc..
Budapest is a large city.
May 6, 2024
Budapest is a large city. We were there for 7 days but we could have stayed another few days. Transport is excellent and all the tours we undertook were very good. Not as pedestrianised as much as Prague but would definitely revisit in future. Walk as much as possible to see everything.
Prior to my visit, I was under the impression that Budapest...
May 3, 2024
Prior to my visit, I was under the impression that Budapest could be fully explored over a single weekend. However, I quickly realized how mistaken I was; the city has far more to offer than could ever be squeezed into just a couple of days. The soul of Budapest is vividly apparent in its vibrant streets, historic buildings, and the warm, welcoming nature of its people. From the stunning vistas at Fisherman's Bastion to the tranquil waters of the Danube dividing Buda and Pest, the city's scenic beauty is unparalleled. Budapest is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a hub for cultural activity, boasting an array of museums, theaters, and galleries. It is a city that promises safety and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. In conclusion, Budapest is much more than a weekend getaway; it is a city with a soul and an array of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of arts, or simply in search of a pleasant and safe European escape, Budapest will not disappoint.
Great City with an excellent Public Transportation system...
May 2, 2024
Great City with an excellent Public Transportation system and network. Waiting time between Buses , trains , trams were at the minimum and it was easy to make a trip using the public transporation system
We love the diversity of this city!
May 1, 2024
We love the diversity of this city! Walking the streets (and many cute city squares) admiring monuments, the architecture, trying out different cuisines, and simply enjoying the vivid atmosphere of this town ..
We stayed in Budapest just for the couple of days, but we...
April 30, 2024
We stayed in Budapest just for the couple of days, but we were amazed by its beauty. Ensana Grand Margaret Island Hotel is beautiful. We were welcomed by the amazing staff at the reception. They were helpful and very professional. They all speak English, so it was easy for us to communicate. Our room was spacious, the furniture was amazing, our bed was very comfortable. We could see the Danube river from our window. Breakfast in the beautiful restaurant offered the variety of different types of salami , ham, fish, cheeses, breads , pastries, fruits, juices and much more. Spa and wellness facilities are part of the deal. After a very long flight from Australia, it was a very special gift for us , helping us to recover faster . We are coming back to this hotel very soon. Public transport from Margaret Island take you to the city. You can walk around the city of Budapest or book some tours . Dining options are huge. Our next trip to Budapest will be much longer , to give us an opportunity to explore this special place much more.
Popular places to stay in Budapest
Stay in some of the best accommodations Budapest has to offer
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Emerald Downtown Luxury Suites with Hotel services 05. Belváros - Lipótváros, Budapest
From $214 per night
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Grand Budapest Penthouse 08. Józsefváros, Budapest
From $155 per night
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Maison Bistro & Hotel 01. Budavár, Budapest
From $145 per night
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Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa - The Leading Hotels of the World 08. Józsefváros, Budapest
From $203 per night
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Emerald Hotel 05. Belváros - Lipótváros, Budapest
From $163 per night
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Other accommodations in Budapest
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Budapest
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Apartments
From $10 per night
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Villas
From $74 per night
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Cabins
From $135 per night
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Cottages
From $29 per night
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Serviced apartments
From $27 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $29 per night
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Guest Houses
From $5 per night
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Hostels
From $6 per night
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B&Bs
From $15 per night
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Homestays
From $16 per night
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Self-Catering Accommodations
From $8 per night
