Tourist Attractions in Budapest

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Budapest

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Budapest

Budapest dates back to the Roman Empire. In the first century it was the administrative centre of Aquincum, then with the arrival of the Magyars (the self-name of the Hungarian nation) in the ninth century the city was renamed Obuda. On the opposite bank of the Danube together with Obuda there was the settlement of Pest. Later, under the Habsburgs in the XVII-XIX centuries, the united Budapest became one of the most brilliant European capitals.

Modern Budapest has retained the former lustre of the imperial city. The majestic and unusual parliament building, Gothic basilicas and baroque neighbourhoods are always full of tourists. The Hungarian capital is a place for informative sightseeing tourism, for relaxing in the famous thermal baths, as well as for discovering hearty Hungarian cuisine and delicious Tokaj wine.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Budapest

Hungarian Parliament Building

 4.8/5

19447 reviews

The Parliament is an architectural masterpiece on the right bank of the Danube, a recognised landmark of the capital. The building is built in neo-Gothic style, its facade is decorated with numerous arches, towers and flying spans. The interiors are characterised by luxury and pomp. The building is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Budapest.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Chain Bridge

 0/5

A suspension bridge over the Danube River connecting two parts of the city. It was built according to the design of English architect W.T. Clarke in 1849. After World War II, the bridge was rebuilt with donations from the citizens. It is 380 metres long and 14.8 metres wide. The bridge offers a spectacular view of Budapest, and you can take a lot of good photos here. In the evenings, the bridge is illuminated.

Buda Castle

 4.7/5

47905 reviews

A fortress with solid walls that protected the ancient capital of Buda in the past. The Buda Fortress has existed since the 13th century and was built as a defence against Mongol-Tatar raids by King Bela IV. Inside the fort, a royal castle and three churches (St Nicholas, St Mary Magdalene, Virgin Mary) were erected. Under King Sigismund, the fortress became the New Palace Castle with a spacious knight’s hall for tournaments.

Open time

Fisherman's Bastion

 4.8/5

85674 reviews

The building is located in the old town district of Var on Fortress Hill. Until 1905, it was the site of a fishermen’s market. The construction of the bastion was planned to coincide with the celebration of the millennium of the Hungarian state in 1897, but the work was completed only a few years later. The Fishermen’s Bastion is a white stone architectural ensemble with seven towers symbolising the seven Hungarian tribes.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

St. Stephen's Basilica

 4.7/5

54248 reviews

The largest Catholic church in Budapest is 96 metres high. This monumental cathedral took several decades to build, and it was only in 1905 that it was consecrated. The basilica is built in neo-Gothic style – a large domed hall, two symmetrical bell towers on the sides and a large arched central entrance decorated with inscriptions and columns. The relics of St István, revered by all Hungarians, are kept inside.

Open time

Matthias Church

 4.8/5

22297 reviews

Officially, the temple is named after the Virgin Mary, but the inhabitants of the capital call it in honour of the Hungarian king Matyas Corvinus. The architecture of the church is quite unusual for Budapest, as it is dominated by Gothic elements. The church regularly hosts musical evenings where you can listen to organ, violin and choral singing. The first church on the site of the modern temple appeared in the XI century by the will of Prince Istvan.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Dohány Street Synagogue

 4.4/5

23893 reviews

One of the largest Jewish temples in Europe, located in the Jewish quarter of Budapest. The synagogue has an area of 1200 m² and a capacity of up to 3,000 people. The Jewish Museum is located in the courtyard. The synagogue is built in Byzantine style with some oriental elements, the interior decoration is reminiscent of the interiors of Catholic cathedrals. During the Second World War the building was looted. Full restoration took place in the 90s of the XX century.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Heroes' Square

 4.7/5

72176 reviews

The square is located on the central Andrássy Avenue. It is home to two art museums in Budapest, as well as the Monument to the Millennium of the Beginning of the Hungarian State (a 36-metre high column topped by a statue of the Archangel Gabriel). The square used to be home to sculptures of Habsburg rulers, which were replaced by statues of Hungarian kings under the communist government.

Open time

Hungarian State Opera

 4.6/5

14812 reviews

The famous Budapest Opera, almost a twin sister of the Vienna Opera. Both theatres were cultural centres of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the Habsburg period. The theatre was opened in 1884 and the opening performance was attended by Emperor Franz Joseph, who was impressed by the interior decoration of the halls. For the first years, the opera was directed by the composer Ferenc Erkel, who was later succeeded by the famous Gustav Mahler.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Hungarian National Gallery

 4.7/5

8641 reviews

The museum is located on the grounds of the Royal Palace of the Buda Fortress. The gallery is famous for exhibiting works by Hungarian artists (or works created in Hungary). More than 100 thousand works of art created over several centuries are on display in the gallery. There are several exhibitions on 4 floors: stone and wooden sculpture, medieval paintings, paintings from later periods up to the 20th century.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Museum of Fine Arts

 4.7/5

12118 reviews

The main art museum of the Hungarian capital on Heroes’ Square, where the largest collection of famous painters is exhibited. Among the paintings are works by Raphael, da Vinci, Manet, Goya, Velázquez, Rubens and El Greco. There are also samples of ancient Egyptian and ancient culture. The museum was opened in 1906, the basis of the exposition was the private collection of the Princes Esterhazy.

Open time

House of Terror

 4.1/5

18758 reviews

A museum established in the early 2000s with the support of the government of V. Orbán. The main purpose of the expositions is to show the period of Hungary’s history of the 20th century, when the country was ruled by the communist government (supported by the leadership of the USSR). The place is ambiguous, as many facts from the country’s “totalitarian past” are exaggerated and distorted. There is an opinion that the museum was created for propaganda purposes.

Open time

Shoes on the Danube Bank

 4.6/5

20417 reviews

An original and touching memorial to the Jews shot on the quay during the Second World War. The executions were carried out by functionaries of the Hungarian Nazi Party. On the stone pavement there are many pairs of shoes of different sizes, including children’s shoes. There is also a bench with memorial tables where the names of the victims of the massacre are immortalised.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Central Market Hall

 4.3/5

87386 reviews

Market stalls on Fovam Square, where you can find original Hungarian souvenirs or typical national products. The market building is decorated with a coloured ceramic roof. The place was restored in the 1990s after numerous damages during the war. Quite quickly, the market gained popularity among tourists who go here for memorable shopping and fresh produce.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

 4.3/5

50925 reviews

The largest bathing complex in Europe, opened in 1913. The therapeutic water in the pools comes from a depth of over 1200 metres from a hot well and several small cold wells. In addition to bathing in healing water, the Szechenyi complex offers a number of additional services: sauna, water gymnastics, gym, wellness and so on. All this is included in the price of the entrance ticket.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Gellért Thermal Bath

 4.2/5

24377 reviews

According to local legend, the baths were built in the 13th century, and King András II took baths in its waters. It was at his will that the first spa was built. After the Ottomans took Buda, Turkish baths were built on the site of the springs. Gellert was opened to the public in the 19th century, but it was not popular and was nicknamed “Muddy Barn”. However, the situation changed when the modern baths were built under Emperor Franz Joseph.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Gellért Hill

 4.7/5

1787 reviews

A hill in Budapest, named in honour of St. Gellert, the city’s patron saint. In the eleventh century, pagans threw a missionary off this hill in protest against his Christian sermons. Beforehand Gellert was put in a barrel with sharp nails. There is a monument to the holy martyr on the mountainside. Inside the mountain there is a large reservoir and an astronomical observatory created in the 19th century.

Aquincum

 0/5

Budapest Archaeological Museum Park, representing the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Aquincum, the centre of the province of Pannonia. The remains of ancient amphitheatres, some sculptures and crypts are well preserved. On the territory of the park there is a museum built in the XIX century, where unique exhibits are kept: jewellery, coins, household items, utensils. There is even a rare water organ, created in the III century.

Andrássy út

 4.5/5

287 reviews

The avenue is the central street of the Hungarian capital and is considered one of the most beautiful European avenues. Locals and tourists call it the “Champs Elysees of Budapest”. Many attractions are concentrated here: the Hungarian Opera, memorial museums of Hungarian composers, the State Puppet Theatre and others. Andrássy Avenue was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 2002.

Margaret Island

 4.7/5

4762 reviews

A natural island on the Danube River, formerly called Hare Island. According to legend, King Béla IV prayed to God to help him cope with the Tatar-Mongols, and in return he promised to give his daughter Marguerite as a nun. God helped the king, and the girl went to Hare Island to a Dominican convent. After her death, Marguerite was made a saint and the island was named after her.

City Park

 4.6/5

70099 reviews

Landscaped city park on the site of former hunting grounds and pastures, created at the end of the 18th century. The place is very popular for walks among Budapest residents. Several thousand trees grow in the park, there are artificial lakes and canals. There are zoological and botanical gardens, as well as several popular city attractions: Széchenyi Baths, the zoo, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the circus.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Vajdahunyad Castle

 4.7/5

18205 reviews

Originally made of wood for the celebration of the millennium of the Hungarian homeland, the castle was so well liked that it was later built of stone. Vajdahunyad is located in Varoszliget Park and many tourists who walk here think that it is an ancient fortification where Hungarian kings lived. There is also a real Vajdahunyad on the territory of Transylvania in Romania.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Brunszvik Castle

 4.6/5

3174 reviews

A famous castle 30 kilometres from Budapest, built in neo-Gothic style. The park around the castle is designed in the best traditions of English landscape art. The palace is closely connected with the personality of Ludwik van Beethoven, who had a long-standing friendship with the Brunswick family. It houses the composer’s memorial museum, and often hosts concerts and films about his life and work.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden

 4.5/5

38980 reviews

The city zoo in Varošliget Park. There are approximately 3,000 animals here, among them representatives of exotic continents. Of interest is the oceanarium, the palm pavilion and the butterfly house. The zoo also has a Hungarian ethno-village, where domestic animals live. The animals can not only be watched but also fed during certain hours. You should allow at least 3 hours to visit the zoo.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Budapest

 0/5

A European waterway that crosses several countries. It divides Budapest into two parts, which are connected by picturesque suspension bridges. In the warm season, river trips along the Danube and visits to numerous islands such as Csepel, Nepsiget, Margit, and Haiodyari Siget are popular with tourists. In addition to tourist ships, there are public boats on the river, which can be accessed with a city pass.