Here are some of the top-rated fun & unusual things to do in Budapest, Hungary. This list of the fun & unusual things to do in Budapest, Hungary will be a magical event during your visit. The pearl of the Danube is gaining a reputation as the most photogenic city in Europe. The list of attractions in Budapest never ends.
As comparatively inexpensive destinations (compared to west Europe's metropolitan cities London and Paris), even the most expensive visitors are allowed to experience the luxury of Budapest. How do I start? This is our responsibility. However, in this article, I discuss the 30 fun & unusual things to do in Budapest, Hungary. So, continue reading and discover these fun & unusual things to do in Budapest, Hungary!
Watch the Changing of the Guards at the Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building, which was designed and built in the Gothic Revival style, is one of the largest buildings in Hungary, and is home to hundreds of parliamentary offices.
Upon completing a good tour you can witness the guard changes in Parliament. It's impossible that you'll not see Parliament. The building has become Budapests most renowned building, and a massive one!
The Budapest Parliament is the largest and third-largest Parliament building worldwide. This building took 17 years of construction and finished at the end of 1902. There are tour guides to Parliament but as tour numbers are small the wait is long, and the tickets are often sold out days in advance.
Head to the Pest Side during the night for an amazing photograph of Parliament buildings lit at night.
Take a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building
Hungary's parliament is probably the most beautiful parliament structure of Europe. The Neo Gothic architecture features statues of the Hungarian ruler and his successor.
But inside the building, the lights are really shining. Visitors first step down the spiral staircase and walk through the corridor of the ceiling covered in frescoes.
You then enter an elegant entryway and enter a hendencagonal central hall which displays The Holy Crown of Hungary. You can visit adjoining chamber and National Assembly hall used in conference and meeting rooms.
Climb the Dome of St Stephen's Basilica
You cannot miss St Stephen's Basilica since its height is about 96 metres and is similar to the Parliament building. The Roman Catholic Basilica was named after King Stephen the first Hungary.
Within the church are several Neoclassical paintings and sculptures and an ornate altarpiece adorned with. It remains a working church and therefore be respectful of visitors. The most impressive point is the panoramic dome view accessible via elevator or through 63 stairs.
On top, there is a 360 degree city view. Originally a theatre, the church has been able to offer classical and organ music on Sundays at night.
Buda Castle Museums
Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum, and the National Széchenyi Library. Buda Castle sits on a hilltop.
The palace of Hungary's King was built 1265. The original castle was changed between 1747, 1769, with the modern Baroque palace.
The castle houses an Hungarian museum which displays medieval Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque Hungarian artwork from the 15th century to today.
In addition it hosts the Hungarian National Museum with numerous exhibitions on Hungarian history and archeological heritage.
Danube River Dinner Cruise
Browse top-rated dining cruises in Budapest. Its name is given to the Danube, and no trip into Budapest is complete without visiting it in its entirety.
Many businesses offer afternoon river cruises on the Danube which is in no doubt one of the best things in Hungary.
I have done several dinner tours in the Danube. I recommend you either check the very expensive dinner tour or the cheaper option if you can't afford it.
Check out the Jewish Quarter and Dohány Street Synagogue
Budapest is divided into 22 districts. The seventh district has also been called the Jewish Quarter. It is where the Dohány Street synagogue is located, the largest synagogue outside the Israeli borders.
The synagogues were constructed around 1850 and in the 1990s were restored. Its architecture has inspired many synagogues throughout the country. It is the only synagogue that holds an original organ that Franz Liszt once played.
Outside the buildings are memorial gardens, where the tree names of those killed at the holocaust are displayed.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Széchenyis bath complex is Europes most prestigious and highly reputed medical centre. These waters are richly containing sodium, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate fluoride, which have been proven beneficial in treating degenerative joint disease.
If one wishes to enjoy the relaxing power of Thermal Pools there are several thermal pools at the hotel, as do saunas and steam baths. Massage or Beauty treatments may be purchased in addition to the usual price.
These two pool rooms can be wonderful places to go on a cold, dark day, where steam reaches the warm waters.
Check out Heroes' Square and its Museums
Budapest has 3 main squares and one of them is probably Heroes Square. The city has the famous Millennium Monument, which contains seven statues of the founding leaders of Hungary in 1580.
Several other statues commemorating important figures in Hungary's past are also displayed in the area. If you are interested in understanding Hungary's Art History the square includes art museums like the Museum for Fine Arts, the Kunsthalle or the Museum for Art.
Climb to the top of Gellért Hill
Gellért Mountain is 235 metres high and provides an excellent excuse to tie up those walking socks!
The scenery is stunning, enjoy the view and keep a close eye on the unique cathedral in caves. At the top of it, the Citadella Fortress is worth exploring and, when time allows, keep an eye on sunset.
The liberty statue is a landmark to explore if one climbed the top atop the hill. Here a bronze sculpture was built over a 26-metre-thick wall and the statue soared out of the sky.
Have a Drink on A Public Transit Boat
Ok, I'll let everyone know what is going on in this town. It's just a good idea for me to let people know I have a great story for them! I love drinking on a ferry to the Danube River.
Budapest's public transportation carries four different boats on the same line. Usually boats have a bar where it is easy to enjoy a drink. There is a table at the back.
My best advice would be to go first and get into the first spot before they are fully filled! Is there a better thing about this? A ride costs 450 HUFA ($3) but it's quite relaxed on public roads.
Put on your sneakers and enjoy a walking tour
There's often a lot of confusion about where to begin. Travelers typically choose to start their trip by walking around the lively streets and guiding a knowledgeable guide.
There are many epic walks available to choose from if you want more fun or want a longer adventure. Guests may also choose one nightly vampire and dark historical walk or foodies can choose a special culinary walk through the city.
Ride the historical Buda Castle Hill Funicular
Are funiculars used regularly? What are your experiences with this sport? Ditch the mundane and join Buda Castle Hill Funicular.
The ride includes trams or cable cars on the slopes. Since 1870, it's operated with improvements since then to ensure original modes are still available and you don't mind hiking up to Castle Hill.
Built along a 95 m route which runs on a slope and down a hill, it links a 50-meter river and the Buda Castle. There are two station locations, the lower station is near the chain bridge.
Admire the view from Fisherman's Bastion
Local people call it Halászbázdya, tourists call it Fishermans Bastion, but if you see it firsthand you'll say that it has best views of Budapest! The impressive Matthias church (# 39) is also worth looking at.
Day trip to Danube Bend and Esztergom
A few hours' drive from Budapest, Esztergom is the historic capital of Hungary and offers spectacular panoramic views of the mighty Visegrád Castle and the Danube River.
For adventurers take a walk down the river with the view of mountain peaks, waterfalls or canyons!
Certainly hiking here is highly popular especially around the river bend, a section of the river filled with traditional villages dotted with historical monuments and castles dating back centuries.
Margaret Island
Margaret Islands are 2.5 kilometre long islands that are located along the Danube and are covered with parks and facilities.
There are several companies who rent bikes, motorized cars and scooters to explore the islands. The island is covered by 5.5 kilometers of running tracks that are popular among runners wanting to escape the bustle of downtown.
A famous feature on island is the musical fountain where the water frequently “danced” to classical music.
Shop for Souvenirs at The Central Market Hall (Great Market Hall)
It's the most useful site when searching for souvenirs from Hungary to bring home. The Central Market Hall, also called the Great Market Hall, is the largest city hall.
The hall contains 3 floors with stalls offering everything from fresh fruits to wines to tourist gifts.
From paprika spice packs to Hungarian ceramic there are plenty of items to find. Check out our cured meat cheese section to get some delicious food.
Climb up to Fisherman's Bastion and St Matthias Church
As you look over Buda from southeastern Denmark, your eyes will see fishermen's bastion and St Matthias Church stand out for their stunning architecture.
Fishermens Bastions is a Neo-Romanesque terrace offering panoramic views of the cityscape. It features seven stone towers representing the tenor of Hungary's seven founders.
Originally constructed in the 1700s, the castle is located here. According to legend, walls were kept under control of the fishermens' guilds which stayed there hence its name. The image today represents one of a refurbished version of an earlier version built from 1900-1904.
Drink a Beer on Chain Bridge
If you visit Budapest in Summer, go to the Chain Bridge in evenings. There are many younger crowds sitting around these green metal railings and watching music and sharing food and drink. The setting is the most attractive for a warm summer night.
Find a bargain at the Grand Ecseri Flea Market
The vast flea market has more collectibles than any other Central European city. It has a mix of serious shops with one-person sellers wishing to sell something. Warm tip: Bring a few dollars and come before most of your favorite items are thrown away.
Take a ride on the M1 – Continental Europe's Oldest Metro Line!
Don't waste your time catching a train to Oktogon station underneath the old Andrássy street. This positioning suits this wonderful area known for its bygone architecture and when you step into the steps you can feel like traveling around Budapest in the late 19th century. The Metro tram line was built between 1900 and opened in 1987.
Party at Budapest Ruin Bars
The Budapest ruins bars are unique. Ruine-bars are present since 2001 at the district VIII neighbourhood in Budapest, also known as the old Jewish district. The ruin bars are located inside abandoned homes left after WWII.
When you walk up this street you may not even notice that this was an open bar, but once you come out of that door you enter into an entirely completely new world. All of the pub bars are different in style. List the 10 most beautiful ruins bars and nightlife of Hungary The oldest ruin bar in Budapest is Zimpl Kert. It is closed every day.
Visit The Shoes On The Danube Bank
During World War Two, Arrowcross militia men smashed their lives in a massacre at Shoaia. There are 60 pairs of shoes on each ledge that are in memory of 3,500 survivors forced off their shoes.
House of Terror
The House of Terror hosts exhibitions on successive fascist regimes and communistic regimes that controlled Hungary from 19th to 20th. This building itself has been the original headquarters of the fascistic party Arrow Cross and was then utilized in prison for torture by the government of Hungary.
The opportunity to tour of prison areas can be found on the underground floor. It includes a list of the two regimes, testimonials, and other documents by several survivors. It often hosts other temporary exhibitions.
Get a selfie with Lenin at Memento Park
After the sacking of communist regimes Hungary kept most of its totalitarian statues on the Mementpark. It now acts as an extensive and open-air museum, perfect for local residents and visitors to stop for some reflections and bring in new memories.
Many travelers often take a few moments to appreciate the symbolic value of the statue of Lenin, which stands opposite the retro Trabant automobile.
Check out the Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park
The castle is a Gothic castle in Hungary and it is a replica of the Hunyad Castle of Ruma. The castle has been built by Hungarian explorers for over 1000 years in honouring Hungarian Conquest of the Carphian Valley.
This architectural style is believed to be an important feature of a number of historical buildings in Hungary. It is the largest agricultural museum in Europe. It's definitely worth a visit. In the winter ice skating ice skates are open and this is a very fun activity for children of Hungary.
Stop by the Aquincum Museum and its ruin garden
Travellers fascinated by historical events can step into the Aquincum museum and instantly take them to a different world.
Fun facts: Buda, now known as a district 3 grew out as part of Hungary hundreds of years back and the city was founded there by Rome.
Currently, the chance is available for a personal visit to a Roman ruins museum located in district III and surrounding the original site. Permanent exhibitions that are intended as a source for research are "Romana in Aquicum", " The House for the painter ", and " Tévlarv '.
Explore Budapest's creative side on a street-art tour
Admiring bustling bohemian street art can give us a good insight into the creativity in the city and also understand the lesser-known issues and themes which affect our local people.
Tour grouping is often small in size and therefore it can be a good way to meet some similar travelers and visit some of the most popular places in District 7 and the Jewish Quarter. In most cases there is free drink available at the ruin.
Try not to tilt at the Budapest Pinball Museum
Gamer is excited. The Budapest Pinball Museum offers an extensive selection of games for children and adults from the 1800s till today.
Be entertained whilst learning something new during a Folklore Show
In a folklore festival, the performers perform a variety of musical performances and traditional music. During the 1.5 hour program, enjoy the entertainment and learn about local customs and traditions during the performances at Aranytz Kultrház.
Translating from Aranitz Cultural Centre, it houses a neo-renaissance architecture which was first built between 1881 and 1882 and provides an ambience for the show.
Visiting Budapest on a budget?
Travelling in Europe is an expensive venture but you'll be wise to spend the vacation money on the best possible route. It is a simple and affordable option to take a walking tour during your visit.
Take a guided walk through historic monuments or landmark sites at no cost and have an expert guide guide. Learn about every site with the tips of an experienced local.
If you plan to travel through most of the city using largely public transport, then Budapest Cards could be a great alternative for yourself.
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