Last updated on November 9th, 2024 at 08:11 am
Are you wondering if Budapest is worth visiting? Our guide contains all you need to know in order to make your decision.
If you’re considering visiting Budapest, Hungary’s capital, you’re likely wondering if it’s worth your time and money. This city, often referred to as the “Paris of the East,” has a lot to offer – including impressive architecture, some great thermal baths and.. amazing chocolate cake!
We visited Budapest in the Winter and we were happily surprised by how family-friendly it is. So, from things to do in Budapest with kids, to free things to do in Budapest – our guide will have you covered.
The Family Conscience contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information. Thank you for your support.
6 Reasons Why Budapest Is Worth Visiting
There are many reasons to visit Budapest, but here are our favourites:
1. Architectural Marvels
Budapest boasts a mix of Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architectural styles (phew – that’s a lot)! Highlights include the grand Parliament Building, the majestic Buda Castle, and the intricate details of the Matthias Church.
Walking through the streets of Budapest feels like stepping back in time, with each building telling a story of the city’s past.
✅ Book Tours of Budapest’s architecture and famous buildings HERE
2. Thermal Baths
One of Budapest’s unique attractions is its thermal baths. The city sits on over 100 thermal springs, and bathing in these waters has been a tradition since Roman times.
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest and grandest in Europe, is a great experience with its indoor and outdoor pools. It’s a perfect way to relax and recuperate after a day of sightseeing.
Kids over the age of 7 years old are allowed entry into the baths, but may only use two of the outdoor pools. Children over the age of 14 are permitted to use all pools, under the guidance of an adult.
For a more family-friendly option, try Palatinus instead (see below).
✅ Book Tickets for Budapest’s Thermal Baths HERE
3. Art and Culture
Are you looking for Budapest indoor activities? From world-class museums like the Hungarian National Museum to the cutting-edge Ludwig Museum, there’s plenty to explore.
For something a little more quirky, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (once top secret), or the popular Budapest Pinball Museum where you can play on all the machines.
Kids and teens might also like the Museum of Sweets and Selfies.
The city is also famous for its Ruin bars in its 7th district. Ruin bars are dilapidated, abandoned buildings transformed into trendy, eclectic bars. Szimpla-kert-run is one of the oldest and the best.
✅ Book Tickets for Budapest’s Museums and Galleries HERE
4. The Danube River
The Danube River splits Budapest into two halves: Buda and Pest. The views along its banks are breathtaking.
A river cruise or tram ride offers fantastic views of the city’s landmarks, especially when they’re illuminated at night.
The Chain Bridge, connecting the two sides of the city, is definitely worth a stroll across. It’s one of the best free things to do in Budapest and offers some great photo opportunities.
✅ Book Danube River Cruises and Activities HERE
5. It’s Affordability
Is Budapest expensive? Compared to other European capitals, Budapest is actually pretty affordable.
Accommodation, food, and transportation are reasonably priced, making it a great destination for budget travellers.
You can also enjoy traditional dishes at Hungarian restaurants without breaking the bank.
Looking to save on sightseeing? Purchase the Budapest Card – which gives you free access to transport across the city and entry to 30 attractions (including many of the city’s museums) plus a Danube River cruise and entrance to one of Budapest’s thermal baths.
✅ Purchase the Budapest Card HERE to save on your sightseeing
6. Christmas Markets
We visited Budapest around Christmas time and went to the Christmas markets in Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephens Basilica.
There are plenty of stalls from which to buy Christmas presents and lots of food and drink stalls. Our kids became slightly obsessed with Hungarian Chimney cake.
Sweet dough is wrapped around hot cylinders and cooked – when removed the steam looks like smoke coming out of a chimney. They’re widely available and cheaper away from the centre of the markets.
Make sure you leave some room for some Hungarian goulash (my husband sampled as much as humanly possible).
✅ Book Christmas Market Tours HERE
Want to learn how to make chimney cake yourself?
✅ Book Chimney Cake workshops and food tours in Budapest HERE
Top Things to Do in Budapest, Hungary
We’ve listed our favourite things about Budapest. And here are some specific ideas for things to do in Budapest.
Given that this city makes a great short city break choice, we’re working on the presumption that you’ll have a 2 day Budapest itinerary. You should be able to fit all these activities into your 2 days in Budapest!
Spend an Afternoon at Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Budapest has the largest thermal bath complex in Europe (Széchenyi Thermal Baths) featuring three large outdoor and 15 indoor pools. There’s also a rooftop spa, saunas and steam rooms.
Built in 1913 in the neo-Baroque style, the views are spectacular.
✅ Purchase tickets in advance HERE
Head up to Buda Castle
Buda Castle is one of the main symbols of Budapest and dominates the city from the top of Varhegy Hill. If you have only 1 day in Budapest, you should try to fit in Buda Castle.
This royal palace is worth a visit just to take in the views but also an opportunity to learn about the turbulent history of Hungary.
Taking the funicular up to the castle is fun. Be warned, the queues for it can get quite long, however, so arrive early if you can.
The gardens and main courtyard are free to wander around however you’ll need to purchase tickets to go inside. We stuck to the gardens and walking around the castle as we’d heard mixed things about whether it was worth going inside.
Whilst there is free entry if you have the Budapest Card, there are also a number of other tours available from the castle. The cave tour is the most popular.
✅ Book the Buda Castle Cave Tour HERE
Other iconic landmarks include Fishermen’s Bastion with its incredible views of Pest’s skyline over the Danube. The Gothic Matthias Church is also close by.
Visit the Parliament Building
The Parliament Building dominates the Danube and is an impressive sight.
The interior is just as awe-inspiring as the exterior. It houses the Holy Crown (used to crown Hungary’s monarchs since the 12th century). Guided tours last 45 minutes.
✅ Book tickets for Parliament Building Tours HERE
Not too far from Parliament, is the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial which honours the victims of the Holocaust who were marched to the riverbank on a dark Winter’s day, ordered to remove their shoes before being shot and falling into the river.
Take a Ride on Tram 2
Tram 2 travels between Margaret Bridge and South Pest. You can purchase your ticket from the vending machine next to the tram stop (and from most newsagents).
Hitching a ride on Tram 2 is one of the best ways of sightseeing in the city. The views are incredible and you will pass all of the major downtown sights for the price of a regular public transport ticket. Even good in the rain!
Look out for the much loved ‘Little Princess’ statue. It sits on the railings on the Pest side of the river, on the Tram 2 route.
The Budapest Card allows you free travel across the city – including Tram 2.
✅ Purchase the Budapest card HERE
Have Coffee and Cake at one of Budapest’s Grand Cafes
Budapest has some incredibly fancy coffee houses and you have to visit at least one for a coffee or hot chocolate and a slice of traditional layered chocolate cake.
The most prominent of Budapest’s grand cafes is the New York Cafe, surely a contender for the world’s most beautiful spot for coffee and cake with its gilded and marble surfaces, crimson colours, crystals, frescoes and chandeliers. The coffee and cake weren’t too bad either!
The Gerbeaud Cade, Hadik or Central are also solid choices for chocolate cake in decadent surroundings. If you’re looking for
Spend a Morning on Margaret Island
Budapest’s answer to Central Park, Margaret Island is home to the ruins of a medieval church, a Japanese garden and amazing woodland. Although it’s an island, it can be accessed easily on foot from the middle of Margaret Bridge. But it still feels like ‘off the beaten path Budapest’.
Margaret Island is also home to Palatinus Baths and Lido which features over a dozen pools filled with natural spring water of varying temperatures.
This is perhaps a more family-friendly option than Széchenyi since it has waterslides and dedicated kids’ pools (including a wave pool).
Where to stay in Budapest?
Splurge: The best splurge option has to be the 5-star Corinthia Budapest: the original “Grand Budapest Hotel”. Open since 1890, this hotel is luxurious with a wonderful spa and swimming pool. Its central location on one of Budapest’s main streets also can’t be beaten.
✅ Book Corinthia Budapest Hotel HERE
Midrange: Stories Boutique Hotel is a popular, attractive mid-range hotel in the heart of Budapest. You won’t have far to go for the city’s main attractions.
✅ Book Stories Boutique Hotel HERE
Budget: Our recommendation would be Maverick City Lodge. This hostel offers private rooms and dormitories, a shared common room, kitchen and laundry facilities. It’s a great option if you are travelling on a budget.
✅ Book Maverick City Lodge HERE
Best restaurants in Budapest
- Rosenstein: A small restaurant offering up classic Jewish and Hungarian cuisine at its finest. Book in advance.
- Cafe Kor: A popular all-day spot, which is particularly busy at lunchtime. Daily specials are served until they run out. Book in advance or arrive before noon.
- Ildiko Konyhaja: Offers hearty and tasty Hungarian food at reasonable prices.
Budapest With Kids
Visiting Budapest with kids? In addition to the activities mentioned above, here are some other great places to visit in Budapest for kids:
- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Labyrinth of Buda Castle
- Budakeszi Adventure Park (zip-line and petting zoo; open between March and October)
- Ice-Skating in the City Park during winter
- Tropicarium Aquarium
- Natural History Museum
- The Hungarian Railway Museum
Is Budapest worth Visiting: FAQ
Here are the answers to some common questions about travelling to Budapest:
Is Budapest Safe for Tourists?
Budapest is generally pretty safe for tourists. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas, so it’s wise to stay vigilant.
The city’s public transportation system is reliable and safe, and walking around at night in popular areas is usually not a concern.
As with any travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow common-sense precautions.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Budapest?
To fully appreciate Budapest, plan to spend at least two to three days there.
If you’re short on time, a 2 day itinerary for Budapest is enough to see the main sights.
This allows enough time to explore major attractions like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the thermal baths, as well as enjoy some downtime – walking along the Danube and stopping at some of Budapest’s fabulous cafes.
If you have more time, consider a day trip to nearby towns like Szentendre or a visit to the Hungarian countryside.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Budapest?
Budapest is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October).
During these periods, the weather is generally pretty nice, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months.
Winter can be cold, but it has its own charm, especially around Christmas when the city is decorated with lights, and you can enjoy the Christmas markets.
Final Thoughts: Is Budapest Worth Visiting?
Is Budapest worth a visit? A Budapest city break is absolutely a great idea. Given its history and beauty, it’s a city with an undeniable sense of romance and atmosphere.
However, you’ll also find lots to do for families, fantastic thermal baths and some first-rate foodie delights too.
Budapest is a city that invites you to explore and relax in equal measure. Take up the invitation and book your trip and find those hidden gems in Budapest.
Looking for advice and inspiration for other Europe city breaks? Find out whether these destinations are worth visiting:
