Top Things To Do In Budapest

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourists enjoying the picturesque views of Budapest from a lookout point
Tourists enjoying the picturesque views of Budapest from a lookout point

Wondering what to do in Budapest?

With breathtaking Baroque buildings risen up during the Hungarian capital’s 19th-century “golden age” and elegant boulevards that have inspired the nickname “the Paris of the East”, Budapest is beauty personified. The things to do in Budapest reveal a city that’s an architectural treasure trove in the truest sense. Whether you choose to admire Roman and Renaissance buildings, stroll along the banks of the sparkling Danube, “take the waters” in the city’s abundance of centuries-old hot springs, or experience this living museum’s contemporary attractions (its famous nightlife, boho boroughs, and fantastic food), the things to do in Budapest are a sheer delight.

Local guide showing tourists around Budapest on a historical tour of the city

Tangible history

Budapest may be absolutely beautiful, but much of the city’s charm lies in its grit, forged under years of communist rule. Pieces of the city’s turbulent past are starkly visible throughout its streets, adding another layer of complexity and some unexpected things to do in Budapest. This is a place where opulent century-old mansions and cobbled medieval streets exist peacefully alongside “ruin bars” (clubs and drinking holes housed inside the crumbling courtyards of dilapidated pre-war buildings), WWII buildings riddled with bullet holes, and memories of Hungary’s chilling terror regimes.

Tourists browsing a typical food market in Budapest

Hungry for Hungary

There's more to Hungarian food than goulash (although it’s a must-try), and Budapest is the perfect place to try the very best of the country’s cuisine. Many things to do in Budapest revolve around food, so you certainly won’t struggle to find some incredible bites. Try traditional dishes like spreadable bone marrow, dip made with sheep’s milk cheese, and an indulgent dessert of three different flavors of sponge cake. But of all the foodie things to do in Budapest, sampling lángos, the street food staple of fried dough, shredded cheese, and sour cream, might be the most delicious of all.

Tourists enjoying the sunset on a bridge over Danube river in Budapest

Budapest by night

When the sun sets, the list of things to do in Budapest gets even longer. The city is known for having some of the best nightlife in all of Europe – no small feat, but Budapest delivers. From ramshackle ruin bars (an iconic institution) to the sleekest, most sophisticated nightclubs, all types of revelers are rewarded. Whether you fancy a drink at a rooftop bar high up in an Art Nouveau masterpiece, a wild party at a buzzing nightclub, or a drink and pastry at a coffee house that only closes at midnight, the Hungarian capital city is brimming with memorable things to do.

Latest reviews from our guests

    In very broad strokes, I had a general understanding of Hungary's history. But, since this was our first visit to Budapest, I wanted a crash course on Hungarian history, culture and politics. Our tour guide Lőrinc was the perfect man for the task. He had checked in with us prior to the tour and knew of our interests. So, he crafted a special tour for us that focused on the ancient, Medieval and modern history of Hungary. Absolutely fascinating! I don't remember the names of the founding tribes or the early kings of Hungary (other than the first Christian King, Saint Stephen), but I can't wait to get home and learn more about Hungary and its people. Thank you Lőrinc for an incredible tour!

    April 2025

    Javier A

    In very broad strokes, I had a general understanding of Hungary's history. But, since this was our first visit to Budapest, I wanted a crash course on Hungarian history, culture and politics. Our tour guide Lőrinc was the perfect man for the task. He had checked in with us prior to the tour and knew of our interests. So, he crafted a special tour for us that focused on the ancient, Medieval and modern history of Hungary. Absolutely fascinating! I don't remember the names of the founding tribes or the early kings of Hungary (other than the first Christian King, Saint Stephen), but I cant wait to get home and learn more about Hungary and its people. Thank you Lőrinc for an incredible tour!

    April 2025

    Javier A

    I had the pleasure of having Angie as our tour guide in Budapest, and she was absolutely fantastic! Not only did she share fascinating insights into the city’s rich history, but she also took us to some hidden gems that we would have never discovered on our own. Her passion for Budapest was contagious, and her knowledge truly made the experience special. I highly recommend Angie for anyone looking to explore Budapest – you won’t be disappointed!

    April 2025

    Marie-Louise M

    In very broad strokes, I had a general understanding of Hungary's history. But, since this was our first visit to Budapest, I wanted a crash course on Hungarian history, culture and politics. Our tour guide Lőrinc was the perfect man for the task. He had checked in with us prior to the tour and knew of our interests. So, he crafted a special tour for us that focused on the ancient, Medieval and modern history of Hungary. Absolutely fascinating! I don't remember the names of the founding tribes or the early kings of Hungary (other than the first Christian King, Saint Stephen), but I can't wait to get home and learn more about Hungary and its people. Thank you Lőrinc for an incredible tour!

    April 2025

    Javier A

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Experiences for all types of travelers

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Experiences
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Group of tourists walking along a pedestrian bridge on a night tour of Budapest

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Tourist toasting with a local guide at a ruin bar in Budapest

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