There’s no place like Budapest. Rich in culture, history and heritage, and traversed by the beautiful Danube River, it can be hard to decide how to spend your limited time there. Whatever you do, you won’t get bored! Here are some of the best tours and activities the city has to offer.

1. Discover Budapest on a spooky bike tour

Who said being a tourist is only about going from museum to museum and from sight to sight? There are many different sightseeing tours you can join in Budapest, but the Murder Mystery Bike Tour really is something worth experiencing. This tour combines sightseeing with a murder investigation game. It will get your adrenaline pumping and give you goose bumps!

Photo credit: Moyan Brenn

2. Enjoy a cruise on the Danube River

The Danube River begins in Germany, passing through the heart of Budapest on its way to the Black Sea. With such a stunning panorama, it’s no wonder cruises are popular in Budapest. There are several different daytime cruises on offer, including a Coffee Cruise, a Lunch Cruise and a Cocktail Cruise. Otherwise you can opt for an evening cruise, such as a Wine Cruise, a Dinner Cruise with Live Music, a Party Cruise or a Club Cruise.

Photo credit: Hungaria Concert Ltd

3. Attend a concert

Music is an important part of Hungarian culture. The Organ Concert at St Stephen’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate classical music. If you’re looking for something more, you can combine the organ concert with a lovely cruise on the Danube. Alternatively, you can join the Hungarian Folk Dance Show & Dinner Cruise and enjoy a spectacular dance performance.

Photo credit: Hungaria Concert Ltd

4. See another side of the city on an alternative pub crawl

Fancy skipping the crowded streets and finding some alternative places frequented mostly by locals? The Ruin Pubs Tour will take you to the best lesser-known bars in Budapest. You’ll also see some street art, experience the city’s underground culture and visit some design shops. Immerse yourself in Budapest’s underground culture and experience something many tourists miss.

Photo credit: BudapestFlow

5. Get to know traditional Hungarian cuisine

Hungarians are proud of their national cuisine and it’s easy to understand why. To satisfy your growling stomach while doing dome sightseeing, join the Wheels & Meals Bike Tour and try some delicious Hungarian goulash. If you expect to miss Hungary’s culinary wonders after your trip, join the Hungarian Home Cooking Class or the Market Tour & Hungarian Cooking Class, and learn how to make goulash and paprika chicken yourself. Already feeling hungry? Just wait until you smell it. Yum yum yum.

Photo credit: Andrew Reid Wildman

6. Take your kids on a fun family-friendly tour

Travelling with children can sometimes be challenging, but the guys who organise the Budapest Private Tour for Kids are here to help. With a treasure hunt, animal spotting and a trip to Buda Castle, it’s guaranteed your little ones will be busy for hours. Make exploring fun for everyone and show the kids what travelling is really all about.

Photo credit: Nick Chapman

7. Get a personalised three-day itinerary

Still unsure about how to spend your time in Budapest? Opt for a Three-Day Custom Itinerary and get a personalised list of activities, restaurants, cafés, bars and current happenings. It’s not a tour so you won’t have a guide, but it’s a great way to not waste time on planning. You can be sure you’ll experience the best of the best in Budapest.

Photo credit: Dennis Jarvis

For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Budapest
Where locals like to eat in Budapest
Where locals like to party in Budapest

Special tip:
For a more authentic Budapest experience, get the Like A Local mobile app

Opening photo credit: Moyan Brenn