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Budapest

Ruin-bar nights, thermal baths & Danube panoramas

Browse Budapest

Budapest is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle and Szechenyi Thermal Baths. Food lovers should not miss Blind Mice Exchange Pub and Bors GasztroBar. Below you will find 44 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Budapest at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle
  • Where to stay: District VIII and District V
  • Local picks: 44 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Budapest

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Budapest

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Buda

Budapest Caves Tour

Beneath the Buda hills lies a surprising network of caves. Easy walking tours visit the dripstone-decorated Palvolgy and Szemlohegy caves, while adventure caving trips have you scrambling through tunnels in overalls. A cool, unusual break.
★ 4.6
$$
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District VII

Budapest Ruin Bar Crawl

A guided night out through the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin bars, the eclectic, junk-filled courtyards led by Szimpla Kert, with drinks and a local showing you the best spots. The definitive Budapest night out.
★ 4.6
$$
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Castle District

Castle District Walking Tour

A guided stroll around cobbled Castle Hill, taking in Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fishermans Bastion and the medieval old town, with the thousand-year story of the city and its views over the Danube.
★ 4.6
$$
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Day trip

Communist Budapest & Memento Park

A fascinating look at Budapest’s communist decades, usually finishing at Memento Park on the edge of town, where the giant Lenin, Marx and worker statues toppled in 1989 now stand together. Strange and thought-provoking.
★ 4.5
$$
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Danube

Danube Evening Cruise

Budapest is arguably the most beautiful capital seen from the water at night, when Parliament, the castle and the bridges glow gold. Evening cruises range from simple sightseeing to dinner or a drink on deck.
★ 4.7
$$
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District IX

Hungarian Food & Market Tour

A guided graze through the Great Market Hall and beyond, tasting paprika, salami, langos, cake and palinka, with a local unpacking Hungarian food culture. Come hungry and leave a paprika expert.
★ 4.7
$$
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Lipotvaros

Parliament Guided Tour

The only way to see inside the Parliament is a guided tour, taking in the golden staircase, the domed hall and the Holy Crown of Hungary. Tickets sell out, so book ahead, especially for the English tours.
★ 4.7
$$
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Day trip

Szentendre & Danube Bend Day Trip

A relaxed day trip up the scenic Danube Bend to Szentendre, a pretty riverside town of cobbled lanes, Serbian churches, galleries and marzipan, often paired with Visegrad castle or Esztergom basilica.
★ 4.6
$$
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Book your trip to Budapest

Find the best hotels and book tours and experiences, all in one place.

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Budapest travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Budapest?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Budapest at a relaxed pace. See our Budapest itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Budapest?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Budapest guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Budapest?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Budapest?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Budapest is worth visiting year-round.

Plan your trip to Budapest

Five decisions most people make next, with what we actually recommend for each.

Where to stay

District VII puts you in the ruin bars and keeps you awake; District V and Buda are calmer.

Tours & experiences worth booking

The ones we would actually book, plus everything else on offer.

Beyond the centre

Worth the extra tram ride.

Read next: A perfect Sunday in Budapest, like a local  ·  Budapest ruin bars beyond Szimpla Kert  ·  How many days do you need in Budapest?

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