25 Things to See and Do in Budapest

By day an architectural paradise and by night an exciting party, Budapest has something for everyone. You can visit historical palaces, relax in healing thermal baths and have a drink in a quirky "Ruin Bar" all in the same day. The Hungarian capital is an incredibly diverse and interesting city.

One of the most famous aspects of Budapest nightlife is "Ruin Bars." These contemporary cool bars are built into old run-down buildings and are filled with neon lights, vintage furniture and contemporary artwork. The most visited "Ruin Bar" is Szimpla Kert, so definitely stop in if you have the chance,

The farmers market, located every Sunday in the famous "Ruin Bar" Szimpla Kert, has become quite the phenomenon during the last few years. A farmer's market in a bar? It is indeed weird, but remember it's Budapest, so just enjoy the local produce in an exciting environment. Besides the local sellers, don't forget to checkout Szimpla Brunch on the upper floor for a great breakfast.

Since Roman times, thermal baths have been used in Hungary as a form of healing and relaxation. The most visited spa is Szechenyi Thermal Baths, made up of 18 pools, 3 of which are located outside. Szechenyi Baths also features a whirlpool and water chess.

With a spectacular panoramic view of Budapest and the Danube River, the Fisherman's Bastion is a must-see stop in during a clear day. The highly stylish rampart holds a few different cafes and restaurants hiding under fairytale towers. You can reach it by foot or the Castle Hill Funicular.

Budapest is home to many grand cafes, but none more stunning than the extravagant New York Cafe. The cafe's notoriety dates back to a time when renowned journalists, artists and entertainers spent their free time enjoying the riches of fame. Prices are quite steep in the ultra-luxurious setting, but not every cafe has golden chandeliers.

The first permanent bridge to connect the hilly district of Buda with that of flatter Pest, the Chain Bridge is known equally for historical significance and architectural beauty. Stone lion statues mark the entrance of footpaths, enabling people to walk across the Danube. Additionally, there's a fun and widespread legend that the lions don't have any tongues.

Budapest's Nebo-Renaissance Opera House is considered one of the finest in Europe in architectural and acoustic beauty. It was built with the goal to rival the prestigious Opera House of neighboring Vienna. The best way to experience it is to attend a performance. Additionally, you can tour the Opera House during the day to gain a greater appreciation of acoustic architecture design.

Budapest's enigmatic Parliament buildings is only 100 years old, and yet has already become its most iconic landmark. Sitting on the banks of the Danube, the incredible Gothic building was completed as result of an architectural contest. It is open to the public for occasional tours when assembly is not in session.

The largest and grandest church in Hungary, St. Stephens Basilica is located right in the heart of central Budapest. It is named in honor of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, whose supposed right hand is mummified inside. The stained glass windows, beautifully painted dome, statues and mosaics are all amazing, but the panoramic view from the top of the dome can't be missed.

The Central Market Hall is a monumental indoor market notable for gothic architecture, exciting products and uncommon spices. Even if you have no interest in shopping, the 10000 square meter market is a great place to people watch a diverse crowd. Wonder from stall to stall or book a guided tour with food and wine tastings.

Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and comprises a temple, graveyard, memorial park and Jewish museum. The great synagogue was built in 1859 and has Moorish architectural elements, which contrast nicely against the rest of the city. Make sure to go early as lines can be quite long to get inside this important Jewish Synagoge.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the Gellert Bathhouse is one of the city's most iconic. They are built in the Art Nouveau style and offer a spectualarly colorful environment to enjoy 10 thermal pools. Inside, you'll feel quite luxurious gazing at detailed mosaics, stained glass windows and sculptures. Outside, you'll find a wave pool and sun-bathing patio that is particularly popular in warm weather.

While the other bathhouses on this list sport their own unique style, Rudas Baths is the most traditional in Turkish style and feel, featuring a domed cupola, colored glass windows and sauna, steam and massage rooms. You can find an amazing view of the Danube River from the rooftop pool.

There are plenty of Hungarian street foods to try in Budapest, but few more well-known than Langos. They are served with sour cream and cheese, but it isn't strange to see toppings of every sort piled high on the deep-fried dough. Skip the restaurant Langos, as the best are always found at a local food stand.

Chimney Cake is a well-known and popular treat in Hungary, as well as in neighboring countries. It's made by wrapping sweet dough on a wooden cylinder, baking the dough over embers and then dipping the cake in sugar and various flavors such as cocoa, chocolate, cinnamon, walnut, vanilla and walnut. Traditionally served only at Christmas Markets, you can now enjoy the delicious delicacy year-round.

Take a stroll along the banks of the Danube, where you'll find the immense Hungarian Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge and the Jewish memorial "Shoes on the Danube." The 60 pairs of iron shoes, pointed towards the river, stand in simplicity as a touching monument to the Jewish people who lost their lives in the city during World War II.

Used over the centuries as a coronation church for Hungarian kings, the stunning Matthias Church stands atop Buda Castle hill next to the Fisherman's Bastion. The church is easy to spot by it's colorful tiled roof and enormous spire. The beautiful interior combines elements of a Mosque, from the times of the Turks, as well as that of a Catholic Church.

Buda Castle, the old palace where Hungarian kings once lived, overlooks the Danube from the aptly named Castle Hill. The castle is home to two museums: the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Additionally, periodic gastro-fairs and cultural festivals are held here, including the Budapest Wine Festival, the Festival of Folk Arts and the Buda Castle Easter Fair.

Ride the iconic Castle Hill Funicular, a railway linking Adam Clark Square on the top of the hill and the Chain Bridge on the Danube. The funicular opened in 1870 and is the second oldest of its kind in the world. It's a pleasant and fairly cheap way of saving your legs from walking up and down the hills of the Buda side of the river. Plus, there are great panoramic views of the city.

Stop and eat a tasty Kolbasz, a traditional Hungarian sausage usually smoked at one of Budapest's many food markets or outdoor food stands. The varieties of the popular sausage are many, as each region in Hungary has its own take. Regardless of region, your belly will thank you for the tasty treat.

Liberty Bridge spans over the Danube to connect the two districts of flat Pest and hilly Buda to make Budapest. The impressive green bridge is the shortest bridge in Budapest and is a quick way to cross the river by foot or yellow tram. Walk across at night to see the arches light up!

Paprika isn't just some popular spice, but is at the very core of Hungarian cuisine. You'll find the brightly colored spice in Hungarian dishes such as goulash, fish soup, cakes and many different stews. The people of Hungary like paprika so much that there are two museums and two festivals solely dedicated to the red pepper. Buy some paprika in decorative packaging from the Central Market Hall as the perfect gift for your favorite foodie.

Centrally located in one of the downtown public parks, this giant ferris wheel offers incredible panoramic views of the city. It is in fact the largest ferris wheel in Europe! The Budapest Eye operates every day so make sure to ride the wheel during festive periods such as Christmas or Easter to see the city glow with festive lights.

Heroes' Square is one of the major squares in Budapest and a gateway to the City Park. It is known for its iconic monument featuring statues of Seven Cheiftnas of the Magyars, whom are said to be the first Hungarians, and the Archangel Gabriel, who is holding a Hungarian crown. Also, you'll find the Museum of Fine Arts and Hall of Art right next to the square.

Budapest has over 40 tram lines running throughout the historic center, but ride the popular "tram 2" for more than a source of transport. One of the most beautiful tram rides in the world, tram 2 passes iconic Budapest stops such as the Palace of Arts, the Great Market Hall, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and Hungarian Parliament. It's such a special source of transportation that National Geographic recently ranked the journey as Europe's most scenic tram!