Budapest isn't the largest of European cities to explore, yet that doesn't detract away from the surplus of activities it has to offer. We have summarised the best views, walks and activities from each side of the River Danube and everything in between. Having both visited separately in 2015 and 2019 respectively, for both of us its one of the cheapest Europe trips we've ever done, despite prices having risen with popularity. Have fun exploring this UNESCO World Heritage city!
Buda side
Fishermans bastion, walk up or get the funicular for one of the best panoramic views across the river. From here you can gaze out at the Szenchenyi chain bridge and Parliament as well as Margaret Island. Fishermans bastion has a spectacular white stone exterior with 7 look-out towers and an extensive terrace. It is a beautiful place to walk around if you like architecture or just to sit and relax from perhaps a busy view days.
Castle hill funicular, walk over the bridge to see the funicular right in front of you, it can't be missed. This leads to Buda Castle. Between 2 and 4pm you can join a walking tour taking you around and through this beautiful castle. This area helped define Budapest as an UNESCO city.
Matthais Church and tower, situated next to Fishermans bastion, as you enter the church notice the intricate detail of the roof, it just shows how beautiful the church is both inside and out. The cost to enter like most places are increasing, yet it still only costs just £4.60 as of 2020, this includes access to the top of the tower.
Budas Labyrinth, at a cost of £7 its a great activity for an hour or two whilst you explore the Buda side. The entrance is located on Uri Utca street ( 200m form Mattais Church). The Labyrinth is not designed to be a scary experience but with Artificial fog, dim lights as well as props, adds to the mysterious atmosphere and could be scary for young children. Despite this, the labyrinth gives you a chance to explore a maze of passageways that were used as a shelter, a prison and even a hospital during WWII. It is very informative and something slightly different during your stay in Budapest.
Opt to walk up to the Citadel located at the top of Gellert Hill for a view over the city. It was originally built in 1854 to act a surveillance point for the entire city and is now a common tourist hot spot to gaze right across Budapest.
Pest side
So you can manage your time wisely and not walk back on yourself all the time, we've split the pest side into districts.
District V
Want a bit of history and to learn more about the building people always take photos of? Well that's Parliament and it has a very popular tour so book ahead and go. If the tours are fully booked then admire it from all angles, it truly is a beautiful building. As you walk along the rivers side past you may come across shoes on the River Danube. This is a memorial to honour Jews that died along the river bank during WWII. Victims were forced to remove their shoes at gunpoint before being executed, falling over the edge into the freezing river below, a haunting tribute to this time in history.
Away from the river bank is the St Stephen's Basilica, a central point to other attractions such as parliament, the river and the main shopping district. At only 200 froint (50p) it is well worth a visit. As you step in, to the right, there is a lift/stairs that takes you up to a second floor and then a few more steps round a corner leading to the dome. The views from here are spectacular.
The 'inner city' central market hall is situated along the boarder of district v and district IX. It is essentially a large farmers market, where you can find a vast array of fruit, veg, pastries, meat and even alcohol. A great place to pick up a snack or buy some locally produced food for meal times.
Special mention to Gelarto Rosa for the most photographable ice cream you'll ever see.
District VI
Terror haza museum, another place to find endless information within exhibitions about fascist and communist regimes in the 20th century. It is also a memorial to the victims of those tortured and killed in this the very same building, holding an important part of Hungary's past. It includes the horrors of wwII but also the terror of what unfolded after that many are not aware of.
Fancy some singing or a live show why not go to the Hungarian state opera, book to see and listen to opera or just take a walk past the impressive building
District VII
Szimpla kert (Jewish Quarter) is not to be missed if you fancy some live music, unique drinks and a quirky atmosphere. Szimpla kert is an old ruin converted into a series of bars, located in the Jewish quarter; a popular area for bustling night life. Colourful lights light up several different staircases which lead up towards different themed rooms. Theres pianos to sit at, bath tubs to sit in and bar stool to sit by with beer and wine prices around £2, cocktails cost a little more. Even if partying or loud music & drinking is not for you, it is well worth a quick visit to see all the surprises it has to offer.
Dohány Street Synagogue also located in the Jewish quarter, it is the second largest synagogue in the world, a place of so much history and one of Budapest's most impressive buildings. If you want to visit you must book a guided tour.
Down the road from Szimpla kert is the Kravan street food & beer garden, something for everyone, take your time relax in the quirky beer garden or take something on the go.
Városliget (City Park)
Hősök tere (Heroes Square) marks the entrance to Városliget, every part of the monument has a played a significant part in determining Hungary's history. The Hungarian war memorial stands in front of the square commemorating those that died for Hungary's independence. It is 1 of 3 sites in Budapest that gave Budapest UNESCO world heritage status.
Head further into the park and you'll find the most popular and largest thermal baths, Széchenyi Thermal Baths, for good reason. It is worth mentioning there's a reason why one pool tends to be less busy, its no where near as warm. Don't make the same mistake I did. There are several thermal baths inside and outside across Budapest, if you fancy somewhere slightly less crowded, its worth checking one of these out.
Vajdahunyad Castle is a fairytale like castle, that is actually little over 100 years old, built as part of the 1000 year celebrations of the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin. Learn by it is a mock up of different styles, you can explore the grounds for free or pay to go into the castle and its exhibitions.
Everything in between
Széchenyi Chain Bridge, a vast stone bridge that connects Buda to Pest, both for cars and for those on foot.
If you feel like a rest but still want to see what Budapest has to offer then A Daytime or Evening River Cruise is for you. They can be cheap, include complementary drinks and depending what time you go give you good view of sunset. You can book this online or whilst walking along the river Danube there plenty of stands selling tickets to various cruises.
Margit-sziget Island (Margaret Island) is an alternative to the busy Pest side, where you can take a stroll along paths taking in all the plants and wildlife. You'll also find locals walking and running round designated routes around the edge of the island. If you have had enough of walking why not rent bikes or a bringo cart if you're in a group and want a laugh. It is a lovely way to spend a few hours after a few busy days.
Further out of the city centre
Catch bus to base of Janoshegy and hike up or catch the ski lift to the highest point in Budapest with the best panoramic view of the whole city at Elizabeth lookout.
One of the most underrated things in Budapest, its caves, opportunities to go caving (not for those with claustrophobia) or on a cave walking tour. So underrated in fact when I meet people who find out I did the caves they get excited someone else has done them - I didn't realise at the time they were so unheard of. With several on offer give it a google depending on if you want the tamer walking tour or more adventurous trip and see which caves take your fancy.
How to get around?
Budapest is a city that is easily accessible on foot, plan your time wisely, visit places that are near each other on the same day, using our guide and that way you won't end up walking back on yourself constantly, that's something we couldn't find before visiting, so we had to google maps what area everything was in, we've done that for you.
However, if you're feet to get tired the subway is super cheap and easy to navigate.
For Janoshegy and the caves catch a bus, this proved a bit confusing for us as the bus we were told we needed no longer existed, thankfully we eventually figured this out and got the bus.
Socks and Sandals