Dohány Street Synagogue
A historic synagogue known as the largest in Europe. It is best visited together with the nearby Jewish Quarter.
Travel tipDress respectfully, as it is a place of worship.
Budapest travel guide
HungaryBasics
CountryHungary
Time zoneEurope/Budapest
CurrencyHUF
Official language(s)Hungarian
It's advisable to buy a public transport card as the public transportation system is well-developed.
Places to visit
Hungarian State Opera House
A stunning Neo-Renaissance opera house admired for its lavish staircase and elegant auditorium. Guided tours are also popular.
Travel tipEven if you do not attend a performance, an interior tour is worthwhile.
Margaret Island
A large island park in the middle of the Danube, with paths, bike lanes, and plenty of space to relax. It is a great place to slow down in the city.
Travel tipExplore it on foot or by bike for the best experience.
Great Market Hall
Budapest’s best-known indoor market, where you can browse food, souvenirs, and quick bites in one place. The building itself is also worth seeing.
Travel tipGo early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
St. Stephen's Basilica
One of Budapest's most important churches, known for its grand dome and richly decorated interior. The panorama from the lookout is a popular bonus.
Travel tipVisit on a clear day if you want the best rooftop views.
Fisherman's Bastion
A landmark viewpoint over the Danube and the Parliament, known for its fairy-tale white stone arcades.
LocationSzentháromság tér, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationBatthyány tér
HoursOpen 24 hours daily
AdmissionPartly free; upper terraces are ticketed
Travel tipSome upper terraces may require a ticket, so check free and paid areas in advance.
Hungarian Parliament Building
An iconic Neo-Gothic landmark whose exterior is impressive, with guided interior tours also very popular.
LocationKossuth Lajos tér 1-3, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationKossuth Lajos tér
HoursTour hours vary by day and booking
AdmissionTicketed
Travel tipBook tours in advance, and for exterior photos, the opposite riverbank offers the best angle.
House of Terror Museum
A powerful exhibition on the Nazi and Communist eras, offering important context for modern Hungarian history.
LocationAndrássy út 60, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationVörösmarty utca
HoursUsually Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
AdmissionTicketed
Travel tipThe subject matter can be intense, so allow time and consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid crowds.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest’s iconic large thermal bath, where you can enjoy both outdoor pools and indoor hot baths.
LocationÁllatkerti körút 9-11, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationSzéchenyi fürdő
HoursTypically daily 06:00–22:00
AdmissionTicketed
Travel tipSome areas may require a swim cap; weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends.
Gellért Spa
One of Budapest's famous thermal baths, perfect for relaxation.
HoursDaily 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Admission5500 HUF
Travel tipVisit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
City Park
Budapest's largest park featuring a variety of recreational facilities.
HoursOpen 24 hours daily
AdmissionFree
Travel tipRent a bike to explore the park.
Buda Castle
A historic castle in Budapest with great city views.
HoursDaily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission2000 HUF
Travel tipTake lots of photos around the castle.
Hungarian National Museum
A museum to explore Hungary's history and culture.
HoursTue - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Admission2000 HUF
Travel tipBring your student ID for discounts on admission.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
An iconic bridge of Budapest offering stunning views.
HoursDaily 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
AdmissionFree
Travel tipVisit at sunset for fantastic photography.
Food to try
Gelarto Rosa
A dessert shop famous for rose-shaped ice cream. It is a fun treat to enjoy while strolling near the basilica.
Travel tipQueues can be long on hot days, so allow extra time.
Menza Restaurant
A popular restaurant for modern Hungarian cuisine, loved by both locals and travelers.
LocationLiszt Ferenc tér 2, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationVörösmarty utca
HoursTypically daily 12:00–24:00
AdmissionMid-range main dishes
Travel tipDinner time can involve a wait, so booking or arriving earlier is a smart move.
New York Café
A spectacularly ornate café and Budapest landmark, great for enjoying drinks and desserts in a grand setting.
LocationErzsébet körút 9-11, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationBlaha Lujza tér
HoursTypically daily 08:00–24:00
AdmissionHigh price range for drinks and desserts
Travel tipIt can be very busy with tourists, so plan extra time for a possible wait.
Rétesh
A popular spot for Hungarian street food, including the crispy layered lángos and other local favorites.
LocationBajcsy-Zsilinszky út 25, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationArany János utca
HoursTypically daily 11:00–22:00
AdmissionMid-range per item
Travel tipMany items are rich and filling, so sharing is a good idea; avoiding the busy lunch rush helps.
Gerbeaud Café
A historic Budapest café dating back to 1858, perfect for classic desserts and coffee.
LocationVörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationVörösmarty tér
HoursTypically daily 09:00–21:00
AdmissionMid to high price range for desserts and coffee
Travel tipAfternoon tea time can be busy, so going a bit earlier is usually more relaxed.
Budapest Street Food
Featuring a variety of iconic street food from Budapest.
HoursDaily 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Admission700 - 1500 HUF
Travel tipMake sure to try a lángos!
Events
Műcsarnok exhibition program
A chance to enjoy curated exhibitions at one of Budapest’s key contemporary art venues. Both the building and the exhibitions are worth seeing.
WhenYear-round
AdmissionVaries by exhibition
Travel tipDuring exhibition changes, some areas may operate differently.
Budapest Spring Festival
A major city cultural festival with a wide program of classical music, opera, theatre, dance, and exhibitions.
WhenEvery spring (April–May)
LocationVarious venues across Budapest
Nearest stationVaries by program
HoursEvery spring, usually April–May
AdmissionVaries by event
Travel tipWith so many events, schedules can be complex, so it’s best to choose your priorities and book early.
Sziget Festival
One of Europe’s biggest music and arts festivals, held in Budapest with a wide range of performances and programs.
WhenEvery August
LocationÓbudai-sziget, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationFilatorigát
HoursUsually in August (dates may vary)
AdmissionTicketed
Travel tipTickets can sell out quickly, so check early if you plan your trip around it.
Danube Festival
A performing arts festival focused on traditional music and dance, showcasing culture from Hungary and nearby regions.
WhenEvery June
LocationMultiple venues, Budapest, Hungary
Nearest stationVaries by program
HoursUsually in June
AdmissionVaries by performance
Travel tipVenues and schedules may be spread across the city, so check the program before you go.
Budapest Wine Festival
A grand wine festival held in Budapest, featuring a variety of wines.
WhenAround October every year
HoursUsually in September
AdmissionTicketed
Travel tipBooking in advance is essential.
Budapest Summer Festival
A festival featuring various music performances and cultural events during the summer.
WhenSummer (June - August)
Travel tipCheck the schedule in advance.
Budapest Christmas Market
A festive market held during the winter Christmas season.
WhenWinter (November - December)
Travel tipDon't miss out on warm drinks and snacks.
Subway lines
H5 => Batthyány térH6 => KözvágóhídH7 => CsepelH8 => GödöllőH9 => CsömörM1 => Vörösmarty térM2 => Örs vezér tereM3 => Kőbánya-KispestM4 => Kelenföld vasútállomásSkanzenvasút => FőbejáratSkanzenvasút => Néprajzi látványtár
Basic travel phrases (English)
Hello
Hello · Greeting
Thank you
Thank you · Thanks
Nice to meet you
Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you
Have a great day
Have a great day · Wishing a good day
Welcome
Welcome · Welcome