Best Things to Do in Budapest

There is no shortage of incredible things to do in Budapest. Hungary, at the geological centre of Europe, has an extraordinary history mixing Eastern and Western traditions. Nowhere is this clearer than in Budapest, where you can find a medley of Turkish buildings, ruin bars, and historic monuments.

Whether you want to explore Budapest’s heritage in the Castle District or have a dip in the famous thermal baths, this city offers a range of experiences that will take you on a journey through its past and present. At E-Magine, we love sharing the beauty of our city on our Budapest Electric Scooter Tours, riding among the Hungarian capital’s most famous attractions.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Budapest, we have you covered. Read our blog for our suggestions on what to do as well as insider tips. If you have any questions for us about our tours, get in touch!

View through an archway of the Fisherman's Bastion at sunrise, showcasing its neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style against a backdrop of the cityscape and sky. One of the must-visit things to do in Budapest for breathtaking views.

Stroll Around Budapest City Park

In Budapest’s City Park, you can find many of the city’s most famous attractions. Spanning around 100 hectares, the park is home to the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Ethnography. The City Park is located between the tram line 1 and tram line 4-6. If you approach it from the town centre, we recommend going through Andrássy Street. This is a beautifully built avenue with the oldest metro line in Europe under it, the metro line M1. These are our must-sees in City Park:

Visit Heroes’ Square

At the end of Andrássy Street you will find Heroes’ Square. This square is dedicated to the major leaders in Hungary’s history, with the Millenium Monument in the middle. It depicts the seven tribes who established Hungary, with Archangel Gabriel at the crest of the central column. You can learn more about Hungary’s history with our E-Scooter Tour in Heroes’ Square, where our guides can share with you their local knowledge.

A monumental square featuring a high column with a statue on top, surrounded by semi-circular colonnades with statues, under a clear blue sky—one of the must-see things to do in Budapest.

Dip into Széchenyi Thermal Baths

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths have attracted people since its opening in 1913. Entering the spa, you will feel like you stepped into an oasis. Not only can you relax in the thermal pools, you can enjoy spa treatments, massages, and saunas, soaking up the leisurely atmosphere. And if you fancy a party, just wait until the night falls, when you can enjoy your drinks while sitting in the pool!

Széchenyi Bath with people in the pool — Source: szechenyibath.hu

Vajdahunyad Castle

Overlooking the lake, Vajdahunyad Castle is an intriguing display of Hungary’s architectural journey. While it was built in the 1890s, it incorporates a number of design styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque. This is a fascinating amalgamation of history and design in one building!

Other Attractions in City Park

The number of attractions in City Park continues to grow as thanks to recent renovations. One notable feature is the House of Music, completed in 2021. This museum is an architectural masterpiece, hosting a number musical exhibitions throughout the year. Just nearby is the children’s musical playground, where kids can create their own melodies. A five-minute walk from the House of Music is the new Museum of Ethnography, an equally beguiling building with its sloped roof!

Tour Margaret Island

On the Danube River, right between Buda and Pest, you’ll find Margaret Island. This tiny island is bursting with things to see, with its musical fountain, flowering gardens, and Medieval ruins. Margaret Island is also a getaway for locals to enjoy the beauties of nature. Cycling around the park and enjoying the light breeze in your hair is the best relaxation! You can learn more about visiting this island with our Ultimate Margaret Island Travel Guide or explore its beautiful parks with our Margaret Island Fairy Garden Tour.

Four people ride electric scooters on a tree-lined road in a park during daytime.

Explore the Castle District

On the Buda side of the city, Castle District towers over the Danube. This hill is home to some of the most famous and historic attractions in Budapest: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. The Castle District forms a major part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about how you can experience each attraction:

Be Awed by Buda Castle

Buda Castle was first built in the 13th century, but the Baroque building seen today was built in the 18th century. You can take a tour inside to admire the interiors or visit the Hungarian National Gallery or Budapest Historical Museum located in the castle. You can also easily reach Buda Castle by using the funicular!

Admire the Views from Fisherman’s Bastion

One of the top attractions in Budapest, Fisherman’s Bastion offers the best views of the city. The original walls were built in the 1700s and were said to be protected by a guild of fishermen, hence the name. The complete terrace was built in the late 19th century, with seven fairytale-like towers representing Hungary’s founders. From the terrace, you can see the Danube River, the Hungarian Parliament, and the city skyline.

A grand building with ornate architecture features pointed towers and a colorful, tiled roof. It is framed by a clear, blue sky and flanked by steps and autumnal trees, making it one of the must-see sights for things to do in Budapest.

Go Inside Matthias Church

Next to Fisherman’s Bastion is Matthias Church. A centrepiece of Buda Castle, the present-day Matthias Church was built in the 14th century. Inside, you can find beautiful paintings that will leave you speechless. You can also climb 197 steps to the top of the church tower for incredible views!

If you’re short on time but still want to explore this stunning district, have a look at our Buda Castle Tour on E-Scooter!

Have a Drink at a Ruin Bar

You can’t leave Budapest without having stopped at one of the ruin bars. These bars have been set up in dilapidated buildings in the city, filled with a mix of knick-knacks and eclectic furniture. Having a cocktail or traditional Hungarian drink here is sure to awaken your senses! Visiting a ruin bar is among our Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Budapest, which you can learn more about with our blog!

A bustling indoor market with various vendors and shoppers offers an eclectic array of things to do in Budapest. The space is adorned with hanging lights, pipes, and quirky decor, creating a lively atmosphere where people eagerly browse and purchase unique items. — (Source – Licence)

Take a Cruise on the Danube River

There’s nothing quite like taking a cruise on the Danube River. Sailing on the waters, you’ll enjoy some of the best sightseeing in the city. Pass by the Castle District, the Hungarian Parliament, the Citadella, and the Chain Bridge to see some of the most iconic landmarks in one go. You can also enjoy a dinner cruise at night for a luxurious experience!

An aerial view of the Danube River at twilight showcases multiple illuminated bridges, including the Chain Bridge, and the Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary. Among the top things to do in Budapest is admiring this breathtaking nighttime panorama.

Explore Budapest on Two Wheels with E-Magine

At E-Magine, we believe that one of the best things to do in Budapest is explore it on two wheels! Our Budapest Electric Scooter Tours allow you to see the best of the city in a short amount of time, all while soaking up knowledge from our local guides. No matter where you want to go, we have a scooter tour for you. If you want to learn more about our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch.