Things to do in Budapest: thermal baths, landmarks & cafés
- Mar 25
- 6 min read
When we think about Budapest, one thing is clear: this is a city made for walking.
You can spend hours exploring its parks, streets, and monuments. The architecture is unique, and you only really appreciate it when you’re there, walking between imperial buildings and historic streets.
It’s a great destination for a 2–3 day trip. Even though it’s a big city, most of the main spots are relatively close to each other, either walkable or just a short ride away.
Like we mentioned in our BERLIN GUIDE, something similar happens here: Budapest is full of history that you don’t understand what you’re actually seeing. That’s why doing a free walking tour is key. Local guides help you understand what you’re actually seeing, turning it into more than just stopping, taking a photo, and moving on.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to do in Budapest, from the best places to walk, to thermal baths and historic cafés.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
🏛️ Must-see landmarks – Parliament, Basilica & more
🚶 Walking the city – bridges, streets and viewpoints
♨️ Thermal baths – the must-do experience
☕ Historic cafés – where to stop and relax
✨ Other experiences – tours, cruises and tastings
📅 Travel tips – how many days and how to plan
Things to do in Budapest
Here are some places you definitely shouldn’t miss
Must-see landmarks
🟠 Visit the Hungarian Parliament
This is, without a doubt, the city’s main icon.
You’ll be impressed by its massive size, its stunning neo-Gothic facade, and its luxurious interior filled with gold and marble. It sits right on the Danube and is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world.
How to visit:
Outside: Walking around Kossuth Square and along the river is already worth it, especially at sunset when the lights come on.
Inside: You’ll need to book tickets in advance if you want to see the grand staircase, the dome, and the Holy Crown. Visits are guided and available in different languages.
🟠 See the Shoes on the Danube
Just a short walk from the Parliament, along the riverbank, you’ll find one of the simplest yet most powerful memorials in Europe.
It’s made up of 60 pairs of iron shoes attached to the ground, created by sculptor Gyula Pauer and filmmaker Can Togay.
This monument honors the Jewish victims executed by the Arrow Cross militia during World War II. They were forced to remove their shoes, a valuable possession at the time, before being shot, so their bodies would fall into the river and be carried away.
🟠 Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica
Dedicated to Hungary’s first king, this basilica is not only a religious site but also a symbol of power.
At 96 meters tall, it matches the Parliament as the tallest building in the city.
What to do here:
Go up to the dome: This is a must. You can take the elevator (or stairs if you’re feeling brave) for a 360° view of the city. One of the best viewpoints in Budapest.
See the Holy Right Hand: A preserved relic of St. Stephen, kept in a side chapel.
Admire the interior: Marble, gold details, and incredible mosaics.
🟠 Visit the Central Market Hall
This is the largest and oldest market in the city.
The first thing you’ll notice is the building itself: a mix of iron structure and colorful tiled roofs. Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and meats to traditional Hungarian food and souvenirs.
Walking the city
🟠 Walk across the Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is more than just a bridge, it’s the symbol of the connection between Buda and Pest.
It was the first permanent bridge linking both sides of the Danube, and after being almost completely destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt into what you see today.
What makes it special:
Postcard views: The views from here are incredible, especially if you find the angle with Buda Castle in the background.
Sunset spot: One of our favorite plans, sit by the Pest side, grab a drink, and watch the sky turn orange behind Buda’s hills with the bridge lighting up.
🟠 Walk along Váci Street
This is the most famous pedestrian street in Budapest, and you’ll probably end up walking through it more than once.
It connects the Central Market to Vörösmarty Square and is always full of life, historic buildings, international stores, and cafés.
You’ll also find plenty of traditional restaurants where you can try goulash, the classic Hungarian dish.
🟠 Picnic at Jászai Mari tér
After all the walking, this is the perfect place to stop, eat something, and recharge.
It’s located next to Margaret Bridge and has great views of the Danube and Margaret Island.
Thermal baths – a must-do experience
This is THE experience.
Budapest is known as the “City of Spas,” and you really shouldn’t leave without trying one.
We went to Széchenyi Baths, and it’s honestly something you should experience at least once.
There’s nothing better than relaxing in hot outdoor pools surrounded by palace-like buildings.
One thing though… if you go in winter, get ready to run between pools 😂The temperature contrast is intense, but once you’re in the 100°F water, you forget everything.
Historic cafés:
Budapest has some incredible historic cafés with a lot of character. Some of the most well-known:
One of the oldest and most famous cafés in Budapest, opened in 1858.
Elegant interiors and amazing pastries make it a classic spot.
Their specialties include traditional desserts like Dobos cake and chimney cake.
One of the most luxurious cafés in the city and probably one of the most beautiful.
Opened in 1894, it used to be a meeting place for high society.
The ceilings, marble columns, and gold details are stunning.
That said, it’s quite touristy and expensive, with long lines more about the architecture than the experience.
Our favorite for a more authentic experience.
It still keeps the atmosphere of the pre–World War I era — high ceilings, marble columns, and a calmer vibe. Perfect for sitting down and enjoying a traditional coffee without rushing.
Other experiences worth trying
If you have more time, there are a few extra experiences that are very popular in Budapest:
BEER SPA 🍻
Our experience in Budapest
Budapest surprised us more than we expected.
We didn’t arrive with a strict plan we just wanted to explore a new city and try a thermal bath. But we ended up loving the whole place.
We really enjoyed walking around Buda, going up to Fisherman’s Bastion, and seeing the city from above.
And we loved the vibe in Pest hidden bars inside old buildings, cool streets, and good food everywhere.
It was a relaxed trip, but every day felt like a perfect walk that ended with a local beer and an amazing view.
Travel tips – how to plan your time in Budapest
If you're planning your trip, this is what we’d recommend based on our experience:
How many days: 2–3 days is enough to see the main highlights without rushing.
Expect to walk a lot: Most of the main attractions are close to each other, so walking is often the best way to explore.
Do a free walking tour: It really helps you understand the city’s history, otherwise, many places won’t mean much at first.
Don’t skip the thermal baths: Even if it sounds touristy, it’s one of the most unique experiences in the city.
Mix Buda and Pest: Both sides feel completely different, and exploring both is part of what makes Budapest special.
Keep planning your trip to Budapest
Once you’ve got your list of things to do, the next step is choosing where to stay and understanding how to get around that’s what really helps you make the most of your time in the city.
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