7 Cool Things to See and Do in Budapest

If you’re looking for cool things to see and do in Budapest, you’ve come to the right place. A city is known for its architecture, youth culture, and history, Budapest has plenty to do, both on and off the beaten path. If you want to experience a little of everything this European city has to offer, here are 7 cool things that should definitely make it onto your itinerary.

The Ruin Bars

Housed in abandoned buildings, Ruin Bars are the center of nightlife in Budapest. From massive clubs to quirky hipster hangouts, these ‘underground’ watering holes are worth a visit. Check out some of the popular spots like Szimpla Kert, a factory turned multi-level dance club and Instant, a former apartment building that’s now the largest ruin bar in the city. You’ll find art, grunge, electronic dance music, and plenty of interesting people to mingle with.

Underground Caves

Who would have thought?! There’s actually a system of caves beneath Budapest and if you’re not scared of tight spaces, you can visit them. You’ll need to wear a miner’s suit and helmet to protect yourself as you inch your way through the caverns. This experience is intense so expect to crawl through extremely tight spaces.

Veli Bej

Budapest is known for its thermal baths and while you can find them all over the city, you may be met with crowds. Veli Bej dates back to the 16th century and is definitely off-the-beaten-path when it comes to the tourist trail. It’s a favorite for locals who don’t want to deal with the crowds. And, it has all of the amenities and atmosphere as the big names.

Buda Castle

What could be cooler than a real-life castle? This World UNESCO Heritage Sitewas built starting in the 13th century and is a centrepiece of Budapest. You can’t ignore it, and you’ll definitely want to take photos of it. It’s a combination of Baroque and medieval design and now houses the Hungarian National Gallery, one of the city’s top art museums.

Great Market Hall

If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie (or you just love to eat) this is the place you need to visit. It’s three floors of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and locally made goods. Shop for fresh fish, spices, meat, wine, and crafts. You can even eat traditional, Hungarian dishes in between shopping.

Take a Cruise on the Danube River

 

The Danube River is a focal point in Budapest. While it’s nice to take a stroll along the water, it’s even better to hop on a boat and explore it more closely. There are plenty of options to book a river tour, most of which offer dinner and drinks on board.

Walk Across The Chain Bridge

This famous bridgeis a must-see while in Budapest. Make sure to walk across and check out the view while snapping some scenic photos. It dates back to the early 1800s when it was built to connect both sides of the city. It’s now considered a national symbol of pride so don’t miss it.

There’s a ton to see and do whilst visiting Budapest, so give yourself plenty of time to explore this great city.