Things to do in Budapest, Central Hungary: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

January 25, 2022 Moriah Teneyck

Over 15 million gallons of water bubble daily into Budapest's 118 springs and boreholes. The city of spas offers an astounding array of baths, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the vast 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a dramatic 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. The "Queen of the Danube" is also steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Get your camera ready for the Roman ruins of the Aquincum Museum, Heroes' Square and Statue Park, and the 300-foot dome of St. Stephen's Basilica.
Restaurants in Budapest

1. Varhegy

Szent Gyorgy Ter Square Buda Castle, Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 201 4927 http://budacastlebudapest.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10,653 reviews

Varhegy

Lovingly restored after being reduced to rubble during World War II, this picturesque area is located in the heart of medieval Budapest, which is characterized by cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and lovely squares surrounded by baroque and classical buildings.

Reviewed By ParvizM2013 - San Diego, United States

We decided to spend almost one day on the Buda side of Budapest and walk the hills of Buda Castle and see the beautiful attractions over there and also watch the beautiful views of Budapest from up there on the hills. The main attractions on the Buda side include Buda Castle, Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. From our hotel in the city center, we could take a bus directly to Fisherman’s Bastion or walk. We decided to walk since we could see the beautiful Chain Bridge again and also walk up the Buda Castle Hills and see the panoramic views of the city. It took us about 45 minutes to walk from our hotel Moments to the top of the hills. It is of course hilly, but is a nice walk. On our way, we passed the Buda Castle, National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. These are all beautiful structures. We skipped going inside the buildings since we wanted to spend more time outside and see the views of the city. Of all these sites, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are truly magnificent and we really liked Fisherman’s Bastion. The structures and the views from there are really fantastic. I will review Fisherman’s Bastion separately. The Matthias Church is an amazingly beautiful building. We did not go inside, but the outside structure is so colorful and pretty. All together, we spent about 4 hours walking the Buda Castle Hill and other attractions on the Buda side and took the bus directly from there back to the city center on the Pest side, about 15 minutes bus ride. The walk was very nice and we all enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend it.

2. Halaszbastya

Szentharomsag Ter, Budapest 1014 Hungary [email protected] http://www.fishermansbastion.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31,812 reviews

Halaszbastya

Built during the 19th century for the Hungarian Millennium celebrations, this mock bastion features pointed towers and turrets, reminiscent of the fairytale castles in Disney World.

Reviewed By Alessia_sp - Mosta, Malta

If you love pictures you certainly cannot miss the most popular selfie location...We had the perfect day on Buda side exploring the Budapest Castle grounds, followed by Fisherman's Bastions and the top of Buda where there is a beautiful garden and a stunning little village and church. The Buda sightseeing bus is the perfect way to get yourself to each stop without too much walking. When you get to the Fisherman's Bastions make sure to look at the views as long as take a selfie and group picture, the architecture is really beautiful. I would suggest going early so that you can appreciate the place without all the crowd. Pictures on @lessiaestil

3. Fountain of King Matthias

Szent Gyorgy U Budapest Castle Courtyard, Budapest 1014 Hungary
Excellent
47%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 765 reviews

Fountain of King Matthias

Reviewed By lady_britts - Bexley, United Kingdom

We literally stumbled across this very lovely sculpture/water fountain in passing on our way to the Royal Palace. Depicting the young King Matthias hunting with his dogs, it is striking and lovely to spend a few moments in front of.

4. Castle Garden

Ybl Miklos ter 2-6., Budapest 1013 Hungary +36 1 225 0554 [email protected] http://www.varkertbazar.hu/
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Castle Garden

The World Heritage Site Castle Garden is Budapest’s modernest and most imposing venue, where classical renaissance meets contemporary architecture in design. Thousands of square meters of outdoor venues, multifunctional event spaces, exhibition areas and exclusive panorama terraces alternate in the building complex. However, Castle Garden is much more, than a venue. It serves as the gate of Buda Castle, it is the home of permanent and temporary exhibitions, concerts, festivals and family events. Moreover, it is Buda’s cultural stop and a leisure place in the Neorenaissance garden.

Reviewed By OZS_ATW - Budapest, Hungary

Castle Garden is a must to see when you are in Budapest. It was built between 1875 and 1883 in the Neo-Renaissance style according to the plans of Miklós Ybl. Walk up the Castle starting from Castle Garden!

5. The statue of the Great Ho-ho-ho Horgasz's Chief Worm

Bem rakpart Middle of the stairs at Halász utca, Budapest 1011 Hungary
Excellent
53%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

The statue of the Great Ho-ho-ho Horgasz's Chief Worm

Reviewed By r383ccaCgb - England, United Kingdom

We made a new friend by the river!! We had read about the statue but did not go out of our way to see it... we found it just as we walked past. Hes very quirky and dressed well for the cold weather by the Danube

6. Arpad Toth Promenade (Setany)

from Kapisztran ter to Szent Gyorgy u., Budapest Hungary http://budavar.btk.mta.hu/en/streets-squares-buildings/toth-arpad-lane.html
Excellent
44%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 64 reviews

Arpad Toth Promenade (Setany)

7. Budatower

Kapisztran ter 6., Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 30 951 0487 [email protected] http://www.budatower.hu/en/
Excellent
21%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
28%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 145 reviews

Budatower

Budatower is temporarily closed due to coronavirus protection measure. The oldest building in Kapisztran square is the Mary Magdalene Tower built in late Gothic style, also the only medieval monument maintained in its original form. The building was severely damaged during the 1945 siege of Budapest. The restoration of the Tower as a monument began in 1950, but at the same time, the leaders of the anti-church regime decided to demolish the church. After being closed to the public for decades, Mary Magdalene Tower opened its doors to visitors again in the summer of 2017. The lookout tower on the higher level offers an extraordinary panorama with views to the most important buildings of Budapest and the nearby Buda hilltops. The 15th century building will soon be home to a cultural and tourism centre providing insight into both the Buda Castle and the church, as well as the Midday bell chimes and how it is connected to Hungarian history.

Reviewed By Kat35 - Exeter, United Kingdom

Magdalen(buda) tower opened to the public in 2017. There are approximately  165 steps to the top for fabulous views across the Danube & the 3 cities . A narrow stone spiral staircase takes you up & a degree of fitness is required. Entry costs 1500huf which is about £4. Free with a Budapest card. The history of the area is depicted on the different levels. The bells chime a lovely melody on the hour.

8. Miklos Ybl Square

Ybl Miklos Ter, At the Foot of Gellert Hill, Budapest Hungary http://budavar.btk.mta.hu/en/streets-squares-buildings/ybl-miklos-square.html
Excellent
30%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 27 reviews

Miklos Ybl Square

Reviewed By MarriedAnd-Over-50 - Mission, Canada

When you visit Buda Castle you will drive by Miklos Ybl Square and will see the sculptures outside. You can of course get off and take a closer look. It is very impressive to see the size of these sculptures. Miklos Ybl was of course a very famous and talented Architect whose work can be admired throughout Hungary. These soldiers is a memorial to WW1 and and of astronomical size. Very impressive

9. Becsi Kapu Square

Becsi kapu ter, Budapest 1014 Hungary
Excellent
19%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
38%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 73 reviews

Becsi Kapu Square

10. De la Motte - Beer Palota

Disz ter 15, Budapest 1014 Hungary +36 1 202 6288 http://www.forsterkozpont.hu/tartalom.php?idt=20130618090002
Excellent
38%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

De la Motte - Beer Palota

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