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Things to do in
Budapest

Coveted by both the East and the West, Budapest's blend of culture, art, and architecture will leave you charmed.

Our most recommended things to do in Budapest

Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

1. Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

Discover Budapest on a romantic sightseeing cruise along the River Danube. See the old buildings - depending on the time day - lit up and get the best views while sipping a complimentary glass of welcome drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic). Climb aboard the boat at the pier at Dock 42 port next to Budapest's Szent István Park and receive your welcome drink upon arrival. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you cruise along the calm Danube River. See the stunning city of Budapest from a whole new perspective and admire the skyline. Sail down the river and marvel at passing monuments such as the National Parliament, Buda Castle, and the recently restored Várkert Bazár. Head to the open deck for perfect views of the illuminated Vigadó Concert Hall, or look at the floodlit monuments - depending on the time day - between the Margaret Bridge and Rákóczi Bridge from the comfort of the deck either with panoramic windows or open air. You are free to change places at any time (since Budapest uses the illumination to commemorate certain events like Earth Hour, Fight Against Breast Cancer, and national events, the light may vary in color and intensity). The tour is not guided, experience the city more like a local - the boat functions as a floating coffee house or pub experience with its own bar available during the cruise. Feeling thirsty? No worries, treat yourself to another drink from the pub onboard or have a hot cup of coffee from the coffee house if you like. Finally, end your cruise sailing back to the pier with long-lasting memories and great pictures.

Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco

2. Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco

Discover Budapest at night on a boat trip along the Danube River. Sip on unlimited glasses of high-quality prosecco or homemade lemonade as you admire the Hungarian capital's top sights from the water. See the Hungarian Parliament Building, Liberty Bridge, and much more. Learn about the landmarks from the included audio guide. Board the boat on the Pest side of the river. Check in, choose your seat and settle down with a welcome drink of Hungarian sparkling wine, spritzer, or homemade lemonade. Take in the amazing views of Budapest's key attractions from your seat as you listen to the recorded English commentary. When you get thirsty, visit the bar for unlimited free refills on your sparkling wine, spritzer, or lemonade, or buy other drinks if you prefer. Head to the top deck to capture incredible photos of Budapest from the water or you on the boat. Relax as you enjoy the views, drinks, and music. Choose our Dip 'n' Crust option and snack on 3 different types of dips paired with homemade rosemary focaccia. Experience our chef's delicious truffle pasta straight out of a giant Parmesan wheel on the boat. Enjoy the fresh meal while cruising in the most enchanting city in Europe. Once you've indulged, return to the dock.

Budapest: Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise

3. Budapest: Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise

Get a different perspective on Budapest's landmarks with a sightseeing cruise at night or during the day. Cruise under the city's beautiful bridges, see the riverside promenade, and check out other Budapest sights. During the cruise, pass under some of Budapest's most well-known bridges: the Chain Bridge with its guardian lions, the Elizabeth Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge, famous for connecting the Central Market Hall with the Gellert Spa. Cruise by the Danube Promenade and take in Vigadó Square. See the statue of Saint Gellért atop Gellert Hill, as well as the Royal Palace and the Parliament. Purchase a cold beer in the summer months or a warm tea in the winter months.

Budapest: Széchenyi Spa Full Day with Optional Pálinka Tour

4. Budapest: Széchenyi Spa Full Day with Optional Pálinka Tour

Immerse yourself in a day of relaxation and cultural exploration with the Széchenyi Thermal Spa & Pálinka Museum combo ticket. Széchenyi Bath, the largest thermal spring bath complex in Budapest and throughout Europe, is the height of European elegance. Built in 1913 in a captivating Neo-baroque style, the spa has a rich history, evolving from private steam baths to a vast complex featuring 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. But the experience doesn't end at the spa; it extends into the heart of Hungarian culture with an optional guided tour inside the Pálinka Museum. After your rejuvenating day at the spa, venture into the city center to savor the flavors of the “Hungarian spirit”. Hungary's well-known fruit-based liquor, Pálinka, is deeply ingrained in the culture of the country. Unlike whiskey or vodka, it is exclusively crafted from a variety of fruits, resulting in a uniquely aromatic profile. Gain insights into Hungary's Pálinka Act of Parliament, a testament to the country's commitment to regulating and preserving the production and quality of the spirit. The museum provides a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and heritage behind this iconic drink. Reserve your Széchenyi Thermal Spa & Pálinka Museum combo ticket now for the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.

Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

5. Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

Enjoy this 1-hour evening sightseeing cruise on the legendary blue Danube and sail between the Buda and Pest sides of magical Budapest. Board the boat directly at the pier in central Budapest, and sip a drink of your choice. Sip a glass of champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink or mineral water. During the cruise you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, admire the massive Budapest Parliament Building and see the Buda Castle on the hill. You’ll learn about the main sights from the 30-language audio guide. Once the tour has concluded, the boat will take you back to the pier in central Budapest.

Budapest: Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer

6. Budapest: Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer

Avoid the hassle of public transport with this comfortable and reliable transfer from the airport to your hotel in Budapest. Enjoy an easy transfer by shared bus to your preferred location in Budapest city center. Choose from either a 1-way or a round-trip ticket, and benefit from 24-hour service.  When you reach the airport arrivals terminal, head to one of the information points to validate your voucher. Once your voucher has been scanned you can board the shuttle bus. With this door-to-door service, your experienced driver will drop you off at your hotel or selected location in central Budapest.

Budapest: Evening Cruise including Drinks and Live Music

7. Budapest: Evening Cruise including Drinks and Live Music

Cruise under all 6 of the main bridges of Budapest and explore many historically and culturally important sites on this city cruise. Customize your experience with your favorite drinks by choosing the option that suits you, including wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks. The unforgettable atmosphere will be guaranteed by live salon music performed by three musicians from the award-winning Rajkó Folk ensemble. Often cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Budapest is even more stunning from the river. The Buda side is made of a string of World Heritage sites stretching from the Chain Bridge to the Technical University, and includes the Gellért Bath, Mt. Gellért with its Freedom Monument and the Citadella, the Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the opposite side of the river, you can marvel at iconic buildings such as the House of Parliament and the St. Stephen’s Basilica. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy drinks in the air-conditioned cabin and then head to the open-air upper deck to admire the panorama of Budapest by night. The performance also features a marvelous original Hungarian instrument, the famous “cimbalom”. The combination of string instruments and the cimbalom provides a uniquely Hungarian, unforgettable harmony and an outstanding atmosphere on-board. Wish to hear your favorite popular song in a whole new adaptation? During the performance, guests will have a chance to request their favorite songs.

Budapest: Buda Castle Cave Tour

8. Budapest: Buda Castle Cave Tour

Explore a part of the network of underground tunnels under Castle Hill with your guide. Learn more about the history and role of the cave tunnels and their geology. Admire the natural limestone and the manpower that went into creating this labyrinth cave system. Meet for the cave tour either at Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér) or for the shorter tour option at Dárda Street, where you enter the Buda Castle underground cave system. After a short introduction, you will start your tour and learn about the history of the labyrinth-like of the cave system which once served as wine cellars, bomb shelters, and even a medieval prison. Admire the natural limestone caverns and the 800-year-old man-made cellars in one of the most unique caves of Hungary. The tour is a journey through time during where you will be able to learn a lot about not only the geology of the Buda Castle but also about the combined work of man and nature throughout many centuries.

Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

9. Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Enjoy this daytime sightseeing cruise on the legendary blue Danube and sail between the Buda and Pest sides of magical Budapest. Board the boat directly at the pier in central Budapest, and sip a drink of your choice. You can choose a glass of champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water along with a complimentary special Duna Bella lemonade. During the cruise, you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, admire the massive Budapest Parliament Building, see the Buda Castle on the hill, and circle Margaret Island. You’ll learn about the main sights from the 30-language audio guide. In the summer, you can make an optional stop at the cool and green Margaret Island, if you like. You’ll receive a free map of the small island with recommended walking tours and information about sights to see. Afterward, you’ll board the boat for the return trip to central Budapest.

Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket

10. Budapest: The Great Synagogue Skip the Line Ticket

Take a guided tour of Budapest's Great Synagogue to hear about the history and architecture of the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world, as well as the fate of the Hungarian Jews before and after WWII.  Skip the lines and head straight to the security check to start your tour of the Great Synagogue. Visit the Heroes’ Temple, the graveyard, and the Jewish Museum. Honor Holocaust victims at the Emanuel Tree in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. Then use your ticket to enter the Hungarian Jewish Museum next to the Synagogue. Admire its red and yellow brick facade combining Romantic style with Moorish elements. Learn about the life of the Jewish people in Hungary through everyday objects.  See the famous Emmanuel Memorial Tree in the Synagogue's backyard. Admire this magnificent weeping willow's small metal leaves engraved with a name of a Holocaust victim and plaques honoring non-Jewish rescuers.  Then, finish your visit the graveyard in the backyard of the Heroes’ Temple, the burial site of those who died in the ghetto during WWII.

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What people are saying about Budapest

Overall rating

4.4
(58,559 reviews)

The price is cheap and there is a free welcome drink (you can choose juice or wine). You can line up 30 minutes early to choose a better seat. The overall CP value is very high but there seems to be no English guide (it should be okay because everyone is looking at the scenery) )

The city looks gorgeous at night, and we had a good glass of wine to sip on while enjoying the views. You can choose to sit inside or on the deck, but the views are great from inside too, if you pick a table near the window.

Kitti was an awesome tourguide. Very cute and had perfect ideas to make our bachelor party unforgettable. 12/10 recommend!

Karen was brilliant, she was a great story teller with funny jokes along the way. Would highly recommend this tour.

Great! Attentive hosts and very considerate of the guests