9 best free things to do in Budapest

9 best free things to do in Budapest

From admiring the grand Parliament Building to relaxing in tranquil City Park, here are the top free attractions in Budapest.

The “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest is a captivating capital full of fantastic free attractions and activities.

Take in the neo-Gothic grandeur of the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, uncover City Park’s secrets, soak up the vibes at a buzzing ruin pub, and enjoy stunning views across the city from Fisherman’s Bastion, all without spending a cent.

Whether you’re exploring Budapest on a budget or just looking for some attractions to accompany the top free things to do in Budapest, this guide has got you covered.

Best free things to do in Budapest:

Best place for free views: Fisherman’s Bastion

Best free attraction: City Park

Best free activity: Strolling along the Danube

ivan-rohovchenko-JfYSzjNRYUc-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

One of Budapest’s most impressive structures, the grand Hungarian Parliament Building has an almost overwhelming intricate beauty.

1. Admire the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building

The largest building in Hungary, the extraordinary Hungarian Parliament Building took 20 years to construct and looks more like a cathedral than a government building.

How to best experience it

To get a true sense of this historic landmark in Budapest, simply walk around it — you’ll see all the intricate statues, gargoyles, arches, crests, and other architectural flourishes that have made this building world-famous. Or, take a paid guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament Building to see the lavish interior.

Address and opening hours

Hungarian Parliament Building, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055. Open daily from 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (April-October) and 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (the rest of the year).

pexels-diego-f-parra-33199-15552925-LOWRES.jpg

The extravagant towers of Fisherman’s Bastion offer a breathtaking view of Budapest.

2. Climb up to Fisherman’s Bastion for enchanting views of Budapest

High above the city, the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion offer panoramic views of Budapest below.

How to best experience it

Enjoy Fisherman’s Bastion for free by ascending the paths and steps that lead up from the Danube and sticking to the lower levels (a modest fee is charged for access to the upper terraces). The whole complex is free early morning and at night.

Address and opening hours

Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, 1014. Open daily from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (October-May) and 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (June-September). Free access outside of these times.

pexels-carlo-primo-584963026-28994573-LOWRES.jpg

Beloved by locals, head to Budapest’s magnificent Central Market Hall to experience real Hungarian cuisine.

3. Check out a world of flavor at the Central Market Hall

Budapest’s Central Market Hall is a cavernous, light-filled space with three stories of stalls selling things like paprika paste and körözött cheese spread that offer a great insight into Hungarian cuisine.

How to best experience it

To avoid the crowds of tourists at the imposing main doors, head around the left corner and go in via a side entrance. In general, it’s a good idea to stay off the central lane and explore the market’s wings.

Address and opening hours

Central Market Hall, Budapest, 1093. Open Monday, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM; Tuesday to Friday, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday 6:00 AM–3:00 PM.

7263559412_777ed20e0b_o-LOWRES.jpg

Photo: Dennis Jarvis

The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a moving reminder of the atrocities suffered by Hungarian Jews during WW2.

4. Stroll along the Danube Promenade

A peaceful esplanade on the quieter, less touristy Pest side of the river, the Danube Promenade offers great views of sights like Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge.

How to best experience it

Take the time to visit the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial — 60 pairs of sculpted iron shoes that permanently pay tribute to the Hungarian Jews who, after being forced to remove their shoes, were shot into the river by the fascist Arrow Cross Hungarian militia during WW2.

Address

Danube Promenade, Budapest, 1052

balint-miko-hikERqNynY0-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

The splendid Vajdahunyad Castle is the centerpiece of the sprawling City Park, one of the best free attractions in Budapest.

5. Uncover City Park’s secrets

One of the world’s oldest public spaces, City Park is 100 hectares of gorgeous greenery that you could easily spend an entire day exploring.

How to best experience it

There are a lot of outdoor things to do in Budapest’s City Park, but checking out the fantastical Vajdahunyad Castle should be top of your list. Originally made of wood in 1896, the castle was so popular that it was rebuilt in stone and brick, and features copies of different bits of Hungary’s landmark buildings.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Kós Károly stny., 1146. City Park is open 24/7.

42154578371_ac1ab9bec0_o-LOWRES.jpg

Photo: Anne and David

An oasis in the middle of the River Danube, Margaret Island features fountains, ancient ruins, and an entrancing Japanese Garden.

6. Escape the city on Margaret Island

A haven in the middle of the iconic river Danube, Margaret Island is technically in the center of the city, but it really doesn’t feel like it. This serene space is one of the best free attractions in Budapest.

How to best experience it

While you’re soaking up the relaxed vibe, make sure to check out the musical fountain whose waters “dance” to a seriously eclectic playlist, explore the various ancient ruins that dot the island, and visit the beautiful Japanese Garden for some zen contemplation.

Address and opening hours

Margaret Island, Budapest, 1138. Open 24/7.

nick-night-RrOtl3HSP80-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

Full of character and eccentric furnishings, Budapest’s famous ruin bars embody the city’s special charms.

7. Hang out in a hip ruin bar

Sipping a cocktail in a unique ruin bar is one of the best cheap things to do in Budapest. Ruin bars are set up in abandoned buildings and furnished with everything from old armchairs to vintage bathtubs.

How to best experience it

For a more peaceful ruin bar experience, head to the Sunday morning farmers market (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) at Szimpla Kert.

Address and opening hours

Szimpla Kert, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075. Open Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM–4:00 AM; Saturday, 12:00 PM–4:00 AM; Sunday, 9:00–4:00 AM.

yanny-mishchuk-fU9pbgetP1c-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

An 1849 work of engineering art, the monumental Chain Bridge looks spectacular at night.

8. Walk across the historic Chain Bridge

The beautiful Chain Bridge in Budapest, the first permanent bridge connecting the cities of Buda and Pest, was built in 1849 and has spanned the Danube ever since. Details like the stone lions guarding the entrances ensure that both artistry and precision are on display here.

How to best experience it

The Chain Bridge looks intricate, imposing, and impressive during the day but absolutely magical at night — the lights reflected in the water lending it an intoxicating air of mystery. You can also join a river cruise on the Danube to pass underneath it and learn more about the bridge’s construction.

Address

Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051

pexels-myersmc16-18191198-LOWRES.jpg

Over 100 years after its construction, the splendor of St Stephen’s Basilica still exerts a transfixing power.

9. See the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica

The largest church in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica still evokes the same sense of awe as when it was built in 1906. It’s worth a trip just to admire the exterior, and while you’ll have to pay a modest fee to go inside, the dazzling interior more than justifies the cost.

How to best experience it

Inside, make sure you see St. Stephen’s most fascinating exhibit — the mummified right hand of St. Stephen himself, the first king of Hungary.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:45 PM; Sunday, 1:00–5:45 PM.

FAQs

What to see in Budapest in one day for free?

There are loads of great free things to do in Budapest. You could easily admire the Hungarian Parliament Building, check out the fantastic views from Fisherman’s Bastion, cross the historic Chain Bridge, stroll along the Danube Promenade, and hang out in a hip ruin bar, all in one day.

Is Budapest Metro free?

No, the Budapest Metro isn’t free, but the tickets are relatively cheap by Western European/US standards, so it’s a very affordable way to get around the city.

Is Budapest very expensive?

While a visit to Budapest is no longer the bargain it once was, it’s still an excellent destination for a budget city break — transport, food, and drink are all affordable, and there are loads of free things to do.

Is City Park Budapest free?

Yes, City Park is free to visit, but you will have to pay for some of the attractions inside the park.

Do you have to pay for Buda Castle?

You can enter the Buda Castle complex for free, but you’ll have to pay to go inside some of the museums that now occupy the castle buildings.

Read more about Budapest: