8 things to do outdoors in Budapest on a Sunny Day

8 things to do outdoors in Budapest on a Sunny Day

From cruising down the Danube to soaking in a thermal bath, discover the best things to do outside in Budapest.

Budapest is known for its architecture, public baths, incredible history, and enchanting green spaces. Founded in 1878 as a merger between three neighborhoods, the remarkable city is the heart of Hungary. It’s grown over the centuries around the gorgeous Danube River, but to this day, the more historic neighborhood west of the river is known as Buda, while the flatter eastern half is Pest. From exploring the Danube River to discovering the city’s best green spaces, discover both sides of the city with this guide to the eight best things to do outdoors in Budapest on a sunny day.

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Visiting the thermal baths is one of the best and most relaxing things to do outdoors in Budapest.

1. Soak in the sun at the incredible Széchenyi Thermal Bath

If you’ve only seen one photo of a public bath in Europe, it was likely the world-famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The decadent thermal spring bath complex is the largest in Budapest and contains three massive outdoor pools and 15 indoor pools for guests to explore, making it one of the best things to do outdoors in Budapest.

Insider tip

Your one-time entrance for the baths gives you access for the entire day, so be sure to get there early and make the most of the experience. Bring your swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, and a change of clothes.

Opening hours

Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146. Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM-8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

See the best experiences at the Szechenyi Thermal Bath

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Experience Budapest's beautiful architecture and greenery from a different vantage point with a cruise on the Danube.

2. Take a cruise down the Danube River

Budapest grew around the Danube River, one of the most important rivers in all of Europe. A boat trip should top your list of things to do outdoors in Budapest. There are dozens of Danube cruise and boat tours to choose from, all drawing different types of visitors. Cruising down the river while taking in the sights, sounds, nature, and culture makes spending an afternoon on the river one of the best things to do in Budapest when it’s sunny.

Insider tip

Plenty of boat tours and cruises leave daily, but many sell out in high season. It’s best to research and reserve your spot in advance.

Explore the best cruises and boat tours in Budapest

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Photo: Rafal Gaweda

Catch a glimpse of the Fisherman's Bastion monument on a guided tour of Budapest.

3. Get your bearings on a walking or biking tour

A walking or biking tour is a great sunny day activity to do early during your stay in Budapest — particularly through the winding streets of the Castel Hill area. Tour guides will give historical context to the sights, bring you to points of interest, and point out some hidden gems and favorite local restaurants.

Insider tip

There is a wide variety of walking and biking tours, from free to private walking tours, bike tours, e-bike tours, and walking food tours. There are even tours that will bring you into the city’s caves if getting lost in an underground labyrinth is more your speed.

Discover the best walking tours in Budapest

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Travel just outside the city to experience a slower way of life on the Danube Bend.

4. Discover the nature and small towns of the Danube Bend

About 40 km north of Budapest, you’ll find the Danube Bend, regarded as the most beautiful section of the 3,000 km-long Danube River. The bend occurs right where two hills force the river to change direction, creating stunning scenery and panoramic viewpoints. If you’re looking to get out of the city and into some nature on a sunny day in Budapest, the Danube Bend area is perfect.

Highlights

  • Visit the small historic towns of Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre, all charming for their own reasons and all within an hour’s drive of Budapest
  • Duna-Ipoly Nemzeti National Park is a beautiful piece of nature worth exploring if you have the time

Explore the best tours and trips near the Danube Bend

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Photo: Dennis Jarvis

The Gellert Hill Cave is just one of the historic sights to take in at the Citadella.

5. Hike around the Citadella

A symbol of Budapest, the Citadella was constructed in response to the suppression of the Hungarian Revolution in 1848. It’s located in one of the largest open green spaces in the city, and wandering through it on a sunny afternoon is one of the best free things to do in Budapest.

Highlights

  • Check out Gellért Hill Cave, a Catholic church built into the rocks
  • Stop at the Citadel Lookout, a must-visit viewpoint for photographers
  • See the Prince Of Buda & The Princess Of Pest Monument, a unique statue inside the park

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Citadella stny. 1, 1118. The outdoor monument is free to visit 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Explore the best experiences of the Citadella

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Photo: Patrick Mueller

Explore the urban greenery of Budapest with a trip to Margaret Island.

6. Explore Margaret Island

Margaret Island is a small yet enchanting spot on the Danube River, dividing the Buda and Pest sides of the city. In the summer, the island is known for having live music and pop-up bars. Imagine the water flowing by, melodies floating between trees, and a cool drink on a warm day.

Highlights

  • Walk or jog the paths weaving through parklands
  • See a 57-meter Art Nouveau water tower from 1911
  • Visit the Ruins of a 13th-century Dominican convent
  • Relax in thermal spas and swimming pools

Address and opening hours

Budapest, 1138. Open 24 hours a day, all year round.

See the best tours and attractions of Margaret Island

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Thermal baths are the perfect way to relax after exploring the beautiful city of Budapest.

7. Heal in the magic waters of the Gellért Thermal Bath

There are 10 pools of various sizes throughout the Gellért Spa, ranging from 35-40 degrees Celsius (95-104 degrees Fahrenheit). The most famous pool in the thermal baths has an elegant arched roof, massive columns, and ornate cerulean tilework. Enjoy the outdoor leisure pool and wave pool, one of the best things to do outside in Budapest.

Insider tip

The main hall is free to visit, where you’ll see stunning Art Nouveau architecture, but you’ll have to pay to enter the spa. You can pay for additional services like a private cabin and a massage.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118. Open daily from 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Relax at the Gellert Spa with tickets and tours

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Capture the beauty of Budapest's greenery at the ELTE Füvészkert Botanical Gardens.

8. Stop and smell the flowers at the ELTE Füvészkert Botanical Gardens

Opened in 1771, ELTE Füvészkert is a lush botanical garden displaying an impressive collection of tropical plants, orchids, cacti, huge water lilies, and other unique flora. You can even buy flowers and plants at the Fitoland shop just inside.

Insider Tip

The gardens are right across the street from the Hungarian National Museum, so if you want a break from the heat on a summer’s day, you can check out both of these top attractions in Budapest in one afternoon.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Illés u. 25, 1083. Open daily from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Explore the best garden and park tours in Budapest

FAQs

What are some family-friendly outdoor activities in Budapest?

Exploring Margaret Island, going on a city walking tour, or visiting the thermal baths are all great family-friendly activities.

What is there to do in Budapest at night?

Budapest has a very active nightlife scene, full of clubs, bars, boat tours, wine cellars, and their famous “ruin bars” (hip spots reconstructed from once-abandoned buildings).

What are the driest months in Budapest?

The driest months in Budapest are January, February, March, April, July, and December. It gets cold in winter, so for most outdoor adventures, you’ll want to plan a spring or summer trip.

Are there good walking and cycling trails in Budapest?

Yes, the city is full of walking and biking paths. Walking or biking around Margaret Island or the Citadella are two lovely sunny day activities in Budapest.

What are some good weekend trips from Budapest to enjoy the outdoors?

A full weekend trip near the Danube Bend is a perfect escape from the city. You can even go all the way to Sopron (a historic town dating back to the Roman Empire) or any of the small historic towns in the region brimming with Hungarian folk culture.

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