Top sights in Budapest

Budapest has A LOT of sights to see and experiences to be had, which made for a great trip! Here are some of the highlights.

WE COVERED ALL OF THESE SIGHTS AND MORE IN THE 5 DAYS WE SPENT IN BUDAPEST. TO SEE HOW MUCH OUR TRIP COST US, CHECK OUT OUR BUDAPEST BUDGET!

1. Szechenyi Thermal Baths

The thermal baths are not to be missed in my opinion. With 2 baths, a pool and a spa, you can spend the whole day there if you wish! My advice is to go EARLY to avoid the crowds and have some peace and quiet before people start flooding in.

2. Danube River

Head out on a river cruise along the Danube River. This river goes all the way to Germany - although you won’t on this 1 hour boat ride! It’s a great way to see a bit more of the city, and the views on both the Buda and Pest sides are amazing!

3. Heroes' Square

On your way to the thermal baths, stop off at Heroes Square and have a mooch around.

It’s one of the iconic landmarks of the city, and has an impressive monument as a nod to previous leaders.

Take a photo in front of the Millennium Monument for an absolute money shot of a snap.

4. Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of my favourite buildings in Budapest. I love the neo-gothic style architecture, and it stands out so vividly from all angles - especially if you’re on a boat cruise along the river!

5. Buda Castle

Buda Castle gives off great views of the city, and is one of the main attractions of Budapest. They built the original buildings in 1200’s, and was home to the Kings of Budapest. Add this to your list of things to see on the Buda side of the city.

6. Fisherman's Bastion

Along with the Parliament Building, this is my other favourite building in Budapest. I think it’s Dan’s favourite building in the WORLD! It is so unique, I honestly don’t think I’ve seen another building even remotely like this one before. I would also advise to head out there early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and so you can take in the uninterrupted panoramic views of Budapest. Allow enough time to go round here as you will want to spend longer than planned, that’s for sure!

“Along with the Parliament Building, this is my other favourite building in Budapest. I think it’s Dan’s favourite building in the WORLD!”

7. St. Stephen's Basilica

This Roman Catholic Basilica is named after the first King of Hungary, and is a very impressive Basilica. The surrounding areas are home to lots of Al Fresco cafes and restaurants, and so stop off at one of these and enjoy the view of the Basilica!

8. Gellert Hill

It wouldn’t be a Hayles Hit List without a climb or a hike. Gellert Hill is a pretty tame climb I won’t lie, but go in peak summer and you might find it a little tasty! The views from the top split Buda and Pest, allowing you to see the whole city from the same viewpoint .

9. Széchenyi Chain Bridge

As of May 2022 the bridge was out of action as this was also under renovations, but you will undoubtedly walk past it during your visit to Budapest due to its central location. This was the first stone bridge to connect Buda and Pest, and so will easily take you from one side of the city now that it’s back up and running!

For the full rundown of how much our trip to Budapest cost, check out our post 'Your trip to Budapest cost HOW much?!'