What You Must Do in Budapest (and What You Can Skip)

Budapest is one of those cities you can fall in love with instantly – as long as you manage to avoid some of the tourist traps. During my visit, it quickly became clear that not everything in the travel guides is necessarily worth the time. So, if you want to make the most out of your time in the Hungarian capital, read on.

Lets start with what you absolutely must do!

1. Climb Gellért Hill at Sunset or night

It’s a bit of a climb, but the view? Unbeatable. You get to see the entire city, the Danube, the bridges, and the Parliament all in one glance. Take some snacks and a beer with you, sit on a wall, and enjoy watching Budapest turn golden in the sunset or the night view. In my opinion, the best free attraction to end your evening!

2. Stroll Through the Jewish Quarter and Discover Ruin Bars

This part of the city is creative, alternative, and surprisingly vibrant. The ruin bars – with Szimpla Kert being the most famous – are built in abandoned buildings, full of vintage furniture, string lights, and art. During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can even have coffee among the plants; in the evening, the place comes alive.

3. Taste Hungarian Cuisine… But Locally

Avoid the tourist menus with reheated goulash. Look for a place like "Nagycsarnok" (one of the market halls). Or dive into an old-fashioned cafeteria where you can get hearty meals for just a few euros that you won’t find in a guidebook.

4. Visit Margaret Island (Margitsziget)

This green island in the middle of the Danube is perfect for escaping the city's hustle and bustle. Rent a bike or just take a walk. There’s an old monastery, a mini zoo, a fountain show, and an outdoor swimming pool – plus, it’s a meeting spot for locals.

And Now, What You Can Safely Skip...

1. Széchenyi Thermal Baths at Peak Hours

Yes, they are famous. Yes, they are large. And yes, it’s special to float in 38°C water while it’s freezing outside. But… it’s often overcrowded. Unless you go very early in the day, it quickly turns into a loud wellness amusement park. Tip: go instead to a smaller bath like Veli Bej or the quieter Rudas, which has a rooftop terrace!

2. Váci Utca (Shopping Street)

This street is the textbook example of what tourists expect: souvenir shops, expensive cafes, and street musicians. It’s nice for a short walk, but everything here is more expensive and less authentic. Skip this and instead wander through the side streets in the Jewish Quarter or head toward District VIII, where the real Budapest is revealed.

3. Danube Cruises with Dinner Buffets

A sunset boat trip is beautiful, but feel free to skip those tourist cruises with bland food and live music. Instead, take the local tram 2, which works with your public transport card and offers largely the same view, but without the buffet and at a fraction of the price.

Budapest is not a checklist destination. It’s a city to wander, drift, and get lost in. Don’t just follow what everyone else is doing; choose your own path. Skip the crowded spots and seek out the unexpected – because that’s where the magic of Budapest lies.

Do you want more information about this article, or do you have any questions about this? Let me know in the comments, and I'll respond as soon as I can!