You are already in Budapest. Europe’s trendiest, fastest-growing, most fun-loving and most exciting city. 

No matter what your tastes are, Budapest has it; from lively nightlife to spectacular monuments with a great history behind them. 

If you’re someone who enjoys discovering local history and wandering among works of art, stick around because this is definitely the place for you. 

We bring you the ultimate guide to the best museums in Budapest. Whether it’s painting, photography, chocolate or Star Wars, you’ve got the best. Shall we get started?

Art Museums in Budapest

Hungarian National Gallery

Szent György tér 2, 1014 

We start in style, literally. The Hungarian National Gallery, also known as Magyar Nemzeti Galéria, in the impressive Buda Castle. One of the most beautiful spots with the best views, if not the best, in the whole city of Budapest. 

The museum’s collection traces the history of Hungary through works of art such as paintings and sculptures. Travel from medieval times to the Renaissance in a unique setting. 

On your way out, don’t forget to stroll around Buda, wander through its centuries-old streets and visit places such as the Matthias Church.

Hungarian National Museum

Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088 

We go to the National Museum, which welcomes us with an impressive neoclassical façade. Inside, in addition to the vault room, you will be able to explore the history of both the city and the country. 

An icon of the 1848 revolution, this museum has been very present in the daily life of the local people since it opened its doors in 1846. 

Its incredible and extensive collection spans from prehistoric times to the communist era.

Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts)

Dózsa György út 41, 1146

One of the most spectacular buildings in the whole city of Budapest is this Museum of Fine Arts. Everything about it is fantastic; its size, its design, its collection and its location. 

Let’s go to a part of the city you should get to know as soon as possible; Heroes’ Square and City Park. The Szépművészeti Múzeum is located in Heroes’ Square at the foot of Andrássy Avenue. 

Egyptian, Antique, Old sculpture gallery, Old master paintings gallery, Modern collection and Graphics collection are the sections of this immense museum that will amaze you, whether you are an art lover or not.

Kunsthalle (Műcsarnok)

Dózsa György út 37, 1146

Don’t go too far. In fact, you only have to cross Heroes’ Square, which is huge. Directly opposite the Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll find this Kunsthalle Art Palace, or Műcsarnok, where you should stop if you’re a contemporary art aficionado. 

That’s its working period, where all their exhibitions and displays, both permanent and temporary, are centred. You will also be pleased to know that they have numerous agreements with other entities for the loan of complete collections and pictorial works by the most outstanding painters in the history of art.

Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art

Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095

We are changing location, changing building, but not genre. What is known as the Müpa Budapest building houses everything your senses and your desire for culture need for a mind-blowing holiday. 

The Béla Bartók National Concert Hall with a capacity of 1700 people, the Festival Theatre and, of course, the Ludwig Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, is what you’ll find in the building, which, by the way, is a truly amazing building in itself. 

This is another of the country’s most important institutions for contemporary art.

Hungarian House of Photography – Mai Manó House

Nagymező u. 20, 1065

But it’s not all painting and sculpture. Art goes beyond that, and in Hungary, if there is an artistic expression that is popular, it is photography. 

Mai Manó, a genius and a central figure in the world of photography, has his own building in the Hungarian capital. Spread over three floors, it pays homage to the photographer Mai Manó and houses small collections of local artists.

Róth miksa museum

Nefelejcs u. 26, 1078 

In our journey through different artistic expressions, it is now time to talk about Miksa Róth, a pioneer and master glass painter and mosaic creator. His works are known and respected all over the world, from Mexico to Norway. 

This is the only place, without having to travel, where you can enjoy his spectacular art and understand the extent of his genius.

Victor Vasarely Museum

Szentlélek tér 6, 1033

There are artists who are true geniuses in one type of artistic expression, and then there are the true masters, who create it. 

This is the case of Victor Vasarely, the creator of what is known as optical art, and you can see two decades of his work with more than 400 works that will make you gawk, knowing that this work is playing with your senses. 

History Museums in Budapest

Hungarian Agricultural Museum (Magyar Mezogazdasagi Muzeum)

Vajdahunyad stny., 1146

Maybe when you read it, the first thing you think is that you have not travelled thousands of kilometres to take a museum about agriculture. Let me tell you, you need to open your mind. 

And if you don’t believe me, find out for yourself when you visit this spectacular museum inside the Vajdahunyad Castle. Yes, you have to go through the gates of the castle to discover all its secrets, and one of them is this Hungarian Agricultural Museum, whose architecture will make you fall in love with it, and its interior lives up to the expectations you have when you see its façade. 

Inside you will find all the information, more interesting than you can imagine, about everything there is to know about hunting, fishing and agriculture over the years.

Budapest History Museum & Castle Museum

Szent György tér 2, 1014

Back to that place where you fell in love with the views of the city; the Buda Castle. This time stop by to learn about the history of Budapest. Through hundreds of historical artefacts, you will learn how life in the Hungarian capital has evolved over the centuries.

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Lovas út 4/c, 1012 

Few museums have you visited like this one. Hidden in the stone and at the foot of the Buda Castle, this museum opened in 2008 and shows us through its more than 2000 square metres of tunnels the reality of life down here when the place was used as a hospital and a bunker from 1935.

House of Terror Museum

Andrássy út 60, 1062

One of the most popular museums in Budapest, and that’s saying a lot. This building pays tribute to the victims of the totalitarian systems that ruled the country for years. 

Torture and murder took place within its walls and all this is told through photographs, stories and artefacts, to make all visitors aware of the barbarity of war and oppression.

Holocaust Memorial Center

Páva u. 39, 1094

In the same spirit of naming those who died in silence and making everyone see all the barbarities that happened on this earth, this place remembers the victims of the holocaust suffered. 

From personal objects and images to true stories.

Kiscelli Museum

Kiscelli u. 108, 1037 

In the area of Óbuda, the third part of the city of Budapest, we have this museum which serves to illustrate the everyday life of the local citizens from the 18th to the 20th century.

Transport Museums in Budapest

Aeropark Budapest

BUD Nemzetközi Repülőtér, 1185

This open-air museum is an amazing place whether you like planes or not. No models, no recreations, here you’ll find real planes that show you the evolution of Hungarian aeronautics. 

You’ll have a great time, with friendly guides, activities, curiosities and even a helicopter simulator. There’s no excuse not to visit it, it’s at the entrance to the airport, so you’re bound to pass by.

Hungarian Railway Museum (Magyar Vasuttorteneti Park)

Tatai u. 95, 1142

Train lovers, please stop by. More than 70,000 m2 in the open air, with all kinds of machinery, wagons and tools. A real paradise for train and locomotive lovers. It is also in a somewhat secluded location, but perfect for enjoying the good weather, a stroll or even a picnic in the surrounding area. 

And if you’re still hungry for more, you can go to the Millennium Underground Museum, at Deák tér, metro station, to soak up all the information about the first underground railway of Europe.

Urban Public Transport Museum Szentendre 

2000 Szentendre, Dózsa Gy. Street, suburban railway station 

If, in addition to trains and the metro, public transport in general is your thing, then this is the museum for you. 

Here you will see the evolution of public transport in Budapest and the rest of the country. 

Fun and different museums in Budapest

Budapest Pinball Museum (Flippermúzeum)

Radnóti Miklós u. 18, 1137

Anyone up for a trip back in time? I’ll be very direct, do you fancy spending several hours playing original pinball machines from the 20th century? They come in all models and themes. 

And that’s not just a figure of speech, in this museum you can look but you must touch and enjoy. Your ticket entitles you to play with each and every one of the machines on display in its more than 400 square metres of facilities.

Museum of Sweets & Selfies (Szelfimúzeum) No.1: Origin

Paulay Ede u. 43, 1061

If you’re not a lover of selfies and uploading photos to social media, don’t read on, because you’re going to be bored out of your mind here. Or worse, you’re going to spend all your time taking pictures of someone who does. 

Themed rooms, original decorations and crazy stuff await you in this interactive museum. And if that’s not enough, there’s a second part. And whoever says that second parts were never good, has never visited the Museum of Sweets & Selfies (Szelfimúzeum) No.2: Bubbles at Rákóczi út 40. More rooms, more decorations, more photos, unicorns, pearl pools, in short, a real madness that you will love.

Museum of Illusions Budapest

Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 3, 1065

If you are looking for interactive museums where you can have a great time, and if you learn something along the way, this is the place for you. Let yourself be fooled by photos, rooms and pieces that will play with your senses. 

This is suitable for both children and adults, there is no age limit here, what there is is the desire to laugh and leave you with your mouth open.

Travelling Galaxy Exhibition

Kecskeméti u. 5, 1053

You’re not going to believe there’s such a place, but yes, it’s as real as your Star Wars craze. Even if you’re not a fan of one of the most famous sagas in the world, this little museum holds some real gems that will make you wonder; why haven’t I seen all the films? 

Although it focuses mainly on Episodes IV, V & VI, there are references to many of the films. It’s a small temple of original material, from drawings to figurines, and many collectibles.

House of Unicum (Unicum Haz)

Dandár u. 1, 1095

We pass by the factory and museum of one of the most loved and respected national drinks; Unicum. 

This liqueur made from herbs and spices from all around the Hungarian country is as widely used as it is revered. Remedy for everything from tummy aches to colds, and of course, great company for both bad and good times in life. 

Don’t forget to stop by the shop after you’ve learned everything you need to know about making Unicum. Because, you’ve tried it, haven’t you?

Chocolate Museum

Kossuth Lajos tér 10, 1055

Last stop of our super guide to museums in Budapest, and it couldn’t be better. A chocolate museum where you will learn all the secrets of this sweet sin. 

Its cafeteria is a real relic and you will enjoy every step you take in this museum. We recommend you take a look at their website to keep up to date with offers, promotions, workshops and tastings. Yes, tastings, what could be better?