Wondering what to see and what to do during your stay in the Hungarian capital? We can help you out with a list of attractions and activities that you can try on the Pest side.

Városliget

Being one of the first public parks in the world, Városliget has been the venue for several events and celebrations over the years. As the most popular park in Budapest, it provides abundant entertainment options for families, children, and even dogs.

The Széchenyi fürdő offers thermal water recreation, while the Zoo and the Great Playground are excellent family destinations. Art enthusiasts can find visual delights at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle, located near Heroes’ Square.

Additionally, the Hungarian Music House and the Ethnographic Museum are also worth visiting and have won multiple awards. For sports enthusiasts, there are outdoor courts and fitness facilities.

The Városliget is a fantastic choice throughout the year. In the summer, you can enjoy boating on the lake or relax at Pántlika, the Zöld Küllő, the Piknik Kert, or the Léghajó kert. In winter, the pond turns into an ice rink, perfect for ice skating, followed by a warm-up at the Vársoliget Café.

Széchenyi fürdő

The Széchenyi fürdő, one of Europe’s largest and most elaborate spa complexes, boasts three outdoor pools and a labyrinth of indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Together with the Gellért Gyógyfürdő, these are the most popular and luxurious thermal baths in the city, attracting a large number of tourists during the peak season and Christmas.

The spa was planned in 1868 and finally completed in 1913, showcasing a remarkable blend of neo-Baroque architecture and impressive water engineering. Vilmos Zsigmondy strategically positioned the outlets on the northern side of Városliget, close to Budapest Zoo.

Although the spa’s metro station was only added in 1973, it now provides convenient access for the numerous daily visitors making their way to the main entrance, located opposite the circus.

Besides its health benefits, the spa is also known for its beauty and local visitors.

Hősök tere

After taking a dip in the healthy thermal water of Széchényi, you can continue your walking tour at Heroes Square (Hősök tere). The square is one of the most recognizable spots of Budapest. The statues commemorate the thousand-year history of Hungary as the square was built in 1896 for the celebration of the millennium.

The statues of the seven leaders of the Hungarian tribes, who were the founders of the country, are showcased in the square. The monumental square is situated at the terminus of Andrássy Boulevard, a charming street adorned with stunning neo-renaissance mansions and townhouses, offering numerous cafes, restaurants, and shopping options.

Szépművészeti Múzeum

The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum in Hungarian) is an eclectic Neo-classical building, located on one side of the Heroes’ Square. The building itself is worth a look, but the museum also offers a wide range of exhibitions from some of the most famous artists of the world.

Szent István Bazilika

The Basilica stands as one of the most popular photography spots of our capital city. Being Budapest’s largest church at 98 meters tall, it not only offers tours inside but also provides an opportunity to explore the top of the building.

Once you’ve marveled at the church’s beauty, take a stroll around the vicinity as there are plenty of restaurants and shopping options in the area to enjoy.

Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert, the renowned ruin pub in Budapest, holds the title of being the most extensive and well-known of its kind. Situated on bustling Kazinczy Street, this sprawling establishment offers a diverse range of programs every day of the week, including concerts, parties, activities for seniors, exhibitions, a farmers’ market, and various cultural events, all taking place under one roof.

While the majority of its visitors are foreigners, Hungarian guests also frequent the venue, drawn in by the enticing lineup of cool concerts.

Moreover, on Sundays, visitors can drop in for a delightful breakfast, while the rest of the week offers the opportunity to relish delicious lunch specials. This popular and welcoming spot is perfect for social gatherings, showcasing unique interior design solutions, a blend of different styles, and an eclectic urban atmosphere.

Vásárcsarnok

Adjacent to the Pest end of Liberty Bridge, the Great Market Hall holds the distinction of being the largest market in the city. This stunning building, adorned with Zsolnay tiles, was inaugurated in 1897 and originally had a canal running through its center for the transportation of fresh products.

Although the canal is no longer present today, the market remains renowned for its extensive selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, high-quality meat products, wines, and other delicious Hungarian delicacies. Both locals and tourists alike hold a deep affection for this hall.

On the ground level, you can find a plethora of fresh produce, while the second level is home to various food stalls, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Here, you can taste some of the most popular Hungarian dishes, such as töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), goulash, Hortobágyi palacsinta (meat-filled pancake), or lángos. It is also a great place to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones.

Parlament

The iconic silhouette of Parlament, designed in Gothic style, stands as one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks. It gracefully dominates the elegant curve of the Danube, near central Pest.

This architectural masterpiece, crafted by Imre Steindl, was intended to reach a height of 96 meters, aligning with Hungary’s millennial celebrations in 1896 when it was officially opened. Back then, it symbolized the authority of a nation that extended all the way to the Adriatic.

Even today, Parlament remains the largest building in Hungary, boasting an impressive 691 rooms. While many of these rooms are currently unused, the building’s ornamental splendor continues to captivate visitors with its 29 striking staircases, stunning frescoes, half-a-million precious stones, and a lavish display of 40 kilograms of gold.

Additionally, Parlament houses the Holy Crown, the royal scepter, and the orb, which once belonged to the first kings of Hungary.