Budapest
First time in Budapest? Visit the city’s landmarks!
Visiting Budapest for the first time? This guide highlights the city’s essential landmarks, cultural treasures, and local favourites to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, relaxing in thermal baths, or discovering authentic Hungarian cuisine, you’ll find everything you need to experience the best of the Hungarian capital.
For a historical tour, follow the path of the 1848 revolutionaries led by poet Sándor Petőfi. Start at Buda Castle, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views and historic monuments. Descend the hill via the charming funicular or on foot, then cross the iconic Chain Bridge, the first one to connect Buda and Pest. A short walk brings you to Deák Square, the central hub at the heart of Budapest. From here, you can explore the 7th district, once a Jewish quarter and now famous for its ruin bars, or continue along the revolutionary route to Astoria and the stairs of the National Museum, where Petőfi once recited his stirring lines.
Sights
Heroes’ Square and City Park (Városliget):
One of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, Heroes’ Square offers a striking introduction to Hungarian history, lined with statues of kings, freedom fighters, and national heroes. Dominated by the Millennium Monument, it serves as both a symbolic gathering place and marks the grand entrance to City Park, home to top attractions like the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, the architecturally stunning House of Music Hungary, and the new home of the Museum of Ethnography, making it a perfect starting point for a day of culture, history, and leisure.
Gellért Hill:
Rising dramatically above the Danube, Gellért Hill is crowned with the Citadel, a reminder of the city’s turbulent past, and the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope and freedom. Its summit offers some of the very best panoramic views of Budapest. At the southern foot lie the elegant Liberty Bridge and the famous Gellért Spa, with its Art Nouveau architecture (currently closed for renovations). Nearby, Bartók Béla Boulevard invites you to linger with its array of charming cafés, creative bistros, and art spaces, perfect for a relaxed break after sightseeing.
St. Stephen’s Basilica:
The largest church in Hungary impresses with its grand architecture and a dome that rises to the same height as the Parliament building. Inside, it houses exquisite artworks and the sacred relic of Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen. You can climb (or take the elevator) to the panoramic terrace for breathtaking 360-degree views over Budapest’s skyline, from the Danube to the distant hills. Around the basilica, lively streets filled with elegant cafés, wine bars, and restaurants create a vibrant spot to enjoy local flavors.
Spas
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
… offers a grand outdoor bathing experience in stunning Neo-Baroque pools in the City Park (Városliget).
Rudas Thermal Bath
… in Buda on the banks of the Danube, invites you to relax in its atmospheric 16th-century Turkish baths beneath a majestic dome.
Lukács
With its sunbathing terrace, fun pool and a full roster of saunas, Lukács offers a perfect mix of belle époque spa culture and latter-day hedonism.
Veli Bej
Relatively small and recently renovated, this gem is a well-kept secret on the city’s spa scene.
Great Museums
Ludwig Museum
located inside Müpa Budapest, Hungary’s leading contemporary art museum, Ludwig showcases cutting-edge international and Hungarian works, perfect for those seeking creative inspiration beyond the music scene.
Museum of Fine Arts
Home to an exceptional collection from Ancient Egypt to European masters like El Greco and Goya, the museum offers timeless artistic collections that complement Hungary’s musical heritage.
Museum of Ethnography
A striking new building housing rich folk art, traditions, and cultural treasures, making it an ideal stop for music professionals interested in cultural context and heritage.
Feeling hungry and in need of something stronger than water? Check out Hangvető’s all-time favorite places and recharge!
Near Millenáris
Classical:NEXT daytime venue
Lövőház utca, a cozy pedestrian street in Buda’s District II, offers a diverse and colourful foodie scene, from Hungarian classics to global street-eats: Indian fast food, Asian WOK, an Italian trattoria, a hummus bar, strudels, and icecream
Pingrumba from Cairo to Calcutta. A really atmospheric bistro near Széll Kálmán tér, mostly vegetarian and vegan meals, a small terrace, a large covered garden and a friendly urban atmosphere.
Fény Utcai Piac (Market next to Millenáris)
Buja Disznó: a quick yet gourmet restaurant on the ground floor, serving the best breaded fried pork, pork ear, and cheese lollipops by a famous Hungarian chef.
Taste real Hungarian lángos
Near Budapest Music Center - BMC
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Very close
For a tasty and authentic lunch, head to Fővám tér Market Hall, where you can sample traditional Hungarian dishes like lángos and goulash in a lively, local setting.
Pizza Manufaktúra for a quick, great pizza bite
In Ráday Street, you’ll find a lively mix of restaurants offering everything from Mexican and Asian to Ukrainian cuisine, all served on charming outdoor terraces.
15-20 min walk
Dobrumba in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is a buzzing, plant-filled eatery offering a globally inspired mezze-style menu, from Moroccan harira soup to Georgian dips and tender lamb kebab.
Curious about Budapest’s roots with a creative twist? Marumba on Holló utca now offers a plant-based menu of modern, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions of Carpathian‑Basin comfort food. From lecsó and “főzelék”, the traditional Hungarian vegetable stew to Hungarian scalloped potatoes.
Looking for authentic local food? At Gettó Gulyás you’ll eat like we do at our grandma’s. You can’t leave without trying Gulyás (goulash), the Hungarian stew.
In the city centre around Deák Tér and Astoria
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Get cozy in the picturesque Café Zsivágó where time stops! Grab their tasty home made pirog or get a refreshing Tubi60 cocktail and just relax.
Get lost in our favorite surreal wonderland. Have a glass of quality Hungarian wine sitting in a seat made of an old bathtub at Csendes Létterem – Vintage Bar & Café.
Visit Lumen Café, the hip sanctuary in the Palace Districts and enjoy the wide variety of food and drinks.
Feel at home at Nappali Kávéház, the perfect place for a cup of late afternoon coffee.
Find the largest selection of hot chocolate at Rengeteg RomKafé.
There’s always room for one more at Kisüzem. Mix with locals and have a drink.
Enjoy the cozy, international atmosphere with quality craft beer at Fekete Kutya.
Simple, tasty, locally sourced dishes, a peaceful garden, a delicatessen shop and an art gallery: find everything you need at Kőleves kert.
