10 Things To Do In Budapest For Free + Bonus Places

10 Things To Do In Budapest For Free + Bonus Places

A Hungarian capital, Budapest is among the most beautiful European cities with baroque architecture, outstanding Hungarian food, and incredible museums. The city full of fascinating history and world heritage sites, Budapest hides numerous free things to do for a budget traveler. From climbing Castle Hill to catch the best views to walking down the mesmerizing riverbank of the Danube River, you don't need to be a millionaire to visit Budapest and enjoy a great vacation in this city. This article will offer you things to do in Buda and the top ten free things to do in Budapest so you can have an amazing time without breaking the bank.

 

1. Climb Gèllert Hill & View Budapest Below From Its Peak


Those with an adventurous spirit looking for a rewarding challenge should wander to the thermal baths where the hiking trail begins. Walking on the winding wooden paths, you will reach the Citadella, the majestic fortress offering the best views in the city. Especially on a warm summer morning, ascending the hill will give you a new appreciation of Budapest and give you a break from the busy town. Near the Citadella is the towering Liberty Statue greeting you after the 30-minute trip to the summit.

Gèllert Hill 

The hill provides two main hiking routes: through the north and south. While the northern path can be quite challenging for an unprepared hiker, the southern route is a lot more forgiving. The south side also offers numerous benches and resting spots for a gentler and calmer ascend.

If you would like to continue the journey beyond the Citadella, the hiking trail will lead you to the Cave Church and hidden World War II bunkers depicting the city's military history. For an even longer trip, you can head to the Buda Hills to discover longer paths allowing you to explore the surroundings on foot.

Gèllert Hill 

2. Take a Free Walking Tour


If you're interested in a free walking tour in Budapest in Budapest, look no further. The free Budapest walking tours involve a variety of must-visit attractions and spots, including the Castle District, Matthias Church, the Hungarian parliament tour, the middle of the Danube, and much more. A knowledgeable guide will tell you about Hungarian culture and customs and share local legends and stories. Head to the Jewish Quarter to discover ruin bars like Szimpla Kert and enjoy a nightcap overlooking the sunset.

Free Walking Tour

3. Have A Stroll on Margaret Island


Between the Margaret and the Árpád bridges lies a small car-free island offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. A charming oasis on the Danube River, Margaret Island is packed with Roman and Renaissance ruins, a musical fountain, gardens, and other local beauties.

Margaret Island

The highlight of the island is the medieval ruins dating back to the 13th century. The ruins derive from the Dominican convent and Franciscan church and are open to visitors without any fees. Another prominent feature of the area is the restored Art Nouveau water tower offering panoramic views of the city.

Finally, pay a visit to the Japanese Garden to enjoy a serene afternoon surrounded by calming waterfall noises, gorgeous artificial ponds, and a small zoo. The area also holds thermal baths and a swimming pool making the island the perfect place to be in the months of summer.

 

4. Window Shop Along Andràssy Avenue


The Andrassy Avenue is a UNESCO World Heritage-protected boulevard brimming with Gothic and Renaissance architecture, high-end boutiques, cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants. A 2.3-kilometer-long avenue leading to the Hungarian Parliament Building, Andrassy was built in the 1870s during the Hungarian capital's most thriving golden age.

Andrassy Avenue

There are three main sections to the avenue each offering a unique experience and atmosphere. The inner portion of the street is filled with luxurious boutiques selling iconic brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The middle section of the avenue is known for high-end restaurants and cafes as well as the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House and House of Terror depicting the fascist and communist regimes. The last part is devoted to residential villas and restored buildings housing embassies and other government institutions.

The avenue is home to numerous notable buildings and institutions, including the Franz Liszt Academy. In the Christmas season, the street becomes adorned with decorations, from ornaments on the facades to markets selling delicious Hungarian food and holiday snacks like paprika-spiced treats.

 

5. Check Out Vajdahunyad Castle at City Park


What to do in Budapest today? Initially constructed from cardboard and wood, the Vajdahunyad Castle’s popularity encouraged Hungarians to rebuild the castle using more conventional materials like stone and brick. The castle was built in 1896 and entails several architectural styles, including Gothic, Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque reflecting the diversity of the city's look.

Vajdahunyad Castle

The Vajdahunyad castle is home to the largest museum of agriculture in Europe showcasing Hungarian farming history, forestry, wine culture, and more. The building is surrounded by a lake offering boating rental in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. The premises also feature the famous statue of an anonymous medieval chronicler whose pen brings inspiration to writers who touch it.

Finally, the castle grounds regularly host live music concerts, Christmas celebrations, and various festivals.

 

6. Walk The Danube


The artery of this European city, the Danube River is a defining feature of Budapest's landscape. Walk down the riverbank promenade to marvel at the river's majesty, encounter numerous baroque buildings, and enjoy the nightlife at a riverside bar. In the summer, you can even relax at a pop-up beach on the Danube busking in the mild Central European sun. In the Christmas season, the promenade turns into a fairytale filled with decorations and indoor markets.

The Danube

The river divides the Hungarian capital into two parts: Buda and Pest. While Pest features a vibrant promenade with the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda houses Castle Hill and the aforementioned Gellert Hill offering the best views. The shores are connected by eight different bridges, including the iconic Liberty Bridge decorated with lions guarding the way.

You can also book a river cruise to experience these buildings from a different angle. Ranging from hour-long sightseeing routes to sophisticated dinner cruises with live music, visitors will certainly find something that piques their interest.

 

7. Dive Into The Market Halls


The Great Market Hall was constructed in 1897 and remains the city's largest indoor market space to this day. The area is highly popular among both locals and visitors, with its beautiful location, incredible offerings, and friendly atmosphere. Nagycsarnok in Hungarian, the market features a wide variety of produce, crafts, and clothes.

The Great Market Halls

Kicking off with the ground floor, here you can find a diverse selection of Hungarian food, fresh produce, Hungarian sausages, and much more. Come on an empty stomach to sample the large array of snacks and treats to find your favorite. The first-floor features handmade ornaments and artisanal crafts, souvenirs, Hungarian folk costumes and dolls, hunting knives, and more.

In addition to the central location, the city holds several smaller markets spread across the Jewish Quarter, most notably the Lehel and Hold Street markets. These locations offer a less touristy authentic experience allowing visitors to immerse in the local lifestyle.

 

8. Watch the Sunset From Anywhere!


Among the best things to do in Budapest at night is watching the warm Central European sun go down behind the marvelous buildings of the city. The best views to catch a sunset in Budapest are from the already mentioned Gellert Hill summit, offering vistas of the Danube River and the Hungarian capital's skyline. If you aren't up for a half-hour wander, head to the Fisherman's Bastion to witness the breathtaking sundown amidst the gorgeous terraces.

Sunset in Budapest

Other popular sunset locations include the Philosopher's Garden offering a quieter and less crowded spot to watch the sun go down near the funicular. The garden features cozy benches allowing visitors to sit down after the stroll to enjoy the gorgeous colors of the evening sky. Budapest is also known for its numerous rooftop cafes and bars, providing incredible views of the city from a bird's eye position.

If you don't mind a trip, consider visiting János Hill's Elizabeth Lookout Tower on the outskirts of the city to marvel at the breathtaking views from the highest point in the area. You can also book an evening river cruise to take amazing photographs of the sun setting behind the mesmerizing waterfront buildings.

 

9. Gül Baba's Tomb and Rosegarden


Gül Baba was a 16th-century Ottoman dervish poet who lost his life during the conquest of Buda in 1541 and has since become the patron saint of the city. The complex was recently restored and features one of the free museums in Budapest, dedicated to the Ottoman reign in Hungary. The initial plans included the construction of a library alongside the Roman mosque but the later changes in the government put a halt on these ideas.

Gül Baba's Tomb

Nowadays, Gül Baba's tomb has become the northernmost place of pilgrimage for Muslims and is one of the free things to do in Budapest for tourists of all religions. The building is surrounded by beautiful gardens featuring countless types of roses creating a magical fairytale atmosphere.

Climb up the stairs to witness gorgeous views of the city and Danube River and enjoy the village-like atmosphere of the spot.

 

10. Check Out St. Stephen's Basilica


What to do in Budapest today? Visit St. Stephen's Basilica, a symbol of the Hungarian capital completed in 1905 remaining the most important religious institution in the country. The basilica houses the sacred relic of the past, namely St. Stephen's mummified right hand, also known as the Holy Right or Holy Dexter.

St. Stephen's Basilica

The church hosts regular organ concerts that highlight the building's exceptional acoustics. If you move up, you can reach the dome's observation deck opening the best views of Budapest. The church's interior is adorned with exquisite mosaics, stained glass windows, and marble columns making it one of the most beautiful basilicas in the country.

While the church is free for anyone, the Holy Right is only available for a small fee. You can also book a guided tour to learn more about the church, St. Stephen himself, and the mummified relic.

 

Museums and Galleries with Free Days


There are numerous options for travelers on the budget to get free entrance to the museums and galleries. First of all, consider purchasing a Budapest card allowing you free access to an array of the city's museums. If that's not an option for you, here is an overview of each museum and its free entrance days:

- The Hungarian National Museum offers free entrance on the first Sunday of each month as well as on national holidays.
- The Hungarian National Gallery and Museum of Fine Arts waive entry fees on Thursday evenings and on national holidays.
- The Holocaust Memorial Center and House of Terror provide free entry for students under 26.
- The Vasarely Museum offers free admission on the last weekend of each month.
- The House of Hungarian Music in City Park maintains permanent free entry to numerous exhibitions.


 

Secret Spots You Must See


In addition to the free things to do in Budapest that we have already listed, there is a plethora of hidden gems that are often missed by visitors. For example, discover the Kelenföld Power Station, a testament to the city's Art Deco industrial architecture. Those interested in trains would be fascinated by the control room adorned with stained glass ceilings and intricate designs. Check out the abandoned Istvántelek Train Yard housing historic Hungarian trains, in particular the famous Orient Express carriages.

Kelenfold Power Station

If you're a history buff wanting to explore more World War II sites, head to the district of Kőbánya to investigate the extensive underground system. Book a guided tour to wander the mysterious limestone labyrinths dating back to medieval times all the way until the mid-20th century when they were repurposed into bunkers.

Another must-visit gem is the Telephone Museum featuring the evolution of Hungarian telecommunication technology. From the very first devices created by Alexander Bell to rotary phones from the 1980s, the exhibition depicts the gradual progression of the industry. The museum also hosts a manual switchboard room with the original decorum, wooden paneling, and period lighting.

Telephone Museum

If you're into more underground secrets, stop by the Pauline Monastery Caves located underneath Budaszentlőrinc. The cave system is home to the country's only native monastic order. Having served as a medieval monastery and wartime shelter throughout history, it now is dedicated to preserving ancient stone carvings.

The Hungarian capital has a lot more to offer than can ever be described in an article. Take free a self-guided walking tour in Budapest to explore the hidden places on your own. 

 

Tips for Budget Travelers


To save up on tickets and accommodation, consider traveling during the shoulder season between the months of November and March, when you can also enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Also, check out less central areas to find a better deal on your dollar and stay in a comfortable hotel without breaking the bank. Consider obtaining a travel pass to save the costs of transportation, especially if you're staying for longer than two days. The European city is also very walkable allowing tourists to explore the Castle District on foot without spending a dime on transportation.

There are endless free things to do in Budapest, from the Hungarian National Gallery and museums to churches and parks offering cultural and historical entertainment for the visitors. If you would like to cut your food costs, consider shopping at the Great Market Hall to get cheaper prices on Hungarian food and fill your stomach with delicious samples.