If you have been daydreaming about the trip to Budapest, there’s no need to postpone this dream anymore. The mere Danube cruises, which are on the main river in Budapest, are fantastic. Beyond that, you can enjoy leisurely strolling across the city streets that preserve the precious European heritage in every stone. In this review, you will learn more about the fantastic leisure activities that will make your trip unforgettable.
TOP Things to Do in Budapest
There’s an abundance of fantastic activities to enjoy and spots to see in Budapest. Let’s start with the most unexpected ones.
Soak in Thermal Baths
Most people associate Budapest with beautiful architecture, and that’s true. However, this capital city also hosts a hundred thermal springs! These attractions make Budapest a top destination for many tech pros and wellness enthusiasts who want to combine a top-notch stay in a modern city with unparalleled relaxation.
The Széchenyi Baths are must-go destinations, offering plenty of outdoor pools with mineral-rich waters that ensure healing effect. These waters release any muscle tension and relax the mind as well. Beyond the superior water quality, the Széchenyi’s yellow Art Nouveau tiles and steaming pools create a spa-like effect.
Yoga enthusiasts often choose the hot springs for their classes. It’s a truly unique experience, allowing participants to escape the city’s bustle, enjoy their yoga session, and return later to their original pace of life. It’s a mindful escape in the city.
Walk Across the Bridges
The bridges in Budapest are among the most recognizable sights. Many people instantly recognize Budapest for the Chain Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges. It seamlessly links two parts of this city and is the oldest bridge, by the way. The views from there are fantastic.
Beyond it, there are many other famous bridges in Budapest: Liberty Bridge, Margaret Bridge, and Elizabeth Bridge, etc. Each features its own unique style and is worth paying attention to.
Cruise the Danube for Scenic Entertainment
Exploring all the bridges and the city center takes time and needs plenty of energy. There’s a shorter and energy-saving way to enjoy all of the city’s major sites, while resting at the same time. You can join one of the well-rounded, fantastic boat tours in Budapest on the Danube River. It’s an unparalleled opportunity that offers a mix of relaxation and sightseeing. Groups and couples find these tours especially attractive.
Attending these boat tours during the evening time is gorgeous because of the illuminated bridges and historical sites passing by. During these voyages, you can also learn more details about the city’s history and legends from locals. Each mile offers a huge number of Instagram locations.
Buda Castle
Once you have enjoyed the splendid river cruises, it may be the right time to climb Buda Castle. You can easily use the funicular at the base, but it’s a bit overpriced for the short ride. However, it provides another opportunity to enjoy superior views.
Another viable alternative, that’s cheaper, precisely, free of charge, is climbing up to Buda Castle. You will pass truly great viewpoints on your way. Still, as you may guess, climbing up the hill will take effort and time. Once you reach the hill’s top, you may easily wander the castle grounds for free as well. No need to say how wonderful the local views are.
Buda Castle is a special spot not only because of the views it offers. There are also hidden gems under it. The caves under this castle allow visitors to enjoy truly thrilling experiences. History meets adventure in these places during the well-arranged guided tours that demonstrate WWII hideouts. The post-tour entertainment is no less fantastic. Visitors can end their tours by joining craft beer tastings.
City Park Adventures
If you want to mix seeing historical sights with more active fun, go to Városliget (City Park). It’s a green spot inside the busy capital city that locals wholeheartedly love. They often enjoy boating on a lake in summer and visit a superb ice rink in winter. The techies are fond of renting electric boats for unparalleled group outings.
Apart from those, enthusiasts can also rent bikes and e-scooters for eco-friendly rides. The nearby Vajdahunyad Castle adds a truly fairy-tale vibe. The food trucks nearby always offer something delicious to have a bite. The local street food is overall fantastic for sure.
Margaret Island
It’s another superior location that is car-free. It’s another oasis on the Danube River. Beyond the fantastic landscapes, there are many interesting cultural spots, such as open-air theatres and musical fountains.
This spot is another sight loved by many people practicing yoga who come here for their sunrise sessions. Gazing at the sunrise is fantastic by default, even if you are not a big yoga fan. If you practice meditation, this island offers a superior setting for this relaxation routine as well.
Casual picnics are also very common here. If you want to see something spectacular, stay here for the evening. The local fountains demonstrate superb light-and-music shows.
Ride the Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel
It’s another fantastic spot offering no less fantastic city views. The Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel is located in the middle of Erzsébet Square and is a giant.
It takes tourists high enough to gaze at entirely different city views of both sides of the city, Buda and Pest. If you want to double the positive emotions, go there in the evening when the city lights up. This place is a bit overcrowded but iconic.
Bottom Line
Budapest is a well-known European city with a rich history, a long list of attractions, fantastic city views, and spots offering modern, top-notch adventures. If you wish to experience something 100% unforgettable in the city, immerse yourself into one of the local thermal springs.
It seems that Budapest has everything for an unforgettable trip. If you want to explore more sights per hour than during the walking tours, join one of the Danube boat tours.
When planned thoroughly, the trip to Budapest is always unforgettable. Save the above suggestions to enjoy your trip across this city more!