Hey there, curious about what’s hot in Budapest for your 2024 trip? We’re pretty stoked about Hungary’s capital right now! Here are some awesome reasons why putting Budapest on your future travel plans is a solid idea. Check out a couple of big reasons why Budapest is a must-visit for globe-trotters worldwide and why it should totally make it to your travel wishlist too.
Reasons to visit Budapest in 2024
The sightseeing in Budapest is exceptional
Budapest has amazing sights to see! The tourist spots here are famous worldwide. Wondering about the top things to do in Budapest? Check out these must-try activities:
St Stephen’s Basilica
The first King of Hungary is the reason behind the St. Stephen’s Basilica, a cool Roman Catholic basilica. Inside, you’ll discover St. Stephen’s actual right hand.
Danube River
Budapest is split by the Danube River. The 19th-century Chain Bridge links the hilly Buda district to the flat Pest side. Take a stroll on it for some awesome views. Or, kick it up a notch and hop on a cruise for an up-close experience.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill stretches for a kilometer, a high limestone plateau standing tall at 170 meters above the Danube. Packed with crucial medieval monuments and museums, it’s earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site badge.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is an old castle and palace in Budapest, Hungary. It’s a special place where Hungarian kings used to live a long time ago.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the top attractions in the city. Around 700,000 people visit it every year. It’s considered one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture worldwide.
Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House is famous for being one of the best examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture today. It was closed for almost five years for renovations and reopened to the public in 2022.
Kőbánya Caves
In the Second World War, tunnels were made under the city’s 10th district. They were used for putting together aircraft engines and also served as a shelter for civilians during bombings. Nowadays, these tunnels are quite popular among cave divers.
Gellért Baths
When you’re in Budapest, make sure to include a visit to a thermal spa in your plans. The Gellért Baths are part of the well-known Gellért Hotel. You can experience the supposed healing benefits of thermal waters in steam rooms, saunas, and thermal baths. Don’t forget about the massage rooms and sun terrace for extra relaxation.
Budapest Pinball Museum
This unique museum provides an intriguing trip through history with its collection of over 140 pinball machines.
Budapest Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum is located on the outskirts of Budapest, giving visitors a detailed history of Hungarian chocolate.
The city is incredibly beautiful
Budapest is a city that never fails to leave you breathless with its beauty each time you visit. Alongside the natural charm emanating from the majestic Danube River and stunning green areas, the architecture contributes to an atmosphere of grandeur. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, boasting a rich mix of baroque, neoclassical, eclectic, and art nouveau buildings, catering to a variety of tastes.
Exciting Activities to Enjoy in Budapest Throughout the Year
Budapest hosts an exciting annual lineup of events, featuring everything from music festivals and fairs to concerts, markets, and other lively celebrations. These events occur throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something interesting happening. Here are a few of the most renowned events to enjoy during a trip to Budapest:
Sziget Festival
The Sziget Festival stands as one of Europe’s biggest music and cultural festivals. Held annually in August, it unfolds on Óbudai-sziget, a lush 108-hectare island on the Danube in northern Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest Wine Festival
The Budapest Wine Festival is a distinctive event that draws hundreds of exhibitors and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Buda Castle.
Danube Carniva
The annual Danube Carnival provides visitors with a diverse array of fantastic and lively folk and world music, along with traditional and contemporary dance shows and concerts in various venues around the capital city.
Budapest Spring Festival
The Budapest Spring Festival is the primary arts festival sponsored by the city government, emphasizing traditional arts.
Budapest is worth visiting just for its food
Hungary has been gaining recognition as a destination for food enthusiasts, and there are ample opportunities to indulge in delicious meals and drinks once you arrive. Here are a few must-try Hungarian foods during your visit:
Chicken Paprikash
A beloved dish in Budapest, chicken paprikash consists of chicken covered in a sour cream sauce seasoned with generous amounts of paprika.
Halászlé (Fisherman’s soup)
This flavorful and spicy soup is typically crafted from carp caught in the Danube River.
Gulyás
Also recognized as goulash, Hungary’s national dish is a meat stew featuring noodles and vegetables, seasoned with paprika and a variety of other delicious spices for robust flavors.
Lángos
Flatbread made from flour, yeast, water, and salt, topped with mashed potatoes, sour cream, yogurt, grated cheese, ham, or sausages.
Szilvásgombóc (Plum dumplings)
These dumplings are crafted from potatoes, filled with plums, dipped in cinnamon sugar, boiled, rolled in fried breadcrumbs, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is the largest market in Budapest, with a history of over a century. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to experience a wide variety of culinary delights all in one spot.
Enjoy Budapest with Zero Cost
The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to explore the top sights in Budapest. Here are some free and affordable experiences you can enjoy during your visit to the city:
Free walking tour of the city
Follow the lead of an enthusiastic local guide who will show you around their city free of charge.
Visit Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions and visiting is completely free.
Picnic in City Park
Get some picnic essentials from a market and have a relaxed picnic in City Park. This green space is an excellent spot to watch the locals go about their day. Alternatively, you can also take a leisurely stroll or read a book on a bench to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Budapest Card
Consider getting a Budapest Card to enjoy significant savings on public transport, entrance fees at major tourist attractions, and more.
Great Places to Visit Regardless of the Weather
Afraid of traveling to Europe in the winter or shoulder season? Don’t worry! There are plenty of enjoyable activities you can do even if the weather gets chilly. The top five rainy-day outings in Budapest include:
Art galleries and museums
Art galleries such as the Hungarian National Gallery and museums like the Museum of Fine Arts are excellent options on a rainy day.
Relax at a spa
There’s nothing like a long soak in a warm thermal spa on a chilly day to warm you up.
Cooking or baking class
If you enjoy getting your hands dirty, a cooking or baking class can be a fantastic way to spend a rainy day.
Wine tasting
Explore the excellent wines for which Hungary is known! If you’re interested in local vintages, consider visiting a wine shop or taking a trip outside the city for a tour of a nearby estate.
Ride on tram number 2
Voted as the nicest tram line in all of Europe, locals recommend grabbing a seat on the left-hand side. This way, you can enjoy better views of the River Danube and the Castle district area as you pass by.
The capital of Hungary has a distinct and undeniable vibe
Certain places exude an undeniable vibrancy, and Budapest is undoubtedly one of those spots! The locals, a cheerful bunch, enjoy interacting with visitors. Wherever you go, you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the Hungarian population. If you approach this marvelous city with an open mind, a bit of Hungarian knowledge (or a good translation app on your phone), a big smile, and a willingness to learn about a new culture, you’ll truly feel welcome in this city.