The city of Budapest we know today wasn’t officially formed until 1873. Budapest has an interesting history that’s been shaped by Romans, Ottomans, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Traces of its past can be seen throughout the Hungarian capital, especially among the medieval streets of the Castle District and key landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building. Whatever time of year you visit Budapest, you’ll find it to be a thriving city. And it’s very budget-friendly, too, so there are lots of free things to do in Budapest to add to your travel plans.
Budapest is one of the most popular cities in Europe thanks to its lively nightlife, historic architecture, and thermal baths. And let’s not forget Hungarian food either. It’s the perfect capital city to visit on a budget, as many landmarks, markets, and neighbourhoods can be visited for free. This means you’ll have more money left over to enjoy the restaurants and cafes here.
Below are 14 incredible free things to do in Budapest to help you get your itinerary started. I’ve also included a few budget-friendly places to eat in Budapest and where to stay in the heart of the city.
Free things to do in Budapest
1. Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge in Hungary to cross the Danube. It was built in 1849 and designed by an English engineer. The bridge helped to connect Buda and Pest a couple of decades before the two sides became one city. Sadly, it was fully destroyed during World War II, but it was beautifully rebuilt and reopened 100 years after its first inauguration.
One of the best free things to do in Budapest is to walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. From the bridge, you’ll get an incredible view across the Danube River as well as of the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle. If you cross from the Pest side of the city, you’ll end up beside the Castle Hill Funicular, which you can take up the hill to Buda Castle. If you want a nice view of the bridge from above, the top of the Funicular is a great spot for photos.
2. Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Budapest. Despite its appearance, it was never designed as a defensive fortress. It was completed in 1902 to mark the 1,000th birthday of the Hungarian state. The seven towers represent the Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin, and its name refers to the fishermen who are said to have protected this part of the medieval walls. It’s a breathtaking place to visit, and it’s one of the top free things to do in Budapest.
From the terraces, you’ll be treated to incredible views of much of Pest. During peak hours, there’s a fee to enter the upper towers and terrace, so I would recommend arriving early in the morning when it’s less busy, and it’s free to access. The rest of Fisherman’s Bastion is free to walk around throughout the day. Before leaving, make sure you visit Matthias Church, which is located directly behind it.
3. Walk up Gellért Hill
Gellért Hill is named after a Christian bishop who is said to have been killed here in the 11th century during a pagan uprising. The walk to the top of the hill is pleasant, but it can be steep in places. However, the panoramic view from the top definitely makes the climb worth it. At the top of Gellért Hill sits the Citadella, which has just reopened after major restoration work. Exploring Gellért Hill and the Citadella are among the best free things to do in Budapest, so if you’re able to walk uphill, I would highly recommend doing so.
At the base of Gellért Hill is the Gellért Thermal Bath, which is now closed for restoration works. Not far from the base of the hill is the Cave Church, which can be visited for a small fee. The chapel sits inside a natural cave and was established in 1920. It was actually sealed during the Communist period, but it was reopened in 1991. It’s a very unique attraction in Budapest, so it may be worth adding to your plans as it doesn’t cost much to go inside.
4. Explore the Castle District
One of my favourite free things to do in Budapest is to walk around the Castle District. This neighbourhood has played an important part in the city’s history since the 13th century. It was under the orders of King Béla IV that a fortified royal residence be built here following the Mongol invasion of Hungary. Today, the Castle District features a unique mixture of Baroque townhouses, Habsburg-era architecture, and medieval streets, meaning you can easily spend half a day walking around this part of Budapest.
There are several things to do in the Castle District, including visiting Matthias Church and the museums inside Buda Castle. However, these attractions charge admission. If you’re on the hunt for free things to do in Budapest, you can still wander through the palace courtyards, take in the views across the Danube, and get lost in the neighbourhood’s quieter streets at your leisure. Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-see, too, and the Chain Bridge isn’t too far away, either.
5. Hungarian Parliament Building
Another iconic landmark in Budapest that you simply can’t miss is the Hungarian Parliament Building. It was completed in 1904, and its exterior contains hundreds of intricate sculptures, with a central dome rising to a height of more than 90 metres. Over a hundred years after its construction, it remains one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. If you’re planning to take a Danube River cruise, you’ll go right past the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.
You can also take a guided tour of the building’s interior if you wish, but exploring its exterior is free. Take some time to walk around Kossuth Lajos Square and look closely at the façade before crossing over to the other side of the river for the best full view of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
6. Shoes on the Danube Bank
A short walk from the Hungarian Parliament Building is the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. It commemorates the Jewish victims murdered here during the final months of WWII by the fascist Arrow Cross Party. Many victims had to remove their shoes before they were shot and thrown into the river in this area. This moving memorial was installed in 2005, and visiting it is considered one of the most unique free things to do in Budapest.
The memorial consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes that are modelled on 1940s footwear. You’ll find a mixture of small children’s shoes, women’s heels, and men’s work shoes, and it’s common for fresh flowers to be placed inside them by visitors. You can access the Shoes on the Danube Bank at any time of the day, and its location makes it easy to add to your itinerary while you’re visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building.
7. Great Market Hall
The largest and most impressive historic indoor market in Budapest is the Great Market Hall, opened in 1897. It was designed by a Hungarian architect with a colourful patterned roof featuring tiles from a factory in Budapest. During WWII, the market suffered a lot of damage, but it was restored in the 1990s and remains an important shopping spot for visitors and locals.
Visiting the Great Market Hall is one of the best free things to do in Budapest, even if you don’t plan on buying anything. On the ground floor, there’s a big mixture of stalls selling everything from vegetables to cured meats and Hungarian products. The upper level is where visitors can find casual food stalls and souvenirs.
8. Find the hidden mini statues
One of my favourite free things to do in Budapest is to look for the hidden mini statues around the city. Budapest is full of small bronze sculptures created by a Ukrainian-Hungarian artist. They’re only a few centimetres tall and usually depict characters connected to popular culture, Hungarian history, and local legends. The statues are placed in locations you wouldn’t expect, turning an ordinary walk around Budapest into a fun scavenger hunt.
There’s a map online that points out where all the statues are located, with most being near famous landmarks. Two of my favourite statues are the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I on a hammock (Liberty Bridge) and the tiny Dracula (Vajdahunyad Castle).
9. Enjoy the ruin bars
Even if you’re not going to Budapest for the nightlife, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the famous ruin bars. These unique bars began appearing in the early 2000s, when abandoned buildings in the Old Jewish Quarter started to be transformed into social spaces. Rather than renovating the buildings, the owners used mismatched furniture and recycled decorations to match the crumbling vibes of the buildings. The main ruin bar is called Szimpla Kert, and in my opinion it’s still the best one with plenty of rooms to enjoy.
You don’t even need to visit in the evening, because Szimpla Kert is open early and has a more relaxed vibe in the afternoon. During the day, the bar is also used as a community space, so it’s common to find local small business owners selling products here, which is a good time to buy some unique souvenirs.
10. Stroll along Andrássy Avenue
One of the prettiest shopping streets in Budapest is Andrássy Avenue. It was built in the 19th century to connect central Pest with City Park. The boulevard was lined with cultural institutions, elegant mansions, and luxury shops that reflected the city’s growth during the Austro-Hungarian era. Today, Andrássy Avenue is part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking a walk here will bring you past important landmarks such as the Hungarian State Opera House and several ornate villas. I wouldn’t recommend shopping along this street, though, unless you’ve brought a big budget with you!
11. Old Jewish Quarter
Before the Second World War, the Old Jewish Quarter had a bustling Jewish community, but in 1944 the area was sealed off as the ghetto. In this neighbourhood, tens of thousands of Jewish residents were forced into overcrowded buildings until January 1945. Today, there’s a reconstructed ghetto wall at 15 Király Street, which was built using some material from the original barrier. Many guided walking tours of Budapest stop here, so you may have to wait a while to get a clearer view of the wall.
Beyond the Ghetto Wall, the Old Jewish Quarter is also home to Dohány Street Synagogue, the Carl Lutz Memorial, and plenty of streets lined with independent shops, ruin bars, restaurants, and beautiful murals. The quarter is located in District VII, within easy walking distance of Andrássy Avenue.
12. Vajdahunyad Castle
If you like architecture, make sure you add Vajdahunyad Castle to your Budapest plans. It was originally built in 1896 using temporary materials for Hungary’s Millennium Exhibition. The design was inspired by buildings across the country to showcase the development of Budapest’s architecture. The castle became very popular, so it was reconstructed using more permanent materials during the 20th century.
Visiting Vajdahunyad Castle is one of my favourite things to do in Budapest. There’s a huge combination of architectural styles on display. If you’ve been to Corvin Castle in Romania, you’ll notice that the Gothic section was inspired by that. Inside the castle is the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, which requires a ticket to enter, but the courtyards and exterior grounds are free to roam around. Be on the lookout for the small Dracula statue located on the outside of the castle walls, too.
13. Heroes Square
Next to Vajdahunyad Castle sits Heroes Square. This square was created as part of the 1896 celebrations commemorating 1,000 years since the Magyar conquest. At the centre of Heroes Square stands the Millennium Monument, topped by the Archangel Gabriel (which was removed for restoration when we visited), surrounded by prominent figures from Hungarian history and the seven Magyar chieftains.
The square marks the end of Andrássy Avenue and the entrance to City Park. Near Heroes Square are attractions such as Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you want a nice photo of Heroes Square, it’s best to go early in the morning before the tour groups arrive.
14. Enjoy Budapest at night
Budapest takes on a completely different vibe at sunset. Exploring Budapest at night is a great way to enjoy the monuments and bridges fully illuminated. One of the best free things to do in Budapest is to walk along the Danube Promenade after dark, where you can see the glow of the Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle. If you cross over to Buda, you can view the Parliament Building in full, but the lights turn off before midnight, so you’ll have to see them earlier at night.
There are also plenty of sunset cruises in Budapest to enjoy, including an unlimited Prosecco cruise which is a lot of fun and definitely worth your money.
Affordable places to eat in Budapest
Pink Pistachio
Pink Pistachio is the first pistachio-themed brunch spot in Budapest. As the name suggests, pistachio features heavily in all of their dishes, including savoury ones and drinks. The pistachio Eggs Benedict is very nice, and the flavour isn’t too overpowering. You can also opt for dishes such as French toast, pancakes, and filled croissants. If you’re a fan of matcha, they have iced matcha lattes infused with pistachio flavour.
The cafe sources its pistachios from Italy, which ties into the founders’ visits to small producers in Sicily. Pink Pistachio sits close to St Stephen’s Basilica, so it’s a good place to stop for breakfast or a sweet treat while exploring all the free things to do in Budapest.
Lángosom
There’s lots of amazing food to try in Budapest. If you want a good-quality and affordable lángos, I would recommend going to Lángosom. They specialize in traditional Hungarian flatbread made from fried dough, topped with various ingredients. The classic version is loaded with grated cheese and sour cream, but you can get some that are stuffed, too. Of course, there are sweet options available if you’re in the mood for that instead.
You can find one of the locations of Lángosom in the Old Jewish Quarter, making it a convenient stop as you explore this part of the city.
2D Café Beloved
A unique place to eat in Budapest for dessert is 2D Café Beloved. This cafe focuses on Japanese soufflé pancakes, which are a lot lighter and thicker than regular pancakes. When they’re stacked up, you can move the plate, and they look like they’re jiggling, even though no gelatin is added. The matcha pancakes are a big hit here, topped with freshly cut strawberries, but there are lots of other flavours available. You can also find specialty coffee and matcha drinks on the menu.
The interior design of 2D Café Beloved is also a big draw for people, and one of the main reasons it’s become a viral hit on social media. There are two locations to choose from, so you can go to whichever one better suits your itinerary. We went to the cafe near the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Smash Lab Burgers
If you’re looking for a late-night bite, Smash Lab Burgers is a solid option. They have a small menu focused on American-style smash burgers, using thin beef patties that are pressed down until the edges are crispy. There aren’t a lot of choices in terms of toppings, but the prices are extremely low compared to other smash burger spots in Budapest. We stopped by after visiting the ruin bars, so they’re open quite late into the evening, and all of the burgers are made fresh. You can also add fries to your order to make a full meal out of it.
Best Chimney Cake
Located across the road from St Stephen’s Basilica is a small food stall called Best Chimney Cake. Out of all of the Google reviews I read, this stall had the best in terms of freshness. The price is very reasonable for a classic chimney cake, and it was freshly made for us even though there were several already made and on display. You can add toppings such as cocoa, poppy seed, and cinnamon if you want.
Chimney Cakes were traditionally prepared for celebrations and have strong ties to the Hungarian-speaking Székely community in Transylvania. It’s a must-try food in Budapest, so make sure you choose wisely, like Best Chimney Cake at the start of Andrássy Avenue.
Where to stay in Budapest on a budget
MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall
Budapest is a very budget-friendly place to visit, but accommodation can make a big dent in your budget. We found MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall to be an excellent option for affordable accommodation in Budapest, sitting right across from the Great Market Hall and only a short walk from Liberty Bridge. There are tram and metro stops nearby, so you can get to Budapest’s other neighbourhoods with ease.
Our private room was on the top floor with its own balcony overlooking the market’s roof. It had two twin beds and a bunk bed, as well as a spacious floorplan and private bathroom. Breakfast at the MEININGER is included with your booking, too, so you can save a bit of money that way. If you need to leave your bags somewhere, there are paid lockers available that you can access 24/7, which we took advantage of. It really is a great hotel in Budapest to stay at on a budget.
Is Budapest a budget-friendly city?
Budapest is a beautiful, budget-friendly city, especially when compared to other European capitals. Although prices in the tourist areas have steadily increased over the years, there are still many free things to do in Budapest and affordable places to eat. From walking across the iconic Chain Bridge to exploring the Castle District on foot and immersing yourself in the history of the city, you can easily enjoy Budapest without paying a single entrance fee.
If you have any questions about which free things to do in Budapest to prioritize, where to eat in Budapest, or where to stay, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Remember to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips and ideas about planning your next trip.
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