Budapest view over the Danube River

Budapest view over the Danube River

A city with unforgettable and unique charm, Budapest has everything from history, culture and stunning landscapes, making up its beautiful façade.

Here we round up nine of the best free things to do in the Hungarian capital:

Walk across Chain Bridge

Chain Bridge, Budapest

The first bridge to connect Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of the city, and now an iconic landmark of the Hungarian capital, Chain Bridge offers some of the best views of the city.

It takes prime position spanning the River Danube making for a lovely walk and a photo opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Discover the city on a Walking Tour

Buda Castle, Budapest

The best way to see any city is on foot and that’s truly the case in Budapest. There are three free walking tours, including a classic route around some of the major sightseeing hotspots like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion as well as useful advice on places to eat, drink and party, and the best ways to avoid tourist traps and  tricks.

The classic route is great for first-time visitors wanting to see the main sites of significance. For travellers who want to delve into Budapest’s murky past, there’s the communist tour, on which you can learn about life under communist rule while walking through the city’s charming streets.

Admire Heroes’ Square

Heroes' Square, Budapest

One of Budapest’s most-visited sites, Heroes’ Square is a magnificent memorial constructed in 1896 for the millennium of the Magyar Conquest of Hungary. Rich with historic and political connotations, you’ll find images of war, work, welfare, peace and glory, standing proudly on the two imposing semi-circular structures.

The square's Millennial Monument is flanked by the Fine Arts Museum and the Mucsarnok Art Gallery. In the centre stands a 36-metre high Corinthian column with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel looking down over the city. This is a must-visit to get a good picture of the city’s interesting past and how it pays respect to a time gone by.

Wander through the Jewish Quarter

Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe

Head to the fascinating area of the old, WWII Jewish Ghetto and get a taste for real local life in Budapest. Walk the beautiful streets and visit Dohány Street Synagogue - Europe’s largest Synagogue - or take rest at one of the area’s cosy tea-houses or boutique eateries.

The Jewish Quarter offers an insight into a different side of Hungarian life and is an absolute must-see when visiting Budapest.

Marvel at Hungary’s Parliament Building

Hungarian Government Building, Budapest

A beautiful building with amazing architecture, the Hungarian Parliament building on the banks of the Danube River, is home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels and serves as both a vibrant government centre and a proud city landmark.

The domed neo-Gothic structure was inspired by the British House of Parliament and is one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings. Holders of EU passports can get in free of charge but walking around the outside of the building is just as lovely as seeing the inside, especially when it's lit up in the evening.

People Watch on Váci Street

Váci Street, Budapest - Image: RachelH_ on Flickr

Váci utca is the perfect place to window shop and people watch! It was the main street of Pest during the 18th century, and today this trendy part of the city is lined with upscale shops, restaurants and cafes

As the main pedestrian shopping street in Budapest, you’ll find lots of souvenir shops, brand-name stores and buildings boasting stunning architecture. So even if you’re not looking to spend, a walk down Váci utca is a lovely way to spend some time in Budapest.

Climb Castle Hill

Castle Hill funicular railway, Budapest

The one thing that every visitor to Budapest should do – take a trip up iconic Castle Hill. It’s a magnificent 1km walk where you can soak up the wonderful views and the city’s culture and history.

Best of all is that you’ll have a chance to stroll through and admire the gardens and rooms in the Hungarian Royal Palace. Though some of the museums housed there charge a small fee, admission to the palace and its gardens are free for all.

Explore the Cave Church

Liberty Bridge, Budapest

A small and unique grotto overlooking Liberty Bridge sits quietly and beautifully carved into stone, which is now looked after by the Hungarian Paulite order of monks and is open and free to the public.

You’ll find spectacular natural rock and small alters and statues in the chapel, where witnessing a service provides beautiful acoustics and an unforgettable experience.

Stroll through City Park

Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park, Budapest

A picturesque park where the first trees and walkways were established, in 1751, City Park is Budapest’s largest and became the first public park in the world, back in the first decades of the 19th century.

You can marvel Vajdahunyad Castle here, a replica of a Transylvanian castle of the same name, showcasing stunning architectural styles from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque designs. A relaxed afternoon spent in City Park is one of the best ways to experience Budapest. 

For special offers and great deals to Budapest, click here. 

Have you been to Budapest? Tell us some of the things you enjoyed doing there! Comment below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK

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