Budapest is the perfect city for a weekend getaway. Recognized as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the capital of Hungary is famous for its spas, historical monuments and lively nightlife.
From drinking in “ruin bars” to relaxing in the thermal baths, in addition to tasting delicious wines and swallowing the gulasch in industrial quantities, Let’s see what to see and do in Budapest stag do with Budapest stag do.
Things to Do in Budapest
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some popular things to do in Budapest:
- Visit the Buda Castle: Explore the historical Buda Castle complex, which includes the Royal Palace, museums, and stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Take a Danube River Cruise: Embark on a scenic boat trip along the Danube River, offering breathtaking views of Budapest’s landmarks, such as the Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Gellért Hill.
- Stroll along the Chain Bridge: Walk across the iconic Chain Bridge, connecting Buda and Pest, and enjoy spectacular views of the river and the cityscape.
- Relax in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths: Experience the healing waters of the Széchenyi Baths, one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, offering various indoor and outdoor pools.
- Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building: Admire the stunning architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building, both from the outside and by taking a guided tour inside to see the impressive interior.
- Discover Heroes’ Square: Visit Heroes’ Square, a grand square with statues of Hungarian national heroes and important landmarks like the Millennium Monument and the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Wander around the Fisherman’s Bastion: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion, a unique fortress-like terrace located in the Buda Castle district.
- Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica: Enter the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Budapest’s most significant religious buildings, and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
- Explore the Great Market Hall: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Great Market Hall, where you can find a variety of traditional Hungarian food, local products, and souvenirs.
- Enjoy a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House: Attend a ballet or opera performance at the opulent Hungarian State Opera House, known for its remarkable architecture and world-class productions.
- Discover the Ruin Bars: Experience Budapest’s unique nightlife by visiting its famous ruin bars, located in abandoned buildings and courtyards, offering a mix of eclectic décor, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
- Visit Margaret Island: Escape the bustling city and relax in the green oasis of Margaret Island, a beautiful park in the middle of the Danube River, featuring gardens, fountains, and recreational activities.
These are just a few highlights of what Budapest has to offer. The city also boasts museums, art galleries, delicious cuisine, and a rich history that can be explored during your visit.
Visit a Spa
Budapest is reputed to be “the world capital of spas” so take your time and enjoy its thermal waters with healing properties. Szechenyi baths have indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms, steam rooms and saunas and is, without a doubt, one of the places to see in Budapest, a swimsuit in hand.
They also host summer parties where you can combine beauty and health rituals with fun. And all in a magnificent neo-baroque building where you can even play chess in the water.
If you are looking for a somewhat less sophisticated experience you can always approach one of the Turkish-style spas that abound in the city. What is clear is that soaking in a spa is one of the essential things to do in Budapest.
Buda Castle
Symbol of the city (and visible from almost everywhere) it is also known as the Royal Palace. The Budapest stag do Castle will surprise you with its majestic beauty, which makes it one of the places to see in Budapest yes or yes.
It was the residence of Hungarian rulers for over 700 years and today houses several museums and cultural institutions such as the National Gallery, the Museum of History or the National Library, which houses the famous Corvinian codes and is One of the most advisable things to see in Budapest.
To get to the medieval quarter on the Buda hill, climb the Sikló, a curious funicular from 1870. Once up, walk as much as you want and enjoy the incomparable views.
Fisherman’s Bastion
The impressive Fisherman’s Bastion is a fortified terrace in the Buda neighborhood from which you can enjoy the best views of the city, especially the fascinating Hungarian Parliament, built in neo Gothic style.
It is open all day and is free, unless you want to climb some of the watchtowers. The view from the free balconies alone is worth it. The area around the Fisherman’s Bastion, known as the Castle District, is a Stagmadness world heritage site and is full of other places to see in Budapest, such as museums, churches and palaces.
Hungarian Parliament
The most spectacular building on the Pest bank of the Danube is the fascinating Parliament of Hungary. When there is no parliamentary session you can take a guided tour of its rooms for only 2,000 HUF (just over € 6).
Tours leave every half hour throughout the day and are given in several languages. So you can admire closely the grand central staircase, the precious jewels of the crown, many frescoes and the beautiful Hall of the Dome. The Hungarian Parliament was built in 1900 and is one of the most wonderful things to see in Budapest.
Shoes Monument
After visiting Parliament, a good idea may be to walk along the Danube in search of more thoughtful moments. The Monument to Memory, more commonly known as “shoe monument”, is an intelligent and original work of art to see in Budapest.
Remember an incident during World War II, when a group of Jews were ordered to take off their shoes before being shot and thrown into the river. Terrible story that deserves to be remembered.
Bars-Ruin
Outside they look like abandoned buildings, but set foot inside a bar-ruin and you will enter a retro world full of different and original furniture, exposed brick walls, rare art and suggestive lights. Look for all kinds of objects hanging over your head like trumpets, bicycles, antique toys and even plastic jellyfish.
Szimpla Kertes the largest and most popular bar-ruin in the city, as well as a pioneer in its genre and a must see in Budapest. For something it is one of the 100 best bars in the world. Have a beer, other things to do in Budapest, and enjoy a movie or an alternative concert. You will not want to leave.
Best time to visit Budapest
The best time to visit Budapest largely depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you are seeking. Here’s an overview of the different seasons in Budapest:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Budapest as the weather starts to warm up, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and greenery. The temperatures are mild, ranging from around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), although there can be some rain showers.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Budapest, with longer days and plenty of outdoor events and festivals. The weather is generally warm to hot, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F). However, it can get crowded, especially in July and August.
- Fall (September to November): Fall offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to summer. The temperatures start to cool down, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the city’s parks and gardens showcase beautiful autumn colors. September can still feel summery, while November tends to be cooler.
- Winter (December to February): Budapest in winter can be enchanting, with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and a cozy atmosphere. However, it can also be cold, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F). January and February are the coldest months, but you can enjoy the thermal baths to warm up.
Overall, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are considered pleasant times to visit Budapest, offering comfortable weather and fewer crowds. If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer tourists, these seasons might be ideal for you. However, if you don’t mind the crowds and enjoy summer activities and festivals, then the summer months can also be a great time to explore the city.
Is Budapest a good place to visit?
Budapest is a highly recommended destination to visit. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Here are a few reasons why Budapest is considered a fantastic place to visit:
- Rich History and Architecture: Budapest is known for its magnificent architecture, including the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and numerous historic thermal baths. The city showcases a blend of architectural styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical, providing a captivating backdrop for exploration.
- Thermal Baths: Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, which are not only relaxing but also have a long history of healing properties. The Széchenyi Baths, Gellért Baths, and Rudas Baths are just a few examples of the city’s thermal bath complexes where you can rejuvenate and unwind.
- Stunning Views: Budapest is divided by the beautiful Danube River, and the city offers numerous spots where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Whether it’s from the Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellért Hill, or the Chain Bridge, you’ll be able to take in panoramic vistas of the city’s landmarks and the river.
- Cultural Experiences: Budapest boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a wide range of museums, art galleries, and theaters. You can visit the Hungarian National Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian State Opera House, and many other cultural institutions to immerse yourself in art, history, and performances.
- Delicious Cuisine: Hungarian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, with dishes like goulash, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), langos, and chimney cake being local specialties. Budapest is home to numerous traditional Hungarian restaurants and trendy food markets where you can indulge in the local culinary delights.
- Nightlife and Ruin Bars: Budapest has a reputation for its lively nightlife. The city is particularly famous for its ruin bars, which are unique bars and clubs located in abandoned buildings and courtyards. These establishments offer a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and a mix of eclectic décor.
- Affordable Destination: Budapest is often praised for being a relatively affordable destination compared to other European capitals. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, dining options, and accommodations without breaking the bank.
These are just a few reasons why Budapest is considered a fantastic place to visit. The city’s blend of history, culture, stunning landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere make it an excellent choice for travelers.