22 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Budapest in 2024

Hungary’s capital, Budapest, often called the ‘Pearl of the Danube,’ is a true gem in Europe with a hip, casual vibe. From Neolithic castles to underground caves, from lively ruin bars to thermal baths, and from comfort food to impressive cafes, there are many awesome and free things to do in Budapest that suit your interests.

It is a fascinating city with its turbulent history mirrored in culture, food, architecture, and politics, making it one of the must-visit places in Central Europe. 

free things to do in budapest

Officially formed into one city in 1873 after occupying both banks of the Danube River, Budapest unifies Hungary’s former cities Buda, Óbuda, and Pest. Pest, with the most iconic Parliament Building, is on the east side of the River, while Obuda and Buda are on the west, home to Castle Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion. Today, Chain Bridge links these two sides since the mid-1800s. 

I visited Budapest as a student from Prague and instantly fell in love with it. Then, I returned a couple of years ago to rediscover it. Therefore, all of these places to visit in Budapest outlined here are based on my most recent visit to the city.  

Besides providing detailed, affordable, fun, and free things to do in Budapest, this post also covers how to get there, where to stay, and what to pack.

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How to Get to Budapest

Hungary is a landlocked country bordered by Slovakia, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Romania. Therefore, it is well-connected with public transport to various European cities. You can easily find train or bus tickets to Budapest while traveling in Europe. 

Alternatively, if you prefer to fly, Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport also serves many airlines, including low-budget WizzAir and Ryanair. I typically use Skyscanner or WayAway to find cheap flights anywhere I plan on traveling. If you are a frequent traveler, look at the WayAway membership program that enables you to get cashback. 

Considering Budapest’s proximity to other capitals of its neighboring countries, it is a very common day trip option. However, I recommend spending a few days visiting the most iconic sights of Budapest without rushing through. 

Combining Prague, Vienna, and Budapest is a standard trip for many. You can fly into Prague, then visit Vienna, and fly out of Budapest. You can easily find train tickets between the cities.

And if you decide to do so, I have a detailed self-guided Prague walking tour I perfected during my student years in the city. 

If you are traveling to the Balkans, and Croatia is one of your destinations, you can also find a direct train or bus from Zagreb to Budapest.



How to get around Budapest

Budapest is a walkable city, but if you need public transport, it has a great system that takes you to tourist landmarks. You only need to rent a car if you plan to go on day trips to nearby towns or countries

However, to make the most of your time here, I suggest investing in a Budapest Card that grants unlimited public transport around the city, free entrance to six places, including Lukács Thermal Bath, and up to 50% off to at least eight other attractions and activities in Budapest. 

How to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center

Budapest airport is well-connected to the city center with public transport. While you can choose a bus, train, or taxi, the easiest should be to pre-purchase a shared airport shuttle, which will drop you off at your hotel.

Alternatively, you can also opt for a private pickup via Welcome Pickups. Once in the city, you can use either the Budapest Card mentioned above or purchase a single ticket costing 450 HUF (Hungarian forints).

Where to stay in Budapest

Budapest offers a wide selection of accommodation options for various budgets. You can check out my dedicated post on where to stay in Budapest, covering the neighborhoods and best hotels, but here are a few other options, too. 

Budget-friendly: B&B Hotel Budapest City – located in the center, it is a short walk from many Budapest sites. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel has a variety of amenities, including a rooftop terrace, a gym, and a bar. 

Mid-range: Hotel Moments Budapest – situated in a quiet neighborhood, but still close to many of the city’s main attractions. The rooms are stylish and modern and have a restaurant, a bar, and a sauna.

Boutique: Boutique Hotel Budapest – located in a historic building featuring tastefully decorated spaces with modern furnishings. The rooms are intimate and cozy. It also has a spa. 

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest – this grand building on the banks of the Danube River offers stunning views of the city. The rooms are spacious with stylish and minimalist design. The hotel also has a spa and an indoor pool. 

→ None of them suit your taste? Check out more hotels in Budapest.

A short guide on what to pack for Budapest 

Both Oto and I love traveling with backpacks. I travel with a 55 Liter Osprey Farpoint, and Oto has a Cobra 60 from The North Face. Both are big but small enough to bring as a carry-on on many budget airlines. Read my detailed review of Osprey Backpack and why I love it. 

If you prefer a suitcase, check out this Samsonite in various sizes and sets or this one in different dimensions. 

Besides your main bag or suitcase, I also have a small bag for daily wonders. Recently, I switched to the CITYC 2 in 1 Backpack from Driibe, created by travelers for travelers. You can also read my detailed review of the backpack and get 15% off with code FEDORA15 when you decide to purchase. 

I rarely travel without a scarf, no matter the season, and change it accordingly between warm and lightweight scarves. I almost always have my fedora hat, while Oto travels with a cap in spring/summer or a beanie in autumn/winter.

We use packing cubes to organize our clothes and one toiletries bag as we use solid shampoo bars, body soaps, and deodorants

Hungary has standard European sockets, so if you come from outside the continent, you’d want to invest in the universal adapter

We use Stojo collapsible water bottles that save lots of space in our backpacks and their collapsible cups for takeaway coffees to keep us hydrated.And since Budapest is a photogenic city, you’d want to have an external power charger to keep your electronics charged on the go.

Free things to do in Budapest

With UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Budapest has many free attractions you can visit on a budget, varying from historical and iconic sites to beautiful parks and popular ruin bars. 

The most important places to see in Budapest are within walking distance from each other. Therefore, you won’t need public transportation once you get to the city center.

Take a Free Walking Tour of Budapest

Free walking tours are great way to introduce yourself to the city. The locals, who voluntarily work as guides, are happy to show you all the city’s exciting details. However, note that even though the name suggests ‘Free,’ it is not entirely free. You give the guide a ‘tip’ of the amount you think the tour was worth.

free things to do in budapest

You can book several such walking tours in the city at Freetour and decide which one best suits your interests. The general Budapest free tour will take you to the town’s Buda and Pest sides, covering the most important landmarks.

Admire the St. Stephan’s Basilica

Your Budapest best places list should include the iconic St. Stephan’s Basilica. This Roman Catholic church is named after the first King of Hungary – Stephen. 

free things to do in budapest

His right hand is displayed here in the shrine, so if you are interested, you can enter the church and see it for a small fee. Otherwise, exploring the inside and outside of the basilica is free of charge. If you are here during winter, the area turns into one of the best Christmas markets in Budapest.

Track down the various statues across the city

Budapest is one of the most artistic cities I have visited. One of the fun things to do in Budapest is to track down those adorable statues scattered across the city. 

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I had the absolute pleasure of finding these art pieces, as some have a history behind them, while others are just statues.

The sculpture of ‘Little Princess,’ which looks like Peter Pan, is one of the most popular arts in the city. Laszlo Marton, inspired by his daughter, who loved playing in a princess costume, created it in 1972. And few know that Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space displays a replica of it in the front of the building. 

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Very close to St. Stephan’s Basilica, you’ll find this Policeman statue standing on the corners of Oktober 6 and Zrinyi Streets. Inspired by Budapest’s characteristic faces, the artist Illyas Andras formed the statue’s physique after his grandfather.

Cross the Chain Bridge & see the 0 KM stone

Joining the Buda and Pest districts of the city, the Chain Bridge is one of the city’s most popular and beautiful bridges. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube River.

free things to do in budapest

While it is gorgeous any time of the day, it’s even more stunning at night, making it a great photo location. 

Crossing the Chain Bridge towards the Castle Hill Funicular and Buda Castle, you’ll see one of the free Budapest attractions. This limestone indicates the point from which all road lengths to Budapest are estimated in the country.

free things to do in budapest

Feel as if in a fairytale

We all might have dreamed of having a fairytale castle in our childhood, which now can be easily fulfilled at Fisherman’s Bastion, named after the Guild of Fisherman, who defended that part of the city walls during the Middle Ages.

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This unique neo-Gothic building, built in 1905, features gorgeous architecture and stunning panoramic views over the city. It is incredibly photogenic during sunrise or sunset. You can wander here for free, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to walk on its walls.

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Right on the terrace of the Bastion, you’ll also find one of Budapest’s spectacular churches – the Gothic-style Matthias Church of the 14th century with a colorful, mosaic-like roof.

Possess the World travel blog talks about how to spend the anniversary in the city

Wander through the Castle Hill

Castle Hill is home to some of the most fascinating architectural sights of the city, including a Buda Castle, a Baroque palace of the early 18th century that was once the residence of Hungarian kings. Today, it houses the Budapest History Museum and National Gallery. 

The courtyard and the surrounding area of the Castle are open 24/7, but if you come here on the hour from 8:30 to 5 pm, you’ll be able to watch the Hungarian Changing of the Guard ceremony. 

Those who love underground cave explorations might be interested in joining a Buda Castle cave walking tour, which served as a bomb shelter, wine cellar, and medieval prison. 

And if you are looking for nontouristy things to do in Budapest, you might want to visit Hospital in the Rock, which used to be an underground WWII bunker and a top-secret military hospital!

Commemorate the history

One of the must do in Budapest is to honor Hungarian Jews at the thrilling shoe monument on the coast of the Danube River near the Parliament. 

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These simple and very emotional 60 pairs of bronze shoes commemorate those who have been killed by the Arrow Cross militiamen one day before the Soviets came to “liberate” Budapest at the end of WWII. 

The victims were lined up at the edge of the river, told to take off their shoes and put their valuables in them. Then, they were shot into the water so the river current could wash them off.

Admire one of the most beautiful Governmental buildings

The Hungarian Parliament building, located on the bank of the Danube River, was built in 1884-1904 in neo-Gothic style. It is 268 meters long, while the domes are 96 meters high and have 691 rooms in total, making it the 3rd most extensive parliament building in the world. 

free things to do in budapest

Many believe (including me!) that it is the most fascinating and gorgeous building, both inside and outside. Luckily, there are tours inside the Parliament to learn more about how the government functions and admire the stunning architecture.

You can pre-book the audio-guided tour, including a visit to the exhibition space and an entrance to the Parliament Museum. Alternatively, you can combine the visit with the Budapest city tour

Visit one of the most famous squares

Heroes Square is the city’s largest, most impressive, and most visited site. It was built in 1896 to mark the country’s thousandth anniversary. An iconic monument features a central pillar and two parallel colonnades.  

things to do in budapest

On top of the post, Archangel Gabriel holds the Hungarian crown, while the arcades house statues of other historic Hungarian figures.

Explore Margaret Island

Situated in the Danube River, between Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is an idyllic place for a tranquil stroll. Pedestrian paths guide you around the park with an art nouveau water tower, a 13th-century Dominican convent ruins, a musical fountain, and thermal spas. 

Here, you can also find a small Japanese Garden with a thermal fish pond and the “Music Well,” a small pavilion initially built for open-air concerts. Both the water tower and the music well are UNESCO sights. And if your trip to Budapest is in summer, pop-up bars and restaurants dot the island. 

Stroll around the Jewish quarter

Your Budapest must do list should also include visiting the Jewish QuarterQuarter. Much like Krakow’s Kazimierz district, Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is home to thrilling snippets of history, modern art, the biggest Synagogue in Europe, and some of the most diverse nightlife.

The Dohány Street Synagogue, usually called the Great Synagogue, constructed in 1854, can seat 3,000 people. Besides the Synagogue (pre-purchase the skip-the-line ticket), you can also visit the Jewish Museum, Heroes’ Temple, memorial, and cemetery.

Track down the street art

If you are a street art lover like me, looking for beautiful giant murals is one of the fun and free things to do in Budapest.

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Local and international artists have created some of the most stunning art in the city’s urban spaces. You’ll stumble upon stencil, graffiti, and mural works scattered in its historic neighborhoods. 

Jewish Quarter is the best example to see as much as you can. However, you can also join an organized tour that takes you through the winding streets to tell you more about each piece.

Tour the famous ruin bars

The Jewish Quarter is also home to some of the most popular bars in town, called Ruin Bars. The whole concept started in 2001 when youngsters wanted to have a place to drink cheaply.

things to do in budapest

What used to be an abandoned building or an unused outdoor space turned into lovely, friendly, chaotic, and alternative bars that became a hub of Budapest’s nightlife. Therefore, touring these bars when they open should definitely be on your list of free things to do in Budapest.

The name Ruin Bars is precisely what it means. Expect them to be something other than nicely remodeled or posh. The idea is to leave those walls in their original state and decorate them with vintage and second-hand items.

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Szimpla Kert was the first to start the trend and is still Budapest’s most popular place for a drink. However, note that it gets packed in the evenings with long lines outside. Therefore, I suggest visiting the place a bit earlier than 6 pm or crawling to other bars, such as Kuplung, Racskert, Ellato Kert & Taqueria, or Instant.

Visit the Central Market Hall

Great Market Hall or the Central Market Hall, located near the Szabadság Bridge, is a great way to combine shopping with sightseeing. 

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Constructed in 1897, it is one of the city’s largest and most beautiful market spaces. The area is not only favorable for many locals for their everyday grocery shopping, but it’s also popular among Budapest visitors.

Besides vegetables, seasonal fruits, and local products such as wines, spirits, and sausages, you can find handmade gifts and ornaments, souvenirs, delicious chocolate bars, and food stalls on the second floor.

  • Opening hours: Mon from 6 am to 5 pm; Tue-Fri from 6 am to 6 pm; Sat from 6 am to 3 pm; Closed on Sundays. 

Benefit from free museum entrance days

Budapest has several quite interesting museums to visit. However, if you are on a budget and want to lower your costs, you should schedule your trip based on the dates to take advantage of Budapest free museums. 

It’s worth mentioning that some offer free entrance to the citizens of Hungary or the EEA (European Economic Area). Therefore, if you don’t qualify or can’t plan your trip according to those dates, I’d suggest investing in a Budapest card that gives you free entrance to the most important museums in the city. 

On the third Saturday of every month, these are the free museums in Budapest to visit, but check if you are eligible for the entrance: Hungarian National Gallery, Hungarian National Museum, Budapest Vasarely Museum. 

The Hungarian Museum of Natural History has a free entrance on the first Sunday of every month. Additionally, several others offer entrance free of charge on Hungarian national holidays (March 15, August 20, and October 23): Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian Railway History Park, Ludwig Museum, Military History Institute and Museum, and House of Terror. 

Wander the Danube River banks at night

One of the apparent free things to do in Budapest at night is to wander along the river to enjoy iconic buildings and landmarks illuminated with lights, especially Buda Castle and the Parliament. 

Cross the river over one of its many bridges to get the best views of both sides. Bring a tripod if you want some great night shots of Budapest. And if you are looking for great photo areas, check out the top 10 photography spots in Budapest.

Other things to do in Budapest

This section of the Budapest travel guide consists of some of the cheap things to do in Budapest that are also quite interesting and will help you experience the city to its fullest without spending too much money. 

Enjoy a boat ride over the Danube

I am not a huge fan of river cruises, but there are a few destinations and cities where it is a must-do, like Budapest and Istanbul. 

Dividing the city into two parts – Buda and Pest, the Danube River offers scenic views of the city when cruising through it. Various companies offer boat rides across the river, and they are reasonably priced. 

Seeing Budapest’s beautiful buildings, especially the Parliament, with the evening illumination, is quite magical. This evening city sightseeing cruise comes with a welcome drink, but if your budget allows, you can also opt for another evening cruise with unlimited Prosecco or even treat yourself to a dinner cruise, including an Operetta and folk show. 

If you are in Budapest for a day, this company also offers a cruise during the day.

Take a dip in thermal baths

Budapest is a city of thermal spas and recreational parks, enabling you to experience the local culture and relax at the same time. The capital boasts 12 thermal baths scattered across the city, where the temperature is at least 30C (86F), similar to Tbilisi’s sulfur baths. Gellert and Szechenyl baths are the most popular ones.

However, they can be slightly expensive due to their beautiful architecture and tourist popularity. Alternatively, here’s the guide to the Rudas Baths in Budapest if these two are out of your budget.

Ride the funicular

For the scenic views of the city, the Danube River, and some of Castle Hill’s sights, take the funicular to Buda Hill. Since 1870, this historic funicular has had two stations – near the Chain Bridge on the Buda side and at Castle Hill on the Pest. 

Two trams run on a 95-meter route of 50 meters elevation every 5-10 minutes.

things to do in budapest
  • Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Note that biweekly, the funicular will be closed for maintenance. Check the schedule
  • Entrance fee: adults – 4000 HUF return. If you purchase 72 Hour Budapest Card, you’ll get a free ticket on both ways. 

Things to do in Budapest for foodies

Trying local delicacies and traditional meals is essential when visiting a new city or country. Hungarian cuisine is rich in soups, stews, luscious pastries, and delicious casseroles. 

Hungarian paprika is the most popular ingredient of the local cuisine, giving meals a unique taste and fiery color. This, though, doesn’t mean the dishes are burning hot. 

Try Goulash

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This beef soup, flavored with paprika, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes, is the most popular meal in Budapest. Some of the venues even add potatoes or noodles to the soup. The best place to eat goulash in Budapest is Kek Rosza Restaurant.

Devour Chimney Cake

Chimney cake, or Kürtőskalács in Hungarian, is one of the most popular desserts you must try here. When I lived in Prague, I first tried its Czech version, Trdlnik. 

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Made from sweet dough rolled onto a wooden roller and grilled over the hot coals, the cake is a perfect snack while enjoying your walks in the streets of Budapest. Request to dip or top with walnuts, chocolate, vanilla, or cinnamon, to name a few. And if you really liked the cake, you can participate in the Chimney Cake-making workshop.

Snack on Turo Rudi

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Another great snack to get you going in the city. Our guide suggested trying one, saying we would either love or hate it. If you are familiar with the Sirok – a cottage cheese bar dipped in chocolate – then you’ll love it. You can find them in various grocery stores in the refrigerator section in all the different flavors.


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11 Comments

  1. Caitlin McAninch says:

    The buildings in Budapest are just insane. They’re grand and absolutely gorgeous. It truly amazes me that I hadn’t heard much about it until I became interested in blogging. It’s definitely a destination I need on my list!

  2. Budapest looks beautiful! I have never really given it must thought about going, but I believe I will add this interesting destination to my bucketlist. Great job on the post!

  3. Very nice post about Budapest. I’m actually planning a trip there right now, so your post helps a lot with finding things I want to do. Absolutely love all your pictures too, the city looks gorgeous 🙂 Also, the chimney cakes look like something I’ve eaten in the Czech Republic. Soooo goos <3

  4. Budapest is a wonderful city. I’ve been there last year and I got to see so many things without spending a lot of money. Great guide and beautiful photos!

  5. Constance says:

    First of all, those chimney cakes look amazing! Secondly, this looks like a great budget way to experience Budapest. I’d love to visit someday and I’ll definitely be using this guide!

  6. This post makes me realize just how much I have missed! I visited once for just one day and it is not nearly enough time. Now I travel with the kids and I’d love to show them this beautiful city.

  7. I love Budapest! I need to go back soon 🙂

  8. Wow Budapest has so many interesting things to do and that too free. I loved the 1st one itself, a city tour on foot would be great but as i kept scrolling, it kept getting better and better. It truly is a beautiful place to visit

  9. You know, i visited Budapest for a few days some years ago and i didn´t like it so much… But i see that maybe the problem can be that i didn´t went to the right places.

  10. I love Budapest and love all the free things to do in the city! I don’t think I really spent money on attractions while I was there and loved the city.

  11. Spring Pham says:

    Such a great post <3
    Hope that one day I could have a chance to visit Budapest. It must be a very beautiful and hostile city, I think. I`m sure that my travel here will be one of the most memorable experiences in my life
    Thank you

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