116 Best Sights in Budapest, Hungary

This historic square at the northwestern end of Castle Hill is named after St. John of Capistrano, a 13th-century Italian friar who recruited a crusading army to fight the Turks who were threatening Hungary; you can find a statue of the honored Franciscan here. The square is also home to the remains of the 12th-century Gothic Mária Magdolna templom (Church of St. Mary Magdalene). With most of church destroyed by air raids during World War II, the main feature still standing is its tower: you can pay to climb its 172 steps for stunning city views. Also on the square is the Hadtörténeti Múzeum (Museum of Military History), set within a former barracks that still has cannonballs from the 1849 siege lodged in its walls. The exhibits, which include collections of uniforms and military regalia, trace Hungary's military history from the original Magyar conquest in the 9th century through the period of Ottoman rule to the mid-20th century.

This impressive Art Nouveau synagogue, tucked in between shops, markets, restaurants, and narrow streets has been the epicenter of religious life for Budapest’s Orthodox community since its opening in 1913. The interior features pale blue walls and ceiling, stained glass windows painted by famed mosaicist Miksa Róth, and benches adorned with Hungarian folk motifs. The synagogue has been undergoing intermittent renovations, so check its website if you're planning a visit.

The grandiose, imperial-looking station was built in 1884 and was considered Europe's most modern until well into the 20th century. Its neo-Renaissance facade, which resembles a gateway, is flanked by statues of two British inventors and railway pioneers, James Watt and George Stephenson.

Kerepesi Cemetery functions as a burial ground, national memorial space, and outdoor art gallery.  Founded in 1847, this beautiful and impressive cemetery is one of the oldest in Hungary and certainly the most well-known in Budapest, being the final resting place of Hungary's greatest artists, statesmen, and inventors. Maps are available at the entrance with descriptions of the most famous residents, including Mihály Vörösmarty, Attila József, Endre Ady, Mor Jókai, Janos Arany, Lajos Kossuth, Ferenc Erkel, Gyorgy Faludy, Miklós Jancsó, and Imre Kertész, to name a few. Wander the tree-lined avenues past the ornate tombs and mausoleums of this stunning graveyard, such as the grandiose lion-guarded one for Lajos Batthyány, or the mausoleum of Ferenc Deák or Lajos Kossuth. The communist-era mausoleum for the Labour movement, designed in 1958 by Olcsai-Kiss Zoltán, may still stir conflicting feelings, but it merits a stop. At 56 hectares (138 acres), this is one of the largest National Pantheons in Europe so you'll want to spend a while. You can also visit the Salgotarjani Street Jewish Cemetery ( see its Sights listing), which occupies the eastern corner—technically part of Kerepesi Cemetery but accessible via a separate entrance.

A short climb up the steep sidewalk of Remetehegy (Hermit Hill) deposits you at this elegant, mustard-yellow baroque mansion. It was built between 1744 and 1760 as a Trinitarian monastery. Today, it holds an eclectic mix of modern design, paintings, sculptures, engravings, old clocks, antique furniture, and other items related to the history of Budapest. Included here is the printing press on which poet and revolutionary Sándor Petőfi printed his famous "Nemzeti Dal" ("National Song"), in 1848, inciting the Hungarian people to rise up against the Habsburgs. There are concerts here every Sunday in July.

Kiskirálylány, the "Little Princess" statue, is Budapest's answer to Copenhagen's Little Mermaid or Brussels' Manneken Pis---a mini-marvel that has come to symbolize the city. Measuring just 20 inches, the bronze statue was crafted in 1972 by local sculptor László Marton, who based it closely on his own little princess, his six-year old daughter. Donning a bathrobe and a frayed newspaper crown, just as his own daughter would wear, the statue sits serenely on a downtown railing, with the picturesque backdrop of trams shuttling along the Danube. The statue you see here is in fact, a larger version cast in 1990; the original is now among the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery. 

The neighborhood to the south of Széchenyi István tér has regained much of its past elegance—if not its architectural grandeur—with the erection of several luxury hotels. Traversing past and continuing well beyond them is the riverside korzó, a pedestrian promenade lined with park benches and appealing outdoor cafés from which one can enjoy postcard-perfect views of Gellért Hill and Castle Hill directly across the Danube. Try to take a stroll in the evening, when the views are lit up in shimmering gold lights.

Used as a wine cellar during the 16th and 17th centuries and then as an air-raid shelter during World War II, this 16-meter (52-foot) deep, 1,200-meter (3,900-foot) long labyrinth—entered at Úri utca 9 below an early-18th-century house—has a fascinating history. Today, the cave system has been turned into something of a novelty attraction, which gets mixed reviews. Exhibits include elaborately costumed wax figures attending a "haunted" masked ball, the mist-filled tomb of Count Dracula (who is said to have been imprisoned here), and the "Labyrinth of Darkness," a pitch-black section of the maze. It's a good escape on a hot day—it's a consistent 20°C in the caves—or join the 6 pm evening tour, when the winding corridors are illuminated only by oil lamp.

Andrássy út No. 67 was the original location of the old Academy of Music and Franz Liszt's last home; entered around the corner, it now houses a museum. Several rooms display the original furniture and instruments from Liszt's time there; another room shows temporary exhibits. The museum hosts excellent classical concerts year-round, except August 1–20, when it is closed. There is an additional fee for photo (1,100 Ft) and video permits (2,200 Ft).

Founded by renowned Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt, students have been training at this world-famous music conservatory with the likes of Erno Dohnanyi, Zoltán Kodály, and Béla Bartók among its teachers since 1907. The extravagantly decorated Art Nouveau concert halls at the Academy were built to enhance musical performance, both acoustically and visually. The interiors are richly decorated, featuring elaborate frescoes, stained glass, mosaics, grand marble stairs, rich woods, and tiled centerpieces featuring Zsolnay tiles. Audiences can even hear the grand hall’s beautiful organ, dating back to 1907. The academy is still a working college of music, attracting talent from around the world. Opera fans should look out for tickets to the fantastic baroque opera here, tucked away in a tiny but spectacularly designed baroque theater. It's easy to forget not just where you are but when you are once the lights dim for the opening act. Guided tours are also available.

The brainchild of Irene and Peter Ludwig, the Ludwig Museum at Müpa is Hungary’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Set in the Müpa Budapest cultural center, the Ludwig houses a significant collection of modern international and Hungarian fine art over three floors in the wing closest to the Danube. While focusing on Eastern and Central European art, it also puts a special emphasis on presenting Hungarian art of the '60s to the present day in an international context.

It’s enough to go to the Geological Museum just to visit the building, a 1896 masterpiece by Ödön Lechner, who pioneered Hungary's brand of Art Nouveau. This Maria Teresian yellow building with terra-cotta brick highlights, complete with a globe on the highest spire, is a work of art as well as a functioning institute of geology. While the museum and library feature exhibits and displays, there is little of interest here. You can learn about the Hungarian rocks and minerals and see the cute footprints of some prehistoric animals and buy some memorabilia at the gift shop. Guided tours are available by appointment only.

Ideal if you're looking to while away an afternoon with young kids, the Hungarian Natural History Museum was first established in 1802 and boasts an impressive collection of over 10 million items. Currently housed in the buildings of an old military academy, upon entering visitors are immediately spellbound by the skeleton of a two-ton whale. Continue your journey through the region's dinosaur fossils, archaeological treasures from the Carpathian Basin, and an array of flora and fauna from various countries and oceans worldwide. Exhibition areas often close with little notice, so check the museum's website in advance. It's also worth exploring the surrounding Orczy-kert (Orczy Park) and its botanical gardens if you have time.

This eight-story neo-Renaissance building was commissioned by photographer Manó Mai and presents a fascinating history of Hungarian photography. Imperial and royal court photographer at the turn of the 20th century, Mai worked and lived here throughout his life. Today, this building features the only intact turn-of-the-century studio house, which has recently been renovated for use. The three stories of exhibition space display an eclectic selection of photographic works, mostly featuring contemporary artists, but sometimes classic works of art, too. Don’t leave without having a coffee and cake at the gorgeous Mai Manó Café on the ground floor---either sit inside enjoying the Moroccan mosaic-tiled walls or sit outside to watch the theater crowds come and go from the Moulin Rouge across the street.

At the southern end of Margaret Island, the Margaret Bridge is the closer of the two island entrances for those coming from downtown Buda or Pest. Just north of the Chain Bridge, the bridge walkway provides gorgeous midriver views of Castle Hill and Parliament. The original bridge was built during the 1870s by French engineer Ernest Gouin in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel. Toward the end of 1944, the bridge was accidentally blown up by the retreating Nazis while crowded with rush-hour traffic. It was rebuilt in the same unusual shape—forming an obtuse angle in midstream, with a short leg leading down to the island—and has been refurbished in recent years, now sporting a bike path on the north-facing side that pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists all share on their way to the island.

After the collapse of the Iron Curtain, Hungarians were understandably keen to rid Budapest of the symbols of Soviet domination. The communist memorials—including huge statues of Lenin, Marx, and Hungarian puppet prime minister János Kádár—that once dotted Budapest's streets and squares have been moved to this open-air "Disneyland of Communism." Somewhat tacky but amusing souvenirs are for sale, and songs from the Hungarian and Russian workers' movements play on a tiny speaker system. To get there, take Metro 4 to Kelenföld vasútállomás (Kelenföld train depot) then, from the adjoining bus depot, catch the 101 or 150 bus in the direction of Budatétény vasútállomás (Campona). It's only two stops (10 minutes), but if in doubt, tell the driver that you want to get off at Memento Park. There is a guided tour in English at 11 am Friday through Sunday during peak season (7,200 HUF per person), or there are private guided tours available all year round (22,360 HUF).

Located in the park’s enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle, the quirky and slightly faded Museum and Library of Hungarian Agriculture dating to 1907 presents Hungary's agricultural history, an economic mainstay for the country to this day. With 40 collections covering Hungarian agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and viniculture through the ages, it’s not the flashiest of museums in terms of the displays, but it does have a range of fascinating natural science and cultural anthropological relics on display. Be sure to check out the skeleton of Hungary’s most famous, unbeatable racehorse, Kincsem, and the only remaining specimen of the Bakony Pig. The museum also offers tours of the castle’s gatehouse and the Apostles’ Tower, a fine opportunity to climb the gilded stairs of this gorgeous building and get closer to its glass mosaics by famed artist Miksa Róth.

This is the former home of extraordinary Art Nouveau and Art Deco master stained-glass artist Miksa Róth, whose work can be found on the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. It is essentially a three-room residential apartment filled with collections of his work, objects from his everyday life, and other art from the period. They also regularly holds talks, classes, and guided tours related to the artist and the arts in general.

Erected in 2014, the Memorial for Victims of the German Occupation commemorates the Hungarian victims of the German Nazis in WWII. Germany, represented by an eagle, attacks Archangel Gabriel, Hungary's patron saint. Jewish and opposition leaders have criticized the statue as an attempt to absolve the Hungarian state and Hungarians of their collaboration with Nazi Germany and their complicity in the Holocaust. They have even created their own protest counter-memorial next to it: a collection of Holocaust original and symbolic memorabilia (shoes, suitcases, photos) and a statement in a range of languages asking people to also remember the victims of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party (Nyilaskeresztes Párt), under whose reign in 1944-1945 thousands of civilians were murdered in Hungary and thousands more sent to concentration camps in Austria and Germany.

The Műcsarnok contemporary arts hall moved to its current location, a building designed and built specifically to house it, in 1896 as part of the Millennium Exhibition celebrations that changed Budapest’s park forever. Its stark neoclassical structure and Greek revival portico set this handsome building apart from its surroundings. Light pours in from the skylights to show off the fine marble work inside. After several incarnations, the space now functions as a Kunsthalle, an artist collective that hosts several cutting-edge temporary art exhibits throughout the year. The building also functions as the headquarters of the Institution of the Hungarian Academy of Arts.

Seating 3,000, Europe's largest synagogue was designed by Ludwig Förs and built between 1844 and 1859 in a Byzantine-Moorish style described as "consciously archaic Romantic-Eastern." Desecrated by German and Hungarian Nazis, it was painstakingly reconstructed with donations from all over the world; its doors reopened in the fall of 1996. While used for regular services during much of the year, it is generally not used in midwinter, as the space is too large to heat; between December and February, visiting hours are erratic (so call ahead).

In the courtyard behind the synagogue a weeping willow made of metal honors the victims of the Holocaust. Liszt and Saint-Saëns are among the great musicians who played the synagogue's grand organ. A museum upstairs displays items from Hungarian Jewish religious life.

In 2022, the Museum of Ethnography moved from its awkward downtown home on Kossuth tér—originally built for the Supreme Court of Hungary—to a monumental building in the City Park. The new location is worth a glimpse for its architecture alone, featuring two eye-catching wings emerging from the ground and topped with roof gardens. The museum's permanent collection is expected to be finalized in spring 2024; until then, the highlight is the Ceramic Worlds exhibition, showing exquisite pottery from various regions of Hungary alongside those from Egypt, Iran, Vietnam, and other countries. It's also enjoyable to find your way around the enormous paper model of Budapest located in the main vestibule.

Nyugati Pályaudvar, constructed by the Eiffel Company, is considered the city’s most elegant train station. The station has been featured in a number of Hollywood productions over the years. To its right, what was once part of the station is perhaps the world's fanciest McDonald’s, with booths fit for kings. Nyugati is currently nearing the completion of an extensive refurbishment, but the Royal Waiting Room is worth seeing if it's open, maintained in the same splendor as when it was first presented to Emperor Franz Joseph at the turn of the 20th century.

This beautiful, decadent building, built in 1910, was once the fashionable Parisian Department Store. After sitting in disarray for decades, it has recently been renovated. It is now home to the Hungarian bookshop chain, Alexandra Könyvesház (they also carry books in English). Treating yourself to a cake and coffee in the ornate coffeehouse on the second floor is an opportunity not to be missed.

A little off the beaten path and about a ten-minute cab ride from the park, this spa is popular with locals who don't want to contend with visitors at Széchenyi and features indoor and outdoor thermal baths, full-length lap pools, a Finnish sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools, as well as some massage and medical treatments. For families, there is even a pool for small children and another for babies. For the older crowd, the connecting indoor-outdoor leisure pool welcomes patrons with a swim-up water bar. Just remember to bring a bank card or top up your entry card, as they don’t accept cash inside the facilities.

Founded in 1954 as the national museum of 19th- and 20th-century Hungarian literature, this lovely venue—named after Hungary's most famous poet of the 1848 revolution, Sándor Petőfi—is well worth a visit regardless of what you know (or don't know) about the local literary scene. There's limited English-language information—and only in the permanent exhibition, not the temporary ones—but the audiovisual readings of Petőfi's poems are still soul-stirring. Besides, even if the exhibits are best suited to Hungarian speakers, the setting is the ravishing neoclassical Károlyi Palota (Károly Palace), which has some grand staircases and stunning rooms filled with period furniture—all free to visit with a museum ticket. And behind the palace is the lovely, flower-filled Károlyi Kert (Károly Garden), a pleasant spot for a post-exhibition amble.

When entering the palace, look down at the "cobblestone" floor, as closer inspection reveals it's actually made of wood. The owner got fed up with being awakened by horses hooves.

Pozsonyi út has a special place in the Újlipótváros neighborhood. In reaction to developers' plans in the 1990s to turn the district into a shopping mall hub, residents decided to work together to independently turn Pozsonyi into their own premier shopping street. The surprising success of that grassroots initiative resulted in a retail street that doesn't feel like a commercial zone, but a thriving center of local businesses. Support local businesses and the neighborhood's resolve as you wander cute shops and boutiques and stop at great spots for coffee and lunch.

Robert Capa was a Hungarian photographer whose images of war made him one of the greatest photojournalists of the 20th century. Born in 1913 in Budapest, Friedmann Endre Ernő took on the more American-sounding Robert Capa alias when he was working in Paris. In 1936, he was sent to cover the Spanish Civil War and it was here that he shot one of his most famous photos, "Death of a Loyalist Militia Man, Spain, 1936." Capa is particularly well-known for his photos of World War II and the D-Day landings in Normandy, and for being a cofounder of Magnum Photos in Paris. In 1954, Capa was photographing for Life in Thái Bình, Vietnam, when he stepped on a land mine and was killed. This photography center named for Capa and housed on the second floor of a lovely old downtown villa honors his incredible legacy as an exhibition space that focuses primarily on press and documentary photography, and supports the preservation of Hungarian press photography. There is also a small permanent collection featuring Capa’s work. The local exhibitions are always extremely well curated and there are occasional but prestigious international exhibitions here throughout the year.