Heading to Budapest for a weekend and don’t know where to start? Many visitors are just now catching on to the architectural and historical wonder that is Budapest! We can help you in indulging their spa culture, history, architecture, ruin pubs or taking in a traditional Hungarian opera! Look no further - we have compiled the best ways to spend some time in the stunning Hungarian capitol at night!
1. Dinner cruise on the Danube with operetta & folklore show
Bask in a luxurious three-hour dinner cruise along Danube river filled with nothing short of excitement, fun, and truly Hungarian culture! The cruise will take you on some of the most spectacular architecture in Budapest, evident of its Italian Renaissance influences. While sightseeing, be prepared to indulge in a sumptuous four-course dinner with the option of unlimited drinks. No worries since there is also a vegetarian and non-alcoholic drinks menu available. While enjoying your dinner, be entertained with the highlight of the cruise – the opportunity to show off your dancing skills! But if you’re not up for the game, simply enjoy the Hungarian folklore and dancing against the vibrant atmosphere!
Dinner cruise on the Danube with operetta & folklore show
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 61 USD
2. Cruise down the Danube
Witness some of Hungary’s most iconic sights while sampling its top local brews. In this craft beer cruise, you will get to experience tasting up to 5 different types of Hungarian beer. During which you’ll be provided with more descriptive introductions about each type and you’ll also have a chance to ask questions about your drinks. This will help you decide which brew you’d like to have a full pint of. Take your pick upstairs to the open-air top deck and marvel at the Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture that line along Danube river including the House of Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. For the night cruise, be sure to catch the live band at 7pm for added excitement that makes this tour truly a must-do activity in Budapest.
Craft beer cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Price: 31 USD
Visited this place?
3. Hősök Tere
A famous landmark in Budapest, this square remains a local and tourist favorite. If you love history, monuments and statues this is a great area to explore and take some pictures. The tomb of the unknown soldier is held here as well as two of Hungry’s biggest art museums for art and culture lovers!
Hősök Tere
Address: Hősök Tere, 1146 Hungary
4. Hungarian State Opera House
Looking to pop some culture and arts into your visit? Head to the famous State Opera House to get your theater fix. Here you can sample an array of productions from recitals or ballets, to festivals and live music productions. Head to their website to check out the newest local plays as well as traveling stage productions.
Hungarian State Opera House
Address: Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary
Website: Hungarian State Opera House
Tip from tour guide
Looking for a visual treat in Budapest? Look no further than the Hungarian State Opera. Designed by the renowned architect Miklós Ybl, this 19th-century structure stands as one of the most balanced and chic buildings in the city. It was built to entertain the growing and wealthy population of the city. After a several years-long renovation completed last year, it looks even more beautiful. It's a must-see for architectural enthusiasts and history buffs alike!
Visited this place?Budapest Tour Guide
Tiberiu Condulescu
My name is Tiberiu(s), just like captain James Tiberius Kirk from Star Trek, or Tibi for short, and I am an IT Service Manager who found his passion in tour guiding over 5 years ago. Similarly to Captain Kirk, I will be your captain should you choose me as your guide.Every tour is a new experience for both of us, that’s why my aim is to make it both memorable and fun. I want to make memories fo... Read more
Tours by Tiberiu
Budapest Tour Guide
Ildiko Varga
I have been a certified guide for more than two decades now. I love my work, love to show my beloved city and country to my guests! I am interested of course in travelling, architecture, arts, cooking and reading.
Tours by Ildiko
5. Ruin Pubs
What better way to spend an evening than walking through Hungry’s oldest and most treasured area of Budapest? The Ruin Pub area is as you guessed, full of ‘Pubs in Ruins’, however it is so much more than meets the eye! The buildings have been preserved and are older, but still, maintain their character and uniqueness.
Now known as the party area of Budapest, travelers and young people alike flock to this area to drink and party, but also to check out the latest vintage clothes, trendy boutique hotels and farmers markets on the weekends. The main party area is very small and composed of some famous locals bars, but feel encouraged to explore further than the small area - you may easily find the next hidden Budapest hot spot!
Ruin Pubs
Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary
Website: Ruin Pubs
Visited this place?6. Dabble in the coffee culture
An up and coming scene is Budapest is its growing snob coffee culture. Hit up one of their speciality coffee shops, one of our favorites being, Espresso Embassy. Pretend you’re a tight pants wearing hipster - or actually being one yourself, will earn you a gold star at this coffee shop! Expect high-quality coffee, a friendly staff, a cool atmosphere and place to hangout - but don’t worry about the price tag. Budapest stills ranks as one of the most affordable coffee cities in Europe. This spot is no exception. Stop in to grab some quality caffeine for the road!
Espresso Embassy
Address: Arany János u. 15, 1051 Hungary
Website: Espresso Embassy
Visited this place?7. Walk along the Chain Bridge
Source: PixabayA great place to spend an early morning, afternoon or evening is walking along one of Hungry’s most beloved bridges, the Chain Bridge. From here you get an amazing view of the parliament buildings, the water below, and castle hill. Perfect for photo taking, an early morning walk with no one around, or just a simple and easy connection driving or walking from West Budapest to East Budapest.
Chain Bridge
Address: Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary
Visited this place?8. Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a beautiful fairy tale-like architectural gem in Budapest. Many tourists flock here for picture taking, and really just to see the spectacle of the view. You can have a stroll around the area, or even enjoy a coffee along the bridge up top for the best view of Budapest below!
Fisherman's Bastion
Address: Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary
Website: Fisherman’s Bastion
Tip from tour guide
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest is one of the top Budapest attractions without a doubt. The present-day lovely lookout towers and decorative fortification of Fisherman’s Bastion were built in the 19th century to serve as a lookout tower for the best panoramic views in Budapest, Hungary.
These used to be real castle walls where you can now take fantastic photos. The present structure has never served as an actual fortification in Budapest.
Visited this place?9. Szechenyi Spa Bath
Looking for a relaxing way to spend an evening in Budapest? Take part in this traditional Hungarian past time of going to a famous spa bath. Think huge tubs to choose from, lots of people resting and relaxing in hot tubs, and snack bars to hang out at, all while making some new Hungarian friends!
Speaking of making new friends, this spa offers occasional (and popular) pool parties here as well, if you are willing to pay the 55 USD price ticket, just check their website beforehand for the available dates on offer and to book online. You can also enter the spa for the day (no pool party but still relaxing!) for around 20 USD. Don’t forget to take some pictures of this building while you visit, it’s a famous historical gem and easy on the eyes!
Szechenyi Spa Bath
Address: Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary, Budapest
Website: Szechenyi Spa Bath
Visited this place?10. St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the most famous Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest, Hungary. It is named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose right hand is supposedly housed inside the building for safe keeping! The outside is a well known architectural gem, the inside is a very famous and beautifully decorated Catholic church as well as a coveted concert hall. Multiple famous Hungarian musicians have played here since the early 1900s and the tradition continues today!
St. Stephen's Basilica
Address: Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Website: St. Stephen’s Basilica
Visited this place?Book Tours : Organ Concert in the St. Stephen's Basilica
11. Buda Castle
Source: www.viator.comEveryone has heard of this famous building, set on the river, and very picturesque. You can head here in the early morning hours, or at sunset for breathtaking photo ops, or come during open hours for a guided historical tour. The castle holds different types of festivals year round (check their calendar to plan your trip accordingly), as well as restaurants, museums, and a church! For budget lovers, taking a walk around the castle grounds is free and really something to see. A family, friends or a couple who love history, art and exploring can easily spend a whole day here!
Buda Castle
Address: Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Website: Buda Castle
Tip from tour guide
Near the castle is the Buda Castle Garden Bazaar. While it sounds like a collection of shops or some kind of market of the Royal Palace, it has never been one—only in its name. It is a Cultural Palace with an Ornamental Garden south of the Buda Castle, covering the slopes and offering a beautiful entrance to the royal complex from the riverbank by the Danube.
Until 1984, the Buda Castle Garden Bazaar functioned as an open-air disco and concert venue, a hallmark of the communist era. Today, it is more like an art venue for exhibitions, concerts, dance shows, guided tours, and film screenings in its cinema. It also has a lovely flower garden and park suitable for proposals and weddings.
Visited this place?12. Explore the vibrant Gozsdu Court (Gozsdu-udvar)
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
Source: Tiberiu Condulescu
Gozsdu Court (Gozsdu-udvar) is the most vibrant spot in the Jewish District, ideal for those who want to go pub hopping or try some delicious cuisines. The passage is home to numerous restaurants, pubs, cafes, karaoke bars, and even an arcade gaming alley! To make the most of this place, visit it after sunset when it’s all lit up.
13. Stroll along the elegant Margaret Bridge
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
Source: Tiberiu Condulescu
Margaret Bridge exemplifies French elegance across the Danube River. Dating back to 1876, this bridge was the second of the historical bridges built in Budapest. The best time to visit it is at night when it’s beautifully lit up.
Budapest is filled with fun and excitement!
We hope you had as great a time in the unique capitol of Budapest as we did! There is so much to see and do, the list is really endless. Our journey above is just a glimpse into the Hungarian traditions and wonder that capture more and more visitors every year to Budapest.
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I am originally from New Jersey, went to college in New York City, and have since lived in Chicago, Las Vegas, Sydney, Prague and now Daegu, South Korea. I love exploring new places, learning new...Read more
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jagjit .over 5 years ago
Going to visit Hungary next week again for 1 week last time due to lack of time I couldn't explore Budapest as it looks the best city to visit in Hungary so thanks for your lovely post as now I know what to do there visit here to get the best cities in Hungary Going to visit Hungary next week again for 1 week last time due to lack of time I couldn't explore Budapest as it looks the best city to visit in Hungary so thanks for your lovely post as now I know what to do there
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