11 Of The Best Things To Do In Budapest At Night! - Updated 2024

things to do in budapest at night
Jen
Jen 
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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 (from USD 23.0)

things to do in budapest at night | dinner cruise on the danube with operetta & folklore show
Source: Headout

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

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Budapest Danube River Evening Cruise with Audio Guide

Duration: 1 hour

2095 reviews

2. Cruise down the Danube (31 USD)

things to do in budapest at night | cruise down the danube
Source: Headout

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

Tip from tour guide

Tiberiu

Tiberiu
Budapest

River Danube River Danube River Danube

Photos of the surrounding views while cruising down the River Danube, shared by Budapest tour guide, Tiberiu.

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3. Hősök Tere

Hősök-tere
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user EtelkaCsilla used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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4. Hungarian State Opera House

Hungarian State Opera House(PDXdj)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user PDXdj used under CC BY 2.5

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

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Budapest Tour Guide

Eva Kleyer

Eva Kleyer

My name is Eva, from early childhood I loved languages, I started with German, as a teenager I fell in love with English. After having graduated in high school, where I got my guide license I studied economy and business administration. But none of them I practised, because guiding and freedom called! This is how I dedicated my life to tourism and clients from the entire world! I have a bottomless knowledge about my beautiful city, Budapest. I also traved a lot, I love to encounter with different cultures, diverse people from the Globe, and if they come to visit my country, really enthusiasticly I show and present my culture!

Budapest Tour Guide

Kati Quittner

Kati Quittner

Budapest Tour Guide

Tiberiu Condulescu

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 for people from all over the world!Hope to meet you soon and "Viszlát", as we say in Hungarian!

Tours by Tiberiu

Budapest Tour Guide

Joseph

Joseph

As a 100% Budapest born, it was something natural to be a local guide and show my lovely city to foreigners. I am oficially an economist but to be honest, i have never worked in that sector. I much more prefer explaining our history and the present life of locals to you. You can chat with me in English and Spanish, in both languages:)

Budapest Tour Guide

Ange Sandorfi

Ange Sandorfi

Born in Paris to Hungarian/ French parents, I moved to Budapest in the 2000s. After having driven my Fashion business to catastrophe, I turned my craving for the wonderful, endless discovery of Budapest into my number one activity, and the first I am so passionate about. As a licensed and qualified tourist guide, I tend to show my guests things they wouldn’t find on their own. My bicultural background is also an advantage as it gives me multiple perspectives to understand Hungarian history and society.

5. Ruin Pubs

Szimpla
Source: Photo by Flickr user Osbornb used under CC BY 2.0

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

Tip from tour guide

Tiberiu

Tiberiu
Budapest

Extra Budapest Élesztőház Élesztőház

Photos of ruin pubs Extra Budapest and Élesztőház shared by Budapest tour guide, Tiberiu.

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6. Dabble in the coffee culture

Cortado at Espresso Embassy, Budapest
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bex Walton used under CC BY 2.0

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

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7. Walk along the Chain Bridge

Chain Bridge
Source: Pixabay

A 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

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8. Fisherman's Bastion

Budapest (Hungary)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jose A. used under CC BY 2.0

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

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9. Szechenyi Spa Bath

Budapest Széchenyi Baths R01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MJJR used under CC BY 3.0

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

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10. St. Stephen's Basilica (from USD 31.0)

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

Tip from tour guide

Tiberiu

Tiberiu
Budapest

Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica

Photos of the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica shared by Budapest tour guide, Tiberiu.

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Budapest St. Stepen's Organ Concert with Dinner Cruise Option

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

127 reviews

11. Buda Castle (from USD 26.0)

things to do in budapest at night | buda castle
Source: www.viator.com

Everyone 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

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Budapest 2-Hour Castle District Sightseeing Tour with Guide

Duration: 2 hours

8 reviews

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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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.

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.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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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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