Budapest is a lively city separated by the gorgeous River Danube. The Chain Bridge built in the 19th century divides Buda and Pest. Budapest has a rich historical value, remarkable architecture, healing waters, and blasting nightlife scene. Budapest History Museum exhibits Roman time treasures while the Matthias Church is the 13th-century holy shrine. Fishermen’s Bastion is the perfect place to get awestruck by the city views. Cruising on Danube River will enable you to marvel at Buda and Pest from the waters. Budapest Opera House conducts some of the world-class performances. Central Market Hall is the ideal destination to taste Hungarian cuisines. Whether you are traveling with your family or alone, Budapest will suit all types of travelers. Let’s explore the top 10 things to do alone in Budapest, Hungary.
1. Catch a dance show at Erkel Theater
Erkel Opera Theatre is a historic concert venue opened in 1911. Over 1819 people can be accommodated in this large musical theater in Hungary. It operated independently until 1951 and then went under the supervision of the Hungarian State Opera House. The theater has dedicated boxes for disabled guests.
Erkel Theater
Address: Budapest, II. János Pál pápa tér 30, 1087 Hungary
Website: Erkel Theater
Opening hours: Depends on show (check website)
2. Relax in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath
After a long day of sightseeing in Budapest, take a relaxing Széchenyi bath. More than 20 pools are heated in the range of 18°- 40°C (65°- 104°F) in the complex where the water is supplied by two thermal springs. Széchenyi bath is the largest thermal bath in Europe and quite a popular one. The thermal bath is said to have healing properties which can heal joint illnesses, orthopedic, and traumas.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Website: Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
3. Stroll through magnificent Chain Bridge
Chain Bridge was established in 1849 and officially named, “István Széchenyi.” If you are sightseeing, walk across the bridge in the morning. If you want to take the best photos, stroll across the bridge in the evening. During the evening, the bridge is beautifully lit up on either side which is a visual treat.
Chain Bridge
Address: Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Sample the best wine at Faust Wine Cellar
When in Budapest, one should never miss tasting Hungarian wines. This is where the famous winery, Faust Wine Cellar, come into the scene. The wine cellar is conveniently located beneath the Hilton Hotel Budapest. You can also sample authentic fruit brandy called pálinka in this place. The owner of the cellar, Gábor and his wife Barbara, travel to over 22 wine locations in Europe to procure the best wine in their cellar. It is also a great place to spend a romantic evening with wine.
Faust Wine Cellar
Address: Budapest, (inside the Hilton at the Dominican Cloister), Hess András tér 1, 1014 Hungary
Website: Faust Wine Cellar
Opening hours: Thur - Mon: 2pm - 8pm
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
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 bac... Read more
5. Marvel at the stunning Buda Castle
The Buda Castle is located at the top of the Castle Hill. In 1265, the castle acted as the royal palace to the Hungarian kings. Guided tours are available in the castle, which enable you to learn its historical greatness. You can take part in several traditional festivals like the wine festival, beer festival, palinka festival chocolate festival, and many more that take place in the Buda Castle.
Buda Castle
Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Website: Buda Castle
6. Admire the architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace situated on the Castle Hill. You will be blown away by their intricate architecture comprising of seven ornate turrets. The structure itself will give you a fairytale atmosphere. Fisherman’s Bastion is just a walkable distance from the famous Matthias Church. The city view from the top of the tower is undeniably breathtaking.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary
Website: Fisherman’s Bastion
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
7. Go on a shopping spree at Central Market Hall
Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest, built in the 19th century. The market mainly sells Hungarian products. It is advisable to visit Central Market Hall on an empty stomach since there are plenty of food stalls and authentic restaurants on the first floor, which serve mouthwatering food items. Do not forget to buy Hungarian spices and wine in this amazing market place. Souvenirs and exclusive Hungarian embroidery can be found on the second floor of the hall.
Central Market Hall
Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 6am - 6pm; Sat: 6am - 3pm; Mon: 6am - 5pm
8. Taste traditional Hungarian food at Pálinka Bistrot
Pálinka Bistrot is a warm eatery which serves the best Hungarian cuisine. The decor is completely refined and elegant with pleasant interiors. You can taste 60 varieties of pálinka in this eatery. They have their own garden from which they get their veggies for the salad. Beef is the star ingredient in their main course. Chocolate cake with a forest fruit pálinka sauce is the popular dessert here.
Pálinka Bistrot
Address: Budapest, Nádor u. 5, 1046 Hungary
Website: Pálinka Bistrot
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat: 11.30am - 6pm; Sun: Open 24 hours
9. Take a scenic hike up Gellért Hill
Gellért Hill overlooks the Danube River and offers Mesmerizing views of Budapest. It was named after Bishop Gellért, who was sentenced to death by throwing him from this hill. After hiking up the hill, you will be taken to the viewpoints which will enthrall you with its scenic views.
Gellért Hill
Address: Gellért Square, Budapest, Hungary
Price: free
Tip from tour guide
The Liberty Statue, modeled after a Hungarian nurse, was erected on Gellért Hill shortly after the end of WW II in memory of the Soviet liberation of Budapest - a liberation that soon turned out to be an occupation. Some controversy arose as to the fate of the statue in the late 1980s, but luckily it remained in place. Now, it's one of my favorite spots on the hill.
10. Play mini golf at Neonis (from USD 12.0)
Enjoy the new experience of playing mini golf under ultraviolet lighting at Neonis. You can reach Neonis within just a 5 km (3.1 miles) drive from St. Stephen’s Basilica. It includes three zones namely, Aquarium, Space, and History of Hungary. You will be given special Chromdepth 3D glasses to play the game.
Neonis - 3D Blacklight Minigolf
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Budapest - a wonderful destination for solo travelers
Budapest has an enriching past and enchanting attractions. Due to its uniqueness, you can explore the city alone with lots of fun. Check out our above recommendations and enjoy a wonderful vacation in this fascinating city.
Tip from Content Creator
Want some more recommendations for your solo trip? Check these out:
- Take a cruise on the Danube
- Visit Castle Hill
- Walk Andrassy Avenue
- Find something to eat at Gozsdu Udvar
- Pet animals at the Cat Cafe or Zoo Cafe
- Climb to the top of St. Stephen's Basilica
- explore Heroes' Square
- Visit the animals at the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Learn About Hungary's History
- Explore Buda Hill
- See an opera at the Hungarian State Opera House
- Go bar hopping in the party district
- Experience a ruin bar
- Eat chimney cake
- Dare to venture underground and go caving
- See the city on a tuk-tuk
- Experience Budapest on an e-scooter
- Visit a Christmas market during the holidays
- Spend some time at Vajdahunyad Castle
- Escape the city for an Etyek Wine Country tour
Visit Suburban Lookout (Sashalmi Kilátó) and the neighboring memorial square
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
The Suburban Lookout (Sashalmi Kilátó) tower is ideal for those who enjoy a bird’s-eye view. It’s next to a square where you can find a memorial dedicated to the reformers who influenced Hungarian religious life. These include Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Stephen Bocskai. The latter implemented religious freedom for Christians in Transylvania in 1606 while the Catholics and Protestants in Western Europe were fighting each other. After checking out the memorial, you can climb up the lookout tower to get a lovely view of the surroundings.
Climb to the top of Margaret Island Water Tower for panoramic views
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
Source: Tiberiu Condulescu
Margaret Island Water Tower is a symbol of the Budapest Waterworks. It’s the first ferrocement tower in Hungary, built in a unique Art Nouveau style. If you climb to the top of the tower, you can catch a great view of the island treetops and nearby Danube banks. Additionally, it’s the best place to enjoy open-air evening performances in the summer, such as concerts and musicals.
Take a leisurely walk along Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút)
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút) is an important, central, and busy part of Budapest. It was one of the great urban projects of the 19th century. Initially, it was was going to be turned into a canal, like the ones in Venice and Amsterdam.
Among the iconic buildings along this boulevard are Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel and Corinthia Budapest. Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel is home to New York Café, the most beautiful cafe in the world, where you can stop for a meal. The area is also easy to reach; four to six tram lines run around the clock along the entire length of it.
Enjoy the spectacle of the musical fountain on Margaret Island
Contributed by Tour Guide, Tiberiu Condulescu
Once a church dominion, later a harem, and now one of our largest parks, Margaret Island is the perfect place for Budapesters to hang out in the summer. Aside from exploring Margaret Island Water Tower and Margaret Bridge, you can enjoy a refreshing musical fountain show here.
Ride in the famous retro tramway
Contributed by Tour Guide, Ange Sandorfi
Source: Ange Sandorfi
If you’re lucky enough to spot a retro tramway on the streets of Budapest, don’t hesitate to hop on! These trams are typically operated during holidays, following their regular routes. I’ve always dreamed of experiencing the city by riding in one of these trams, which truly offer a glimpse into the past era.
Explore Budapest's Metro Line M4
Contributed by Tour Guide, Ange Sandorfi
Budapest’s Metro Line M4, inaugurated in 2014 after decades of development and 17 postponements, offers a unique experience. One of its stations, Fővám tér station, near the Central Market, stands out with its giant concrete beams and neon lights, evoking the vibrant energy of a bustling city. It’s a must-see! To reach it, head to the Tram 2 station and take your pick. Remember, you don’t need a ticket if you skip the escalator.
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