Top 20 free things to do in Budapest

Budapest is a Hungarian capital where culture, history and beauty are accessible to everyone. If you are looking for free things to do in Budapest, there are many options to choose from. Here, even with a limited budget, you can have a great time exploring the city.

And before you start planning, here’s some useful tips for your trip.

Good to Know Before You Go

• How to get there: Budapest is easy to reach with low-cost flights (Ryanair, WizzAir) from most European cities. Ferenc Liszt Airport is only 16 km from the city centre.
• How to get around: Public transport runs smoothly: trams, metro and buses cover the entire city. Walking is a great way to discover the main Budapest free attractions.
• Best time to visit: April–June and September–October offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. In winter, however, the city turns magical over the Christmas period. In summer, the city comes alive with festivals and street life.

Now, let’s dive straight into Leonardo’s top 20 free things to do in Budapest.

1. Stroll along the Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)

This snow-white architectural masterpiece on the Buda side offers stunning views of the Danube and the Parliament. And yes, admission to the terraces is free!

 

2. Admire the Hungarian Parliament

One of the most beautiful buildings in Europe and undoubtfully the most famous building of Hungary, the Hungarian Parliament, is also free to admire! The building gets especially magical in the evening, when it is illuminated.

 

3. Explore the Buda Castle District

Stroll through the streets of the Old Town, visit the courtyards, castles, and admire the century-old houses. It’s truly picturesque and absolutely free!

 

4. Visit the Central Market (Nagyvásárcsarnok)

Want to feel like a local? Head to the Central Market: experience the buzz of the local life, wander through aisles of spices, local produce, and handcrafted goods. Even if you leave emptyhanded, window-shopping at the Central Market is still one of the best free activities in Budapest.

 

5. Relax in the City Park (Városliget)

Városliget is nothing less than a huge green oasis close to the city centre. It’s an ideal place for walking, picnicking, boating in summer and ice-skating in winter.

 

6. Walk along Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue is the Hungarian equivalent of Champs-Élysées. The street itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along you will find villas, theaters, embassies, and restaurants. This walk will bring a true aesthetic pleasure with no costs involved.

 

7. Visit Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)

A large-scale monument dedicated to Hungary’s national heroes. The square often hosts cultural events and public gatherings.

 

8. Discover the Jewish Quarter

Narrow streets, street art, synagogues. Some of them can only be seen from the outside, but even that is enough to make a deep impression.

 

9. Cros the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)

One of the symbols of the city, the Chain Bridge is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset over the Danube.

 

10. Visit Gozsdu Udvar

Gozsdu Udvar is a mix of galleries, bars and cafés in one passageway. The atmosphere here is buzzing, especially in the evenings. It’s a great choice for things to see in Budapest for free at night.

 

11. Check out the street art

To explore Budapest street-art scene, head to District VII. This neighbourhood is full of graffiti, murals and installations. It’s a real open-air museum of modern art.

 

12. Join a free walking tour

There are plenty of free walking tours in Budapest to choose from. They start daily at St. Stephen’s Basilica and operate on a tip basis. It’s the perfect way to get to know the history of the city.

 

13. See Budapest from Gellért Hill

The path to the top is not easy, but the views are rewarding! Don’t miss the chance to see the best panoramic view of Budapest without spending a cent!

 

14. Pay your homage to the Holocaust victims

On the banks of Danube, you’ll find a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. A very moving and important place to stop and reflect on the past.

 

15. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica

The magnificent interior and tranquillity of the St. Stephen’s Basilica are ideal for a few minutes of spiritual relaxation. You can also take the elevator (or the 364 steps) to the observation deck for panoramic views of Budapest.

 

16. Explore the Margit Island (Margitsziget)

An entire island full of green alleys, a musical fountain, monastery ruins and viewing platforms. It’s one of the best free things to do in Budapest for nature lovers.

 

17. Visit the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Museum

Sometimes it opens its doors for free events and exhibitions. It’s worth keeping an eye on the programme.

 

18. Visit the New York Café

New York Café is one of the most beautiful cafés in the world. You would need to order something to get a table, but the experience you get for the price of a coffee is truly unforgettable.

 

19. Observe the city from the Citadella

Citadella, which is a Hungarian word for a fortress, is the fortification located at the top of Gellért Hill. It’s another high point where you can see Budapest at a glance.

 

20. Take part in street festivals and concerts

In summer, Budapest is filled with free cultural events: concerts in parks, open-air cinema, markets, and fairs. Just contact a local tourist office or look for a program online.

As you can see, there are plenty of free things to do in Budapest! Budapest is generous and open to those who want to experience the city for real.

Don’t wait, book your stay with Leonardo Hotels in Budapest now!