Whether you’re on a tight budget or want to have some fun, finding something you can do in Budapest for free can be difficult. So to help you out, here are the ten best things to do in Budapest for free.
- Castle district
- Margaret island
- Hero's square
- Danube promenade
- Bridges
- Gellért Hill
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Main attractions
- Street art
Visit the Castle District and enjoy the view of the Danube
If you’re up for a lively walk, don’t miss out on the Castle District. While there are many lovely spots here, the castle being very much included, the view of the Danube is charming. Whether you want to have a moment to think or you wish to show someone the beauty of Budapest in one view, this is it.
Join a free walking tour Like most European cities, Budapest has a host of free guided tours by enthusiasts and lovers of the local culture. Whether you want a general introductory guided tour to Budapest, the Buda Castle, or the Buda or the Pest part of the town separately, many funny and knowledgeable tour guides won’t ask you for more than a voluntary tip and a round of applause at the end.
Picnic on Margaret Island
Margaret Island lies north of the city centre in the middle of the Danube. It is freely accessible 24/7 with a lovely park, beautiful greenery, and many attractions. But nothing beats sitting down with some homemade yummies and enjoying the view with some friends during an informal picnic. The island is also known for having many squirrels to spot, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled.
Visit the Hero's Square
Impressive and majestic, the Hero’s square monument is undoubtedly worth the visit. Being iconic and highly photogenic, it will be the perfect spot for your most cherished photos and selfies.
And since you’re there, you can take a walk in the City Park which is just opposite the monument. Also, we recommend to rent a flat in Budapest in this area, it is very affordable and in a great area with an amazing park to walk around the nature.
See the Danube promenade at night
Nothing punctuates a long day of working or a close date, quite like strolling by the waterfront at night. The lights of Budapest’s monuments shimmering in the vast, calm Danube make every evening feel truly special. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most long-lasting ones.
Explore the bridges of the city
There are seven bridges overall, excluding partial bridges or train bridges. These are anything from historical monuments in their own right to current architectural projects. Since the Danube is a wide river, countless ships and boats are crisscrossing its surface, especially during the day, giving you an ample opportunity to see the locals of the town on the waves.
Climb up to Gellért Hill
The Gellért Hill offers a lovely view and a gorgeous park where you can spend hours strolling alone or with friends. If you’re looking for a calm and peaceful place in Budapest, this is your number one destination in Hungary.
Visit the Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park
While the inside of the Castle functions as an exhibition space for agricultural products of Hungary, the outside of it is even more exciting and romantic. With neo-gothic windows and a tall medieval tower, you will feel like you have been transported back in time. Budapest has many photo opportunities, but this one is a must.
See St. Stephan's Basilica, Parliament, and the Dohány Street Synagogue
Each is an architectonic marvel. If you are in any way into sightseeing, these three places have to be on your list. There are tons more things to see in Budapest, but these will surely satiate your appetite for at least an afternoon. And they aren’t even that far away from one another.
Find street art in the Jewish Quarter
There is heaps of exciting street art done by local and international artists in the Jewish quarter. Go alone or with a friend and see what crazy and fun ideas people come up with when not constrained by what can hang in a gallery. Whether imitations of old styles or works that take street art to a whole new level, there’s something for everyone.
