Free Things to Do in Budapest

Our Local Expert Says:

This "Central Park" of Budapest, situated on an island in the Danube between Buda and Pest, is a great escape from the heat and hubbub of the city. Ideal for kids, joggers, swimmers, bikers, or a long, romantic walk with your loved one.

Description:

Once called Rabbit Island due to a rabbit infestation, the name changed to Margaret Island honoring the daughter of King Béla; she spent her life as a nun on this island. Today, Margaret Island is a recreation spot for all ages. On Margaret Island, you will find walking and jogging trails, a petting zoo, bicycle rentals, beautiful gardens with seasonal flowers, and lush green spaces to sunbathe or benches to just relax. Historical remains include remnants of the Dominican convent and a 13th century Franciscan church. During warm seasons, Margaret Island hosts a number of eateries ranging from a quick snack to full meals. It is also the home to the seasonal Palatinus swimming complex and open-air theater.

Our Local Expert Says:

This area is named after St. Gellert, the first Hungarian martyr. Legend has it that in 1047, while attempting to convert the pagans, Gellert was forced into a wooden barrel filled with nails and then rolled down this steep hill to a bloody death.

Description:

Right next to the Danube River, Gellért Hill is the largest hill in Pest, topped with a beautiful park. Gellért Hill is home to the famed Citadel, the Wax Museum in the Bunker, Liberty Statue, Cave Church, and more. Located in Budapest's XIth District, Gellért Hill is named for the saint who was thrown to his death from the hill. Here you can find the best panoramic view of the city.

Our Local Expert Says:

This vast park is home to the legendary Szechenyi Baths as well as the first statue of George Washington erected in Europe (1906). It also gives home to a fabulous, bizarre, trashy/chic flea market on Sundays - watch your wallets!

Description:

Formally established for the Millennium Celebrations of 1896, exhibitions were held all over the park to commemorate the Hungarian Conquest; the Magyar tribes settling down in the Carpathian Basin in 896. Today it remains the lovely park it used to be, covering an area of 302 acres. Scattered around the park you will find grassy areas ideal for picnics, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Hungarian State Circus, a rather old Amusement Park, the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the Vajdahunyad Castle, built to represent all the Hungarian architectural styles, plus many other forms of entertainment depending on the season. The City Park is also home to a number of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets.

Our Local Expert Says:

This garden is a gorgeous, well-kept park in the heart of the city, only a few steps from the Astoria Hotel. It’s an ideal place for a quiet chat, people-watching, or a mid-day picnic. The surrounding houses are (for obvious reasons) amongst the most sought-after real estate on the Pest side.

Description:

If you're strolling around Pest and you start to feel a little claustrophobic as you're walking through its narrow streets and canyon-like passages, take a break in the Karolyi Garden. This is one of the only patches of green to be found in this area. While you're here, take a look at the historical townhouses that surround it. The park is free of dogs and has an enclosed playground for children. If you're hungry, grab the makings of a picnic at the little store on the corner and enjoy it in the park. This is an excellent place to observe Hungarians going about their daily lives, as this is a relatively tourist-free spot.

Description:

Laid out in the 1860s, this park - which stands about 5km southeast of Pest centre - is around 112 hectares in size. There are large grassy areas containing trees, flowerbeds and children's playgrounds. It can be very peaceful or very busy, depending on the weather (the first warm and sunny weekends of spring are usually packed) and the season. It's a nice place to come for a picnic.

Description:

The monumental building of the St. Stephen's Basilica completed in 1905 after 50 years of construction is the largest Roman Catholic Church of the city, named after Hungary's first king St. Stephen who was later canonized for converting the once pagan nation to Catholicism. With such a lengthy construction period, the Basilica saw three consecutive architects explaining its architectural diversity; predominantly neo-Renaissance exterior with a hint of Classical, and an ornate neo-Baroque interior. The central dome being 96 meters high makes the Basilica the tallest building of the city, alongside the House of Parliament whose central dome also measures the same height. It is not just its size that makes the Basilica one of the most impressive religious building s of the country; the marble and golden interior with mosaics depicting biblical scenes and stain glass windows illustrating scenes from the life of Christ all contribute to its grandeur. One of its smaller chapels, the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand, houses something of interest for the morbidly curious: St. Stephen's mummified holy right hand. It is on exhibit in a golden shrine that needs illuminating by two 100ft coins. You... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Watching night fall upon Pest is an unbelievable experience from here. The crooked little medieval streets bathed in warm yellow light also create and unmatchable atmosphere.

Description:

After you've seen the Royal Palace, take a stroll northwards. The medieval street network remains unaltered and although most of the buildings have been thoroughly restored (the war damage was severe) many retain their original features. You will be able to see the remains of the Dominican monastery; note the Plague monument outside Matyas Church; walk along the castle walls on the Buda side and see the Turkish tombstones at the north-western corner. There are many places to eat out here, but you should expect to pay tourist prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fabulous central location, just steps from Gerbaud elegance.

Description:

This gallery specializes in exhibiting new and emerging work as well as pieces by established artists. All of the work is contemporary and the exhibitions change quite frequently. Photography and modern decorative sculpture is also displayed. This gallery is definitely worth a visit for serious art fans. Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Legendary series of interlocking courtyards in the heart of the Jewish district. Languished for years, currently undergoing refurbishment and set to re-open as a series of boutiques, cafes, and upscale condos.

Description:

This unique series of interconnected courtyards and buildings stretching between Kiraly and Dob streets came within a hair's breadth of being demolished. This would have been an act of the utmost stupidity, as anyone strolling the now-empty passageways would agree. It once boasted apartments and many artisans' workshops and small retailers.

Description:

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who is credited with saving the lives of 20,000 Jews during the war by providing safe houses and fake Swedish ID papers. He disappeared after the war and it is assumed that he died in a Soviet labor camp. By all accounts, he was a very brave man. This sculpture was put up in 1987 and it is here because the Communist authorities insisted that it was not to be placed in the centre of the city.