Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and the Széchenyi Baths are among the largest and best known of them. As early as 1881 an artesian bathhouse operated on the site, while the current complex was built in 1913 and later expanded. Today you can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms there. The design of the place is stunning, and it's a pleasure to stroll around it as well as through the various spaces of the baths, especially in the outdoor pool area. As of 2026, a day ticket including locker use costs 13,200 forint Monday–Thursday, 14,800 forint on Fridays and weekends, and 15,800 forint on holidays and peak periods. It's important to know that since 2025 children under the age of 14 are not permitted to enter the complex, except for pre-approved medical cases.
The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest's most prominent symbols. It opened in 1849 and was the first permanent bridge to connect Buda and Pest. The bridge was designed by the British engineer William Tierney Clark, and its construction was overseen by the engineer Adam Clark. The four lions at its ends were created by the sculptor János Marschalkó and installed in 1852. The legend that the sculptor forgot to give them tongues and jumped into the Danube is not true – the lions do have tongues, but they're hard to see when you look at them from below. It's recommended to cross the bridge both by day and after dark, when the city lights completely transform its appearance and the view seen from it.
The Faust Wine Cellar is located beneath the Hilton Hotel in the Buda Castle district, in an underground space next to the courtyard of the Dominican monastery. The place focuses on guided tastings of Hungarian wines and of pálinka, Hungary's traditional fruit brandy – a special and tasty experience for lovers of these drinks. The number of tables in the cellar is limited, so it's advisable to book at least a day or two in advance. As of 2026, the cellar is open on Monday 2:00–5:00 PM, on Thursday 5:00–8:00 PM, and Friday–Sunday 2:00–8:00 PM. It's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and there may also be seasonal closures on additional dates.
The underground labyrinth of Buda Castle lies deep within Castle Hill, inside a network of chambers that served over the generations as, among other things, a shelter and a prison. The walking route through this network is about a kilometer long and includes dark passages, statues, displays and historical stories that give the place a mysterious atmosphere. As of 2026, the labyrinth is open daily between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. That said, the official site notes that opening hours may change without prior notice, so it's worth checking them before you arrive.
The Fisherman's Bastion stands in the Castle district, near Matthias Church, and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Danube, the Parliament building and the riverbanks on the Pest side of the city. The structure was built between 1895 and 1902, mainly in a Neo-Romanesque style combined with Neo-Gothic influences. Its seven towers symbolize the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin around the year 895. Thanks to its fairytale-like structure and the view it commands, this is one of the most photographed and beloved places in Budapest. During the day, entry to the bastion's upper viewing terrace involves a small symbolic fee, but after the ticket offices close (around seven in the evening) entry to the area is free, and the view from there at those hours is nothing short of breathtaking.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Budapest's central symbols and a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. After taking in its impressive facade on the bank of the Danube, it's worth joining a tour inside the building, during which you see, among other things, the Dome Hall and the Holy Crown of Hungary. The official tour lasts about 45 minutes and is conducted with a group guide or an audio guide. As of 2026, an adult ticket costs 14,000 forint, and a ticket for young people aged 6–24 costs 7,000 forint. Holders of a passport from a country that is a member of the European Economic Area are entitled to lower prices. In peak seasons it's advisable to book tickets in advance, since the sought-after tours can fill up quickly.
From Elizabeth Bridge you can walk up the paths of Gellért Hill to the Citadella, a fortress built in the mid-19th century that offers a wide view of Buda, Pest and the Danube. After a lengthy renovation, the refurbished complex is open to the public in 2026, and today you can stroll free of charge through the inner park, the panoramic promenade and the viewpoints. Entry to the "The Bastion of Liberty" exhibition, the roof garden and the round terrace involves a fee, and an adult ticket costs 4,900 forint. The park is open 6:00 AM–midnight from April to October and 8:00 AM–10:00 PM from November to March. The exhibition is open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM on most days of the week and noon–8:00 PM on Fridays.
