As anyone who’s visited can tell you, Budapest is one of Europe’s most vibrant and exciting cities, full of a seemingly endless amount of things to do. But while the Hungarian capital is certainly one of Europe’s more affordable major cities, we all know that travel expenses can quickly add up. For this reason, we’ve decided to highlight the many free things to in Budapest.
It would be easy to go on and on about all of the free sights, events, and cultural programs that the Hungarian capital has to offer. As we’re pressed for space, however, we’ve decided to focus on some of the highlights, on the truly must-see spots. Here, then, in no particular order, are the top 10 free things to do in Budapest.
Free Attractions in Budapest
1. Climbing Gellért Hill
While there are plenty of places you can go to pay for a view of Budapest’s incredible skyline, the best spot from which to view the city is actually completely free. Simply take a bus, or hike up one of several paths, to the top of Gellért Hill, and get ready to be amazed by the sight of the city spreading out before you.
2. Margaret Island: Running, Japanese Gardens, Ancient Ruins, and More
Margaret Island is home to a wide range of free attractions to visit, ranging from Abbey ruins to Japanese Gardens to a small garden, all of which are free. In addition, if you’re looking for a great spot to exercise while in the Hungarian capital, the island also features a great running track around its outer edge, with great views of the Danube River and many of Budapest’s major landmarks.
3. Visit Kerepesi Cemetery
While it might strike some as morbid, a visit to the Kerepesi Cemetery is a truly unique, and free, cultural experience. For Budapest’s most famous burial ground is far more than simply a plot of land covered in gravestones. Filled with breathtaking monuments and mausoleums, it is the resting place of famous figures ranging from poets to revolutionaries to scientists
4. Explore Fisherman’s Bastion and the Castle
Make time to explore Budapest’s beautiful Castle District. Home to many of the city’s oldest buildings, the Castle District is the ideal place for an afternoon stroll. Be sure to check out historic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and Trinity Square.
Fisherman’s Bastion, located in the Castle district, is one of many great free things to see in Budapest (credit:pixabay.com)
5. Matthias Church Organ Concerts
And if you’re already in the Castle District, don’t miss the historic Matthias Church. Formerly Hungary’s coronation church, during the warmer months of the year this house of worship plays host to free organ concerts after mass on certain Sundays, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for a truly special experience.
6. Check Out Heroes’ Square, the City Park, and the Vajdahunyad Castle
One of the great things about visiting an iconic city such as Budapest is that all of its most imposing monuments are free for visitors to wonder at, at least from the outside. Built for the massive 1896 Millennium Exhibition, Heroes’ Square and the Vajdahunyad Castle are must-see spots for anyone exploring the Hungarian capital. In addition, both are located on the edge of the sprawling City Park, a great spot for jogging, picnics, or just simply a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Visiting Heroes’ Square is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Budapest (credit:pixabay.com)
7. Hike in the Buda Hills
One of the coolest things about Budapest is that, no matter how deep you are in the city’s urban jungle, you’re never more than a short public-transportation ride away from some truly great hiking. Head out to the Buda Hills and make your way to one of several lookout towers for amazing views, in the middle of a forest that is also right next to the heart of the city.
8. Marvel at St. Stephen’s Basilica
Located in the heart of downtown Pest, St. Stephen’s Basilica is truly a marvel. Open 7 days a week, this breathtaking church is free to enter, although visitors are encouraged to leave a donation for the maintenance of the Basilica and its grounds. In addition, buying a ticket to go up to the top of the Basilica’s cupola is one of the cheapest ways to get a great view of the Hungarian capital from the Pest side.
If you’re looking for things to do in Budapest for free, you can’t do better than visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica (credit:pixabay)
9. Explore Budapest’s Amazing Markets
If there’s one thing that Budapest doesn’t lack for, it’s great food. With markets scattered throughout the city, you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from spots where you can sample all of the delicious delicacies that Hungarian cuisine has to offer. What’s more, Budapest is also home to numerous pop-up farmer’s markets, perhaps the most unique of which is held every Sunday at Szimplakert, the city’s most famous ruin pub.
10. Római part Riverside Beach
A hidden gem on the banks of the Danube, the Romai Part (Roman Beach) is the perfect spot to check out in Budapest as the weather gets warmer. Located north of the city-center, on the West bank of the Danube, the Romai Part is an ideal place for eating, relaxing, sunbathing, and even swimming for the more adventurous. What’s more, it’s a great place to go for a slice of local Budapest life. Unlike many other Budapest attractions, such as the Széchenyi Baths or the Jewish District, the Romai Part has yet to be truly discovered by the throngs of tourists who make their way to the city each spring and summer. For this reason, it’s an ideal free spot to kick back, escape the crowds, and watch the Danube float on by.