Top Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest, the city offers a mix of grand architecture, thermal baths, historic landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re wandering through medieval castles, soaking in natural hot springs, or taking a sunset cruise on the Danube, Budapest has something for everyone.

But while the city is full of amazing things to do, visiting multiple attractions can quickly become expensive and time-consuming. That is where the Budapest City Pass comes in. It gives you access to top sites, guided tours, and even extras like an eSIM and audio guides, all with one easy purchase. In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in Budapest and explain how the City Pass helps you save time and money along the way.

1. Visit Buda Castle and the Castle District

Perched high above the Danube, Buda Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to cobbled streets, medieval houses, and important sites like the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. From here, you’ll also get some of the best panoramic views of Pest across the river.

Normally, visiting the Castle District requires purchasing separate tickets for each site. With the City Pass, you can access guided walking tours and audio guides that cover the history of this fascinating area without worrying about extra fees.

2. Take a Danube River Cruise

No trip to Budapest is complete without a Danube River Cruise. Whether during the day or in the evening when the city lights sparkle, a boat ride gives you a unique perspective of Budapest’s famous skyline, from the Parliament Building to the Chain Bridge and the Buda hills.

Booking separately can be pricey, especially for evening cruises. With the Budapest City Pass, you can include a Danube cruise as one of your attractions, ensuring a magical experience while keeping your budget in check.

3. Relax in the Thermal Baths

Budapest is known as the “City of Spas” thanks to its natural thermal springs. The most famous is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, located in City Park. With its outdoor pools, medicinal waters, and beautiful Neo-Baroque architecture, it is a must-visit spot for relaxation.

Other popular choices include Gellért Baths and Rudas Baths, each with its own character and history. Entry tickets can add up quickly if you’re traveling as a family or group, but the City Pass includes spa access options, making it a cost-effective way to experience this side of Budapest.

4. Explore the Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is not just the city’s most photographed building. It is also one of the largest parliaments in the world. Guided tours take you inside to see its golden halls, historic chambers, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Tickets often sell out, and queues can be long. With the City Pass, you can secure your entry in advance, skip ticket lines, and join an informative tour without the stress of last-minute planning.

5. Wander Through Heroes’ Square and City Park

Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is one of Budapest’s most important landmarks, featuring statues of Hungarian leaders and the impressive Millennium Monument. Right behind the square lies City Park (Városliget), a green escape filled with attractions like Vajdahunyad Castle, the Budapest Zoo, and the Széchenyi Baths.

A City Pass often includes walking tours or discounts for these sites, so you can enjoy both cultural history and leisure time in one go.

6. Discover St. Stephen’s Basilica

Named after Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. Its grand dome dominates the skyline, and you can climb to the observation deck for panoramic city views. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artworks and the mummified right hand of St. Stephen himself.

With a City Pass, you can skip ticket purchases at the door and enjoy access to audio guides that explain the fascinating stories behind this monumental church.

7. Experience Budapest’s Jewish Quarter

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is both historic and trendy. Here you’ll find the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe, as well as memorials, museums, and vibrant ruin pubs. It is a place where culture and nightlife blend seamlessly.

The Budapest City Pass includes guided walking tours of the Jewish Quarter, helping you uncover its layered history while leaving time to enjoy its lively streets after dark.

8. Take a Day Trip to Szentendre or Gödöllő

If you want to explore beyond the city, consider a day trip. Szentendre, a charming riverside town known for its art galleries and cobblestone streets, is just 30 minutes away. Another option is Gödöllő Palace, a former residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi).

Many Budapest City Pass packages include the option to add day trips, so you can enjoy a more complete Hungarian experience without organizing transport and tickets separately.

Which Budapest City Pass Should You Choose?

The Budapest City Pass is available in three versions, each designed for different travel styles and budgets.

• Budapest Classic Pass: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to cover the essentials. Includes the Old Town Walking Tour and 1 additional attraction.

• Budapest Premium Pass: Ideal for short city breaks. Includes the Walking Tour and 2 additional attractions, such as the Parliament tour or a Danube cruise.

• Budapest Deluxe Pass: Best value if you want the full experience. Includes the Walking Tour and 3 additional attractions, including day trips outside Budapest.

These options are how the pass works with MegaPass, although keep in mind that other providers may structure their passes differently. That is why checking what is included is important before booking. With MegaPass, the inclusions are clear, and you can easily compare Classic, Premium, and Deluxe to choose the one that fits your trip.

So which one should you choose? Think about how many days you’re staying and what kind of traveler you are. If you’re only in the city for a quick visit, the Classic is enough. But if you plan to explore more deeply, Premium or Deluxe will give you the flexibility and savings you need.

Why MegaPass, Not Other City Passes?

In Budapest, you’ll find several companies offering city passes, but not all are created equal. Some have hidden fees, others limit you to fixed packages, and many don’t provide real support if something goes wrong. MegaPass stands out because it combines flexibility with traveler-first services:

• Trusted Worldwide: Available in 40+ cities and used by 70,000+ explorers.

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs, no extra booking fees, just one clear price.

• Flexibility: You choose the attractions that interest you instead of being locked into rigid bundles.

• Extra Value: Free eSIM, audio guides, and discounts included.

• Dedicated Customer Care: Real human support before and during your trip, something many competitors lack.

Choosing MegaPass means choosing reliability and convenience, backed by global experience and thousands of positive reviews.

How the Budapest City Pass Works

Using the pass is simple:

1. Choose your pass type: Classic, Premium, or Deluxe.

2. Select your attractions online.

3. Receive your mobile PDF tickets by email.

4. Show the QR code at each site.

5. Enjoy Budapest hassle-free during your pass validity.

Final Travel Tips

• Book ahead: Popular attractions like Parliament tours can sell out.

• Mix it up: Balance sightseeing with relaxation at the thermal baths.

• Use your pass wisely: Group attractions by area to save time.

• Stay connected: Take advantage of the free eSIM to navigate the city.

Conclusion

Budapest is a city of contrasts. Historic yet modern, relaxing yet vibrant. From castles and cathedrals to spas and ruin pubs, there’s no shortage of things to do. But with so much to see, organizing your trip can feel overwhelming.

The Budapest City Pass by MegaPass takes away the stress, offering flexibility, savings, and access to the city’s top attractions in one simple package. Compared to other providers, MegaPass gives you transparency, extra perks, and reliable support. It is the smartest choice for your Budapest adventure.