Best Things to Do in Budapest and Things to Skip, From Local

This Neo-Baroque bath complex is certainly eye-catching, but Széchenyi is often packed with visitors.

I usually tell visitors to instead check out the Rudas Baths, which are just as gorgeous but often less crowded.

These Turkish baths date back to the 16th century, but the complex also includes some newer additions for a modern spa experience — including a rooftop hot tub that provides a stunning panoramic city view.

Don’t get me wrong: The soaring ceilings and colorful stalls of Budapest’s largest covered market are beautiful. However, the upper levels can quickly become a crowded maze.

For unique souvenirs and authentic food, I’d recommend the glass-roofed Fény Street Market, which is beloved by locals.

I always enjoy browsing stalls of true artisan crafts before grabbing traditional Hungarian food from one of the stalls upstairs.

Budapest’s original grand boulevard, Andrássy Avenue, is now mostly full of pricey restaurants and designer stores.

If you’re planning to do some serious shopping, this street could be great. If not, though, I suggest heading over to the west side of the city to see where Budapestians really spend their leisure time.

There, you’ll find Bartok Béla Avenue, which is full to bursting with colorful bars, cafés, and galleries. Trust me, you’ll get a much closer look at what life in Budapest looks like.

Yes, the New York Café bills itself as “the most beautiful café in the world,” and I don’t necessarily disagree. It’s absolutely stunning.

However, every time I visit, I end up waiting in a very long line — and the prices are often more than I’m hoping to spend.

Instead, you may want to consider visiting Central Café or the Gerbeaud Confectionery and Café for a taste of the upscale coffeehouse culture that defined Budapest during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The creamy white turrets and spires of Fisherman’s Bastion make it look like a castle right out of a fairytale. Even after living in Budapest for seven years, I can admit: there’s really nothing like it.

Crowds are inevitable, but in my opinion, this historic monument — and the view of the city you’ll get from the top — are well worth it.

Try going before sunrise for a bit more space to yourself.

If you only have time for one museum in Budapest, I’d suggest the House of Terror.

This museum offers an educational look into the darkest chapters of Hungary’s history, including both devastating tales of oppression and violence and inspiring stories of bravery and resistance during the Nazi and Communist occupations of Budapest.

The Museum of Ethnography and Hospital in the Rock are also enriching places to visit, if you have the time.

Budapest only gets prettier at sunset. A Danube river cruise will take you past castles, churches, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites, all in the span of a couple of hours.

There are a ton of different cruises you can book, from classic sightseeing tours to traditional Hungarian dinners to techno party rides, just to name a few.

Budapest’s most famous ruin bar is on tons of tourist lists, and as a result, it can get packed — but it’s something you should see at least once.

The eclectic decor, which has been layered over the decades, makes each room feel different from the last. Exploring the whole complex feels like an adventure.

However, no two ruin bars are the same. If you feel like checking out a spot with a bit more local flair, make time to visit Pótkulcs, A Grund, or Manyi. Egészségedre (cheers) to that!