10 Things To Do in Central Budapest

Sightsee on the Danube by cruise – or hop on tram number 2

A panoramic view from the slow and majestic Danube, with an optional stay on Margaret Island for a very reasonable price. Offering boats day and night, this trip can be a unique experience during your stay in Budapest. If you prefer to stay on the shore, tram number 2 runs through a scenic route right next to the Danube, stopping at various sites that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Address: Dock 7 Jane Haining rakpart, Budapest phone +36 1 317 22 03

Window shopping on Váci street

Perhaps one of the most famous streets in Budapest, Váci street offers a lot to see. The area is famous for having gorgeous buildings but very pricey shops, as well as luxurious restaurants, elegant stores, antique shops, and no traffic (it is a pedestrian zone). It’s an ideal place to have a nice walk and to do some window shopping. Don’t miss the beautiful buildings like the Thonet house either.

Faust Wine Cellar

Fancy to get to know the real taste of Hungary? Under the Dominican UNESCO World Heritage Cloister there is a superb chance waiting for you. Hungary is a famous wine producing country; usually you won’t find any wines in any shops other than Hungarian varieties. It’s not surprising, then, that around 80 wines from this rich country and 30 sorts of pálinka (schnapps) are battling to quench any curious tourist’s thirst.

Address: Hess Andras ter (square) 1-3) | (inside the Hilton Budapest, at the Dominican Cloister), Budapest, Hungary

Phone +36-20-3263503

Budapest Whale – the City’s Newest Attraction

Opened in 2013 after a long dispute between the municipality and the constructor, this curious and out-of-the-way building awaits great and small into its huge belly. You cannot miss noticing this enormous glass building on the Pest side of the Danube, and, referring to its shape, it soon became Bálna, meaning whale. It is a cultural, entertainment and commercial center and hosts the Budapest Gallery as well. There is an antique and design market on Sundays, individual shops (like a handmade beer pub, a vernacular store, bars and cafés) that are opened each day, Belgian beer festival and spring festival in specific times. Definitely a fun day out!

Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Address: Fővám tér – 11-12, Budapest +36 30 418 5805

Built at the turn of 20^th century, this was a unique, large shopping center and famous for its architecture. It preserved its function and provides a great place to do everyday shopping for fresh vegetables, fish and game, special international delicacies and traditional Hungarian food. You might find yourself walking slowly row by row and spending ages admiring the immense selection. If you would like to return home with a variety of edible souvenirs, then this is your spot: paprika powder, wines, foie gras, salamis and sausages are on display. Opening hours: Mon 6am – 5pm, Tues-Fri 6 am- 6pm, Sat 6 am-3pm Address: Vámház krt. 1-3, Budapest, Hungary Phone:

This amazing and grandiose bath stands on the Buda side of the Danube. Built in 1918 in an Art Nouveau style, it harnesses the natural thermal springs from the inside of Gellért Hill. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children’s pool, thermal baths, saunas, massages and several packages ensure relaxation during the day. If this weren’t enough, the wonderful ceramic tiles, Roman style columns and glass roof flatter the visitors’ eyes. There is a café as well where you can treat your stomach with a nice cup of coffee and cakes. Open: Mon- Sun: 6 am-8pm, Address: Kelenhegyi út 4, Budapest, Hungary