In addition to classic city hiking and exploring the city's historical sights, get ready for the following activities in Budapest.
Enjoy the geothermal baths
Budapest is situated on a geological fault from which mineral water rises to the surface with more than 120 thermal springs. The abundant thermal springs here were one of the reasons why the Romans once settled the area.
The second wave of spa complexes was built during the Ottoman rule. The Rudas fürdő baths were also built at that time and are still functional and open to the public today.
Nowadays, spa complexes are used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes and are an integral part of Budapest life, visited by travellers from all over the world.
History and sights
It is not for nothing that Budapest is known as the Vienna of the East. In a very small area, you will find beautiful architectural gems from Roman times to Baroque and Art Nouveau to Neoclassical buildings. Budapest's monuments are one of the main attractions for foreign tourists, along with the spa. Some of them are world-famous and also function as symbols of the whole of Hungary. And which major sights can you look forward to in Budapest? Definitely don't miss these:
- The Hungarian Parliament Building
- Buda Castle
- St. Matthias Cathedral
- The Great Synagogue
- St. Stephen's Basilica
Parks and gardens
There are 8 protected landscape areas and more than 30 nature reserves in and around Budapest. The largest area within the city includes the Buda Hills, which are the green lungs of the city, covering 10,500 hectares. They consist of steep ravines, rocky pastures and more than 150 caves. They lie on the western edge of the city and the most popular place with many hiking trails is the area around János-hegy Hill, which is reached by a chairlift.
But you can also enjoy the parks and greenery right in the centre of Budapest. Among the most popular are the park and Japanese Garden on Margaret Island or the Városliget Gardens with its many attractions such as the Széchenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle and Budapest Zoo.
Boat trips on the Danube
Budapest's popular BKK boat lines sailing at bargain prices across central Budapest may have been cancelled, but you can still cruise the Danube with many private companies.
The cheapest prices start at 3 000 huf and can be purchased from Mahart Pasnave: mahartpassnave.hu.
The company legenda.hu then offers popular evening cruises with dinner included on board, which cost from 20 eur.
A ride on the children's railway
In the Buda Hills on the northwestern edge of the city, you'll find a peculiar attraction unlike anywhere else in the world. In the already rural and densely wooded János-hegy area, a narrow-gauge train operated exclusively by children aged 10 to 14 runs from the valley to the top of the hill.
The only exception is the locomotive, which must of course be operated by an adult. However, all other activities, from conductors to train dispatchers to ticket sales, are handled by children. A one-way ticket is available from 1 000 huf, and the railway runs from 9am to 4pm. Read more on the official website.
The Hűvösvölgy valley terminus can be reached by regular tram lines 56, 56A, 59B and 61. The Széchenyi-hegy upper station is reached by the interesting cogwheel line 60, on which regular fares apply.