I always say my favorite city is Madrid, but the beauty of Budapest gives it fierce competition. As always, the usual bucket list was not enough for me, and I searched for ways to explore Budapest off the beaten path.
To share some of my favorite experiences, here’s an alternative guide that will take your trip to one of the best cities in Hungary to another level of awesomeness.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Planning a last-minute trip? Check out:
Highly-rated accommodations in Budapest:
1. Smart Studio (budget)
2. Emerald Hotel (mid-range)
3. Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence (luxury)
Top activities and offbeat activities in Budapest:
1. 75-minute sightseeing cruise with drinks
2. Eight different FREE walking tours of Budapest
3. Chimney cake workshop
4. Hungarian wine-tasting experience
My favorite carb in Budapest: I found a cafe called Freyja that specializes in sweet and savory croissants – the dark chocolate one was insanely decadent and delicious!
How to Explore Budapest off the Beaten Path
Learn About the City’s Jewish History
Did you know that Hungary has the third-largest Jewish population in Europe (after the UK and France)?
Did you know that the famous Great Synagogue in Dohány Street is the second-largest synagogue in the world? Did you also know that it’s not the only synagogue in Budapest?
The Jewish Quarter is Budapest’s most buzzing area, but there’s a lot more to it beyond the shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
It has immense historical importance, and after taking a Jewish walking tour in other cities, I figured it would be the best way to learn more about Budapest’s Jewish history as well.
I took this free 2-hour walking tour and thankfully, I had the most knowledgeable, informative, and funny guide.
The tour mostly covers Jewish landmarks and the history of the community in Budapest, but you’ll also get to know a few non-religious places. You can find all the details about this tour here (meeting point, length, etc.).
Important to know #1: The tour does not include entrance to the synagogues, but you can come back and visit them on your own.
Important to know #2: If you’re interested in a longer tour or one that includes more landmarks, book one of these Jewish Heritage tours.
Take Other Alternative Tours
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Budapest and want to see the city with a guide, there are dozens of other alternative tours you can take.
Here are a few top-rated ones:
- Free Communism walking tour.
- Other free walking tours of Budapest, from a night tour at the Buda Castle to imperial Budapest.
- Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) workshop: I’m drooling just thinking about this delicious dessert, so of course, I would have loved to learn how to make it. Check out all the details here.
Explore Budapest’s Underground Caves
Ready for a fun fact about Budapest? Fitting perfectly into the category of ‘hidden gems in Budapest’ are the 200+ natural caves found under the Buda side of the city.
To explore this subterranean world, you can either book a tour or visit some caves independently like Palvolgyi Cave and Szemlő Mountain Cave.
Go Street Art Hunting
As a huge street art lover, I was thrilled to discover that Budapest is full of colorful surprises. From giant murals to tiny little figures, I can honestly say the city’s local street art scene is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
You can create your own walking tour using this detailed map of all the art spots in the city or take a free guided tour as I have. It makes it so much more meaningful because you get to know the story behind each piece instead of just taking a pretty picture of it.
Visit the Miksa Róth Memorial House
You might have never heard of Miksa Róth, but in the late 1900s, he was one of Hungary’s (and Europe’s) most prominent stained-glass artists and mosaicists.
While some of his works can be found in Budapest’s top landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Széchenyi Baths, you can also visit his house and workshop, which were turned into a museum.
Discover Budapest’s Unique Buildings
To me, discovering beautiful buildings in a city (and I’m not even talking about landmarks) is just as fun and interesting as other activities. And let me tell you – Budapest is the perfect city to do exactly that.
I visited many stunning European cities, but I’ve never seen such an incredible mix of architectural styles, embellishments, and colors in ‘simple’ residential buildings.
Each one is completely different from the other, and when you see them all next to each other, somehow it all makes sense.
If you’re looking for unusual things to see in Budapest, here are a buildings few I loved:
Rákóczi tér (tér = square): All the buildings around this square are full of intricate details.
Mai Mano House (Nagymező utca 20): A Neo-Renaissance building that used to be the home of Mano Mai, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s former photographer. Currently, it houses the Hungarian House of Photography and includes a gallery, a library, and even a cafe.
Parisi Udvar (Petőfi Sándor utca 2): A historical shopping arcade turned into a luxurious hotel.
For other bizarre and unique buildings with accurate addresses, check out this mind-blowing Instagram account called Budapest Facades.
It’s such an excellent resource for those of you who want to create a DIY walking tour of Budapest’s most amazing buildings.
Visit the Vasarely Museum
Budapest is home to some remarkable museums like the Hungarian National Museum and Museum of Fine Arts, but what about a museum dedicated to Op art (art that uses optical illusions)?
The Hungarian artist, Victor Vasarely, was a master in Op art (and is even considered the leader of the movement), and you’ll find an impressive collection of his colorful work in the Vasarely Museum. It’s definitely a non touristy place in Budapest you need to check out.
Address: Szentlélek tér 6.
Explore Castle Hill Beyond Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church
It was so funny to me seeing these two landmarks full of tourists and then walking in completely quiet streets only a minute away from them.
Don’t just take pretty pictures of the church and Fisherman’s Bastion and go back to the Pest side of the city. Instead, take your time and explore the colorful streets surrounding Castle Hill’s monuments.
Here are a few visit-worthy spots:
– Táncsics Mihály utca (utca = street): Apart from all the beautiful houses on this street, you’ll also spot an art gallery (Koller Gallery), a Lutheran church, and a door with a Menorah on it. This is the door of a medieval Jewish prayer house that is only open on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
– Bécsikapu tér: This square is home to some gorgeous houses and the building of the National Archives of Hungary which is a stunning architectural gem.
– Fortuna utca.
– Uri utca.
– Tóth Árpád sétány: This lovely avenue provides you with some of the best views in Budapest.
Explore the City’s Roman Ruins
Did you know that in Budapest you’ll find the ruins of the Roman city of Aquincum? Founded about 2000 years ago, its remains are now one of the biggest archeological sites in Hungary.
Apart from the impressive Aquincum Museum, you can also see the Roman amphitheater, the mosaics at Hercules Villa, and some Roman remains near Florian ter (Florian Square).
Visit a Museum That Will Make Your Instagram Dreams Come True
I find myself looking more and more for authenticity on Instagram. That said, I genuinely enjoyed visiting the Museum of Sweets & Selfies which by the name of it I already knew was going to be Instagrammable as hell.
It’s all about enjoying yourself, taking fun pictures, and feeling like a kid in a complex that’s an explosion of bright colors (that’s why you have to visit it if you’re on a girls’ trip).
Address: Paulay Ede, 43.
Take a Ride on Tram 2
No matter what your destination is, using public transportation is a must-have experience. So why not take a tram ride that is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe?
Now, if I’m being honest, it’s probably not going to blow your mind that much. However, it is a scenic ride, especially if you’re taking it at the right time of the day.
The yellow Tram 2 passes alongside the Danube River, so sunset is the best time to enjoy this ride. The Buda side of the city across the river along with the orange-pink sky is pretty picturesque, and everything seems soft and glowy.
Good to know: If you’re visiting Europe in winter, Tram 2 becomes one of Budapest’s Christmas trams, which means it’s decorated with dozens of twinkling lights.
Important to know: The tram’s full route begins at Jászai Mari Square, ends at Közvágóhíd station, and only takes about 20 minutes to complete. If you’re only interested in seeing this specific scenic part, get on the tram at the station next to Budapest’s Parliament and get off at Zsil Street (or vice versa).
Discover the City’s Unique Doors
What can I do? Buildings are not my only love. I also have a thing for doors.
And when you come across an Instagram account like Budapest Doors, you realize how full of surprises this city is and you know you have to include some of them on your Budapest itinerary.
One of my favorite doors I’ve seen has to be the one next to Szimpla Kert, the most famous ruin bar in Budapest. The colorfully painted face on it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, so I know you’re going to fall in love with this sweet little corner.
Visit a Cafe That Will Make Your Instagram Dreams Come True
I have a confession to make. Are you ready for it? I don’t like pink. I might even hate it. There. I said it. However, when I stumbled upon this cafe in Budapest called The Sweet, I couldn’t resist walking in.
It’s tastefully and elegantly decored with flowers and vintage furniture; there’s a mouthwatering display of cakes, and it really does look dreamy.
But I’m not one to judge a cafe by its cover, so I’m happy to announce that The Sweet’s coffee and cakes are delicious. Along with the beautiful decor and tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon break.
Address: Dob, 21.
Check out a Fairytale Castle in the Middle of a Public Park
I’m not sure if it really is a hidden gem, but I definitely think the Vajdahunyad Castle deserves more attention and it must be on your itinerary.
This stunning castle is more than 100 years old, and it’s all about showcasing a mix of architectural styles typical to Hungary.
It stands on an artificial island in the middle of City Park (Budapest’s main public park), so it’s probably one of the most easily accessible fairytale castles in Hungary (and in Europe!).
Strolling around the castle is free of charge, but if you want to visit the Museum of Agriculture that’s inside the castle, here are the entrance fees.
Visit the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
Housed in the 19th-century Wenckheim Palace, the main branch of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is well worth a visit.
Keep in mind that it is a functioning library, so it’s important to be respectful and quiet.
An individual tourist ticket will give access to the 4th floor, where you can wander through the enchanting palace and library rooms. You can also opt for a guided tour by registering via email (get all the details here).
Stroll Through Margaret Island’s Japanese Gardens
If you happen to visit Margaret Island, take a short stroll in its small yet adorable and relaxing Japanese garden. From water lilies and Japanese maple trees to statues and Japanese-style bridges, it’s a great little place to unwind.
Related posts
- Madrid off the beaten track
- Barcelona off the beaten track
- Valencia off the beaten track
- Mallorca off the beaten track
- Spain off the beaten track
- Portugal off the beaten path
- Krakow off the beaten path
- Northern Italy off the beaten track
- Turin off the beaten track
- Milan off the beaten track
- Puglia off the beaten path
- Southern Italy off the beaten track
- Kefalonia off the beaten track
Please don‘t send tourists to the 8th district 😅. There might be PARTS where safe is but I‘m from Bp and I wouldn‘t go there. There‘s a huge ghetto and a lot of criminals and if a tourist walks in I‘m pretty sure they‘re gonna get robbed. The squares and museum you wrote is okay but the 8th district has the worst reputation among us and also not represents the (rest of the) city. I like your „off the beaten path“ idea though. But be safe!
Thank you for letting me know! I’m surprised because I went there after seeing recommendations online without any comment about safety issues. I was also there in the morning, and it was quiet and I didn’t feel unsafe at all. But since you know your city better, I’m definitely going to change some things in this post. Thanks 🙂
10EUR for that instagram museum looks fun and affordable! It seems like more cities are coming up with these types of photo places.
It was really fun! As long as it doesn’t get overly touristy and crowded, I totally recommend checking it out.