See and Do in Budapest

Frequently heralded as the most beautiful city in Europe, Budapest has plenty to offer expats and locals alike throughout the year. As the city has such a rich and complex history, much of what expats can see and do in Budapest is bound to fascinate those eager to learn more about its past.

The scenery in Budapest itself can be considered an attraction, and expats can enjoy roaming the city on foot to soak up its myriad sights and sounds. Whether keen to learn about the city's communist past or explore its cultural heritage, expats in Budapest will be spoilt for choice.

Below are some of the best attractions in Budapest for expats to explore.

Recommended attractions in Budapest

The Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is perhaps the most famous and striking building in Budapest. Located on the Pest side of the river, stunning views of the building can be enjoyed from the opposite bank. Expats who book in advance can join one of the frequent tours, where they can see the inner workings of the Hungarian parliament and inspect the crown jewels of the first king of Hungary.

Heroes’ Square

Expats can take the world's second-oldest underground line to Heroes’ Square, where they can view statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian leaders. This is an ideal trip for art lovers, as Heroes' Square is ensconced between the Museum of Fine Art and the Hall of Arts.

St Stephen’s Basilica

This impressive basilica is over a century old and is, along with the Hungarian Parliament Building, the tallest building in Budapest. Here, visitors can view the revered Holy Right (St Stephen's mummified right hand). At certain times of year, the basilica's dome can be accessed, which offers gorgeous panoramic city views.

Hungarian State Opera House

This historic opera house is halfway along the tree-lined Andrassy Avenue. One of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe, the Hungarian State Opera House is also known for its excellent acoustics, so it's well worth attending any of the various performances staged here.

Citadella

A climb up to the Citadella on top of Gellért Hill allows expats the opportunity to see the magnificent Liberation Monument and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Budapest.

The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter, in the 7th district, houses delectable eateries and pubs. A walk along Falk Miksa Street offers expats a chance to walk through several art galleries and antique stores. The Great Synagogue in Dohány Street is not to be missed, as it is the second-largest synagogue in the world and is an extraordinarily beautiful building.

Memento Park

For a trip back in time, history buffs will love visiting the communist statues in Memento Park. These eerie figures of Lenin, Marx, Engels and others are frozen reminders of Hungary’s Soviet past.

Hungarian National Museum

Expats keen on brushing up on and discovering the depth and colour of Hungary’s vast history should be sure to visit the National Museum. The museum itself is a token of historical interest, as it was founded in 1802 and played a pivotal role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.