Free things to do in Budapest

68 places in Budapest with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 68.

SeeSouth Buda
Albertfalva Roman military camp
Albertfalvai római katonai tábor és település
Archeological site. First camps made at reign of emperor Claudius around 30 BC. It was one of the earliest Pannonian limes (border) forts. Rebuilt under Emperor Trajan at the end of his reign. The place is in bad condition, and sometimes under water.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeNorth Buda
Apathy Rock
Apáthy-szikla
This is a dolomite rock. The boundaries of the Nagybányai road, Madár street, Páfrányliget street and Görgényi road. Since 1977 nature reserve, almost 6 ha.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeAquincum
Aquincum Civil Town Amphitheatre
Aquincumi polgárvárosi amfiteátrum
The amphitheater was located outside the city walls, from the north of it. This is built around 150 CE, and in the third century it was renovated several times. Nearly circular floor plan, axis based sizes: 86.5 m×75.5 m. It can be classified as earth amphitheater. The arena itself was surrounded by 3 m high stage wall.
Free to visit (from outside)
SeeNorth Buda
Balogh Adam rock
Balogh Ádám szikla
approx. 1 hectare nature reserve. Triassic dolomite protrusion with thermal water solution. Iron and manganese infiltration. In cavities calcite, barite and iron oxide hydroxide minerals.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeBudavár
Big Rondella
Nagy rondella
It's a circular bastion on the southern slope of the Castle Hill. It was restored in the 1950s by excavating, conserving and partially supplementing its medieval walls. The Rondella was the southernmost tip of the outer belt of the medieval castle and one of the largest fortifications, its internal diameter is larger than 33 m.
Free to visit
DoSouth Buda
Bottomless Lake Park
Feneketlen tavi park
The park total area is 40,809 sqm. It was built between 1958 and 1960 according to plans by Mihaly Mőcsényi. In the mid part located the Bottomless Lake. Here you will find the Buda Park Stage, near to the lake, of which the former worked with various functions, but it is now only a ruin. The fountain of the lake to improve oxygenation of water. Several statues located in the park. The "Bear" statue by Laszlo Molnar (located at playground); Béla Bartók statue made by József Somogyi, 1981, (located under bells, at the side of Kosztolányi Dezső Square); there is a tennis hall and to the side of it are two monuments, Gyula Illyés and Zoltan Gulyas, first was a Hungarian, 20th century, poet and novelist, last was a 20th-century, YBL-prize winner, Hungarian architect; sitting boy statue, made by Magda Gabor (1997) adorns the fenced playground. The usual 'Park' tree species found in the majority in the park. Next to stage are silver maples at the tennis courts is an oak tree (almost hundred years old), near to waterside are a couple willow trees. Some specific species or sizeable trees also can be found here Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree), Juniperus virginiana (Virginian juniper), Castanea sativa (chestnut), Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree), Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry tree), Quercus robor"Fatigiata" (columnar oak), Caragana arborescens (Siberian peashrub)
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoHegyvidék
Buda Protected Landscape Area
Budai Tájvédelmi körzet
Walking tours, from minutes until days long, on 10,528 hectares. Main part are: Budaörs wasteland; Excursion zona (include János-hegy, the forest range of Budakeszi and the environs of Hárshegy); the Hármashatár-hegy (hill) and the Hidegkút basin; a highly protected hill the Remete-hegy with the Remete Gorge; the Szénás-hills or the European Diploma Holding Area; The area of Vöröspocsolyás-hát (Vöröspocsolyás-backbone), Nagykopasz (559m, the highest point in the Buda hills) and Meszes-hegy. Maps
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeVíziváros
Castle Garden Kiosk – Ybl Buda Creative House
Várkert-kioszk - Ybl Budai Kreatív Ház
Exhibition space. The building was designed by Miklós Ybl. The construction was completed in 1882. It was built as the engine room of the Royal Palace’s water supply system. The Eclectic building is a decorative blend of Renaissance and Baroque style features. The Schröffl brothers (György and Ármin) were entrusted with the fine sculptural works, the grotesque murals made with the sgraffito technique were the works of Róbert Scholtz. The northern part of the building included the cafe (today's reception), the southern part included the mechanical equipment of the waterworks (large hall, arched hall), while the part above the engine room housed the engineer's apartment (gallery). Between the two parts rises the tower structure that hid the chimney of the steam boilers. Ybl thus masterfully hid the structure.
Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00, Sat Sun 09:30–19:00Free entrance
SeeÓbuda
Cella Trichora
Ruins of an early Christian chapel, Ókeresztény kápolna romjai
North side of the Raktár street once been one late-Roman Christian cemetery. There was the outskirts of the ancient Christian chapel. A typical cloverleaf-shaped building raised in around 360 CE, in memory of the martyrs and saints.
Free to visit
DoNorth Buda
Ferenc hill Birdwatching Area
Ferenc-hegy
On the mountain top and north slope can be seen a karst scrub forests. The mountain is great for bird watching: blackbird, blue tit, chaffinch, greenfinch, great fiery-headed woodpecker and goldcrests. In the south-western end of Ferenc hill is Ferenc-Mountain Cave, (visit only for researchers).
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeNorth Buda
Ferenc-hegy natural monument
The extent of the area: 8.6 ha. Located in Vérhalom neighborhood. Under the surface is the more than 5 km long, highly protected Francis Mountain Cave (Ferenchegyi-barlang). This area forms a protective zone from surface. Zoological and botanical values of the area: large oak forest, protected and specially protected plant species (circa a dozen types), protected and strictly protected animal species (birds around a dozen types plus different lizards, butterflies, European squirrels).
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeBudavár
Fisherman's Bastion
Halászbástya
One of the best known monuments in Budapest. This is the large white tower and lookout terrace complex. It is one of the most important tourist attractions due to the unique panorama of Budapest from the Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces. It’s named after both the medieval fishmarket once nearby and the Guild of Fishermen who defended this section of the wall during past wars. The story is that different trades were responsible for defending different parts of the castle walls and that this section of the defenses was raised by the fishermen’s guild. In fact, the structure is a late 19th century fantasy built to add class to the area. That this is an invention does not detract at all from the attractiveness of the structure, nor from the impressive views of the river and Pest on the opposite side.
Free to visit
SeeJózsefváros
Gas Museum
Gázmúzeum
Industrial history museum about the Hungarian natural gas industry's past and development.
Mon 09:00-11:00, Tue-Sat on prior noticeFree
DoSouth Buda
Gellért Hill
(Hungarian: Gellért-hegy;German: Blocksberg; Latin: Mons Sancti Gerhardi; Turkish: Gürz Elyas bayiri, in the Middle Ages: Kelen-hegy, Pesti-hegy )
Gellért Hill was named after Saint Gerard who was thrown to death from the hill. Sights around the hill include: Hotel Gellért and the Gellért Baths (located in Gellért Square at the foot of the hill, next to Liberty Bridge); the Gellért Hill Cave in the hill, facing toward Hotel Gellért and the Danube River); the Citadella (Citadel, at the top of the hill) a perfect viewpoint, Gellért Hill Waterfall (on northest), Rock Chapel (southern descent). Since 1987, the area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of "the Banks of the Danube". A large part of the hill consists of protected parkland, therefore part of the Danube-Ipoly National Park. There are some sculptures as Statue of Liberty; Statue of Stephen I of Hungary (outside Gellért Hill Cave). About the vegetation: there can be found different trees -- English oak, Tatarian Maple (mostly on West side of the Hill), Field Elm, Field Maple, South European flowering ash, dolomite-rock grassland, fig and wild rose bushes (remnants of the Ottoman era), yew tree, thuja, some cypress, hazel, hornbeam and acacia. The fauna: different types of birds: dawn bird, peregrine falcon, goldcrests mostly in migration time; different crows, blackbirds and sparrows can be seen anytime; Typical insects are: different butterflies, firebugs, Blue Xylocopinae. In spring and summer come out to sunny rocks the lizards. Some mammals like the Northern white-breasted hedgehog and squirrels are also quite common sights. The mountain provides an opportunity for the visitors pleasant forest walks. There is a flower garden on the top of the hill, where one can rest on benches - a nice relaxing place. On the south side of the mountain is a unique playground with five slides (tube slide, straight slide, twisting slide, wavy slide, wide slide for parents with small children) gives pleasure to children. Also on the south side is another playground with swings and sandboxes, directly above the Gellért tér, specific to small children. The Ge
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoSouth Buda
Haros Island, Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve Area
Háros-szigeti Ártéri-erdő Természetvédelmi terület
Area 56 ha. The most famous fauna is native, protected wild grape. Now is a peninsula, because in 1911, the northern part filled and connected to the shore of the river. This reserve is part of the Danube-Ipoly National Park
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeCsepel
History of School and Factory (exhibition space)
Iskola- és gyártörténet (kiállítóhely)
Exhibitions: The Alma Mater of Csepel, In Front of the Factory.
Mon 08:00–18:00, Tue Thu 09:00–17:00, Wed 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–13:00, Sat 09:00–12:00Free entrance
SeeVíziváros
Hungarian Theatre Museum and Institute
Országos Színháztörténeti Múzeum és Intézet
Collections: photo gallery, recordings, manuscripts, art collection, small prints, model collection, scenic collection, show bill storage, audio and video collection. On the first floor, there is an exhibition with portraits of famous actors and actresses. Classicist building was built by Antal Áldásy around 1840.
Mon–Thu 10:00–16:00, Fri 10:00–14:00Free entrance
SeeTerézváros
ING office building
ING Biztosító
designed by Dutch architect Eric van Egeraat. Insurance company.
09:00–16:00Free
DoSouth Buda
Independent Park
Függetlenségi park
The area of it is 6470 m². It was built between 1962 according to plans by Mihaly Mőcsényi. Later a fountain and a monument built here by Vera Csorba. In 1994 inaugurated the monument of Independence. In the middle of the fountain, a work of György Vadász and Sandor Kiss. The yews (Taxaceae), the Sorbus, China trees (Koelreuteria paniculata) are beautiful decorations in the park
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeBudavár
Koller Gallery
Koller Galéria
The oldest private gallery in Hungary (founded in 1953). On the top floor of the three-storey atelier-house the memorial room for the Hungarian artist Amerigo Tot can be found. From the beginning, the gallery represented contemporary artists, especially engravers and graphical artists.
10:00–18:00Free entrance
DoSouth Buda
Kosztolányi Dezső Square
Kosztolányi Dezső tér park, pronounced [ˈdɛʒøː ˈkostolaːɲi];
The square named after a Hungarian poet and prose-writer at the interscetion of Bocskai road and Bartók Béla road. The park area is almost one hectare. Splitted for four part by main road. The Buda Park Stage and the Bottomless Lake in the immediate vicinity of the square. Before replaced to Etele tér here was the Kosztolányi Dezső tér Bus Terminal, now protected monument building. Partly of the square is planted with flowers. The Acacia trees are in the majority, but there are also a few Judas and paper mulberry trees. Two sculptures can be found around the square: one is the Dezso Kosztolanyi statue and the other is the statue of one of the most important composers of the 20th century, Béla Bartók (made by József Somogyi, 1981).
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoCsepel
Little Danube Coastal Promenade
Kis-Duna-parti sétány
3 km long coastal promenade in the nature close to the river.
Free to visit
SeeBelváros
Little Princess statue
Kis Herceg szobor, 'Kiskirálylány'
A bronze statue created by László Morton, a child sitting on the fence of the tram, on bank of Danube
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeCsepel
Local History Museum of Csepel
Csepeli Helytörténeti Gyűjtemény
Exhibitions: History of Csepel and the Factory, Királyerdő Heritage House.
Wed 08:00–14:30, Fri 14:00–18:00, Sat 09:00–13:00Free entrance
SeeAngyalföld
Margaret Island
Margitsziget, ancient latein: Insula leporum (Island of Rabbits)., mediaval: Ujvalvijifche, Nagyboldogasszony-sziget, Úr-sziget, Budai-sziget, Dunai-sziget, Nádor-sziget,Palatinus-sziget
Margaret Island is connected to the city by Árpád Bridge to the north and Margaret Bridge to the south. The island is mostly covered by landscape parks, and is a popular recreational area. Its medieval ruins are reminders of its importance in the Middle Ages as a religious centre. You can stroll for hours in its large parks. There are Sportcomplex, Outdoor 'Palatinus' bath, minizoo, flower garden, two hotels, pubs. and several clubs and restaurants. For exploration and pastime, four-person cycle cars or small electric cars can be rented for use on the area of the island. Sights on a map.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoBelváros
Park of Kossuth Lajos Square
Kossuth Lajos tér parkja, previously known by several names including; Országház tér ("Parliament Square") (1898–1927), Tömő tér or Stadt Schopper Platz in German ("Landfill Square")(1853–1898).
The area of green space is 25,000m². The trees are: Silver firs, yews and large magnolias. Also here the largest flower garden of the district II. (over 600m²). And there are a coüple sculptures such II. Rákóczi equestrian statue ( was a Hungarian nobleman and leader of the Hungarian uprising against the Habsburgs in 1703-11 as the prince (fejedelem) of the Estates Confederated for Liberty of the Kingdom of Hungary. He was also Prince of Transylvania, an Imperial Prince, and a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Today he is considered a national hero in Hungary.) On the south side of the square sits the poet Attila József (accord to the legend he sat,-in nearby, on the bank of the river and wrote his famous poem By the Danube); on the northern part of the park is the Kossuth monument (Lajos Kossuth was a Hungarian lawyer, journalist, politician and Regent-President of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolution of 1848–49.) and a full-length statue of Count István Tisza, a renewed version of the origin made by Imre Elek.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoBelváros
Park of Szabadság Square
Szabadság tér parkja
This grove park found by Count Szechenyi, his English wife planted the first sycamore with shout: Virulj! (meaning: Flourish!). The green area is 25,000 m². The memorial fountain on the square made by Ede Telcs and Andor Meszaros in 1930.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoAngyalföld
Park of Szent István
Szt. István park
Monument area. More than three hectares. Build between 1930-1938. A recreation park with playgrounds, sports space, chess tables, ping-pong tables. The site also provides place for different cultural events, as the summer evening concert series. Also here can be found a mulberry hedge from the 1930s
Open now · open 24 hoursFree except events
DoBelváros
Park of Széchenyi István tér
Széchenyi István tér parkja
Former named like „Rakpiac"(Loading Market), Lánchíd Square, Ferenc József Square. - Here is the first and one of the nicest Hungarian bridge the Chain Bridge. On the northern side of the square is the building of the Headquarters of the Academy of Sciences. East side is Gresham Palace, and building of the former Pest Hungarian Commercial Bank. In 1880 erected a sculpture of Count István Széchenyi, in 1887 (Count István Széchenyi de Sárvár-Felsővidék (Hungarian: [ˈiʃtvaːn ˈseːtʃeːɲi]; 1791–1860) was a Hungarian politician, theorist and writer, one of the greatest statesmen of Hungarian history) here is also another sculpture made to Ferenc Deák, who was a Hungarian statesman and Minister of Justice; he was known as "The Wise Man of the Nation". The park area is more than one hectare with many 'park' trees and evergreen trees. There is a 220-year-old Acacia, supported by crutches. The Széchenyi sculpture is surrounded by huge sycamore
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeÓbuda
Porta Praetoria
Eastern Camp Gate, Keleti táborkapu
The gate was built in the second half of the 3rd century. It was the Roman legion camp's main gate looking for Danube river. This was a three-span structure. Both two edges a storey, octagonal tower flanked. The middle passage used for the car traffic, the two extremes made for pedestrians. Across this was accessible the Danube bridge.
Free to visit
SeeÓbuda
Porta Principalis Dextra
Southern Camp Gate, Déli táborkapu
Today's Florian Square was the site of the center of former camp of the Aquincum Legion of II. Adiutrix. Now there is an archeological park with the remains of the camp from 2nd-3rd century CE, Officers flats, tabernas and the camp big baths.
Free to visit
SeeAngyalföld
Public Zoo
Vadaskert
A tiny zoo featuring a wide range of exotic waterfowl among other animals; area of its approximately 200 m². Domestic, forest and exotic animals living here.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeAngyalföld
Reformed Church of the Budapest-Angyalföldi Congregation
Budapest-Angyalföldi Református Egyházközség temploma
The congregation was founded in 1911 as a mission parish. The church was built between 1927 and 1933 by the plans of two local architects. A 490-kg bell can be find on the tower. The two-manual organ has sixteen register, try to enjoy an organ mass.
Worship every Sun at 10:00. If the church closed ask the key for Clergyman's office: Mon 14:00-17:00, Wed 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, Fri 09:00-12:00Free of charge
SeeBelváros
Remnants of Contra-Aquincum
Pesszion (Πέσσιον)
It is called Contra-Aquincum because it is opposite the Roman town on the western side which is known as Aquincum. It was a Roman fort, an important station in the Pannonian limes. It was built around 100 CE, rebuilt in 290. Its significance is: unusually thick walls, control of the eravisk (a Celtic local folk group) "capital" and control of crossing an ancient trading port. Contra-Aquincum ancient name was presumably Pesszion (Πέσσιον). You can see here some plaque on the floor, about Roman forts around Budapest and Pannonia (this last one was an ancient province of the Roman Empire and located over the territory of the present-day western Hungary).
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
DoAquincum
Római Coastal Promenade
Római-part
4.7 km long coastal promenade close to the river. It is well known among inhabitants – and increasingly among tourists – as a local recreational area, natural reserve, water sports facility, and – predominately between spring and fall – a popular entertainment area with numerous open air gastronomic facilities and bars.
Free to visit
SeeBelváros
Shoes on the Danube memorial
Cipők a Duna-parton
The shoes are placed there in memory of the Jews who were shot into the Danube during World War II.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree
SeeAngyalföld
St. Michael's Parish Church
Külső Váci úti Szent Mihály-plébániatemplom
Built in neo-Roman style sacrified in 1930. The painted glass windows of the church are show the most famous Hungarian saints. The two side altars made honor to Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary's. The glory of Jesus Christ can be seen on the apse fresco. The Lamb is shown above the altar on the coffered ceiling. The colored pieces of glass of organ loft show historical coat of arms surrounded the capital city coat of arms. The celebrating sacred altar decorated with Ambo (a raised stand) and enamel plate cross.The top light symbolizes the intertwined triple circle of the Holy Trinity. The light refers to the sacrament of baptism. The main altarpiece is an enamel picture, which depicts the three main angels. In the sacristy stay the original wood altar (1920s). August 15, 1995 consecrated urn cemetery under the church.
Services at 09:00, 10:30, and 18:30; the Holy Mass at 07:00 from second half of June will be heldFree of charge
SeeBudavár
The Hauszmann Story exhibition
A Hauszmann-sztori kiállítás
The exhibition commemorates the life and the greatest work of the architect Alajos Hauszmann.
Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00Free entrance
SeeÓbuda
Thermae Maiores
Bath Museum, Fürdőmúzeum
Outdoor exhibition shows the remains of the baths of the legionary fortress.
Apr–Oct: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; Nov–Mar: Tue–Sun 10:00–16:00 (only when the weather is dry and surfaces are not slippery)Free entrance
SeeNorth Buda
Tomb of Gül Baba and Rosegarden
Gül Baba Türbe és rózsakert
Built around 1548 by the Turkish occupants of the city. It is the northernmost place of Muslim pilgrimage. The beautiful view and the peacefulness of the place makes a visit worth.
Closed · opens 10 am tomorrowFree

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Budapest (CC BY-SA 4.0).