Summary of Free Activities in Budapest:
- Scan the City’s Stunning Skyline
- Join a Free Walking Tour With a Local
- Uncover Budapest’s Street Art Scene
- See Budapest’s Top Museums for Free
- Explore the City’s Ancient Buildings
- Visit Budapest’s Neoclassical Cathedral
- Listen to Free Music at the Palace of Arts
- Explore Medieval Ruins in the Middle of the Danube
- Enjoy a Free Music Festival in Downtown Budapest
- Sample Hungarian Food at the Central Market
Here’s our pick of the best free things to do in Budapest, from the city’s highest peak to its underground art scene.
Scan the City’s Stunning Skyline
Address: Budapest, 1121 Hungary
If you seek the best views of the city, head up to Janos-Hegy, Budapest’s tallest hill, standing at 527 meters. At the summit, the Elizabeth Lookout Tower provides free entry and breathtaking panoramas. It’s widely believed that on a clear day the landscape stretches to the peaks of the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. The historic tower, built in the early 1900s, is named after Empress Elisabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Join a Free Walking Tour With a Local
Address: Budapest, Szent György tér, 1014 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 458 3000
Take advantage of a free walking tour with a local guide to explore main sights in the city. The popular Free Budapest Tour operates daily at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, offering a great introduction to iconic locations such as Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Royal Palace. The tours last for approximately three hours and can provide valuable insights into Hungarian culture and traditions. Participants can contribute based on their appreciation of the experience.
Uncover Budapest’s Street Art Scene
Address: Budapest, Idősebb Antall József rakpart, 1054 Hungary
Discover the vibrant street art that adorns Budapest’s urban landscape. ‘Shoes on the Danube’ serves as a poignant tribute to victims, predominantly Jews, executed by fascists during WWII. This moving installation features 60 cast-iron shoes along the riverbank near Kossuth Square. The Jewish Quarter showcases colorful murals and art by renowned artists, including Space Invader, while Filatorigat is home to Budapest’s only legal graffiti wall, featuring works by emerging talents.
See Budapest’s Top Museums for Free
Address: Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, 1146 Hungary
Phone: +36 30 150 8596
Several of Budapest’s premier museums open their doors for free on Hungarian national holidays (March 15; August 20; October 23). Plan your visit to coincide with these days to enjoy complimentary access to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Hungarian National Museum, and the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.
Explore the City’s Ancient Buildings
On the 100th day of the year, the annual Budapest100 event permits access to the city’s century-old buildings, many of which are generally closed to the public. More than 50 sites, including residential homes, schools, museums, and offices, are open for exploration, with free guided tours available in English and Hungarian throughout the weekend; registration for tickets is recommended due to limited availability.
Visit Budapest’s Neoclassical Cathedral
Address: Budapest, Szent István Bazilika, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen’s Basilica is a magnificent neoclassical cathedral that required over 50 years to complete. Entrance is free, but there is a charge for dome access, which offers impressive views of the city. It is customary, although not mandatory, to make a donation upon entry.
Listen to Free Music at the Palace of Arts
Address: Budapest, Komor Marcell utca 1, 1095 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 555 3000
Every August 20, crowds gather outside Budapest’s contemporary concert hall, Mupa, to enjoy free jazz concerts in celebration of St. Stephen’s Day, a notable Hungarian national holiday. This lively event occurs within a vibrant cultural complex, where many performances take place outdoors in Banner Square and include indoor jam sessions. The festivities run from 5 pm to 11 pm, culminating in a spectacular city-wide fireworks display.
Explore Medieval Ruins in the Middle of the Danube
Address: Budapest, Margaret Island, 1138 Hungary
For a serene escape, visit Margaret Island, located amidst the Danube River. This car-free oasis, a former royal hunting ground, boasts lush greenery, a Japanese garden, medieval ruins, a musical fountain, and a thermal spa, making it an ideal retreat for a leisurely stroll.
Enjoy a Free Music Festival in Downtown Budapest
Budapest’s annual Belvarosi Festival serves as a three-day celebration of live music within the city’s 5th district. Revel in pop, folk, rock, and jazz concerts across various stages situated between the basilica and the Hungarian parliament. This family-friendly event, occurring at the end of May or the beginning of June, features film screenings, dance performances, and numerous activities for children.
Sample Hungarian Food at the Central Market
Address: Budapest, 1093 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 366 3300
The Central Market Hall is a stunning three-story neo-Gothic building, featuring countless stalls offering classic Hungarian food such as kifli (croissant-shaped bread), lángos (a savory deep-fried flatbread topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese), kolbász (smoked sausage), and körözött (a cheesy paprika-spiced spread ideal on kifli). Many vendors also offer complimentary samples.
