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Must-See Budapest Attractions: Castles, Baths, & More

Budapest is an incredible city! For first-time visitors, couples, or foodies seeking a combination of indulgence and culture, exploring the best Budapest attractions is the gateway to understanding the city’s history and essence. This is a city where history and luxury coexist: you might start your day soaking in a centuries-old bathhouse and end it with fine dining under the glow of Art Nouveau chandeliers.

Whether you’re here for a long weekend or as a stop on a grand European journey, these are the must-see Budapest attractions that make the city unforgettable.

Hungarian Parliament Building: Budapest’s Crown Jewel

Few landmarks define the city’s skyline like the Hungarian Parliament Building. Rising above the Danube River with Gothic spires and a neo-Renaissance dome, it is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. Inside, you’ll find the dazzling Grand Staircase, intricate stained glass windows, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels, symbols of national pride.

  • Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Tours sell out quickly, especially in summer. Tickets can be purchased only from the official Hungarian Parliament ticket partner website, Jegymester. Tickets are limited and can sell out as far as six weeks in advance, especially during the summer months. A limited number of same-day tickets can also be purchased at the ticket office in the Hungarian Parliament's Visitor Center. However, the only way to guarantee your entry inside the Hungarian Parliament building is with a ticket purchased online, in advance of your visit.
  • Don’t Miss: Sunset views from the riverbank opposite the Parliament, when the façade glows golden. 😍

For a full look inside, check our dedicated guide: Inside the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Hungarian Parliament Building_Budapest_Danube River_Night

Visit Buda Castle: A Walk Through History

Across the Chain Bridge from the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle towers over the city. First built in the 13th century, it has endured invasions, sieges, and reconstructions, leaving a patchwork of Gothic, Baroque, and modern architecture. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library.

  • Why go? Beyond the history, the views from the castle walls stretch across Pest, with the Danube weaving between.
  • Pair with: A stroll down Castle Hill’s cobbled streets to Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.

For history lovers, here’s our full post: Visit Buda Castle.

Budapest_front of castle

Thermal Baths in Budapest: Relax Like a Local

A trip to Budapest isn’t complete without its famous thermal baths, powered by a network of natural hot springs that run beneath the city. These bathhouses are part spa, part social club, and an integral piece of daily life in Budapest.

  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath: The city’s most iconic, with steaming outdoor pools that are especially magical in winter.
  • Gellért Baths: A masterpiece of Art Nouveau design, where bathing feels like stepping inside a work of art.
  • Rudas Baths: Dating back to the 16th-century Ottoman era, complete with a rooftop pool overlooking the Danube.

Whether you go for the healing minerals, to play chess in warm water, or to relax after sightseeing, these baths are the heart of Budapest. Looking for more about what to expect at one of Budapest's thermal baths? Check out our blog - Thermal Baths in Budapest: A Guide to the City's Famous Spas. 

Széchenyi_Thermal_Baths_BudaPest

Fisherman’s Bastion: Fairytale Views

Perched on Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the prettiest Budapest attractions. Built in the late 19th century, its seven white towers represent the seven Magyar tribes who founded Hungary. The sweeping terraces offer some of the best views in the city, especially at sunset, when the Parliament and Danube are bathed in soft light.

  • Jetset Seeker Pro Tip: Entrance is free for much of Fisherman's Bastion. However, there is a small fee for access to the upper turrets and Matthias Church.
  • Why go? The arches of Fisherman's Bastion perfectly frame the Parliament Building across the river, making it one of the best photo spots in the city.

Fishermans Bastion_Budapest_Dusk

St Stephen’s Basilica Budapest: A Sacred Landmark with a Skyline View

Dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St Stephen’s Basilica Budapest is both a religious and architectural landmark. Completed in 1905 after more than 50 years of construction (and setbacks, including the collapse of its dome), the basilica is the largest church in Budapest. Inside, the relic of St. Stephen’s mummified right hand is preserved (and on display), while the dome rewards visitors with incredible panoramic views.

  • Why go? For its rare mix of cultural depth and perspective. Inside, the basilica preserves one of Hungary’s most important relics, while the dome’s terrace offers some of the city’s most sweeping views — making it both a spiritual landmark and a must for anyone wanting to see Budapest from above.
  • Pair with: A leisurely walk down Andrássy Avenue, a boulevard filled with elegant boutiques, cafés, and the Hungarian State Opera House. It's easily one of the most beautiful streets in the city.

Looking to learn more about the basilica? Check out our guide - St Stephen's Basilica Budapest: From Sacred Relics to Stunning Views.

StStephen_Budapest_5x5

Heroes’ Square & City Park

One of the most striking public spaces in Budapest, Heroes’ Square is lined with statues of Hungary’s most important leaders, surrounding the grand Millennium Monument. Behind it lies City Park, home to Vajdahunyad Castle (a romantic, eclectic mix of styles) and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

  • Why visit? Because it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city. The symmetry of the square, the towering bronze statue of Archangel Gabriel, and the way the monuments frame the space make it a favorite backdrop for both travelers and professional photographers. Whether at sunrise with soft light or in the evening when the square glows, it’s one of the best places in Budapest to snap a postcard-worthy shot.

Heros Square Budaest

Why These Budapest Attractions Matter

What sets Budapest apart isn’t just its beauty, but how its attractions reflect the city’s layered history. The Hungarian Parliament Building embodies national pride, Buda Castle represents centuries of resilience, and the thermal baths remind us of the city’s Ottoman past. Add in its fairytale-looking bastion and public squares, and you begin to see why Budapest is one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.

Plan Your Trip with Jetset Seeker

Ready to explore these Budapest attractions for yourself? Start with our Budapest Travel Guide for insider tips, itineraries, and hotel recommendations. Whether you’re soaking in thermal waters, climbing to castle viewpoints, or savoring a slow meal, Budapest promises moments you’ll carry long after your trip ends.

💬 Have you visited any of these Budapest attractions? Share your favorite memory in the comments below! ⬇️ When you share your Budapest moments on social media, tag @jetsetseeker and include #JetsetSeeker. We’d love to see your adventures!