15 best things to do in Budapest

Mummified hands aside, the interior of the Basilica is definitely worth taking some time to marvel over. With a mix of neoclassical and Renaissance architecture, it features opulent decorative elements from several renowned Hungarian artists, as well as an ornate central dome.

To enjoy the view of the Basilica’s exterior, however, make a booking at ISSEI Skybar and Restaurant, in the newly opened Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest. The rooftop venue places you directly in front of the basilica’s dome and clock tower, for a Peruvian/Japanese fusion menu – and perfectly crafted cocktails – in a setting that’s unmistakably, and breathtakingly, Budapest.

Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias ChurchGetty Images

10. Listen to the music

Visitors from all over the world are drawn to Budapest for its music scene. The Opera House, which opened in 1884, is a treat for the eyes as well, featuring ornate frescoes and rich oak panelling. You can learn more about these, and other architectural features, on daily guided tours – but the soaring acoustics of the space are best appreciated at one of the venue’s 300-plus annual performances.

If you want to delve deeper into Hungary’s music history, head to the House of Music, which is located in the City Park. The impressive building is the work of a Japanese architect; inside, visitors can explore everything from 11th-century Gregorian chants to well-known composers such as Liszt and Kodály. There are also insights into folk music, as well as how television and technology have impacted the music industry – a topic particularly interesting in a country so previously under Communist control.

Image of Chain Bridge in Budapest during sunrise.RudyBalasko

11. Cross the Danube on the Chain Bridge

Eight bridges cross the Danube, but the most significant is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Not only was it the first permanent bridge over the river in the Hungarian capital, but it also symbolises the unification of Buda and Pest; of East and West. The bridge was reopened in September 2023 after an 18-month renovation period – and is now open only to pedestrians, bikes, taxis and public buses.