Things to do in Central Hungary

Discover Budapest at night on a boat trip along the Danube River. Sip on unlimited glasses of high-quality prosecco or homemade lemonade as you admire the Hungarian capital's top sights from the water. See the Hungarian Parliament Building, Liberty Bridge, and much more, and learn about the landmarks from the included audio guide. Choose whether to include a local food platter in your cruise experience. Board the boat on the Pest side of the river. Check in, choose your seat and settle down with a welcome drink of Hungarian sparkling wine, spritzer, or homemade lemonade. Take in the amazing views of Budapest's key attractions from your seat as you listen to the recorded English commentary. When you get thirsty, visit the bar for unlimited free refills on your sparkling wine, spritzer, or lemonade, or buy other drinks if you prefer. Head to the top deck to capture incredible photos of Budapest from the water or you on the boat. Relax as you enjoy the views, drinks, and lounge music. If you choose the option with food, tuck into an assorted platter of Hungarian specialties: cured Mangalica ham, 2 types of homemade sausage, handcrafted hard cheese, marinated fresh goat cheese, grilled red peppers, pickled vegetables, and ciabatta bites. Once you've indulged, return to the dock.

Discover Budapest on a sightseeing cruise along the River Danube. Relax as you pass by some of the city's most notable landmarks as you sip on a complimentary welcome drink (a glass of prosecco, a seasonal welcome drink, or a soft drink). Climb aboard the pleasure boat at the pier of Budapest's Szent István Park and receive your welcome beverage. Then, cruise down the River Danube, and pass monuments such as the National Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Várkert Bazár, recently restored to its original splendor. Head to the open deck for perfect views of the illuminated Vigadó Concert Hall, or look at the floodlit monuments between the Margaret Bridge and Rákóczi Bridge from the comfort of an air-conditioned deck with panoramic windows. Experience the city more like a local - although there are no audio or live guides on board the boat, it functions as a floating coffee house or pub experience with its own bar 

Book your full-day ticket to the Széchenyi Bath in advance and take advantage of complimentary tasting of Hungary's famous spirit "pálinka" on an optional guided tour inside the Pálinka Museum. The Széchenyi Bath is the largest thermal spring bath complex not only in Budapest but in Europe as well. It was built in 1913 in a Neo-baroque style. At the time it opened its baths were private, having separate steam baths for men and women, as well as different public baths for men and women. In 1927, the spa complex was expanded and today it comprises 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools. After its expansion, the thermal artesian wasn’t adequate to supply the spa, so a new well was drilled. The second thermal spring dates from 1938. Towels and swimsuits are available for purchase only, no rental. Please note that swimsuits that cover the entire body are not permitted. During your visit, blow off some steam at the pools of Széchenyi Spa (built-in 1913.), which is Europe’s largest healing bath with its 15 indoor, and 3 grand outdoor pools. Pools are of varying temperatures, between 18 to 38 °C (64 to 100 °F). The complex covering 6220 square meters (67000 sq ft) also includes saunas and a steam bath. Afterward, discover a hidden gem in the city center to taste some Hungarian pálinka (spirits; non-alcoholic drinks are also available). Differently from whiskey or vodka, pálinka is made exclusively from different sorts of fruits and has an aromatic smell. Inside the Pálinka Museum's interactive exhibits, you will learn about its birth, tradition, and history. That’s why Hungary's Pálinka Act of Parliament exists which regulates and protects the production and quality of palinka.

Get a different perspective on Budapest's landmarks with a sightseeing cruise at nighttime. Cruise under the city's beautiful bridges, see the riverside promenade, and check out other Budapest sights. During the cruise, pass under some of Budapest's most well-known bridges: the Chain Bridge with its guardian lions, the Elizabeth Bridge, and the Liberty Bridge, famous for connecting the Central Market Hall with the Gellert Spa. Cruise by the Danube Promenade and take in Vigadó Square. See the statue of Saint Gellért atop Gellert Hill, as well as the Royal Palace and the Parliament. Purchase a cold beer in the summer months or a warm tea in the winter months.

Enjoy this 1-hour evening sightseeing cruise on the legendary blue Danube and sail between the Buda and Pest sides of magical Budapest. Board the boat directly at the pier in central Budapest, and sip a drink of your choice. Sip a glass of champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink or mineral water along with a complimentary special Duna Bella lemonade. During the cruise you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, admire the massive Budapest Parliament Building, see the Buda Castle on the hill and circle the Margaret Island. You’ll learn about the main sights from the 30-language audio guide. Once the tour has concluded, the boat will take you back to the pier in central Budapest.

Avoid the hassle of public transport with this comfortable and reliable transfer from the airport to your hotel in Budapest. Enjoy an easy transfer by shared bus to your preferred location in Budapest city center. Choose from either a 1-way or a round-trip ticket, and benefit from 24-hour service.  When you reach the airport arrivals terminal, head to one of the information points to validate your voucher. Once your voucher has been scanned you can board the shuttle bus. With this door-to-door service, your experienced driver will drop you off at your hotel or selected location in central Budapest.

Make your visit to Budapest complete by visiting one of its world-famous thermal spas. The Gellért Spa is popular with the locals, and overlooks the Danube River. The spa is famous for the Art Nouveau style of its main hall and gallery, and the spa's glass roof creates the most peaceful bath atmosphere in Budapest.

Skip the lines and head straight to the security check with a guide to start your tour of the Great Synagogue. Visit the Heroes’ Temple, the graveyard, and the Jewish Museum. Honor Holocaust victims at the Emanuel Tree in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. Take a guided tour to hear about the history and architecture of the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world, as well as the fate of the Hungarian Jews before and after WWII.  Then use your ticket to enter the Hungarian Jewish Museum next to the Synagogue. Admire its red and yellow brick facade combining Romantic style with Moorish elements. Learn about the life of the Jewish people in Hungary through everyday objects.  See the famous Emmanuel Memorial Tree in the Synagogue's backyard. Admire this magnificent weeping willow's small metal leaves engraved with a name of a Holocaust victim and plaques honoring non-Jewish rescuers.  Then, finish your visit the graveyard in the backyard of the Heroes’ Temple, the burial site of those who died in the ghetto during WWII.

Your 4-hour tour begins with a drive from Budapest to Gödöllö, site of the former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth, who was known as Sissi. This palace is the second-largest Baroque chateau in the world, and an estate that has preserved the atmosphere of 19th century royal splendor. Led by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy a tour of the renovated castle, and walk along the same hallways, on the same staircases, and through the lovely park as the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. The tour ends at Hotel Intercontinental Budapest, in the city center.

Your first stop on this bilingual guided city tour of Budapest is in the Castle District for a short walk to see the area’s main attractions. You’ll visit Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion, the perfect spot for enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding area. Travel across the Elizabeth Bridge to the Pest side to see the exterior of the famous Central Market Hall and Europe’s largest synagogue. Then, drive to the city park. Along the way, you’ll pass the largest thermal spa in Europe and the Budapest Zoo, and then stop at Heroes’ Square, where you’ll find statues of famed Hungarian kings and dukes. The tour continues from here down Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, passing the Opera House and St. Stephen’s Basilica. You’ll get off the bus at the Parliament Building again for a 1-hour guided tour. Designed by the renowned Hungarian architect Imre Steindl, the building was inspired in part by the Palace of Westminster and is the largest Parliament building in the world. Inside, see the splendid session room, the richly decorated central staircase, and the great vaulted hall. You’ll also see the cupola room, which houses the Crown Jewels and the Hungarian Holy Crown.