Top things to do in Budapest in the summer

If you think that Budapest might not be the ideal summer destination, you are wrong. With its rivers and thermal baths, this city has much to offer for the one looking to embark on summer adventures. With nice bars and plenty of parks and hills, it is a perfect place to explore, no matter if you are traveling with family, friends, or solo. This article shares the things to do in Budapest if you want to explore the city during the summer. 

Gellért Hill

If you want to enjoy walking and soak up the panoramic view of beautiful Budapest, Gelert Hill is one of the things to do. Here, you can get some Instagram-worthy pictures of sunsets from the citadel. It is a fortress built after the War of Independence in 1948. It is a place where you can check collections of war items and the famous Liberty Statue.

Margaret Island 

Visiting Margaret Island is the perfect thing to do during the summer days. It is located in the middle of the Danube River and has wonderful nature sites. Here, you can walk through the parks and the Japanese garden and see Hungary’s biggest music fountain.

Danube river cruise

Budapest is known for its river boats, a convenient means of transport. However, cruising through the river is a unique experience as you explore Budapest from a different perspective. The riverboat passes in front of the Hungarian Parliament and the Palace of the Arts, which provide a mesmerizing sight in the evening. But don’t forget that the riverboats double as restaurants. Here, you can enjoy a fine dinner and explore the local cuisine while soaking up the gorgeous views. And you don’t have to break the bank to experience this. Budget-friendly cruises start at 9 euros, going higher as they get fancier.

Relax in the thermal baths

Budapest is known for having a lot of thermal baths, and it’s called the City of Spas. If you want to relax your body and mind after roaming through the city, head to the Gellert Baths, which are located in the center. The facility provides medical massages, thermal pools, saunas, and mud treatments, which are truly relaxing. However, this isn’t only about the relaxing experience. The Gellert Baths have a distinct Art Nouveau design and stunning mosaic, perfect for architecture fans. The outside wave pool is the oldest of this kind in the world. You can enjoy it during the summer because it is open only from May to September.

City park

The City Park is ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor summer activities. Whether you’re into nature or want to play sports, this place offers everything. With many public gym facilities and sports courts, you can stay active and do your regular morning workout. You can also enjoy the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle and take some Instagram-worthy pictures.

Visit the Zoo

The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest in the world and is home to 1,000 species. Whether you are a nature lover or travel with kids, you will love the feeding displays and petting zoo. 

Urban beach party

If you want to sip a drink and enjoy the sun, the urban beaches are your ultimate spot. The PONTOON Urban Beach is next to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and has the best music program if you like parties. Here, you can try fröccs, a local drink made of white wine and carbonated water. This is a popular spot for get-togethers among locals.