Budapest off the Beaten Path
Even if you’ve visited Budapest many times and know the city well, there is always something new and undiscovered to explore.
In this post, I present 15 places and activities that most tourists don’t know about — and that I myself only discovered in recent years.
1. Hospital in the Rock and Nuclear Bunker
Hidden on the back side of Castle Hill is the Hospital in the Rock.
It is part of an extensive, natural cave system inside the hill.
At the outbreak of World War II, it was first used as an air-raid shelter and later, during the 1956 Hungarian Uprising, as a hospital.
By the standards of the time, the hospital was very modern.
It was equipped for about a hundred patients, but during the siege, up to four times as many were treated here. Because of the lack of space, bunk beds were pushed together — with up to three patients per bed.
Thousands of lives were saved this way. Later, the hospital was converted into a nuclear bunker.
2. Caves in Castle Hill
In addition to the Hospital in the Rock, there are other caves open to visitors. Some of these were used for defence in the Middle Ages.
In one of the cave systems, historical scenes are recreated with life-sized figures.
Cave paintings can also be admired.
3. Gül Barba`s Tomb and Garden
On a hill in Buda lies the mausoleum of Gül Baba.
Gül Baba was an Ottoman dervish, poet, and mystic who lived in the 16th century.
He died during the Ottoman conquest of Buda and was later canonized.
His tomb was completely renovated in 2017 and opened to the public. Today, it is the northernmost Islamic pilgrimage site in Europe.
From the tomb, visitors enjoy a wonderful view over the city.
In the front part of the site, there is a rose garden that should not be missed.
We even discovered a blooming rose here in the middle of winter.
4. Metro Museum
Beneath Deák Ferenc Square, in the metro station, lies this small museum in a disused tunnel of Line 1.
It focuses on the history of Budapest’s metro — the oldest on the European continent.
You’ll also learn many fascinating facts about public transport in general.
Lovingly curated, this museum is absolutely worth a visit.
5. Hills of Buda and Children’s Railway
Not far from the city lies the natural gem of the Buda Hills — the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and let your soul unwind.
Numerous hiking trails invite you to explore. There are large meadows for relaxing or picnicking.
A climbing park delights not only children. Many restaurants ensure no one goes hungry.
Unique is the Children’s Railway, which is actually operated by children.
They sell and check tickets — only the engine driver is an adult, of course.
The railway runs through the hilly landscape, stopping at several stations, and is an ideal excursion not just for families.
The recreation area is easily accessible by public transport.
Getting there by cog railway or chairlift is particularly interesting.
The Elisabeth Tower is the highest point in the city, and the view from there is truly spectacular.
6. Market Halls
Besides the large market hall, Budapest also has several smaller ones that are no less interesting.
These are often overlooked by tourists, making them quieter and more authentic.
Prices here are often significantly lower than in the main hall.
Notable examples include the Fény utca market and the Belvárosi piac.
Here you’ll find fresh vegetables, Hungarian sausages and delicacies, and various other groceries.
7. Castle Gardens
Often overlooked by visitors, this spot is well worth a visit.
Located below the castle is this spacious park area.
Lovingly planted, the park is perfect for a long walk or simply to enjoy the wonderful view over the Danube.
From here, you can take escalators and/or elevators up to the castle.
It’s a great place to relax and let your mind wander.
Occasionally, events are also held here. A large restaurant takes care of refreshments.
8. Margaret Island
This island in the middle of the Danube may not be a real hidden gem, yet I often had the impression that many tourists overlook it.
That’s a shame, because it’s a true leisure paradise.
Cars are banned on the island. You can cycle, jog, have a picnic, or lose track of time in the Japanese garden.
Right at the beginning of the island, coming from the Margaret Bridge, you’ll find an impressive musical fountain.
In summer, you can spend a relaxing day at the open-air pool or watch a movie at the outdoor cinema.
9. Summer at the Danube
Along the Danube, many bars have sprung up in recent years that are especially worth visiting on warm summer evenings.
Lágymányosi Bay, for example, is a quiet area rarely visited by tourists. There are some charming cafés and restaurants. The bay is ideal for walking and cycling.
Kopaszi gát is another relatively new recreational area with restaurants, sunbathing lawns, walking paths, and pebble beaches.
10. Aquincum
Budapest was once settled by the Romans. The Roman city was called Aquincum.
Remains of this settlement can still be seen at the Aquincum Museum outside the city, easily reached by suburban train.
The large archaeological park offers a good impression of the former Roman town.
You can see roads, houses, temples, aqueducts, and the amphitheater. One house has been reconstructed.
11. Memento Park
Memento Park is located a bit outside the city and thererfore often overlooked by tourists.
It is a site where statues and monuments from the Communist era were relocated after the Cold War.
Today, they can be visited here.
A museum provides information on key historical events. Visitors can even watch a video about Hungary’s secret service.
A journey into the past that should teach us to shape a better and more peaceful future.
12. Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park
Directly behind Heroes’ Square lies the City Park.
Although it’s not a real hidden gem — most visitors know of its existence — many limit their visit to Heroes’ Square.
The park is ideal for long walks, especially if you want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
There’s something to enjoy in every season.
The large lawns are perfect for picnics, and in summer you can go boating on the pond — in winter, ice skating.
The zoo in the park delights not only children.
A hot-air balloon ride gives you a breathtaking view of the entire city.
The picturesque Vajdahunyad Castle was built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations and combines several architectural styles.
Today, it houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum.
The Gate Tower and the Apostles’ Tower can be climbed.
Both offer magnificent views over the park and lake.
13. Poszonyi út and Szent Isván Park
This charming tree-lined street is a true insider tip. Tourists are still rarely seen here.
Numerous small cafés, fine delis, bookshops, and small stores make strolling a delight.
There’s a focus on individuality: specialty coffee, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and unique products instead of mass-produced goods.
The Kiskakukk restaurant has been serving traditional Hungarian cuisine here for over 100 years.
At the end of the street lies the beautiful Szent István Park, right by the Danube.
Refreshing fountains and a well-kept garden make you quickly forget you’re in a big city.
A large playground makes children’s hearts leap for joy.
14. The 8th District - Józsefváros
This district has been undergoing change for several years.
Long considered a troubled area and home to socially disadvantaged groups, it is now increasingly popular with students and creatives.
Visually, the district has been significantly upgraded.
Today, there are idyllic squares with romantic cafés and beautiful parks perfect for walking.
Craft shops and small galleries round out the picture.
The Palace District, once home to many aristocrats, is particularly worth seeing.
Here you’ll also find the Hungarian National Museum, surrounded by a beautiful park.
15. Exploring Districts Outside the Center
One of my favorite things to do in Budapest is to explore districts outside the city center.
Budapest has an excellent public transportation system, making every corner of the city easy to reach.
So why not just hop on a tram and get to know the surroundings?
Lines 4 and 6 are perfect for a ride around the ring road.
I especially like the area around Móricz Zsigmond körtér, with many restaurants and bars mostly frequented by locals.
I also enjoy taking line 49, which runs from Deák Ferenc Square to Kelenföld Station through several districts of Budapest.
Line 2, which runs along the Danube for much of its route, is perfect for a city tour.
On the Buda side, line 19 offers great views of Pest. Especially at night, this is a spectacular experience.
I also find the area around Batthyány Square very interesting and worth visiting.
In general, Buda — aside from Castle Hill — is often overlooked by visitors.
In Óbuda, Fö tér feels almost like a village square. In the underpass at Flórián Square, you can visit Roman ruins.
