OnlineWhether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, these must-try spots offer a fresh way to connect with the city’s creative spirit. Here are our top picks for an authentic Budapest adventure—don’t leave town without trying at least one!
Budapest is a city that constantly surprises. Beneath its grand boulevards and historical landmarks lies a creative, rebellious spirit that shows up in its nightlife, entertainment, and food scene. If you’re searching for things to do in Budapest that truly reflect its personality, here are three unmissable experiences that locals love just as much as travelers.
Unwind in ruin bars: where Budapest parties differently
One of the most iconic things to do in Budapest is to visit a ruin bar. These unique venues are set in formerly abandoned buildings, mostly in the city's old Jewish Quarter, and they’ve redefined what nightlife means in the Hungarian capital. Step into Szimpla Kert, and you’ll find a chaotic wonderland of vintage furniture, string lights, local art, and random bathtubs turned into lounge seats. Each room feels like a different dimension. But ruin bars are more than just a wild night out—they’re creative spaces where concerts, movie screenings, and farmers’ markets happen during the day. Visiting one is like stepping into the city’s unofficial living room, where locals and tourists blend into one eclectic crowd.
Get your brain buzzing in Budapest’s original escape rooms
Escape rooms might be popular worldwide now, but did you know this thrilling activity started in Hungary? That makes trying one of Budapest’s escape rooms not just fun, but a little bit cultural too. It’s one of the smartest things to do in Budapest if you're into interactive challenges and creative storytelling. Exit The Room is among the city’s best, offering themed missions like "Madness," where you race against time to escape a creepy asylum, or "Bomb," where your team must defuse a ticking explosive. Whether you're with friends, family, or even coworkers, these games bring people together like few other activities can. And trust us—escaping in under 60 minutes is a buzz like no other.
Taste the modern side of Hungarian cuisine
Forget the tourist traps and dive into Budapest’s thriving food scene, where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious ways. Sure, you’ve heard of goulash and chimney cake, but modern Hungarian cuisine is doing something entirely fresh—and it’s one of the best things to do in Budapest for food lovers. For a fine dining experience, book a table at MÁK. This Michelin-starred restaurant is all about clean, modern plates that reinterpret classic Hungarian flavors with Nordic precision.
If you're after something trendier and more relaxed, VIBE Budapest is a stylish new spot serving bold, playful dishes in a vibrant setting. From creatively plated starters to signature cocktails, it's a feast for all senses. Pair it with a glass of local wine or a shot of pálinka and you’ve got a real taste of Budapest’s food revolution.
Go where the locals go, feel what the city feels
When it comes to unforgettable things to do in Budapest, it’s these locally loved, slightly offbeat experiences that often leave the deepest impression. Ruin bars that ooze personality, escape rooms that stretch your mind, and a food culture that’s buzzing with fresh ideas—these are the heartbeats of the city. So ditch the generic travel list and follow the energy. Budapest rewards those who look a little closer.
