Budapest · Things to do

THINGS TO DO

The things worth doing in Budapest, from the obvious landmarks to the ones locals actually rate.

Hungarian State Opera

Andrassy ut's 1884 opera house, restored and reopened. Take a guided tour, or just buy a cheap seat in the upper circle.

Rudas Baths rooftop pool

Ottoman octagonal chamber under a domed cupola, plus a rooftop tub looking over the Danube. Some days are single-sex, so check first.

Dohany Street Synagogue

Europe's largest synagogue, with the Jewish Museum attached and the metal weeping-willow memorial in the courtyard behind.

Margaret Island

Car-free island mid-Danube: running track, musical fountain, Japanese garden and the ruins of a 13th-century convent.

Gellert Hill viewpoint

About 45 minutes up from the river for the best free view in the city. Note the Gellert Baths below are shut for renovation until 2028.