How to spend the weekend in Budapest (when you’ve already done the sightseeing)

Off the Beaten Path in Budapest: A Different Kind of Day

You’re in Budapest and you’ve already ticked off the main tourist attractions — or maybe you’re just not in the mood. It happens… and that’s totally okay! Especially in a city like Budapest, where there are plenty of meaningful ways to spend your time without feeling like a lousy traveller. So, how do you still soak in the culture and history?

Walk by the ‘Shoes on the Danube Promenade’

On the Pest side, along the banks of the Danube, there’s a deeply moving memorial honouring the Jewish people who were killed during WWII. Victims were ordered to remove their shoes before being shot at the water’s edge, their bodies swept away by the river. The bronze shoes left behind are a haunting and powerful reminder of the atrocities, and well worth a detour.

Cure Yourself at the Thermal Baths

Treat yourself to a soothing — and possibly therapeutic — afternoon at one of Budapest’s 15 public thermal baths. The city has been known for its medicinal hot springs since the Roman Empire. To this day, locals use the bathhouses to heal, unwind, and catch up with friends, family, or even a chess partner.

Some complexes date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Pick your favourite and enjoy hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms… Most also offer massages. I spent a snowy afternoon at Széchenyi Bath, one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. Shuffling between 39°C baths while it was -5°C outside was a challenge, but the contrast of steaming hot water and icy air made it unforgettable. I mean, how often do you get to bathe while it’s snowing?! (It’s supposedly great for circulation, too.) Of course, you can also opt for indoor bathing if cold air isn’t your thing.

Afternoon Tea at a Historic Café

There are several renowned cafés in Budapest that have been around for decades. The most iconic are Gerbeaud and Ruszwurm. Be warned: prices are steep. But in return, you get a slice of cake perfected over 80+ years. Order a coffee or hot chocolate if afternoon tea isn’t in your budget. Sit back, soak in the atmosphere, and let yourself drift back to the 19th century.

Sunset at the Parliament

“More beautiful from the outside than the inside” — normally not a flattering phrase, but in this case, it’s a compliment. The Hungarian Parliament might just be the most photographed building in the city. Its architectural grandeur is best admired from across the river. Bring a drink or snack and watch the façade change colours with the setting sun. Fair warning: you’ll be close to a busy road, so don’t expect it to be peaceful.

Shop for Paprika and Souvenirs at the Central Market Hall

As a market lover, I was in heaven wandering the aisles of Budapest’s Central Market. Nothing beats getting lost among stacks of produce, cured meats, cheeses, spices, pastries, and every imaginable form of paprika. Wandering through this market is a fantastic way to taste and learn about Hungarian cuisine. Head upstairs for handmade crafts, embroidered linens, and the occasional tacky souvenir.

Have a Couple of Drinks at a Ruin Bar

A ruin bar (or kert) is a temporary watering hole set up in an abandoned building or factory. Think underground pop-up bar meets eccentric flea market. Some are seasonal, others stick around for years. Expect mismatched furniture, quirky artwork, and a healthy dose of graffiti. These spots have a unique edge and are loved by locals and travellers alike. One place served carrots with our drinks — “Why not a healthy snack with your beer?” the waitress said. Touché!
Szimpla Kert is the most famous of the bunch. Up-to-date info on all kerts can be found here

Pizza at Marxim

Ever wonder what it felt like to be part of ‘the resistance’ during communist times? Enter Marxim, a pizza restaurant/bar on the Buda side, where the entire theme is delightfully tongue-in-cheek communism. Try the “Pizza à la Stalingrad,” “Red October Pizza,” or “Papa Marx’s Favourite.” The décor is all-out Soviet, and with a little imagination, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time — though I’m fairly sure they didn’t eat pizza back then.

Hang Out at Fisherman’s Bastion

Sure, this is one of the classic sights, but it’s so beautiful that it deserves more than a quick photo stop. It’s perfect for a romantic rendez-vous, a game of hide and seek, a dreamy photo shoot, or a stroll through the charming neighbourhood. Bundle up in winter — the wind up there is no joke.

Spa-rty at a Historic Thermal Bath

If partying is more your scene, don’t miss the Sparties. Organised by Cinetrip, these audio-visual parties take place inside ancient bathhouses. Picture lasers, DJs, smoke machines, and sweaty dancing — all in a 200-year-old Turkish bath. These events are fast becoming iconic. Not my cup of tea (anymore?), but if you’re curious about aqua-twerking… this is your moment.

Discover Hungarian Cuisine and Wine

While Hungary might not be known worldwide for its cuisine, I found it surprisingly satisfying. Even something as simple as fried mushrooms with rice turned into a delicious plate. The food is rich, hearty, and packed with flavour — weight loss isn’t likely here. Hunt down restaurants serving authentic fare or take one of the many available cooking classes.
Must-tries: goulash soup, chicken paprikash, and stuffed savoury crêpes. Oh, and don’t skip dessert — pastries are divine and often cheaper than in France. I especially loved the cherry strudel. 

Have you been to Budapest? Have you done any of these activities while there?

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