Looking for fun things to do in Budapest off the beaten path? These are some of the secret spots Budapest has and some hidden treasures of Budapest you have to explore.
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Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It is split into 2 parts, the Buda side, and the Pest side, with the Danube River separating them. The Buda side is full of hills and fantastic views of the city whereas the Pest side is completely flat. Budapest is known for many iconic landmarks but here you will see some lesser–known Budapest sights that you have to explore.
In this post you will learn some of the best secret spots Budapest has to offer, offbeat attractions Budapest is known for, authentic Budapest experiences, Budapest hidden treasures, unique experiences in Budapest, local favorites in Budapest, unexplored Budapest neighborhoods, and much more.
Some of these hidden treasures in Budapest include the Children’s Railway Museum, the Cave Church, the Ruin Bars of Budapest, the Liberty Statue on Geller Hill, secret gardens, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and more.
This post is all about Hidden Gems In Budapest.
The stunning Vajdahunyad Castle is an architectural gem located in Budapest’s City Park. This castle is very fairy-tale-like and has beautiful courtyards that are filled with Hungarian history to explore. There is also a castle complex where you’ll find the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture and a beautiful picturesque lake. This is one of the greatest hidden gems in Budapest and is definitely a must when here.
The Hospital in the Rock is a fascinating site that is located deep underground in Budapest’s Buda Castle District. During World War II it was expanded and turned into a secret hospital and emergency bunker. The location was perfect because it offered protection from bombings and remained hidden from others. After World War II the bunker was transformed into a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. It housed government officials and military staff in the event of a nuclear attack. Today the bunker is open to the public as a museum and you can get a tour to look into Budapest’s history.
Another great hidden gem in Budapest is the Kerepesi Cemetary. It is one of Budapest’s most significant burial grounds. It has many Hungarians buried here including politicians, scientists, cultural figures, artists, and more. The most iconic feature of the Kerepesi Cemetary is the Memorial of Martyrs of the 1956 Revolution. It honors the men and women who fought in Hungary’s fight for independence from Soviet Rule. The landmark is now also a museum and has tours available to take you through the history behind all the monuments and memorials.
The Cave Church is one of the secret spots of Budapest. It is nestled within the Gellert Hill Cave system. The super unique church was made from the natural rocks underneath Gellert Hill. This Cave Church was significant during World War II because it served as a shelter for civilians and then was later transformed into a church. The Cave Church is pretty neat to see, it has arched ceilings, altars, and a peaceful atmosphere. The Cave Chruch now has concerts, prayer vigils, and other religious events. This is one of the great hidden gems Budapest has.
Ruin Bars are definitely one of the best unique experiences in Budapest. The fun and vibrant nightlife scene is one of the greatest in the world. Most of their Ruin Bars are made in abandoned buildings and old ruins all over the city. This is what gives them their unique character and fun experience. One of the best Ruin Bars is located in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest and is called the Szimpla Kert. It has multiple rooms and courtyards that mesh together and have unique furniture, art, and a chill atmosphere. Be sure to check out these amazing Ruin Bars next time you are in Budapest and enjoy a cocktail and listen to some great DJs too.
Hungary is known for its iconic liqueur, Unicum. The Zwack Unicum Museum is located in a historic distillery in Budapest where visitors can see the production process and the cultural tradition of the herbal liqueur. At the museum, you can learn about the rich history and the origin of the liqueur. There is also a tasting process during the museum tour. Definitely an authentic Budapest experience.
The Golden Eagle Pharmacy is a historic Hungarian pharmacy that is located right in Budapest. It is one of the oldest working pharmacies in Hungary and one of many cultural landmarks. The Golden Eagle Pharmacy also houses a small museum that shows the history of pharmacies in Hungary. You can see pharmaceutical equipment, old medicine bottles, old documents, the science behind pharmaceuticals, and much more.
Budapest is filled with stunning rooftop bars all over the city. The significance of rooftop bars is that they offer amazing panoramic views of the beautiful picturesque sites of Budapest, the Danube River, the Buda side, and the Pest side. Some famous rooftop bars in Budapest are the 360 Bar where you can get the best views of St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building. The High Note SkyBar, the St. Andrea Wine And SkyBar, the Sky Terrace Bar, the High Note Sky Lounge, the Intermezzo Roof Terrace, and many more. These bars are a great place to sit enjoy some food and drinks and meet new people. Definitely one of the hidden treasures Budapest has to offer.
Budapest is known for having some of the best Thermal Baths all over the world. There is the famous Szechenyi Thermal Baths, but there are also many other lesser-known Budapest baths that are amazing. Some other Thermal Baths include Gellert Thermal Bath which has thermal pools, hot springs baths, a wave pool, cold plunge pools, spa treatments, massages, and so much more. There is also the Rudas Thermal Bath, Kirally Thermal Bath, Lukacs Thermal Bath, and many more. If you are looking to experience a true Thermal Bath experience Budapest is the best place!
Another great unique hidden gem in Budapest is the Children’s Railway Museum. This museum has lots of cool things to see and do for all ages. The railway is operated mostly by children with adult supervision of course. It takes you through the beautiful Buda Hills with the most wonderful picturesque landscapes and scenery. The museum also has restored steam engines, diesel locomotives, and many more types of railway transportation and the history behind it.
The most relaxing hidden gem Budapest has is Margaret Island. Margaret Island is located in the Danube River. This is a great place to visit with beautiful lush green areas, cultural attractions, and more. A great area to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy some recreational activities like walking through the manicured gardens, enjoying a bike ride, riding pedal cars or just relaxing and having a nice picnic. Margaret Island also has a Musical Fountain that has a choreographed water display. It also has the Ruins of the Franciscan Church, the Water Tower, a stunning Japanese Garden, a unique open-air theatre, and so much more. Definitely a great hidden gem of Budapest.
The Liberty Statue is located on Budapest’s Gellert Hill and it commemorates Hungary’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II. This is one of the great hidden gems Budapest has. When you visit the Statue make sure to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Budapest atop the hill and the Danube River.
A great unique experience Budapest has is the Museum of Ethnography. This is a cultural institution that is also one of the oldest ethnography museums and institutions in Europe. It has a large collection of artworks, artifacts, and many other items. The museum wants to document and preserve the cultural traditions, culture, and customs of Hungarians, and groups of people from all over the world. Some of the best items in the museum include folk costumes and textiles, ceramics and pottery, religious artifacts, and more.
Check out the Zugliget Chairlift in Budapest. The chairlift offers a scenic ride of the Zugliget area of Budapest, and stunning views of the Buda Hills, the amazing city skyline, the Danube River, and the natural beauty all over.
Budapest is a great place to enjoy a one-of-a-kind Beer Spa, a great hidden gem Budapest has. Enjoy the unique wellness retreat that includes relaxation, indulgence, and therapeutic benefits of beer. Enjoy the warm baths that are made of wooden tubs and filled with many natural ingredients including beer, hops, and even barley. This is a great place to get a unique spa experience, to relax while the warm temperature of the baths relaxes muscles, and promotes detoxification. Definitely a cool experience!
One of the great hidden gems Budapest has to offer is Karavan Street Food. The Karavn Street Food food court is located in the Jewish Quarter in Budapest and it has a super unique culinary experience. You can try local and international street food and explore many global cuisines. Enjoy everything from Langos which are famous in Hungary, burgers, Mexican cuisine, Asian foods, Craft Beer, and so much more. Also, enjoy the fun vibrant vibe and listen to some live music while exploring the beautiful neighborhood.
Another one of the great hidden treasures Budapest has to offer is the Zoo and Botanical Gardens located in the City Park area. This is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It has covered more than 45 acres. Has an extensive collection of both animals and plants. It offers a variety of habitats and ecosystems, and spectacular lush tropical rainforests and desert landscapes. There are many animal exhibits and over 1,000 animal species. There is a children’s zoo area, a tropicarium conservation area, and a beautiful Botanical Garden that you have to explore.
Fisherman’s Bastion at Night is truly a magnificent experience that offers a unique experience of Budapest. Perched on top of Castle Hill Fisherman’s Bastion is located on the Buda side of Budapest and the terrace offers some of the best panoramic views in Budapest including the Danube River, the Pest side of Budapest, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, and more. At night, Fisherman’s Bastion is beautifully illuminated over the fairy-tale-like towers and stunning architecture. The warm lighting creates an enchanting and relaxing atmosphere. This is a great place to take some stunning pictures of the city with the lights illuminating all the iconic landmarks.
A great place to stay in District I, the Buda District is the Castle Suite Apartments. These apartments are great, they come with a kitchen, bathroom, washer, and daily housekeeping. The suites are very modern inside and also offer views of the city. These apartments are within walking distance of the Budapest History Museum and the Buda Castle.
Another great area to stay in Budapest is District VII which is the Pest side. A great place to stay is Bo33 Hotel Family & Suites. This amazing hotel has so many great amenities. This includes a rooftop relaxing center, a champagne buffet breakfast, a sauna, a steam bath, a hot tub, and amazing rooms. This hotel is close to the Keleti Railway Station, Andrassy Avenue, and the Hungarian State Opera.
You could also stay at the City Home Near Danube. This is an entire apartment that has garden views, a patio, and a sun terrace. The apartment is airconditioned, with a full kitchen, dishwasher, and coffee machine. Located just a short drive from the Hungarian National Museum, Gellert Hill, and Blaha Lujza Square.
For a more in-depth review of where to stay in Budapest check out the post “WHERE TO STAY IN BUDAPEST“. This post highlights all the Districts of Budapest and what each has to offer.
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