Planning a trip to Budapest for the Freddie – The Exhibition?
It would be a pity not to explore the city itself while you’re here.
Welcome to the city that blends imperial grandeur with thermal spas, ruin bars, and a deeply rooted culinary tradition.
So, whether you’re staying for a weekend or a whole week, here’s our little guide to help you discover the capital of Hungary.
See the Sights
Budapest is full of iconic landmarks.
Start with the bridges
The Danube splits the city into two: Buda, the green, hilly side with a castle and quiet views, and Pest, the buzzing heart of nightlife, cafés, and shopping. Walk across the Chain Bridge or Liberty Bridge at sunset for postcard-worthy panoramas and admire both sides of the city.
Image source: Freepik
Don’t Miss the Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Europe’s most striking governmental landmarks. Take in its neo-Gothic beauty from the riverbank, or better yet, view it on a Danube river cruise — especially magical at night when it’s lit up like a golden crown. Across the water, up on Castle Hill, you’ll find Fisherman’s Bastion, with fairytale turrets and one of the best views of the city. Go at sunrise or just before dusk to skip the crowds.
And if you want to experience Budapest from a completely different perspective, head skyward. Seeing the city from above gives you a whole new appreciation for its beauty — the Danube winding through the centre, the bridges connecting Buda and Pest, and the grand rooftops stretching out in every direction. For a memorable aerial view, you can visit BalloonFly in City Park, where a tethered hot air balloon lifts you high above Budapest for sweeping panoramic views.
Escape to Margaret Island
If you want a break from the city buzz, head to Margaret Island, a green oasis in the middle of the Danube. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk, a bike ride, or just a quiet moment under the trees. You’ll find gardens, fountains, medieval ruins, and plenty of space to slow down and enjoy a different side of Budapest. In warmer months, it’s one of the loveliest spots in the city to unwind.
Heroes’ Square and the City Park Connection
Walk or bike over to Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) to get a glimpse of Hungary’s national pride. Then head into the neighbouring City Park (Városliget) — home to museums, a boating lake, and the House of Music Hungary, our partner and the home of Freddie – The Exhibition. Beyond the exhibition, the building also hosts concerts, a 360° immersive cinema, and a permanent exhibition, making it well worth setting aside time to explore. And if, after all of this, your legs need a break, pop into Széchenyi Baths nearby (more on that below).
A River Cruise to Tie It All Together
One of the most peaceful and scenic ways to experience Budapest is from the water. Day or night, a Danube cruise gives you a new perspective — floating past Parliament, the bridges, Buda Castle, and more. Some boats even offer dinner, drinks, or live music on board. It’s the perfect way to let the city sink in.
Day Trip Idea for Families
If you’re travelling with children and want to spend a full day outdoors, Budapest offers plenty of family-friendly options. You can spend hours exploring City Park, one of the city’s loveliest green spaces, home to playgrounds, a boating lake, Vajdahunyad castle, and plenty of space to run around. Right nearby, the Budapest Zoo is another great stop, especially for younger children. And if you’re looking to venture a little beyond the centre, Piczinke Póni Udvar is a fantastic option just outside the city, with pony rides, a mini zoo, and plenty of fun in nature — a perfect escape from the urban pace and an ideal day out for little ones.
Thermal Baths
Whether you want old-world calm or a pool party with a DJ, you’ve got options.
- Széchenyi Baths (yellow palace vibes, outdoor pools even in winter)
- Rudas Baths (great rooftop view of the Danube, mixed crowd, some late-night options)
- Lukács Baths (less touristy, popular with locals)
Beauty & Shopping Tip
If you’re in the mood for a little self-care, BeautyPest Inc. in the city centre is a great spot for a bit of pampering, offering massages, facials, pedicures, and nails. And if shopping is more your kind of therapy, take a stroll along Fashion Street or consider a trip to Premier Outlet Biatorbágy, a large outlet centre just outside Budapest, home to many international designer and high-street brands, yet still something of a hidden gem that many visitors don’t know about.
What to Eat and Drink
Budapest has a coffee culture that goes back over a century. Yes, you can find third-wave coffee shops (and you should), but don’t miss the New York Café that once hosted writers and revolutionaries.
You can’t leave Budapest without tasting:
- Gulyás (goulash) — the national dish.
- Lángos — deep-fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese.
- Paprikás csirke (paprika chicken) — creamy, comforting, and distinctly Hungarian.
- Chimney cake (kürtőskalács) — warm, sweet, crunchy on the outside.
- Cake to try: Dobos torta (layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel top).
- Wine tip: Hungary has incredible wine. Ask for Tokaji (sweet dessert wine) or Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood red blend).
We’d love to hear what you think — and what we might have missed. Share your own tips, hidden gems, or must-try dishes with us by sending a message on social media or dropping us an email. Whether it’s a cosy local spot, a dish you couldn’t stop thinking about, or a wine worth travelling for, we’re always looking to discover more. If you’re looking for great Italian food in the city centre, Akademia Italia is a lovely choice, with a beautiful view of the Basilica. It’s an Italian restaurant owned by an Italian, with Italian staff and chefs, which gives it a very authentic atmosphere. Another excellent option in central Budapest is Tom George Osteria, a stylish restaurant known not only for its food but also for its great drinks.
Markets, Streets & Hidden Gems
- Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) — for paprika, meats, and souvenirs.
- Gozsdu Udvar — a lively courtyard full of bars, restaurants, and street vendors.
- Falk Miksa Street — antique lovers, this one’s for you.
- Bartók Béla Boulevard — art galleries, indie cafés, and bookshops galore.
- Farmers’ market in Bikás Park (Budapest 11) — held every Saturday, this local market is a great place to experience a more everyday side of the city, with fresh produce, local goods, and a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
- Városligeti Műjégpálya (City Park Ice Rink) — if you’re visiting in the winter months, this is one of Budapest’s most magical seasonal experiences: outdoor ice skating with lights, music, and mulled wine, all set right near your venue.
- Off the path? Try Kerepesi Cemetery — it’s like Budapest’s Père Lachaise, filled with history and eerie beauty.
Getting Around
Budapest’s public transport is clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is colour-coded and easy to navigate.
- Metro Line 1 (Yellow Line) is the oldest underground in continental Europe.
- Tram 2 is one of the most scenic tram rides in Europe (it runs along the Danube).
- Simple app is especially useful for everyday travel — you can use it for parking, metro tickets, and bus tickets, which saves time and helps you avoid searching for parking meters or ticket machines.
- The BKK app is helpful for real-time transport info.
Final Tips
- Cash is still common in small shops and cafés. Bring some Hungarian Forint (HUF).
- Tipping is expected — 10–15% is the norm in restaurants.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning “köszönöm” (thank you) goes a long way.
- If you want to discover what’s happening in the city during your stay, WeLoveBudapest is a great website for finding interesting events, exhibitions, food spots, and local happenings: https://welovebudapest.com/en
Although this guide can serve as a great starting point, you should give yourself time. Get a little lost. And let the city surprise you.
With World of Freddie, you get much closer — not to the icon, but to the man behind it all.
👉 Follow World of Freddie on social media for behind-the-scenes stories and updates on upcoming events.