Budapest is a fantastic city with amazing attractions and activities waiting. Maybe you come with lots of money and want to see and experience everything, no matter how much it will cost. Or perhaps you are trying to spend as little money as possible during your days in Budapest? This article will show you several activities and programs that you can enjoy without spending any money.
Six things you can experience in Budapest for free!
The Fishermens’ bastion.
This historic fortification is one of the most famous attractions in Budapest. It is located on the Buda hill in the castle area, next to the famous Matthias church. You can enjoy a fantastic view from the Fishermen’s bastion towards the Hungarian Parliament, the Danube, the Margaret Island. It will give you a panorama no camera can catch entirely.
The entire Fishermen’s bastion is free to visit between October 23rd and March 15th every year. Besides that, the ground level can be explored and enjoyed for free all year. In other words, an excellent place for a free and fantastic panorama in Budapest.
Walk along the Danube Promenade.
You do not need to pay anything to walk up and down the streets of Budapest. And if you like to walk, you should definitely walk up and down the streets next to the Danube. The panorama is extraordinary, both during daytime and nighttime. If you have the chance, walk from the Elisabeth bridge to the Margaret bridge (on the Pest side), walk across the Margaret bridge, grab something to eat at Trofea Grill (by the Margaret bridge on the Buda side), and then walk back along the Buda side until you get to the Chain bridge and walk across it back to the Pest side. This will give you a fantastic walk with a beautiful panorama in Budapest.
Explore the Central Market Hall.
Nothing is free inside the Big Market Hall, besides walking around on the inside. But even though it might sound boring to walk in a market hall without spending money, half the experience here is looking around. It is interesting to see all the products Hungarians come to buy daily in the market hall, and you will for sure enjoy it!
Learn some history at the Heroes square.
The most famous square in Budapest is the Heroes Square. It is located in the City park, a majestic square surrounded by two fantastic museums, the Art Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts. It is free to walk around the square, and you can do a quick wrap-up on Hungarian history if you read more about the different characters shown as statues on the square.
If you want to visit the museums for free, come to Budapest for one of the Hungarian national days (August 20th, March 15th, or October 23rd). Most of the museums in the city are free to visit on such days.
Discover the City Park.
You have already been to the Heroes square, so why not walk on to the City park? This is a gigantic park area in which you can find playgrounds, restaurants, cafés, and the magnificent Vajdhahunyad castle. What’s even better is that you can walk around in the park and also in the Vajdahunyad castle area for free. You need to pay to enter the different parts of the castle, but walking through the castle area is free and an experience on its own.
Explore the Margaret Island
It is easy to spend money at the Margaret island renting bicycles, visiting the Palatinus bath, or living in one of the spa hotels. But it is possible to walk around in the beautiful environment while watching remains from a former monastery, watching the water in a fountain move to the rhythms of classical music, and visiting a tiny zoo for free at the Margaret island. You can also run on the running track surrounding the island, or bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic with the things you bring along. No matter what, the Margaret island is a fantastic place to go in Budapest.
These activities offer a great introduction to the culture and history of Budapest, and they are all completely free, making them accessible to visitors of all budgets. Would you rather read more about ideas for a romantic day in Budapest? We have lots of interesting in our Budapest Guide, so make sure to look around for inspiration, ideas, and helpful suggestions.
