Free things to do in Budapest are quite easy to find and they allow to you stretch the budget even further. As you know, Budapest is a city we love and wouldn’t mind even living there. We also travel there as often as we can – at least once a year – and we’ve made a point to do all the FREE things possible pretty much every single time.

From personal experience, here is a list of FREE things to do in Budapest.

1. Gellert Hill and Citadella

At the Buda end of Elisabeth Bridge, cross the street and start going up the stairs. It really doesn’t matter which set of stairs you take, but keep going up. Eventually, you’ll get at Citadella. Once you get up there, enjoy the amazing views!

Come back down trying to get to Gellert Baths because along the way you’ll find a church in rock (which, unfortunately, is not free to visit anymore.)

2. Castle Hill

Cross Chain Bridge and don’t use the funicular. Instead, head left and walk to the castle complex. It is an easy walk but the views and photo opportunities will delight you!

3. Heroes’ Square, City Park and Vajdahunyad

Heroes’ Square is one of the most popular landmarks in Budapest, known for the statues of high ranking Hungarians. Cross the street to the left and then cross again towards the park. That huge park which goes all the way to the castle and up to the Museum of Transport is called City Park. Vajdahunyad is also there and the Anonymous statue close by is supposed to bring good luck to those who touch it.

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4. Margitsziget

This is a vast place where you can walk. The Magical (Singing) found has been under reconstruction for years but it has reopened for the public (it was working in May 2014).

5. Danube Embankment

There is a lot of walking to be done. Walk on the Pest side to take photos of the Castle Hill and walk on Buda side to take photos of the Parliament. Just make sure to cross Chain Bridge. Technically, the Embankment only runs from Elizabeth Bridge to Chain Bridge, on Pest side; but you can do a heck of a lot more walking on the banks of the Danube!

6. Christmas Markets across the city

Well, it is not free to actually get stuff from the markets but looking around..is. Then there are free concerts going on as well pretty much every weekend. And sometimes just admiring the Christmas decorations is enough, right?

7. Central Market

Ideally located at the end of Vaci Utca, the building is fascinating. Walking here will probably make you want to buy stuff, but again, looking is free.

8. Night walk in the city

Andrassy ut (the street above M1) and Vaci utca are two of the most beautiful and nicely lit areas in Budapest. Put your walking shoes on!

9. The Shoes on the Danube bank

The memorial on the Danube Bank, located close to the Parliament, is free to visit and can be an emotional encounter. During World War II, Jews were killed right on the end of the river after being forced to take their shoes off.

10. Walking in the Castle District

While the construction works surely make things busy (and annoying), walking around and admiring the buildings is free. Just be prepared for queues to get in the Castle area and for quite a lot of people to navigate through in some places. Constructions works were supposed to end in 2021 but… as of December 2023, they were still ongoing.

Free to visit but you need to take public transportation to get there:

11. Elizabeth Tower

Elizabeth Tower is my favorite lookout in Budapest. It is located high in the hills surrounding the city and you will need to take public transportation to get there. You’d need to get to the cogwheel and from its terminus, you would need to walk (15-30min, depending on your fitness) or take the chairlift to get to Elizabeth Tower. But the tower itself is free to visit and the views are worth the trip.

12. Szentendre

Take the HEV from Margit Bridge and once Szentendre, walk to your heart’s desire. It is not completely free though, as you need to pay an additional fare if you already have the travel card.

All photos by Cristina P and Alex P and may not be used without permission.

The article was originally written in Nov 2013, updated in Nov 2015 and republished in Oct 2016. Last updated in Dec 2023.