The best free things to do in Budapest

What is it? Completely reconfigured and meticulously maintained in recent years, City Park is one of Budapest’s greatest attractions – a real urban haven where nature, culture and architecture combine. Classic destinations such as Budapest Zoo, Vajdahunyad Castle, the House of Music Hungary and the Széchenyi Baths all beckon.

Why we love it Here you can really do everything, from playing sport to picnicking, walking your dog, sitting by the lake or talking a long walk. Excellent playgrounds await little ones, even a play park themed around the Highway Code, while four-legged visitors can run off steam in well-equipped dog parks. Ping-pong tables, street workout gyms, sports courts and decent restaurants are all set in a wonderful, green environment.

Time Out tip: The House of Music Hungary, designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto, is an experience in itself – and the good news is that entry to the building is free. Although there is a charge for exhibitions and concerts, you can admire the unique architectural solutions, glass walls and floating roof structure without having to part with any cash.

Address: 1146 Budapest

What is it? The 56-hectare graveyard on Fiumei út near Keleti station is not just a cemetery, but also one of Hungary’s most important historical monuments. Many great national figures are buried here, including writers Endre Ady, Gyula Krúdy and Miklós Radnóti, actress Lujza Blaha and statesman Lajos Kossuth.

Why we love it It may sound strange but we would recommend a good walk around Kerepesi at least once to everyone, because it is more than just your average cemetery. In addition to paying your respects to the greatest Hungarians, revered poets, musicians and actors, you can walk amid the calm, peace and birdsong in the middle of the city. Some mausoleums, such as those of statesmen Ferenc Deák, Lajos Kossuth and Count Lajos Batthyány, are complete architectural masterpieces.

Time Out tip: The cemetery is not only a place for strolling, but also a living cultural space. Guided walks, theatre shows, film screenings and concerts are regularly held here, which are almost always free, only requiring prior registration.

Address: Fiumei út 16-18, 1086 Budapest

Opening hours: Varies according to seasons and times of sunset

What is it? One of the city’s most famous attractions, a 140-metre-long neo-Romanesque observation deck, from which one of the most beautiful panoramas of Budapest opens up. From here, the iconic buildings of the Pest side – Parliament, the Danube bridges and the towering landmarks of the city centre – appear in a completely new light.

Why we love it Because it's good to discover the city from up here. A walk through the historic streets of the Castle District, then a short break at Fishermen’s Bastion, from where Budapest opens up before you – is a guaranteed invigorating experience. What's more, the history of the place is also fascinating: the bastion's seven towers symbolise the seven tribal chiefs who conquered Hungary in the late 800s. Although many believe it to be medieval, it was actually built during the urban developments related to the 1896 Hungarian millennial celebrations. It was named after the fishermen’s guild who defended this section of the castle wall in the Middle Ages.

Time Out tip: To avoid the tourist hordes, visit early in the morning or in the evening – it’s quieter at this time and the lights make the city even more beautiful. The lower tier is free to enter, the upper requires admission to be paid.

Address: Szentháromság tér, 1014 Budapest

What is it? The oldest garden in the city, this former nobleman’s retreat has been turned into a public park. The fenced-off grounds are home to flowers, plentiful public benches, a fountain, lovely little paths and one of the oldest mulberry trees in Hungary.

Why we love it Stepping into the small but colourful Károlyi Garden in the middle of the bustling city centre is like stepping back in time while sitting down to relax. Adults can chat or read a good book in the quiet, peaceful environment, while children can run wild on the playground to one side.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the bronze statue of Károly, perhaps the most revered resident of the Károlyi Garden, a giant Belgian rabbit. Károly’s descendants can sometimes be seen in a cage in the garden in good weather. Dogs are not allowed into the park.

Address: Károlyi kert, 1053 Budapet

Opening hours: Usually from sunrise to sunset

What is it? At a height of 528 metres, János Hill is the highest point in Budapest. The pretty neo-Romanesque Elizabeth Lookout Tower adorning the peak offers a wonderful panorama of the entire city.

Why we love it? One of the best things about Budapest is that you don't have to leave the city to relax by the water or go hiking in the open air. One of the most popular such spots is Normafa, from where a hearty walk leads all the way to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower and its 100 steps for an unparalleled 360-degree panorama.

Time Out tip: There is a long-standing urban legend that on clear days you can see as far as the High Tatras in Slovakia. Can you can spot them on the far horizon?

How to get there: Normafa is easily accessible by public transport, taking bus 21 from Széll Kálmán tér. From here, the Erzsébet Lookout is about 2km on foot, up slightly steep terrain.

Address: 1121 Budapest

What is it? A special spot in the middle of Gellért Hill with a peaceful circle of thinkers such as Gandhi, Buddha, Jesus, Lao-tzu and other spiritual leaders.

Why we love it? Although many might be familiar with Citadella and the statue of St Gellért, the Philosophers' Garden also has a beautiful view, without the wandering tourists. The place exudes peace and tranquillity, perfect for a little retreat, thinking, reading or relaxing.

Time Out tip: We love the nearby statues of the Prince of Buda and the Princess of Pest, which make for the perfect picture.

Address: 1016 Budapest – approach from the part of Gellért Hill facing Elizabeth Bridge, above the reservoir

What is it? Named after Hungary’s most revered racehorse, Kincsem Park is one of Budapest’s cult spots, an old-school course where you can watch horses or greyhounds race from the charmingly tatty grandstand.

Why we love it For the initiated, horse racing is a long-standing tradition and an inexact science, but even for beginners there is something irresistibly entertaining about it. All you have to do is rock up, guess which horse to bet on and act competently – just like Vivian in Pretty Woman! – while watching the amazing grace of these fascinating animals. Kincsem Park hosts race meetings most weekends, which you can enjoy for free from the stands. They can also arrange to take you behind the scenes and see the horses close up.

Time Out tip: Our hot tip? Learn the vagaries of the Hungarian betting system, such as a befutó, where you predict first and second places, or a tét, the outright winner. Minimum bet Ft 500 (€1.30).

Address: Albertirsai út 2-4, 1101 Budapest

What is it? Regularly updated exhibitions, interactive installations and community experiences showcase the works of mainly young and emerging artists on so-called Fashion Street by focal Deák Ferenc tér.

Why we love it The atmosphere of Deák17 is particularly friendly – you can drop in here at any time for a little inspiration or you can linger longer in front of the creations by mainly local artists. This is not a place where you should feel uncomfortable: it addresses a young audience, bringing art closer to everyday life in a relaxed and direct way.

Time Out tip: Look out for regular exhibitions with urban themes relevant to Budapest.

Address: Deák Ferenc utca 17, 1052 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Closed Sun

What is it? The Money Museum presents the history of finance, its journey, its operation and its interactive future. You can design your own banknote and see how heavy a gold bar is.

Why we love it? The Money Museum is also worth visiting to explore the beautiful, castle-like building of the former Postal Palace, which was closed for many years before its renovation in 2022. The exhibition embraces the modern – it is interactive, educational and entertaining at the same time, and is completely free (though you have to book online).

Time Out tip: After visiting the exhibition, head round to a separate entrance on Várfok utca overlooking Széll Kálmán tér and take the lift to the Panoráma Terász (open daily from 2pm) on the seventh floor. Sipping coffee or cocktails on the roof terrace, at the foot of the bastion-like tower, is one of Budapest’s most unique, yet little-known, experiences.

Address: Krisztina körút 6, 1122 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 8am-5pm, Thur 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Tue

📍Discover more fun museums in Budapest

What is it? So named as centurions were stationed around here 2,000 years ago, the Római embankment lines the Danube at the northern tip of Buda, long a favoured destination for locals seeking waterfront relaxation.

Why we love it For the retro vibe that permeates the entire stretch of the riverfront, for sitting on the shore, throwing pebbles, cycling and watching the sunset. This is also where you find cult spots such as Fellini, Nap bácsi and Evezős, or you can bring your own drinks and snacks, and enjoy the lazily flowing Danube alongside without parting with any forints.

Time Out tip: For a few years now, a free, family-friendly public beach has operated here in summer, allowing you to splash in the cleaned-up waters of the Danube. There are also sports courts and sometimes a winter garden out of season.

Address: Római part, 1031 Budapest

What is it? The city’s favourite island getaway stretches for 2.5 km between Buda and Pest, home to a Japanese Garden and fish pond with theirunique plants and turtles, a Water Tower, a Musical Fountain, a small zoo and medieval monastery ruins.

Why we love it Margaret Island offers plenty of outdoor experiences that don’t cost a thing. You can listen to revered tunes at the Musical Fountain, run laps of the padded running track any time day or night, play badminton or picnic on the grass, say hello to the animals in the Wildlife Park or check out the turtles in the fish pond.

Time Out tip: Margaret Island is at its most beautiful in the autumn, and for the last of the Musical Fountain performances at 9pm, projector screenings add colour to the melodies.

Address: 1138 Budapest

What are they? Budapest is full of great museums, which with a little planning you can sometimes get into for free.

Why we love them While the exhibitions and interiors of Budapest institutions  such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery are worth their money, sometimes it’s nice to skip the entrance fee and admire famous works of art for nothing. Most museums are free to visit on national holidays, such as March 15, August 20 and October 23. Many also offer free admission to certain members of the public carrying the right ID, such as teachers and seniors.

Time Out tip: On certain Saturdays, visitors under 26 are granted free entry to major museums – check their websites for details.

📍 The best things to do in Budapest
🪩 The best Budapest nightlife spots
🛏 The best hotels in Budapest
🍴 The best restaurants in Budapest
🍲 Ultimate guide to eating and drinking in Budapest