I lived in Budapest for 7 years. There are 4 tourist spots I wouldn’t recommend — and 4 that I’ve found worth the hype.

• I found the Széchenyi Baths and New York Café too crowded, and think there are better alternatives.
• There are some tourist spots that are worth the cost and crowds, though, like Fisherman’s Bastion.

For a more off-the-beaten-path browsing experience, swap Central Market Hall for Fény Street Market.

The Szimpla Kert ruin bar can get packed, but it’s still worth a visit.

The eclectic decor, which has been layered over the decades, makes each room feel different from the last. Exploring the whole complex feels like an adventure.

No two ruin bars are the same, though. If you feel like checking out a spot with a bit more local flair, make time to visit Pótkulcs, A Grund, or Manyi. Egészségedre (cheers) to that!

This story was originally published on September 16, 2025, and most recently updated on August 31, 2026.