Discover the Best Free + Cheap Attractions in Budapest

Published: 2023-09-25

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, offers a plethora of free attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're interested in art, history, or simply taking in the beautiful scenery, Budapest has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best free attractions in Budapest that showcase Hungary's rich cultural heritage.

As you explore the streets of Budapest, you'll come across numerous vibrant and eye-catching murals. These murals, part of a project called Színes Város or Colourful City, depict various aspects of Hungarian history and culture. From a dedication to Hungary's famous 6-3 win over England in football to a depiction of a Rubik's Cube, these murals are not to be missed. Pick up a map from the tourist office and embark on your own mural trail.

For a minimal fee, you can board the fire-red Cogwheel Railway and journey up the slopes of Buda. This scenic railway takes you to Svábhegy and Széchenyi-hegy, where it crosses with the Children's Railway. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Budapest from the railway as you make your way through the city's transport network.

Located next to Matthias Church, Fishermen's Bastion is a stunning architectural masterpiece. It is free to enter at its lower level all year round and at the panoramic upper level between late December and 15 March. The seven towers of Fishermen's Bastion represent the seven Hungarian chieftains who led the original Magyar tribes to this part of the Carpathian Basin in 895.

Kerepesi Cemetery is Hungary's most prestigious cemetery and is the final resting place of the nation's great statesmen and cultural icons. Comparable to Père Lachaise in Paris, this cemetery offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll among the headstones and mausoleums and appreciate the ornate architecture and historical significance of this cemetery.

Margaret Island is a beautiful island located in the Danube River. Several attractions on the island are free to visit, including the petting zoo, the Japanese garden, the medieval ruins, and the musical fountain. Explore the medieval ruins that relate to the island's namesake, Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV. Don't miss the Water Tower, which opens for exhibitions from May to early autumn.

Budapest offers a treasure trove of free attractions that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Hungarian culture and history. From murals to railways to stunning architectural landmarks, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Make sure to add these free attractions to your Budapest itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

What are some of the best free attractions in Budapest?

What is the Budapest murals project? The Budapest murals project, also known as Színes Város or Colourful City, features murals depicting certain aspects of Hungarian history and culture. You can find these murals on firewalls in various districts of Budapest.

How can I explore the Budapest murals? You can pick up a map from the tourist office and follow your own mural trail to explore the Budapest murals.

What is the Cogwheel Railway in Budapest? The Cogwheel Railway is a fire-red railway in Budapest that operates on the slopes of Buda. It is not free, but the price of a standard ticket is 350 forints, which is less than a euro.

Where can I board the Cogwheel Railway in Budapest? You can board the Cogwheel Railway at Városmajor in Budapest.

What is Fishermen's Bastion in Budapest? Fishermen's Bastion is an architectural structure created by Frigyes Schulek. It is located next to Matthias Church in Budapest. The lower level of Fishermen's Bastion is free to enter all year round, and the panoramic upper level is free between late December and the public holiday of 15 March. The seven towers of Fishermen's Bastion represent the seven Hungarian chieftains.

What is Kerepesi Cemetery in Budapest? Kerepesi Cemetery is a prestigious cemetery in Budapest where many of Hungary's great statesmen and cultural icons are laid to rest. It is often compared to Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Kerepesi Cemetery is free to enter all year round, and English-language tours are also available.

What attractions on Margaret Island in Budapest are free? Several attractions on Margaret Island in Budapest are free, including the petting zoo, the Japanese garden, the medieval ruins, and the musical fountain. The medieval ruins are related to Margaret, after whom the island is named. The Water Tower on Margaret Island is open from 1 May to early autumn for exhibitions.

What is Tram 2 in Budapest? Tram 2 in Budapest is a sightseeing tour and regular mode of transport in one. It runs between Margaret Bridge in the north and Közvágó Bridge in the south, following the Danube. Tram 2 offers passengers a perfect view of Parliament, the city's main bridges, and the sights of Buda on the opposite bank.

What is Várfok Galéria in Budapest? Várfok Galéria is an art gallery in Budapest. It was founded after the political changes of 1989 and offers a large display space to young artists. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions of contemporary art, which are free to attend.