Which lesser-known museums in Budapest are worth a visit?

Published: September 08 2023

Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is known for its rich array of cultural attractions, including world-class museums. Although the Hungarian National Museum and the House of Terror often make the tourist’s bucket list, Budapest has much more to offer. This post introduces some lesser-known, but equally fascinating, museums in Budapest that are definitely worth a visit.

Located on the outskirts of Budapest, Memento Park is a truly unique place dedicated to monuments from Hungary's Communist period. The park contains statues of Lenin, Marx, and Engels, among others. It's an immersive and interesting journey into a critical part of Hungary’s history. A direct bus, 150A, can take you from the city center to the park.

As one of Budapest's unique museums, the Museum of Hungarian Commerce and Catering offers a journey through the history of Hungarian gastronomy. Here, you can explore he evolution of the country's culinary scene, restaurant culture, historic cookbooks, antique kitchen utensils, and even a recreated traditional pub.

Located inside the Buda Castle, the Budapest History Museum reveals the city's history from Roman times to the present. The museum includes exhibits from the medieval period when the Castle was built, as well as art sections that demonstrate the life and culture of the city in different eras.

This museum, located in the Óbuda district of Budapest, showcases the development of Hungarian trade and tourism. You will find all sorts of displays here, from old shop signs and trade equipment, to menus from the 19th century. It's a fun trip into the history of how people bought and sold in Hungary.

Budapest is home to Europe's largest pinball museum, the Flipper Museum. With the motto "Game Over is Not the End," this interactive museum houses more than 130 playable pinball machines. Moreover, it's a thrilling destination, not only for pinball enthusiasts, but also for those who wish to touch a slice of nostalgia from the era of traditional arcades.

The Semmelweis Medical History Museum is an intriguing place where visitors can explore the history of medicine. The Museum presents a unique collection of medical instruments, pharmacy showcases and tells about the progress of surgery, obstetrics, and other branches of medicine over the centuries.

These fascinating yet lesser-known Budapest museums are in no way inferior to their more famous counterparts. Their exhibits offer visitors an in-depth glimpse into diverse aspects of Hungary's rich history and culture. Do not miss the chance to enjoy these gems during your next visit to Budapest!