Romantic activities in Budapest: 5 unforgettable experiences
Cities like Budapest don’t need to do anything special to win the hearts of visitors because every street inspires you to fall in love. The capital of Hungary is the perfect destination for couples because it has countless activities that are perfect for two. You can plan your trip depending on how long you’ll be staying in Budapest – we recommend you spend at least three days in the city and have a couple of extra days to go on excursions to nearby places of interest.
Budapest is a city of monuments spread on each side of the Danube River and any walk you take will be a series of constant surprises as you encounter palaces, bridges, historic markets, spas and beautiful sculptures. Strolling along its shopping streets, stopping in historic cafés, going on a sunset cruise and ending the day in a modern rooftop bar are just some activities you can’t miss! Below we’ve selected a series of experiences that you might enjoy on your next holiday. And, of course, if you’re travelling during the Christmas period, don’t forget to explore the Christmas markets with a glass of mulled wine warming your hands.
Activities for two in Budapest
Budapest has no end of activities to do as a couple during the day and night. We’ve selected some of the most enticing things to do, but there are many, many more…
Discover the monuments: Parliament and Royal Palace
Visiting the main monuments in Budapest should be included among your romantic plans. Many of the most important tourist attractions in the city are open to visitors, while a few can only be admired from the outside. The Parliament building deserves special mention – this beautiful building can first be spotted from Buda neighbourhood and later explored up close in Pest. It has 268 m of façade, 690 rooms, 27 doors and 10 courtyards. It’s still used as the National Assembly of Hungary and guided tours are available in several languages. While in Pest, you should also visit nearby St Stephen’s Basilica and the Central Market.
Cross the Danube River on one of the bridges, such as Széchenyi Chain Bridge, to reach Buda, where you’ll find the impressive Royal Palace. Once home to kings, today it’s a cultural complex with museums, a library and monuments. While on this shore, make sure to visit the Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
![hungarian-parliament](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/parlamento-hungaro.jpg)
![hungarian-parliament](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/parlamento-hungaro.jpg)
Hungarian Parliament
Relax in a historic spa
Our next romantic activity in Budapest can be combined with the first because there’s nothing better after a long walk than taking it easy and relaxing in a spa. The thermal baths in Budapest are a monument in themselves and are truly magnificent. The two most famous spas more than deserve their reputations; you’ll recognise Gellert Thermal Baths because it’s appeared in several adverts, while you’ll fall in love with the beautiful architecture of Széchenyi Thermal Baths at first sight. Both baths can be used by both sexes, so all couples are welcome. And why not find out about evening activities? Some spas organise fun parties with music at different times of year.
![spa-széchenyi](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Balneario-Szechenyi.jpg)
![spa-széchenyi](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Balneario-Szechenyi.jpg)
Széchenyi Spa
Go out at night
Although the name ‘ruin bars’ might sound a bit odd at first, discovering these bars that are housed in abandoned buildings or shops is a fascinating experience. They have a great, alternative vibe and you can often enjoy live performances. Two of the most famous are Szimpla Kert and Csendes Vintage, while if you’re after a wild night, make a note of Instant-Fogas, the largest and liveliest.
Night cruise
An original way to discover the cityscape of Budapest is from the river that divides the city in two. Cruising along the Danube on a boat at sunset is an unforgettable experience and you’ll see the city’s main monuments (Parliament, the Royal Palace, bridges, churches) lit up with beautiful night-time illumination. You can choose between different types of boat, from basic boats to more sophisticated ones with live music, cava and dinner included in the ticket price. A night cruise in Budapest is a truly romantic and worthwhile experience that we highly recommend.
Day trip to Szentendre
If you’re going to be in the Hungarian capital for several days, it’s well worth spending half or a full day exploring a nearby city or natural space. Szentendre is the perfect choice – it can be reached by car, bus or even a boat that runs daily from May to September, and on weekends during the rest of the year. This former artists’ colony has several Orthodox churches and is a lovely place to walk, eat in one of the many restaurants and enjoy its wonderful decorations during Christmas.
![szentendre](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/szentendre-vistas.jpg)
![szentendre](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/szentendre-vistas.jpg)
Szentendre
Tips and recommendations
Recommendations aren’t really needed for Budapest because everything in the city works really well: public transport, restaurants, tickets to monuments, etc. If you’re planning to travel around a lot or visit numerous monuments, it’s a good idea to get the Budapest Card because it’s not particularly expensive and includes free transport, some entrance tickets and useful discounts. And if you visit the city in winter, make sure to wrap up warm because damp from the river makes the temperature feel colder than it is.
Where to stay in Budapest
Your accommodation in a city like Budapest is part of your travel experience. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance during your romantic break, we recommend the Barceló Budapest. It’s right in the historic centre, in District VI, Térézváros, and a 10-minute walk from the Parliament building. The hotel is perfect for visiting the city’s monuments and going out at night because the nightlife area is also close.
Barceló Budapest has modern, comfortable facilities and provides guests with everything they could need. It has 179 rooms, a lobby bar, an à la carte restaurant and the Skybar, which opens from 4 pm to 10 pm (May to October). It’s the ideal hotel to enjoy the leisure and culture of the Hungarian capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best activities to do as a couple in Budapest?
If you’re travelling to Budapest as a couple, make sure to go on an evening cruise (with or without dinner included), visit a historic spa like Gellert or Széchenyi and discover fascinating places like the Parliament building.
Which are the most romantic spots in Budapest?
You’ll find romantic spots in Budapest close to the most important tourist attractions, such as the Fishermen’s Bastion, which has the best views of the Parliament, and in historic cafés like Café New York and the viewpoint on Gellert Hill.
Which are the most romantic restaurants in Budapest?
Restaurants with a romantic atmosphere include Halászbástya, in the Fishermen’s Bastion; Menza, which has a casual vibe and varied menu; and Első Pesti Rétesház – Strudel House, a spectacular restaurant where strudel pastry is used in all kinds of dishes.