Stepping into Budapest means entering a time machine. Travel back to the 13th century by wandering around the city’s Baroque-style facade. Besides being beautiful, Budapest is one of the most affordable cities in Europe. No wonder that around 40 million tourists visit Budapest in a year. Therefore, Budapest can be quite crowded in the high season. Flee from the crowds and see the city from a different perspective by walking off the beaten path. These 15 hidden gems in Budapest call every curious soul to discover!
Hidden Gems in Budapest – Summary
- Kerepesi Cemetery
- Hospital in the Rock
- Cave Church
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Újlaki Synagogue
- Faust Wine Cellar
- House of Unicum
- Virág Benedek House
- ELTE Botanical Garden
- Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library
- Falk Miksa Street
- Flipper Museum
- Children’s Railway
- City of Aquicum
- Púder Restaurant and Bar
Kerepesi Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might sound creepy, but that is not true with Kerepesi Cemetery. Established in 1847, it is the oldest cemetery in Hungary and holds historical significance. Kerepesi Cemetery has become the final resting place for Hungary’s important figures, including revolutionary Lajos Kossuth. Thus, enormous mausoleums adorned with elegant sculptures are built to honor them. Some of the cemeteries rest between well-manicured gardens, marked with large statues inspired by angels and biblical figures. So, take a walk around the mausoleums and glance at Hungary’s past. The cemetery’s astonishing facade and terrific backstory make it one of the must-visit hidden gems in Budapest.
Hospital in the Rock
Formed inside a natural cave system, Hospital in the Rock is an intriguing site telling a memorable tale. As its name suggests, it is a former hospital operating in 1956. The hospital was used to treat soldiers and civilians during World War II. It comprises a network of tunnels stretching around 10 kilometers long. The tunnels contain chambers and bunkers serving as sleeping quarters, treatment rooms, and kitchens. Today, the Hospital in the Rock opens as a museum. It has kept memories from the war zone and highlighted the value of peace.
Cave Church
Find tranquility inside this hidden religious site. Cave Church, as its name suggests, sits inside the rocky Gellért Hil and forms a cave-like structure. It dates back to the 1860s, once belonging to a hermit monk. The story goes by and Pauline monks took over the church, transforming it into their main place of worship and residence.
However, some of the church’s original structure has been replaced by modern materials due to the communists’ ban. Today, you can still find authentic relics, including a picture of the Virgin Mary. Thus, make sure to wear modest clothes and cover your shoulders when visiting this hidden gem in Budapest. It is a place for everyone looking for a quiet moment or wanting to learn more about Hungary’s history.
Vajdahunyad Castle
When talking about the best places to visit in Budapest, we would not leave Buda Castle out. However, another structure that can match its beauty is Vajdahunyad Castle. Sitting in the heart of City Park, the castle is often overlooked by travelers. Its grandeur facade depicts a blend of Romanesque, Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Besides marveling at its exterior, you can choose from an array of activities this castle offers. Pay a visit to the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture which dates back to 1897. Moreover, on pleasant spring and summer days, you can indulge in boating excursions. Therefore, Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the best hidden gems in Budapest to visit.
Újlaki Synagogue
This centuries-old religious site has stood the test of time. It preserves an eclectic neo-Gothic facade amidst Budapest’s futuristic cityscape. Thus, Újlaki Synagogue is the main place of worship for the Jewish community in Budapest. It is open to the public, especially recognizing its history as Budapest’s oldest synagogue. Marvel at the beautiful Moorish-influenced architecture and wonder how the building survived World War II. A visit to Újlaki Synagogue allows you to learn about the Jewish culture’s significance in Budapest. Therefore, it is one of the must-visit hidden gems in Budapest.
Faust Wine Cellar
Although Buda Castle is packed with tourists, only a few know it keeps a wine cellar. Staying a secret, the wine cellar sits in an underground cave beneath the castle. You can follow the stairs leading down to the cellar from the 13th-century Dominican Cloister. The dimly lit chamber keeps a gorgeous collection of authentic Hungary wine, extending to the country’s lesser-known vineyards.
Faust Wine Cellar welcomes everyone who wants to savor Hungary’s best asset. Sample traditional fruit brandies called palinka or have a sumptuous glass of Pinot Noir. Whether you are a wine lover or not, Faust Wine Cellar is worth visiting.
House of Unicum
Hungary sits at the top of the podium when it comes to liquors. Thus, one of the best liquors the country offers is Unicum. The traditional bitter liquor is crafted from numerous herbs and spices. Zwack family formulated the drink and you can see their journey in House of Unicum.
House of Unicum was originally the residence and factory belonging to the Zwack family. It houses the family’s dearest objects as well as machines used to produce liquors. House of Unicum tells the story of Unicum’s business and how it can survive World War II. Furthermore, you can sample some variants of Unicum at the end of the tour. It is one of the most interesting hidden gems in Budapest that you should not miss.
Virág Benedek House
Delve into Budapest’s jubilant cultural scene in Virág Benedek House. It sits in the legendary Tabán district, keeping a lovely vintage facade. The Baroque-styled house got its name from Virág Benedek, a famous Hungarian poet. Legend says he moved into a two-story house in the Tabán district after the flood in the 18th century.
Now, the white-tinted house serves as an art hotspot. Budapest locals express their artsy side by holding art discussions, musical gigs, and poetry performances. Furthermore, you can simply take photos of the house, enjoy its romantic vibes, or relax underneath a century-old oak tree.
ELTE Botanical Garden
If you are looking for refreshment after a long day exploring the city, head to ELTE Botanical Garden. The botanical garden features 7,000 species and variations of plants. Aside from conservation and educational efforts, ELTE Botancial Garden provides a serene place to relax. You can sit in the outdoor gardens while enjoying the well-manicured views. Moreover, entering ELTE Botanical Garden requires you to pay a €3 fee. With its affordable price and astonishing scenery, ELTE Botanical Garden is one of the hidden gems in Budapest that you must check out.
Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library
This Budapest hidden gem will make bibliophiles happy! Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library sits in the heart of metropolitan Budapest. It takes place in the lavish neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace, making it feel like a library out of a fairytale. The rustic interior, packed with wooden furniture and decorative carvings, had been created since 1931. Moreover, Ervin Szabo Library houses nearly a million collection of books. Whether you want to indulge in a novel or simply marvel at the lavish interior, visiting Ervin Szabo Library won’t disappoint.
Falk Miksa Street
Flee away from tourist groups on Váci Street and visit Falk Miksa Street instead. It stretches from Kossuth tér to Jászai Mari tér, housing graceful antique buildings and artsy statues. Falk Miksa Street has become home to astonishing art galleries and antique shops, offering a nostalgic vibe. Moreover, you can see the statue of Lieutenant Columbo from the famous TV series. So, get in touch with your artsy side at this Budapest hidden gem!
These hidden gems in Budapest beckon the adventurer inside of you. Walk off the beaten path and find one-of-a-kind experiences. So, do you want to explore hidden gems in different cities in Europe? JoinMyTrip got your back!
JoinMyTrip offers a collection of group trips crafted by experienced local hosts. They love their hometown and will show you the most amazing spots in the local area. From dishes that make you crave for more to wonderful hidden gems, our TripLeaders pick the best ones for you. Start traveling and find a trusted local guide at JoinMyTrip.