These are my recommendations for Budapest museum to visit this year. If you love art and history, this article is for you.
Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s beautiful in its own way. The city is full of history at every corner. My husband and I visited Budapest often. Not only the restaurants, street food, or the cool bars that were interesting for us, but also the museums.
I’ve gathered some of the most interesting museums to visit in Budapest in this article, based on my experience and research.
1. Hospital in the Rock
2. House of Terror
3. Hungarian National Museum
4. Hungarian National Gallery
5. Museum of Fine Arts
6. Ludwig Museum
Keep reading to find out which Budapest museum to visit on your next trip to this Hungarian capital.
Why Visiting Museums in Budapest?
Budapest is a city rich in culture and history. You’ll see history written in every corner of the city. But it also has a dark past. During WWII, Budapest lay in ruins. More than 80 percent of the buildings were destroyed or damaged. Including all seven bridges on the Danube river.
If you’re interested in history-pretty much like me-, you would want to visit some of Budapest Museums. There’s just so much information and things you would see beyond what the history books in school told you.
1 – Hospital in the Rock
We found this museum accidentally when we were on our way to the Fisherman’s Bastion. When I saw the sign “Hospital in the rock” and the entrance which doesn’t look like an ordinary museum entrance, my curiosity rose.
Checking out the entrance fee (or here they call it “donation”), oh well, it wasn’t really cheap. After considering, and making a promise to my husband that I won’t be shopping for some new clothes, we decided to buy the ticket.
We had to wait until the previous group of the tour came out before we could enter. The tour is every hour.
So, when the next tour began, we each took an audio guide, tightened up our jackets (it was colder inside the museum since it is a natural cave), and followed the tour guide.
Note:
- You’re not allowed to take photos inside the museum.
- You’re not allowed to enter without a guide.
The history of the Hospital in the Rock
This unique Budapest museum is a natural cave system (meaning it’s not man built) and has been there under Castle Hill since the Middle Ages. When WWII started, in 1939, most of the caves were used as bunkers in case of an air raid.
After that, the mayor of Budapest who was also the minister of the War Department ordered the construction of the Hospital in the Rock. The idea was to create a first-aid post to treat civilians and officials during WWII.
During the cold war (1958-1962), the Hospital in the Rock was converted into a nuclear bunker and expanded with a safety-by-pass corridor, a new ventilation system, and a water supply system attached to the Danube River.
Two Diesel engines with attached generators were also built, which makes the hospital still could function in case of a blackout.
In 2007, Hospital in the Rock was first opened for visitors.
Interesting: Read the story about Friedrich Born, a representative of the International Red Cross who was working there in 1944 and saved more than 11.000 Jews.
Entrance Ticket, Opening Hours, and other info
- Opening hours: every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Closed on: January 1, November 1, December 24-25, and December 31.
- Normal ticket price for adults: 24 Euro
- Reduced donation ticket or if you have the Budapest Card: 13,5 Euro.
- This museum is not recommended for kids under 12 years old. And kids under 6 are not allowed to enter.
- This is a cashless museum. You can only pay by credit card on the museum’s vending machines. Or buy your tickets online in advance.
- Tips when buying tickets online: choose Donation and then Coupon if you have the Budapest card.
- Visiting soon? You can buy your ticket online here.
- Audio guides are available for free in 5 languages (German, Italian, French, Russian, and Spanish).
- Location on Google maps here.
- For more info, visit the museum’s official website here.
Tips For Visiting
- Wear a jacket, it’s pretty cold inside.
- Plan your time to visit. The tour starts every hour and you can’t go in without it. We didn’t know this so we had to wait half an hour.
- You can buy the ticket online!
2 – House of Terror
The second Budapest museum that we visited was the House of Terror.
The building on 60 Andrassy Avenue was once the most horrific place in Budapest. It was once the headquarters of the fascist and communist regimes in the 20th century.
The museum is also a memorial for all the victims of these 2 bloody periods of Hungarian history, who were taken as prisoners, interrogated, tortured, or killed inside this building.
Honestly, my heart was beating fast during my visit to this museum. It was indeed a house of terror. Imagining how the Hungarian people lived during these dark times was heartbreaking. When we finally saw the basement, I couldn’t hold back my tears. This is where the prisoners were held and tortured. Many people died here.
Tips For Visiting
- You can get an audio guide for a fee (unfortunately, not cheap), but during the exhibition, there will be explanations on printed paper (in English) that you can take. I’d say, these papers are enough if you don’t want to take the audio guide.
- This is one of the most famous museums in Budapest so it’s normally quite busy. I suggest going there around the opening time or later in the afternoon.
- Prepare your time when you want to visit the House of Terror. It’s quite a huge exhibition. We spent about 3 hours here (I could definitely spend more). If you’re a history lover, you would want to absorb all the details!
Entrance Ticket, Opening Hours and other Info
- Opening hours: every day, except Monday from 10 am – 6 pm.
- Ticket price for an adult: 4000 HUF (9.65 USD)
- Audio guide: 2000 HUF (4.80 USD)
- Most people spent 2-3 hours here.
- Location on google maps here.
- For more info, you can check the official website of the museum here.
Places to Visit Nearby
Frans Liszt Memorial Museum – the house of the famous Hungarian composer
3 – Hungarian National Museum
The Hungarian National Museum is the biggest museum in Hungary.
Here, you’ll get to see fascinating artifacts from the ancient history of Hungary a,nd it’s organized per room. and you can freely navigate on your own. (There are numbers on the room entrance that you can follow)
There are English descriptions in every room.
Prepare your time to visit this museum. If you want to see everything in detail, you can easily spend 4 hours here. I spent almost 3 hours with my husband and we were hurrying at the end because we were already tired from walking all day long.
The downside: you need to buy a Photo Ticket to be able to take pictures.
Note: if you carry a backpack, you won’t be allowed to take it in. You’ll need to put it inside the locker downstairs.
Tips For Visiting
- you can enter for free during a Hungarian national holiday, but I wouldn’t suggest this. It would be very crowded and you won’t be able to enjoy your visit.
- It’s better to buy your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line. They have only one ticket counter. We waited at least 15-20 minutes.
Entrance Ticket, Opening Hours, and other info
- The Hungarian National Museum is open every day, except Monday, from 10 am – 6 pm.
- Ticket for adults: 2900 HUF (8 USD)
- Photography Permit: 1000 HUF (2.79 USD)
- Free entrance for holders of the Budapest Card
- Free entrance for journalists (with valid identification)
- Free entrance for all visitors on 15 March, 20 August, and 23 October.
- Check the location on Google maps here.
- For more info, you can visit their official website here.
Places to visit nearby
- Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library
- Central Market Hall
- Puskin Cinema – old historical cinema (they have English movies too!)
- Urania National Film Theater – another vintage movie theater
4 – Hungarian National Gallery
The Hungarian National Gallery is located in the historic Buda Castle. Stepping into the castle is like stepping into a fairy tale. From the castle, you’ll also get panoramic views of the city.
If you want to see the evolution of Hungarian art, you won’t regret visiting this Gallery. It was intended to collect works from the 19th to 20th century. But the collection has expanded to earlier pieces.
From medieval stone carvings and Gothic wooden sculptures to major Romantic works and 20th-century fine arts, the diversity is impressive.
How to get there?
You can walk directly to Buda Castle from Dísz tér.
Another fun way? You can take the Funicular Railway from the Danube bank to the Buda Castle. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning panorama of the Danube!
Click here to check the price and schedule of the funicular.
Note:
- From 30 October, 2023 due to cunstruction from Clark Ádám square, directly walking to the Hungarian National Gallery is possible only from Király lépcső (King’s Stairs).
- From 1 February, 2024 the Royal Palace is only accessible by foot from the Castle Garden (Várkert bazár), due to maintenance of the elevators and the escalator.
By Public Transportation
If you’re coming from the city, you can take the bus or tram.
From Deák Ferenc tér (Pest): Bus 105 in direction of Clark Ádám tér, or Bus 16 / 216 in direction of Dísz tér.
[Due to the renovation of the road in Deák Ferenc tér Bus 16 and Bus 216 departs from József Attila utca (from the bus stop of Bus 105 in direction of Buda).]
From Ferenciek tere (Pest): Bus 5 in direction of Dózsa György tér, walk up on the stairs until the foot of the Castle wall to the Tabán lifts
From Széll Kálmán tér (Várfok utca): Bus 16 / 16A / 116 in direction of Dísz tér.
From Móricz Zsigmond tér / Gellért tér: Tram 56, alight at Dózsa György tér, walk up on the stairs until the foot of the Castle wall and take the Tabán lifts.
Entrances of the Gallery:
Building B – staff entrance
Building C – main entrance to the permanent and temporary exhibitions
Click here for more info about how to get to the Hungarian National Gallery.
Entrance Ticket and Opening Hours
- Entrance Tickets: Admission to the Museum of Fine Arts is generally around 3200 HUF for adults, with discounts available for students and seniors. Children under the age of 6 can enter for free.
- Opening Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is closed on Mondays.
Click here to check the opening hours during holidays.
Tips For Visiting
- Check the website for special events and exhibitions before you go.
- Some exhibitions may not allow taking photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Remember, you’ll be walking a lot!
- Plan your visit and give yourself plenty of time to explore. There’s a lot to see, so rushing through would really be a shame!
Places to visit nearby
Heroes’ Square
Right outside the museum, this iconic square features statues of important national leaders and is a gateway to the City Park.
Vajdahunyad Castle
A short walk through the City Park leads to this picturesque castle, combining several architectural styles to create a fairy-tale setting.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Also within walking distance, one of Europe’s largest spa baths offers the perfect place to relax after a day of museum-hopping.
Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
Adjacent to City Park, this is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It is a fun spot for families or anyone looking to stroll among exotic plants and animals.
Holocaust Memorial Center
A few tram stops away, this powerful museum is dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims, offering educational and moving exhibits.
5 – Museum of Fine Arts
Did you know that the Museum of Fine Arts has one of Europe’s most extensive collections of Old Master paintings?
If you love paintings, this museum is a must-visit! The Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest houses an incredible collection of artworks, from ancient Egyptian relics to masterpieces by big names like El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and more.
There is also a library that holds the largest references to the history of art in Hungary!
The building itself is an art of beauty. If you like old architecture, you will love this museum.
How to get there
- By Metro: Take the M1 (yellow line) metro to Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square). It’s just a short walk from the station to the museum.
- By Bus: You can also reach the museum by taking buses 20E, 30, 30A, or 105 to the Hősök tere stop.
Entrance ticket and opening hours
- Entrance Tickets: Admission is 5200 HUF (about $14 USD) for adults. If you’re a student or under 26, you can get a discount.
- Opening Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum takes a rest on Mondays.
Click here for more detailed info about the entrance ticket and opening hours.
Tips for visiting
- Check out the museum’s website before you visit to see if there’s any special exhibitions or events.
- Come earlier. You might have to stand in line to buy the ticket.
- Wear your most comfortable shoes. I can’t stress this enough. You’ll spend hours standing in this huge building.
- Take your time. There really is a lot to see here. If you’re interested in arts, you’ll probably spend at least 2 hours here.
- Backpacks and large bags, as well as umbrellas are not allowed in the exhibition areas. You can place them in a cabinet for 100 HUF (about a quarter).
Places to visit nearby
- Heroes’ Square: Right outside the museum, this iconic square is home to the Millennium Monument and is a gateway to the City Park.
- Vajdahunyad Castle: Located within City Park, this stunning castle mixes different architectural styles and is a perfect spot for some gorgeous photos.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: After a day of museum-hopping, why not relax in Europe’s largest medicinal bath? It’s just a short walk from the museum.
6 – Ludwig Museum
Ludwig Museum is located inside the Palace of Arts (MÜPA), on the west wing. The museum holds contemporary art collections, from International and Hungarian artists. You can see famous works by Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg.
Although focusing on Eastern and Central European art, the museum also presents the Hungarian art of the 60’s to recent days.
This is a fun and vibrant museum to explore. The museum frequently updates its exhibitions, featuring everything from paintings and sculptures to installations and multimedia projects. There’s always something new and intriguing to see here.
How to get there
The Ludwig Museum is located at Müpa Budapest, easily accessible by public transport:
- By Tram: Take tram 2, which offers one of the most scenic routes along the Danube river, and get off at the ‘Müpa – Nemzeti Színház’ stop.
- By Bus: Buses 23, 54, and 55 all stop near the museum, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city.
If would walk along the river, you can reach the museum within 30 minutes from the Great Market Hall.
If you’re coming by car, you can park on nearby streets for free, or in Müpa multi-level underground garage. The parking rate is 400 HUF/hour.
Entrance ticket and opening hours
- Entrance Ticket: Entry costs start at 2400 HUF (about 6 USD). There are different prices for different exhibitions. Check here for ticket details.
- Opening Hours: The museum is open from 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesdays to Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays, so plan your visit on other days.
Tips for visiting
- Expect to stand in line for tickets, especially during weekends or holidays.
- Check the websites for interesting exhibitions before visiting.
- Comfortable shoes is a must!
Places to visit nearby
- Müpa Budapest: Right next to the museum, Müpa is one of Budapest’s premier cultural venues, hosting concerts, opera, and ballet performances.
- National Theatre: Just a short walk away, the National Theatre presents a range of Hungarian and international theatrical productions in a striking modern setting.
- Bálna Budapest: A few minutes away by tram, Bálna is a modern glass building filled with shops, restaurants, and often hosts cultural events and markets.
What’s Next?
If you love a historical city like Budapest, you have to visit Zagreb. Check out my Zagreb travel guide to help you plan your trip to this capital city of Croatia!
