Keen to spend your August in Hungary’s capital, Budapest? You won’t be disappointed! Throughout April, visitors to Budapest will find many events, colorful festivals and delightful sights. You can find fun things to do in Budapest no matter if you are interested in history, food or just enjoy yourself. We’ll walk you through the top sights, best places to go and unique activities, so your August trip to Budapest is unforgettable.

1. Discover the Venice of the North at the famous Buda Castle

 The first part of your Budapest adventure should be visiting the famous Buda Castle—it’s situated on Castle Hill. From this UNESCO Site, you can enjoy stunning angles of the city. Go for an easy walk around the castle grounds and listen to its history in the Budapest History Museum. When you’re ready for some exercise, take the stairs up the Fisherman’s Bastion for an impressive look at the Danube and Pest.

You’ll find the castle area is most active in August, as it welcomes many music events and special arts markets. Going on a walking tour of Castle Hill helps you discover Hungarian royal history, medieval churches and what happened during different wars. Make a quick visit to Matthias Church, an architectural gem built in the Gothic style more than 700 years ago.

2. Sample Hungarian Cuisine at Central Market Hall

 You will not fully appreciate a visit to Budapest unless you sample some traditional Hungarian dishes. The Central Market Hall offers the experience of a vast, old market, so go check it out. You’ll discover many stalls offering local foods, street snacks and regular menu items. No trip to Hungary is complete without trying goulash, langos and chimney cake. Notice the splendid architecture as you taste these delicious goods.

Along with the food, you can find here Hungarian spices, colorful local ceramics and wines. Try picking up some edible gifts or sign up for a cooking class that takes you through picking ingredients at the market and ending with a lesson on local dishes.

3. Have a healing treatment in a Thermal Bath.

 Visiting the thermal baths is popular in Budapest and you’ll find they’re especially beneficial in August. Many people visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath which is found in City Park. Enjoy a hydrotherapy soak, get a massage and go for a swim in the outside pools. And don’t miss the Gellért Thermal Bath, famous for its elegant Art Nouveau design. You won’t regret going for a relaxing soak in these baths after a long day out.

At certain places, the spas host summer night parties called Sparties with music, lighting and drinks for people seeking to fuse wellness and night action.

4. Be present at the Sziget Festival.

 If you enjoy music, you shouldn’t pass up the Sziget Festival, one of Europe’s biggest festivals. Taking place each August on Óbuda Island in the Danube River, the event is enjoyed by thousands of people from all over the world. You can watch artists perform from all over the world and at home, view installations and enjoy the various activities found in the festival area. Reserve your seats well in advance to be ready for an experience you’ll remember.

The event includes shows like music, but also offers workshops, circus acts, yoga and TED-style speeches. Freedom and creativity are at their peak here which is why it has become one of Europe’s best summer festivals.

5. Experience a cruise down the Danube on board a boat.

 Enjoy seeing Budapest from a boat along the Danube River. Ride along the river and enjoy the impressive look of the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle and beautiful Chain Bridge. If you want to take pictures, book a cruise for the day or if you’d like to listen to music and have dinner, consider a cruise at night. You can admire the city’s prominent sights and take it easy on the water.

Cruises can provide tastings of Hungarian wines, dinner buffets of traditional Hungarian food or even folklore programs—allowing you to create your own Danube journey.

6. Find out about the unique ruin bars in Budapest.

 Many people refer to Budapest for its vivid ruin bars which are bars and pubs set up in old, abandoned buildings. Anyone looking for lively nightlife should make sure to visit these special venues. Szimpla Kert is known as the leading ruin bar and features unusual furniture and unique, fun decor. Grab a beverage, connect with others and notice what makes these places unique.

You can check out and read reviews for Instant-Fogas and Anker’t as well. No two ruin bars are the same—some highlight live jazz, others display indie movies or become open-air markets over the weekend.

7. Make sure to visit the Margaret Island.

 Steer clear of city crowds and spend your day in peace on Margaret Island. Sitting in the middle of the Danube River, the 2.5-kilometer-long island is home to pleasing gardens, trails for walking and places to relax. Functioning like a natural park, you can rent a bike, have a picnic or find a shaded spot for rest. Take time to explore the medieval Dominican Convent ruins and don’t forget to see the Musical Fountain in the evenings for its water and light show.

In addition to great food, there’s a zoo, running track, open-air theater and thermal spa on the island—so you could easily spend the whole day here.

8. Take some time to discover the Jewish Quarter.

 This neighborhood is alive with history, culture and lots of trendy bars. Go to the Great Synagogue, the continent’s biggest house of worship and allow a tour guide to introduce you to Hungary’s Jewish traditions. Walk by the unusual shops and and street art all along the streets. You can’t miss the chance to eat some traditional Jewish pastries from a nearby kosher bakery. While the sun goes down, the Jewish Quarter turns lively with lots of bars and ruin pubs to find.

People who love street food will find both tradition and trendy snacks here, as the area has also begun to feature unique hotels and galleries.

Conclusion

 You are sure to find something to do in Budapest, whatever type of traveler you are, during August. This city entertains its guests with its rich history, cultural activities and outstanding food. It helps to start planning your schedule early so you don’t miss any of the city’s attractions. You can find unique moments in Budapest during August, whether you want to see the Buda Castle, join the festival madness or just rest in the thermal baths. Make sure you pack everything you need, as this city will give you memories that last a lifetime!