Budapest is a European capital city steeped in history. If you add to this interesting history of struggles, battles, conquests and revolutions, an interest in culture and art, you get an overview of cultural entertainment like few others on the continent.

If you are one of those who want to discover everything about the cities you visit, then this is for you.

We bring you a complete guide to the best museums in the city of Budapest. Not just art, but history, transport and a few more surprises. Ready?

 

Art Museums in Budapest

 

Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museums of Fine Arts)

Dózsa György út 41, 1146

We begin our tour of Budapest’s best museums in the northern part of the city centre, where some of the Hungarian capital’s most precious gems are hidden.

The impressive Heroes’ Square is well escorted by two of Budapest’s best and most beautiful museums. On one side we have the Szépművészeti Múzeum, i.e. the Museums of Fine Arts.

It opened its doors at the beginning of the 20th century and houses more than 100,000 pieces of art, including the Egyptian, Antique, Old sculpture gallery, Old master paintings gallery, Modern collection and Graphics collection.

Besides taking pictures of the façade, visiting all periods of art history, either in its permanent exhibition or in temporary exhibitions, don’t forget to visit the Romanesque main hall. It is an impressive replica of a Romanesque basilica.

 

Kunsthalle (Műcsarnok)

Dózsa György út 37, 1146

On the other side of the square, opposite the Museums of Fine Arts of Budapest, we find the most important contemporary art museum in Budapest; Műcsarnok, also known as the Kunsthalle Art Palace.

Open since 1896, it has positioned itself as one of the European and world reference points for this period and artistic expression. It has a rich permanent exhibition and, several times a year, creates excellent temporary exhibitions thanks to agreements with other institutions from all over the world.

 

Hungarian National Museum

Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088 

We leave Heroes’ Square after walking the length of Andrássy Avenue and continue further south of the city centre to arrive very close to Budapest’s Central Market. Here you will find one of its great art institutions; the Hungarian National Museum.

As with the Museums of Fine Arts of Budapest, its neoclassical façade is an attraction, a work of art in itself. Open in this location since 1846, it is a place full of importance in the history of Budapest.

Symbol of the revolution of 15 March 1848, the Hungarian National Museum is the largest museum in the country, with seven permanent exhibitions and occasional temporary exhibitions.

In its halls you will travel through the history of the country, from the first steps of mankind in the country to the communist era.

 

Hungarian National Gallery

Szent György tér 2, 1014 

If there is a National Museum, and we are talking about a modern European capital with as much history as Budapest, of course it must have a National Gallery.

We cross the Danube and go up to one of the most beautiful places in the whole country; Buda Castle. The Magyar Nemzeti Galéria, as it is also known, traces various epochs in the history, not only of the city, but of the country.

You will discover details of daily life, as well as works of art and artistic expressions from the Medieval, Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance periods.

 

Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art

Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095

A foundation that began as a private collection is today one of the most important and influential institutions for contemporary art in the world.

Lovers of this artistic expression will surely know the founders of this museum, Irene and Peter Ludwig, who managed to turn their idea into a reality.

Thanks to its growth and expansion, it was necessary to create a place to exhibit and accommodate all the works of art, more than 12,000 of them. It is now part of the impressive Müpa Budapest building. This complete building is a treat for the senses; Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, the Festival Theatre and the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall.

 

Hungarian House of Photography – Mai Manó House

Nagymező u. 20, 1065

We change artistic expression leaving painting behind, and if there is one artistic expression that stands out from the rest in Hungary, it is photography.

The reason for this is artists such as Mai Manó, a photographer from the mid-19th century. This museum is housed in a unique building, beautiful both inside and out. It is very easy to spot the building on the street.

Besides being a meeting place for young local photographers and temporary exhibitions, its three floors are dedicated to great photographic artists from all over the world.

 

Victor Vasarely Museum

Szentlélek tér 6, 1033

We continue to discover new places with different ways of expressing talent and beauty. This time we go with the master Victor Vasarely.

Victor Vasarely is considered the father of optical art, also known as op art. Take a stroll through more than 400 works of art by the artist that will play with your senses, from sight to common sense.

A fun journey where you will be able to appreciate all the talent of this genius.

 

History Museums in Budapest

 

Budapest History Museum & Castle Museum

Szent György tér 2, 1014

Back to the Buda Castle, we come to one of the most beautiful places, not only the most beautiful, but also one of the best views of Budapest.

It is one of the most important museums as it has a large number of objects that tell the reality of the city at different points in its history; from prehistory to the communist era.

It is as interesting on the inside as it is on the outside. Few places can say the same.

 

Hungarian Agricultural Museum (Magyar Mezogazdasagi Muzeum)

Vajdahunyad stny., 1146

Continuing our tour of museums with stunning locations, it is now the turn of the Hungarian Agricultural Museum. To get there we have to go back up to the north of the centre of Budapest, to the City Park, just behind Heroes’ Square.

Vajdahunyad Castle is one of those haunted places you must visit. Its exterior is almost as beautiful and mysterious as its interior. A visit at dusk is even better. Inside, as well as leading to the Városliget, the City Park, you will find one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city.

Open since 1907, it houses an extensive collection of everything related to agriculture, viticulture, hunting and fishing. From equipment and tools to techniques.

 

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Lovas út 4/c, 1012 

This history museum is the most original thing you have seen in a long time. This royal bunker has been used for various purposes depending on the political and social situation of the country.

From nuclear bunker to hospital in the revolution to, as it is today, a museum. Inside you can discover what life was like inside the bunker when it was used as a hospital. For this purpose they have real material from the time and a multitude of mannequins and latex dolls.

 

House of Terror Museum

Andrássy út 60, 1062

The name of the museum could not be more apt. This building was the headquarters of the secret police during the communist era, among other functions. It was an important building during the years of fascism and communism.

Macabre acts, tortures and murders were carried out here in the name of a freedom that in reality did not exist. Today, this building remembers those who lost their lives or their freedom inside, with stories and photographs.

Open since 2002, it depicts a horrific past in the hope that it will serve as a reminder not to relive it in the future.

 

Holocaust Memorial Center

Páva u. 39, 1094

With the same purpose as the House of Terror Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center remembers and names all those who were victims of the infamous Nazi Holocaust.

Budapest is very much aware of its past wrongs and the atrocities that were carried out. For this reason, there are so many places dedicated to history. Here you will see everything from personal belongings of the murdered to real stories with photographs.

 

In memoriam 1956. October 25. Memorial and Exhibition

Kossuth Lajos tér 6-8, 1055

Another clear example of this glimpse into the past is this square behind Budapest’s impressive Parliament. Inaugurated in October 2014, it pays tribute to those who lost their lives on the date named on the monument as a result of a shooting, killing dozens of innocent people.

 

Transport Museums in Budapest

 

Hungarian Railway Museum (Magyar Vasuttorteneti Park)

Tatai u. 95, 1142

Train lovers, please stop by. Our first stop is an ode to the history of trains, and here train lovers will feel like children.

Since 2000 this museum has opened its doors to the curious and, in addition to giving a lesson in the history of trains, it gives us the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day out in the open air thanks to its great location.

 

Millennium Underground Museum 

Budapest, Deák tér, metro station

Without leaving the trains, this museum pays homage to the first underground railway of Europe. This first underground railway was used for the first time in 1896, and marked a great revolution in public transport in large cities.

Here you can enjoy tools, graphic material and everything you can imagine related to the world of the underground.

 

Aeropark Budapest

BUD Nemzetközi Repülőtér, 1185

Let’s leave the trains to one side for a moment and focus on another mode of transport that has become as commonplace and everyday as riding in a car; the aeroplane.

Take a trip to one of the country’s most amazing museums to learn about Hungarian aeronautical history and see numerous real aircraft, inside and out. You’ll discover interesting tidbits of history and have fun like a little kid with re-enactments, fantastic explanations and even a helicopter simulator.

 

Fun and different museums in Budapest

 

Museum of Sweets & Selfies (Szelfimúzeum) No.1: Origin

Paulay Ede u. 43, 1061

Although it has the word museum in its name, don’t expect to see great works of art in painting and sculpture. Here you come to take photos and have a good time.

It has more than 400 square metres of rooms with very special backgrounds and decorations to add colour and something different to your photos. You’re guaranteed to have a good laugh, as long as you like taking photos and selfies.

If you enjoy this type of place, don’t hesitate to visit its second museum; Museum of Sweets & Selfies (Szelfimúzeum) No.2: Bubbles, at Rákóczi út 40, 1072. More rooms, more funds, more madness and more fun.

 

Travelling Galaxy Exhibition

Kecskeméti u. 5, 1053

A must visit if you are a fan of the Star Wars universe. Although it focuses on Episodes IV, V & VI, you will be able to find references to other films.

It is a small museum of the highest quality, with original objects from the film productions, many of them signed by the main characters. It’s a tribute to Star Wars and, even if you’ve only seen one film, you’ll be blown away.

 

Budapest Pinball Museum (Flippermúzeum)

Radnóti Miklós u. 18, 1137

And while we’re on the subject of retro, what could be more retro and fun than Pinball machines? Come and visit one of the most fun museums in Budapest.

Don’t just stroll around, but play among the 130 Pinball machines scattered throughout the museum. Yes, you read that right, they are there to be enjoyed. You’ll find them from all eras and themes.

 

Chocolate Museum

Kossuth Lajos tér 10, 1055

Now we come to a different kind of museum, a place of pilgrimage for anyone who enjoys desserts or anything with sugar, a chocolate lover’s paradise; the Chocolate Museum.

Learn all about chocolate, its preparation, the techniques used to make it and the tools used to make all the different shapes and flavours of chocolate. Remember to check out their website to take advantage of special offers and activities such as tastings.

 

House of Unicum (Unicum Haz)

Dandár u. 1, 1095

One of the most important national drinks next to Pálinka, we are talking about Unicum. This Carpathian herb and spice drink has a great history, like almost everything else in Hungary and Budapest.

Created as a home remedy for stomach aches in 1790, the company that would distribute it to the rest of the world was established fifty years later.

In this museum, which is also the factory, you can discover its fascinating history and learn all about its creation, although they won’t tell you the secret ingredients, of course. Don’t forget to stop by the shop for a souvenir Unicum. Or several.