Budapest is one of my favourite cities, and is teeming with an irresistible life force of rich history, stunning architecture and hearty food. Thankfully, it’s very welcoming of dogs too!
Often considered the ‘Paris of the North’, Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is the result of the amalgamation of three separate areas, Buda, Pest and Óbuda. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and can easily be explored in just a few days with Fido by your side.
From chilling at eclectic ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter to exploring the breathtaking views on Castle Hill, Budapest is a well-balanced destination filled with dog-friendly activities to keep you busy.
Firstly, it’s important to note that while you probably won’t be able to take your dog inside most of the monuments in Budapest, this beautiful city boasts a distinct eclectic architectural style, so the vast majority of landmarks are best enjoyed from the outside anyway!
Here’s 8 dog-friendly things to see and do in Budapest.
8 dog-friendly things to see and do in Budapest
1 · Explore Fisherman’s Bastion
Like something pulled straight from a Disney fairytale, Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most-visited monuments in Budapest. It was built in the late 1800’s to celebrate the Hungarian state’s 1000th birthday and it’s decorative towers overlooking River Danube act as the perfect viewing terrace (which both you and your pooch can enjoy for a small fee).
The walk up to Fisherman’s Bastion, which sits atop Buda Castle Hill, is an enjoyable activity in itself and dogs are free to explore with you as long as they’re on a leash.
2 · Cruise down River Danube
A cruise down River Danube, the lifeblood of Hungary’s capital, is one of the most efficient ways to sightsee.
You’ll pass some of the city’s highlights including Vigadó Square, Margaret Bridge, Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Most uncatered cruises of River Danube allow small dogs at no extra charge, while dogs aren’t allowed on dinner cruises.
3 · Check out Vajdahunyad Castle & City Park
A replica of Hunyad Castle in Romania, Vajdahunyad Castle was also built in celebration of the city’s 1000th birthday and pulls together inspiration from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
Coined ‘one of the most romantic castles in Budapest’, the grand dame can be found in City Park next to the boating lake (turned ice-skating rink in winter). While you can’t take your dog inside, you can snap some pics outside and let them have an off-leash run around at City Park.
4 · Enjoy the historic Ruin Bars in the Jewish Quarter
If you’re looking for a vibrant night out, Budapest’s colourful Jewish Quarter is the place for you.
The once wartime ghetto is now home to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants and nightclubs, along with three synagogues, bakeries and shops.
Most eateries in the Jewish Quarter are dog-friendly, with charming gardens and terraces making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and drink with your pup. For great cuisine visit Mazel Tov or Tereza Mexican. For a secret garden hideaway – and to experience an authentic ruin bar – pop by dog-friendly Leibling.
5 · Cross the Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge crosses River Danube, connecting Buda with Pest. It’s essentially Budapest’s equivalent of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, asserting not just aesthetic value but cultural significance too, by connecting the city’s once divided East and West.
The Chain Bridge is open to pedestrians and is a great spot for taking some happy snaps!
6 · Wander along the Danube & marvel at the Hungarian Parliament Building
Sitting on the banks of the Danube, just north of the Chain Bridge, is one of Budapest’s most surprising architectural spectacles: the Hungarian Parliament Building.
A walk along the Danube Promenade on the Pest side will ensure you witness the grandiose parliament building in all of it’s 96-metre-tall glory (and be sure to check it out in the day and aglow at night).
The esplanade also takes you alongside some of Budapest’s most decorative bridges, statues, cafés and restaurants.
7 · Hike to panoramic views at the Buda Hills
Escape the city for a day with a trek through the Buda Hills. These lush green hills roll graciously across the Buda side of town, and are scattered with several dog-friendly trails ranging from anywhere between 20 minutes to 4 hours in duration.
No matter which path you choose, you’ll be met with a stunning panoramic view.
8 · Immerse yourself in history at Buda Castle
Fit for Hungarian kings, Buda Castle can be found at the base of the Buda Hills in Budapest’s World Heritage-listed Castle District. The Castle District is the perfect way to experience Budapest’s rich history, and is home to Fisherman’s Bastion (previously mentioned) and Matthias Church, one of Europe’s most unique religious monuments.
Your dog won’t be allowed inside any of the buildings in the Castle District, but there’s so much to see outside you really don’t need to worry!