Things to Do in Budapest
Activities to do in Budapest
There are a plethora of things to do in Budapest that are all waiting for you to make your trip super special. Not only does one get to explore the history of Hungary in the best way possible on their trip but one would also get to admire the beauty of its palatial buildings with beautiful architecture.
Moreover, there are also a number of adventure activities to do in Budapest if you wish to make your trip even more special with a pinch of adrenaline and fun. You can choose from skydiving, paragliding, as well as a hot air balloon ride to admire the beauty of Hungary all the way from the skies. You can even consider getting onto a helicopter ride if budget is not an issue.
Some of the most special Budapest things to do for a peaceful outing include taking a kayak ride over the Danube, visiting its numerous islands, and watching a wonderful sunset from Gellert Hill. Last but not the least, you have to take a dive into one of the popular hot water springs of Budapest. Budapest has over a hundred hot Ancient Baths that will provide you with a completely unique experience and will remain in your bucket of memories.
Here is the list of best things to do in Budapest:
Offering a varied exhibition displaying the kind of lifesaving efforts seen during the war, the site is one of the best places to visit in Budapest. What was an emergency hospital and a bomb shelter before, it later got reinforced to becoming a secret nuclear bunker.
Location: Lovas 4/c, Budapest
Best time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: Waxwork figures, hospital beds, soviet spying equipment
Housing an enthralling collection of over 130 pinball machines, the museum proudly hosts the largest interactive pinball exhibition comprising the only pinball machine created in Hungary.
Location: 18 Radnoti Miklos utca, XIII, kerület Budapest, 1137 Hungary
Best time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: A collection of 130 pinball machines
Explore the scenic wonder of Gellert Hill in Budapest, Hungary. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. Climb to the top to witness the breathtaking sight of Budapest's majestic bridges and historic monuments. A must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural charm of Gellert Hill, providing a memorable experience of Budapest's captivating essence.
Boasting an enriching history, the church is also referred to as the Church of Our Lady. Emerging as a prominent landmark on Castle Hill, the church has witnessed a varied historical event, such as the coronation of King Charles I. At present, there are free organ concerts held on Sunday evenings.
Location: Szentharomsag ter 2, Budapest
Best Time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: The Ecclesiastical Art Museum, which houses a collection of sacred relics, a replica of Hungarian crown jewels, stone carvings, Sunday organ concerts
The complex entices the visitors with its artificial waves, with varied pools for children, medicinal and swimming pools capable of accommodating 20,000 bathers at one point of time, making way for being one of the best Budapest places to visit.
Location: In the middle of the Danube in central Budapest, Hungary
Best Time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: The Palatinus Baths, Rose Garden, Union Monument, ruins of the Dominican convent, large open theatre, a fountain show
The Hungarian State Opera House, located in Budapest, Hungary, is a captivating architectural gem and a cultural treasure. Built in the 19th century in neo-Renaissance style, it boasts opulent interiors and world-class acoustics. Renowned for hosting exceptional opera and ballet performances, the opera house attracts music enthusiasts and tourists alike. A must-visit destination for experiencing the artistic grandeur and rich musical heritage of Hungary's vibrant cultural scene.
The bright white walls offer an elegant beauty and elaborate towers, one for the Hungarian chieftains. It lets the visitors soak amidst the Neo-Romanesque architecture, where visitors can ponder amidst the breathtaking view of the Parliament building.
Location: Budapest, Szentharomsag ter, 1014, Hungary
Best Time: Sunset during the months of March to May and September to October
Highlights: Exquisite architecture, spectacular views
Offering a monumental and magnificent facade, it makes for a beautiful sight for all. With a spacious interior and exquisite-looking marbles column, you can explore some of the most breathtaking statues, paintings, and mosaics. It is the most important church in the country and offers choir performances and concerts for visitors.
Location: Budapest, Szent Istvan ter 1, 1051
Best Time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: Panoramic views of the dome, lavish interior, breathtaking architecture
You can enjoy all of these inside the Art Nouveau-style building. If you want to avoid crowds, you must visit early in the morning.
Location: 4 Kelenhegyi út, Xl, kerület Budapest, 1118, Hungary
Best Time: Early in the morning during the months of March to May and September to October
Highlights: Sun terrace, bath sessions, massage room, sauna, steam room
It extends into a semi-circle, and between the pillars lies the status of Hungarian rulers. It is also graced by a memorial standing tall in front of the Millennium Monument. At night, Heroes Square gets decked with artificial illumination making it one of the surreal tourist places in Budapest to visit at night.
Location: Budapest, Hook tere, 1146
Best Time: Night
Highlights: Millennium Monument, crowned figure of Archangel Gabriel, corner pillars, works in bronze
It includes a number of sightseeing opportunities located inside, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Palace of Art, the Botanical Garden, the Municipal Zoological, open-air Szechenyi Medicinal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, and People's Stadium.
Location: Budapest, Kos Karoly stny., 1146 Hungary
Best Time: During day time in the months of March to May and September to October
Highlights: Museum of Fine Arts, the Palace of Art, the Botanical Garden, the Municipal Zoological, open-air Szechenyi Medicinal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, and People's Stadium.
The most popular exhibit comprises the Royal Regalia, which includes the Crown of St. Stephen having precious pearls and stones. Surrounded by a landscaped garden, it houses the prominent status of Hungarians with a glorious past, which makes it one of the most preferred Budapest places to visit.
Location: 1088 Budapest, Muzeum korut 14-16
Best Time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: Artistic sculptures, Royal Regalia, landscaped garden, display of Celtic gold and silver jewelry
The structure has been influenced by the 19th-century style, and thus, the design is all about intimate rooms, cabinets, long rooms housing large paintings, and more. Established in the year 1870, the museum is categorized into six distinct departments, the Ancient Art, Egyptian Art, the Old Painter Gallery, the Old Sculpture, the Modern Collection, and the Graphics Collection.
Location: 1146 Budapest, Dozsa Gyorgy ut 41
Best Time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: Paintings, Palace of art housing contemporary artwork
It is primarily acclaimed for preserving animals while offering a nature reserve and a themed animal enclosure. Along with this, it also offers several kid-friendly programs such as feeding the animals. Whenever you venture on visiting the zoo, make sure you have ample time in hand to explore one of the best places to visit in Budapest.
Location: Budapest, Allatkerti krt. 6-12, 1146
Best Time: During the day in the months of March to May and September to October
Highlights: Miniversum Budapest, regular evening concerts, and distinct species of animals
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The triangular-shaped tympanum at the church represents St. Paul and St. Anthony and also the arms of the Pauline Order. Its beauty amidst the great architectural structure emancipates the glory of the past to its visitors.
Location: Budapest, Papnovelde u. 8, 1053
Best Time: March to May and September to October
Highlights: Frescoes on the ceilings which depicts scenes from the popular life of Mary, the beautiful sculptures of St. Anthony and St. Paul, and the choir stalls
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What are the best things to do in Budapest?
Location: Varnegyed
Price: 1400 HUF (Adult), 1000 HUF (students/retirees), Free (Children below 6)
2. Visit the Hospital in the Rock: Now a Museum, this legendary structure has served as a former hospital, prison, nuclear bunker, prison, as well as a bomb shelter. Inaugurated in 2008, it has become one of the most popular attractions of the town with its amazing wax figures and other astonishing collections.
A tour of the museum will majorly let you know about the impacts of World War 2, the Cold War, as well as the 1956 Revolution on the city of Budapest. If you are a history buff, visiting this place is one of the must things to do in Budapest.
Location: Budapest, Lovas út 4/c, 1012
Price: 4000 HUF
3. Take a Walking Tour of the City: The best way to explore the beautiful city of Budapest is by taking a Walking tour with visitors from across the world under the guidance of a local tour guide. It is one of the most budget-friendly ways of exploring the major attractions as well as hidden gems of the city. Moreover, you can also ask any questions about the city as well as things to do in Budapest on your trip from your guide and they would definitely be more than happy to help you.
Click Here to Book: Walking Tour In Budapest
Most of the Walking Tours in Budapest are free of cost. However, you can always tip your guide at the end of the tour! A single walk would take approximately 2.5-3 hours and take you across some of the most important attractions, including Royal Palace of Buda, Gresham Palace, Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion, and various others.
4. Admire the Art at Hungarian National Gallery: One of the best activities to do in Budapest for art lovers is to visit this amazing gallery. It is situated within the Buda Castle on Castle Hill and houses paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance era as well as the middle ages.
Some of the most beloved attractions of this gallery are wooden altarpieces that date back to the 1400s. The gallery also exhibits some temporary art exhibits from time to time from across the world.
Location: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014
Price: 1800 HUF
5. Soak in the Ancient Baths: One of the most unique and best things to do in Budapest is to take a thermal spa in one of the mineral hot springs of the city. There are more than 100 hot water springs in the city, most of which date back to the Roman era. Click Here to Book:
The most popular bath is situated within the City Park, the Széchenyi Baths has 18 pools and is the biggest hot water spring in the entire Europe, and the most beautiful one as well!
Location: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11
Price: 4900 HUF
6. Party at the Ruin Pubs of Budapest: Budapest surely has one of the best night lives throughout the world. One of the best things to do in Budapest at night is to visit the old Ruin Pubs, within the Jewish Quarters, which was a major part of the city before WW2. Several bars and nightclubs started showing up in the ghosted buildings of the region in the 90s and now it has become one of the liveliest and party-worthy locations of Budapest.
Location: Jewish Quarter, Budapest
7. Admire the beauty of the Hungarian Presidential Palace: One of the most admirable Budapest things to do is to adore the rich décor and architecture of the Hungarian Presidential Palace. It has been the official workplace of the president of Hungary since 2003.
Also, do not forget to catch the guard changing ceremony that happens at each hours’ interval from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. If you are lucky enough and the palace is open for public tours, grab that opportunity and explore the inner beauty of this luxurious palace.
Location: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014
Price: 3000 HUF (Adults), 1000 HUF (Children ages 6-12)
8. Visit the Parliament: One of the best Budapest things to do is to visit its Parliament, which is also home to its national assembly. Moreover, it is the biggest building of the country, as well as the most magnificent.
Click Here to Book: Budapest Parliament Tour with Cruise
A visit to this amazing structure will allow you a peek into the history of this European country and also allow you to know about the working of the city of Budapest. However, do not forget to buy your tickets well in advance as it is one of the most visited attractions of the city and the waiting lines can get quite exhausting sometimes.
Location: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055
Price: 6700 HUF
9. Pay Homage at the Cave Church: This place has a very dark-rooted history. This church was built into a cave system during the ancient times. This very cave also served as a hospital in WW2. However, this church was closed after WW2 and reopened only after the fall of the communist govt.
This cave will surely take you to a completely different world with its serene beauty and mysterious paths. If you wish to explore the history of Budapest and Hungary, visiting this place is one of the must Budapest things to do for you.
Location: Sziklatemplom út Gellért Hill
10. Climb up to the top of Buda Tower: The only part of the Church of Mary Magdalene that remains standing now is the Buda Tower. The beautiful structure of this Tower is highly picturesque and really popular amongst tourists as well as the locals.
The Buda tower was reconstructed and opened in 2017 for tourists to climb up its 172 steps up to the top and admire the beautiful views of the Danube and the entire city.
Location: Kapisztrán tér 6
Price: 1400 HUF (Adults), 1000 HUF (Students/retirees)
What are the free things to do in Budapest?
Here are some of the best cheap things to do in Budapest without spending anything from your pocket:
1. Paying a visit to the Fisherman’s Bastion: The Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-gothic structure that appears to be taken out directly from a fairy tale. Built-in the year 1905, this place is widely renowned for its wonderful views and breathtaking scenic beauty. You should include visiting this place in our best cheap things to do in Budapest.
2. Danube River Tour: Danube River happens to be one of the important places of tourist magnetism in the city. It is the second-longest river in Europe and passes through a number of well-established cities. Tourists love to come over check the river on foot and by boat to sight the famous Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle.
3. Castle Hill Sightseeing: Castle Hill is not only a UNESCO heritage site but it is also one of the iconic sights to visit in Budapest. It was constructed in the 13th century and tourists love to walk along the cobblestone streets in the medieval atmosphere diving deep into the times gone by. You should try out these best cheap things to do in Budapest and cherish the memoirs all through your life.
4. Walk along the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge: This is one of the best activities that you can carry out in the course of your trip to Budapest without spending a single penny. Walking down the 1250 foot long chain bridge will give you a once in a lifetime experience when you come across its original pillars and stone lions. All these sights are just remarkable and will surely impress you. You can also see various remarkable architectural marvels of the city from the bridge and it is one of the best cheap thing to do in Budapest.
What are the adventurous things to do in Budapest?
1. Explore the Caves of Budapest: Budapest has over 200 caves, most of which are not that frequented by travelers. If you do not mind getting down on your knees and wandering deep into the darkness of unknown paths, it is surely one of the best activities to do in Budapest for you.
2. Skydiving: If you wish to admire the country of Hungary all the way from the sky and feel that adrenaline flowing through your streams, you definitely must try skydiving at Dunaújváros, which is situated very close to Budapest.
3. Kayaking and Canoeing in Danube River: If you wish to soak in the beautiful scenery along the Danube river, taking on a kayak and rafting it all the way to the outskirts of Budapest is one of the best activities to do in Budapest to do for you, with an added bit of adventure and peace.
4. Take a Dive in a thermal water cave: Budapest surely does not have a shoreline but you can take a dive into the darkness of the Molnár János Cave to have a completely transformed adventure experience in Budapest.
Which are some of the most romantic things to do in Budapest during a honeymoon?
2. Watch the Sunset from Gellert Hill: If you love watching sunsets with your beloved, there cannot be a better place in Budapest to admire the beautiful scenery from. There are also several monuments on the top of this hill which were erected in 1947 to celebrate the victory over the Nazis.
3. Take a Walk along the Danube: There are a number of sculptures and green spaces along the Danube riverfront where you can take a stroll with your beloved during the evening or even at night to admire the glittering lights reflecting in the clear waters of the Danube.
4. Soak in the Thermal Baths: One of the best activities to do in Budapest with your partner on your Honeymoon is to take a rejuvenating thermal spa and bath in one of the hot water baths of Budapest. The most popular one that you can visit is situated in the heart of the City Park of Budapest.
What are some amazing aerial activities in Budapest?
2. Paragliding: If you wish to admire the most adorable views of the city of Budapest, you should plan to glide over the heart of the city from Castle Hill itself. There are a number of agencies with which you can book a paragliding tour along with an instructor which makes your glide even more interesting and informative.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride: You can also plan to take a laid-back early morning or evening hot air balloon ride to admire the beautiful landscape of Budapest city from the sky. Moreover, if you are planning a trip with your family, this is definitely a must for you.
4. Helicopter Tour: Add on something interesting in your Budapest itinerary with an all-exclusive helicopter ride over the city’s major attractions and the beautiful Danube river. You shall glide low over the major attractions of the city with an all-exclusive personal pilot of your own for the complete ride.
Which are some famous places for Canoeing in Budapest and how much will it cost me?
Canoeing is one of the most loved water activities in Budapest. It is certainly one of the must-try activities in this place if you love to go one step closer to nature and love to sight the wonderful views of Visegrád Castle, Margaret Island, and the Danube-Ipoly National Park. The Danube is one of the famous places for canoeing in Budapest. You can book various well-curated canoeing packages at Danube that starts from INR 3500 to INR 22000. Each of the packages will let you have a whole new experience and you will come closer to the Hungarian culture as well as nature. Canoeing is certainly one of the best things to do in Budapest and you should not miss out on the wonderful experience.
Which are some amazing aerial activities in Budapest?
Budapest can be surely termed as a city of adventure because of its countless options for adventure seekers. This city offers you some of the most tempting aerial activities to try out in the course of your trip. Check out some of the activities that will throw a shot of adrenaline rush in your veins:
1. Skydiving: If you wish to get a bird’s eye view of the city of Budapest, then skydiving is something on which you can invest your time and money. It is considered to be one of the best things to do in Budapest as the activity takes place on the outskirts of the city near Dunaújváros. It is about an hour drive from the city centre. You can take part in this activity and relieve your adrenaline rush under the strict supervision of experts.
2. Paragliding: If you want to feel like flying in the sky, then paragliding activity is for you. Head on to the Buda hills and paraglide over the surreal surroundings. You will be assisted by an expert pilot who will take control of the flight and let you experience the flow of your adrenaline
Which are the best places to try local food in Budapest?
Hungarian food has a perfect blend of all spices and flavours in the right amount making the cuisine very popular among outsiders. If you are looking forward to delight your taste buds with the best local food in Budapest, then here are some of the best places to try them:
1. Vegan Garden: This place offers some of the authentic vegan street foods in Budapest including Mexican tortillas, Middle Eastern food, burgers, chimney cakes, and dairy-free ice cream. You can come over to this place, gather a number of different local dishes from the food trucks, and relish them grabbing a table.
2. Pizzica: Pizzica is located at 21 Nagymez? utca, 1065 and happens to be one of the best places to have light square pizzas in Budapest. This place fuses its signature olive oil into the recipes and includes truffles, buffalo mozzarella or fresh basil toppings to make the pizzas delicious as never before.
3. Cupakos: This place can be truly considered to be as one of the party zones in the middle of the city. It offers the best meat recipes in Budapest and you will never be able to forget the taste of the sausages, commie carbonara’ túrós csusza
How is the nightlife in Budapest? What all activities can be done during the night?
The nightlife in Budapest will surprise you with its party scene and bars offering some wonderful things to do. It would surely be fun to party late in the night with your friends in the ruins bars. Check out some of the activities that you can try out in Budapest after the sun sets:
1. Enjoy the live jazz musical performances: If you are someone who loves to hear classical and jazz music, then there are a number of cool venues in Budapest where you can find something interesting. Some of the venues also organize dance performances and other sophisticated cultural events. Have your favourite drink and relish the contemporary melodies together with your friends.
2. Join the pub crawl: Tourists love to explore various clubs and pubs in the city and this is considered to be one of the best things in Budapest. It is surely a great fun and you would be able to meet many new party fellows around the city. You can party all through the night having free shots and drinks at some of the pubs. This experience of the nightlife scene will be one of the craziest things to try out in the city. Click Here to Book: Budapest Pub Crawl With VIP Entry & Unlimited Drinks
3. Visit the central market hall: The central market hall happens to be the most significant marketplaces in Budapest. It is widely known as a place for visitors as well as residents. The residents come over to this place to get their day to day needs while the visitors explore the markets to get some souvenirs of Budapest in order to make their trip memorable. Being a visitor, you can purchase ribbons, leather goods, and chess sets.
What is Budapest best known for?
Budapest is one of the popular places of tourist interest in Hungary because of countless reasons. It is best known for its walking tours and thermal bath complexes. Tourists love to go on walking tours around the city with a fellow travel guide to learn more about these significant places. Budapest is also the home to the largest synagogue in Europe. Apart from all these luxury things to do in Budapest, you can try out various mouth watering cuisines and a wide collection of wines.
Is Budapest safe for tourists?
Yes, Budapest is very safe for tourists. The crime rates are relatively low and being an outsider, you will hardly come across any problem if you keep the basics in your mind. You need to avoid roaming in and around the city alone till late at night and you should at all times keep an eye on your belongings. If at all you find something fishy, you can get in touch with the concerned police authorities and seek their assistance.
Is Budapest a walkable city?
Yes, Budapest happens to be a walkable as well as the bikeable city in Hungary. The city has almost 2 million residents with all the important places of tourist interest located close to each other. If you are a first time visitor, then you can get a guided tour package and cover all the significant places. Tourists often love to walk through the city in the afternoon hours and get the most out of the tour. If you find walking a bit difficult on your part then you can go ahead to book a city bike-sharing tour.
Are things cheap in Budapest?
Budapest will surely make you fall in love with its crafts and souvenirs because of the fact that they are cheap and at the same time high on quality. You will never regret shopping in the city. You will come across the traditional design elements on all articles you come across in the city. If you are planning to pay a visit to this wonderful city then don’t miss out on getting some of the following things:
-Porcelain,
-Ajka Crystal,
-Painted Eggs,
-Tablecloths,
-Traditional Hungarian Shirts,
-Traditional Dolls,
-Tokaji Wine,
-The Hungarian Secret Box,
-Leather Shoes,
-Palinka,
-Rubik’s Cube,
-Paintings of the Danube,
-Unicum,
-Paprika,
-Kurtos Kalacs.
What food is Budapest famous for?
Budapest is certainly one of the best places in the world for food lovers. Your taste buds will surely find the cuisine of this place enticing as well as rich in flavours. There’s a lot of delicious recipes to try out in Budapest and here are some of the must-try delicacies:
-Goulash,
-Chicken Paprikash,
-Lecsó,
-Jókai Bean Soup,
-Túrós Csusza,
-Palacsinta,
-Rakott Krumpli,
-Kolbász,
-Sauerkraut,
-Rántott Sajt,
-Lángos,
-Libamáj,
-Pörkölt.
How many days in Budapest is enough?
If you wish to explore all the important places of tourist interest and indulge in all the popular activities, then you would at least need to spend 4 days in Budapest. You will be able to cover all the highlights of the city, carry out some of the luxury things to do in Budapest, and spend some time in relaxation. On the very first day of the trip, you can visit various important landmarks of the city and then spend some time on the river cruise. On the second day of the trip, you can marvel at the enchanting wonders of the castle district and explore alternative Budapest on the third day. On the last day of the trip, you should plan to meander the city parks and explore the underground Budapest.
What is the best time to go to Budapest?
The best time to visit Budapest would be in the spring or autumn season when Budapest is at its best. There would be very less crowd on the streets as well as in the places of tourist attraction. The spring and autumn seasons emanate with a magical vibe with them and make the city colourful with your spell.
The climatic condition remains very pleasant and the temperature remains moderate range, which makes tourism and outdoor activities a bliss. You can take a tour of the city on your foot as well as take part in various outdoor adventure and fun-filled activities.
1. Summer Season: The summer months are experienced from June to August. The temperature remains high and makes it a bit difficult for tourists to explore the place. However, you can book your stay well in advance and enjoy some summer activities.
2. Winter Season: Budapest mostly experiences peak winter months accompanied by chilly winds and a very shrill climate, which mostly makes tourism difficult. If at all you love moving in and around in a cold and quiet city, then pack your bags for the winter season and try out some luxury things to do in Budapest.
Which are some of the best Budapest day trips that I can book via Thrillophilia?
- City Center Walking Tour in Budapest
- Classic Buda Castle Walking Tour in Budapest
- Private City Highlights Tour with Pickup in Budapest
- Budapest Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit
- Budapest All in One Walking Tour with Coffee Stop
- Vienna to Budapest Day Trip
- Budapest Bike Tour
- Budapest Segway Sightseeing Tour
- 3-Hour Budapest Tour with Russian Jeep
- Budapest Food Tour
Which are some of the best Budapest cruise experiences that I can book from Thrillophilia?
- Danube River Cruise with Hungarian Dinner, Budapest
- Budapest Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Drink
- Budapest Daytime Sightseeing Cruise
- Dinner Cruise with Operetta & Folk Show, Budapest
- Budapest - Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Which are the best Budapest attraction tickets & tours to book from Thrillophilia?
- Budapest Parliament Tour with Cruise
- The Royal Palace of Godollo Tour, Budapest
- St Stephens Basilica Tickets With Guide, Budapest
- House of Terror Guided Tour in Budapest
- The Great Synagogue Tickets in Budapest
What are the best experiences in Budapest that we can book from Thrillophilia?
- Organ Concert in St Stephen Basilica
- Caving Adventure Budapest Tour
- Budapest Standup Paddleboarding Tour
- Hungarian Folklore Show In Budapest
- Hungarian Wine Tasting in Budapest
- Big Bus Hop on Hop off with Boat & Walking Tour
- Wine, Cheese & Charcuterie Tasting, Budapest
