Best museums in Budapest: From modern art to ancient history

Best museums in Budapest: From modern art to ancient history

From the Hungarian National Museum to the interactive House of Music, explore famous museums in Budapest.

From the haunting exhibits at the Holocaust Memorial Center to the interactive sound installations at the House of Music, visiting a museum is one of the best things to do in Budapest. The best museums in Budapest cover centuries of art, including medieval treasures at the Hungarian National Museum and contemporary masterpieces at the Ludwig Museum.

Admire European paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts and learn about natural science through engaging displays at these eight museums that give you some of the best of Budapest culture and history.

Best museums in Budapest overview

Best museums for history: Hungarian National Museum and Holocaust Memorial Center

Best museums for art: Museum of Fine Arts and Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art

Best museums for families: House of Music and Hungarian Natural History Museum

photo: EtelkaCsilla

Walk through Hungary’s varied past on your visit to the famous Hungarian National Museum in Budapest.

1. Hungarian National Museum 

Best for history and anthropology lovers 

Why should I visit the Hungarian National Museum?

As one of the most famous museums in Budapest, this neoclassical masterpiece houses Hungary’s most important historical collection. In fact, the Hungarian National Museum was a critical part of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, making this a hugely significant building for national pride and identity. 

How long can I spend at the Hungarian National Museum?

Most people spend between two to three hours at the main exhibitions. 

Insider tip

Visit the beautiful period rooms, like the Esterházy dining room, on the first floor that recreates Hungarian aristocratic life from different eras. 

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed Mondays.

Spend hours and hours getting to know the past at the Budapest History Museum is a favorite among locals and visitors.

2. Budapest History Museum 

Best for history lovers

Why should I visit the Budapest History Museum?

Located in the southern wing of Buda Castle, this cool museum in Budapest will help you understand the city’s fascinating evolution from a Roman settlement to a modern metropolis. Gothic statues, medieval weapons, and reconstructed palace rooms bring the castle district’s history to life. 

How long can I spend at the Budapest History Museum?

Give the main collections at the Budapest History Museum two to three hours.

Insider tip

Start with the museum’s underground halls to see the original castle structure, then move to the upper floors to see how Budapest became a modern city during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014. Open daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. 

photo: Takkk

Learn about the many things that have defined the Hungarian Jewish identity at the Holocaust Memorial center.

3. Holocaust Memorial Center

Best for war history enthusiasts

Why should I visit the Holocaust Memorial Center Museum?

This Budapest museum transforms a restored synagogue into a powerful memorial and educational space. Visitors can learn about Hungarian Jewish life before World War II in Budapest and the devastating impact of the Holocaust through personal artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays.

How long can I spend at the Holocaust Memorial Center Museum?

Plan for an emotional two-hour visit. 

Insider tip

Visit when the museum first opens to avoid the crowds and have the space and privacy to take in the moving stories.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Páva u. 39, 1094. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed Mondays.

photo: Satak Lord

Full of art from the old masters to international collections, explore the vast works found at the Museum of Fine Arts.

4. Museum of Fine Arts 

Best for European art lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of Fine Arts?

This fun museum in Budapest houses Hungary’s largest collection of international art. Its recently renovated halls exhibit everything from Egyptian mummies to masterpieces by Raphael, Rembrandt, and El Greco. The Roman Hall, restored to its 19th-century glory, will show you why this ranks as one of the best museums in Europe.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Fine Arts?

You’ll want at least three hours at the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts for a thorough visit. 

Insider tip

The Egyptian collection is surprisingly extensive. Don’t miss the Mummy of a Falcon, one of the best-preserved organic remains outside of Egypt.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, 1146. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed Mondays.

photo: ucsendre

Visit the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art to see pieces that define Eastern European art from the 1960s to the present.

5. Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art

Best for modern art lovers

Why should I visit the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art?

This cultural center stands out from other exhibitions in Budapest thanks to its cutting-edge international collection. Housed in the stunning Palace of Arts building, it showcases Eastern European art from the 1960s onward.

How long can I spend at the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art?

Plan for up to three hours to explore both permanent and temporary exhibits. 

Insider tip

Visit the panoramic café on the top floor for some of the best views in Budapest, including the Danube River and Buda Castle.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Closed Mondays.

photo: Nelson Pérez

Get to know Hungary through the eyes of its artists, historians, and curators at the Hungarian National Gallery.

6. Hungarian National Gallery

Best for Hungarian art lovers 

Why should I visit the Hungarian National Gallery Museum?

One of the most famous museums in Budapest, this comprehensive collection takes up four wings of the Buda Castle. From medieval altarpieces to works by 19th-century romantics and modern Hungarian masters, the Hungarian National Gallery tells the country’s story through art.  

How long can I spend at the Hungarian National Gallery Museum?

A full visit takes between three and four hours. 

Insider tip

Don’t miss the panoramic views from the dome terrace — access is included in your ticket!

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed Mondays.

photo: Elekes Andor

As fun for kids as adults, Hungary’s House of Music is an exciting discovery for both musicians and non-musicians.

7. House of Music 

Best for families

Why should I visit the House of Music Museum?

This cool museum in Budapest reinvents how we experience music history. Set in a striking contemporary building in City Park, the interactive exhibits let visitors explore all kinds of instruments. This is one of the best things to do in Budapest with kids, as children will enjoy the interactive elements of this museum.

How long can I spend at the House of Music Museum?

You’ll need between two and three hours to fully experience the interactive exhibits. 

Insider tip

Book a session in the sound recording studio where you can create your own music using Hungarian instruments.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Olof Palme stny. 3, 1146. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed Mondays.

photo: 12akd

The Hungarian Natural History Museum is an engaging place, whether you need to hurry through or take your time all day.

8. Hungarian Natural History Museum

Best for families and science enthusiasts

Why should I visit the Hungarian Natural History Museum?

As one of the most fun museums in Budapest, this institution brings Hungary’s natural world to life. From dinosaur fossils discovered in the country to extensive mineral displays, you’ll find plenty of interesting things to peruse among the museum’s over 11 million registered items

How long can I spend at the Hungarian Natural History Museum?

Plan for two to three hours to explore all sections of this Budapest hidden gem

Insider tip

The museum's coral reef exhibition will let you see real coral through a glass floor!

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Ludovika tér 2-6, 1083. Open Sunday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Closed Saturdays.

FAQs

What are the most popular museums in Budapest?

The Hungarian National Museum and Museum of Fine Arts rank among the best museums in Budapest thanks to their world-class exhibits that focus on Hungarian culture and history or international art. 

When is the best time to visit Budapest’s museums?

Many museums in Budapest offer free entry on national holidays and the first Sunday of each month, which could make these the best time to visit for budget-savvy travelers.

Where are museums located in Budapest?

The Castle District houses many of Budapest’s museums, including the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. This is the spot for museum-hopping in Budapest!

Which Budapest museum is most worth visiting?

The Hungarian National Museum is unmissable for those visiting Hungary for the first time, as it covers the most important parts of the country’s history.

What’s the best Budapest museum for a rainy day?

The Natural History Museum and Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art have plenty of indoor collections, perfect for escaping bad weather.

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