Budapest - what not to miss?

[Houseplantmad]

We are going next week with DCs, aged 19 and 18. I think I've got the main sights covered but have a couple of queries:
The thermal baths - I was thinking the Rudas baths for an evening, the Szechenyi baths for another day but have just read that the Gellert ones are beautiful. Any advice please?
DCs are both into retro/vintage clothing so any pointers there would be great too thanks.
The House of Terror - is it any good? The reviews on Tripadvisor are terrible. Has anyone been recently and is it worth it? We'd either do this or some sort of tour - either walking or bus - around the city.
Please also let me know of any other off the beaten track or worthwhile activities that would be interesting to do. We are happy to walk a lot!

We loved Budapest. Try here for a meal - ladocafe.hu/

I personally didn’t love Szechenyi baths - rude staff, grimy and full of teenagers. We had a much nicer time at the Palatinus on Margaret Island so I’d recommend that if you were thinking of going to the island.

There’s loads of great food and bars - to add to the list I’d check out Parisi Udvar for a cake/coffee - it’s in a historical building, formerly a shopping mall and was used for filming Tinker Tailor. We stayed at the hotel and it’s lovely.

Budapest is great, hope you have a lovely time.

I went to all three of the baths on your list. My favourite was Rudas (v.relaxing but do check the day as the actual traditional bath has fixed sessions (I.e one day may be men only) and at other times you’d only be able to access the more modern part) but the Gellert is well worth a visit too (a bit like swimming in a cathedral!).

Also yes to Cafe Gerbaud and the Central Market!

Also I stayed at the New York Cafe hotel (can’t remember what the hotel is actually called). The cafe is actually worth a visit - very ornate dining room and food is pretty good. And they did tokaj tastings in the bar (love love love tokaj!)

Absolutely second The New York Cafe. Fabulous architecture and amazing hot chocolate and cakes.
The shoes on the Danube brought me to tears. The grand market hall was fun to do. I bought paprika in a very pretty tin.
We did a tour bus but got off early as it was incredibly boring but the river trip was lovely but cold ( December)
Enjoy
Avoid the cream of garlic soup !

I liked the soup but then I'm not very sociable and I was technically travelling for work and so alone.

I used to go to Budapest for work. It's so lovely. Enjoy!

Place marking as off in June

Thanks all and @Amelion - I hadn't heard of the Palatinus baths. We will go there instead of one of the others as it looks much better.
Love the cake tips too - we'll be doing loads of walking so that will balance it out

Something a bit different - the Cogwheel Railway, the Children's Railway and the Zugliget chairlift. Done as a loop. You'll have to Google it as I can't add links on the app but we really enjoyed it, and the views are stunning.

We also stayed at the New York Palace (New York Cafe hotel) and it was fabulous. Appreciate you’ve got your hotel already booked but if anyone else is considering a trip I highly recommend it. It was extremely reasonable for the standard of hotel and the service was outstanding.

I lived in Budapest for 2 years back in the mid-late 90's just after the so-called "change in system" and all of you are making me miss it so much! Glad to hear some of my old favourites are still around. Yes to all the baths, the more the better, yes to New York Café, Heroes' Square, visiting Buda and not just staying in Pest, walking everywhere.... back in my day the Opera House was also cheap and easy to get tickets to as well and so beautiful.

Another question for those in the know - is it ok to book tickets for the Gellert or Platinus baths on the day or should I pre-book please? I've booked Rudas baths for Friday night but wondered about other baths. Also I'd quite like a massage - can that be booked on the spot or best done ahead of time?