12 must-sees and do in Budapest, Hungary
This captivating city, often dubbed the Paris of the East, offers a blend of ancient architecture, thermal baths, and a burgeoning culinary scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
Budapest's history is a chronicle of resilience. From Roman times to the Ottoman occupation, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the ravages of World War II, the city has continually reinvented itself. Today, it is a bustling metropolis that marries the old and the new, offering travellers a unique window into its indomitable spirit.
Here are 12 must-sees and do when there.
Buda Castle
Perched high above the city on Castle Hill, Buda Castle is a symbol of Hungary's royal past. This massive complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been home to Hungarian kings since the 13th century. The castle has undergone numerous reconstructions due to wars and invasions, and the latest restoring its former Baroque splendour.
Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, which showcases a vast collection of Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the present day, and the Budapest History Museum, which traces the city's evolution from ancient times. The Castle District is also home to charming medieval streets, quaint shops, and cosy cafes, making it a perfect area to explore on foot.
Address: Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest, Hungary
Chain Bridge
Connecting Buda and Pest, the Chain Bridge is an architectural marvel and a testament to 19th-century engineering. It was the first permanent bridge across the Donau in Budapest, designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark and completed in 1849. It played a pivotal role in the city's unification. The suspension bridge is held by massive stone lions, and its iconic design symbolises the city.
A walk across this iconic bridge offers stunning views of the river and the city's skyline, which is particularly beautiful when the bridge and surrounding buildings are illuminated at night. The bridge also provides easy access to landmarks like the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Gresham Palace.
Address: Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Fisherman's Bastion
This neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure, completed in 1902, offers some of the best views in Budapest. In the Castle District, Fisherman's Bastion was named after the guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of the city walls during the Middle Ages. Its seven towers symbolise the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary in the 9th century.
The terrace provides a panoramic view of the Danube, Margaret Island, and Pest. Adjacent to the Bastion is the Matthias Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a colourful tiled roof and a richly decorated interior. The Bastion's turrets and terraces create a fairy-tale setting, especially enchanting at sunset.
Address: Szentháromság tér, 1014 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Fisherman's Bastion
St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen's Basilica is a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture named after the first King of Hungary. Completed in 1905, the basilica is a place of worship and a repository of Hungary's most revered relic: the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, displayed in a glass case.
The basilica's dome, which you can climb via 364 steps or an elevator, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Budapest's skyline. The interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, marble columns, and ornate altars, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Regular organ concerts are held here, adding to the spiritual and cultural experience.
Address: Szent István tér 1, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Website: St. Stephen's Basilica
The Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings. Completed in 1904, it's one of the largest parliament buildings in the world, featuring 691 rooms. The building's façade is decorated with statues of Hungarian rulers, Transylvanian leaders, and famous military figures.
Guided tours offer insight into Hungary's political history and a chance to see the Holy Crown of Hungary, used in the coronation of Hungarian kings. The interior is equally impressive, with grand staircases, frescoes, and a central hall with a golden dome.
Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Hungarian Parliament
Thermal Baths: Széchenyi and Gellért
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, a legacy of the Ottoman era.
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest spa complexes in Europe, features 15 indoor baths and 3 grand outdoor pools, all supplied by two thermal springs. Its outdoor pools, especially during winter, provide a surreal experience with steam rising into the chilly air. The grandiose neo-Baroque building and the chess-playing locals in the thermal pools add to the unique atmosphere.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath Address: Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Széchenyi Thermal Bath Website: Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Gellért Baths, known for their Art Nouveau style, offer luxurious thermal waters and stunning architectural details, including mosaic-tiled pools, stained-glass windows, and marble columns. The medicinal waters are said to have healing properties, making these baths a popular destination for relaxation and health treatments.
Gellért Baths Address: Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest, Hungary
Gellért Baths Website: Gellért Baths
The Great Market Hall
Immerse yourself in local culture at the Great Market Hall, Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market. This vibrant market opened in 1897 and is perfect for sampling Hungarian delicacies such as lángos, fried dough with toppings, pickled vegetables, and Tokaji wine.
The market's ground floor is packed with stalls selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses, while the upper floor features vendors offering traditional Hungarian crafts and souvenirs. The building is a beautiful example of late 19th-century architecture, with its colourful Zsolnay tiled roof and wrought-iron framework. The bustling atmosphere and aroma of fresh produce and spices create a sensory feast for visitors.
Address: Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Great Market Hall
Heroes Square
A significant landmark, Heroes' Square is the largest and most impressive square in Budapest. It features the Millennium Monument, a 36-meter-high column topped by the Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian Holy Crown.
The square is flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. The statues on the colonnades depict important figures from Hungarian history, including the seven chieftains of the Magyars who founded Hungary. The central statue complex, known as the Millennium Memorial, was built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state.
The square is a focal point for national celebrations and a gateway to City Park, which houses attractions such as the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Budapest Zoo.
Address: Hősök tere, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Andrássy Avenue
Stroll down Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. This grand boulevard, built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state, is lined with Neo-Renaissance mansions and townhouses. It's also home to the Hungarian State Opera House, an architectural gem designed by Miklós Ybl, one of Hungary's most celebrated architects.
The avenue culminates at Heroes' Square and is a testament to Budapest's 19th-century urban planning. You'll find luxury boutiques, embassies, and cultural institutions along the way. A visit to the House of Terror Museum, located on Andrássy Avenue, provides a stark contrast with its exhibition on the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary.
Address: Andrássy út, 1061 Budapest, Hungary
The House of Terror Museum
This poignant museum offers a sobering look at the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. Located in the former headquarters of the secret police, the museum's exhibits include photographs, documents, and personal artefacts that tell the story of Hungary's suffering under Nazi and Soviet rule.
The basement, where political prisoners were once held, is particularly haunting and serves as a stark reminder of the country's dark history. The building's façade, with its iron curtain and tank traps, sets the tone for the powerful and often disturbing exhibits. The museum is both a memorial to the victims and a powerful educational tool for understanding Hungary's 20th-century history.
Address: Andrássy út 60, 1062 Budapest, Hungary
Website: House of Terror Museum
Ruin Bars of the Jewish Quarter
Experience Budapest's nightlife in its famous ruin bars. These eclectic bars, often found in abandoned buildings and decorated with mismatched furniture, old bicycles, and vintage electronics, offer a unique and vibrant nightlife experience.
Szimpla Kert, the first ruin bar, is a must-visit. It features a labyrinth of rooms, courtyards, and a rooftop garden, creating a quirky and lively atmosphere. Each ruin bar has its own distinct character, with some offering live music, film screenings, and art exhibitions.
The Jewish Quarter, once the heart of Budapest's Jewish community, is now a bustling area full of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. It is a great place to explore both day and night.
Szimpla Kert Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Budapest, Hungary
Website: Szimpla Kert
Margaret Island
A tranquil escape in the city's heart, Margaret Island offers beautiful parks, medieval ruins, and recreational facilities. Spanning 2.5 kilometres, the island features the Music Fountain, which plays classical music accompanied by a water and light show. Other attractions include the Palatinus Water Park, a small zoo, a rose garden, and the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican convent.
The island is car-free, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely bike ride, a relaxing walk, or a picnic. You can rent bicycles, pedal carts, and electric scooters to explore the island's scenic pathways. The Japanese Garden and the Art Nouveau Water Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, are also worth a visit.
Address: Margaret Island, 1138 Budapest, Hungary
Best Time to Visit Budapest
Budapest can be visited year-round, but the best times are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Summer (July and August) is the peak tourist season, with warm temperatures and numerous outdoor festivals, while winter (December to February) offers a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and the chance to enjoy thermal baths in the cold weather.
Getting There
Budapest is well-connected by air, with Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport as the main gateway. The airport is located about 16 kilometres southeast of the city centre, and you can reach the city via taxi, shuttle bus, or public transportation (Bus 100E directly connects the airport to the city centre). The city is also accessible by train from major European cities and river cruises along the Donau.
Getting Around
The M1 metro line, known as the Millennium Underground Railway, is the oldest on the European continent and a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself. Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available, but walking or biking is a great way to explore the city's many attractions. Budapest's public transport system is operated by BKK, and tickets can be purchased at metro stations, kiosks, or via the BKK app.
Where to stay
The city's districts vary in character, with the Castle District offering historical charm, the Jewish Quarter known for its nightlife, and the Pest side offering a mix of cultural attractions and shopping. Popular areas to stay include:
District I, the Castle District
Ideal for history enthusiasts and those who want stunning views.
District V ,the Belváros-Lipótváros
The city centre is near major attractions like the Parliament and St. Stephen's Basilica.
District VII, the Jewish Quarter
Known for its vibrant nightlife and ruin bars.
District VI, Terézváros
Home to Andrássy Avenue and the Opera House.
Local Cuisine
Hungarian cuisine is rich and flavorful, with staples such as the hearty meat and vegetable stew goulash or pörkölt and the chimney cake kürtőskalács.
The Great Market Hall is an excellent place to sample local delicacies, but make sure to dine in one of the city's traditional restaurants or trendy bistros that offer modern twists on classic dishes.
Komentáře