The capital of Hungary captivates its visitors every year and is rightfully one of the most popular cities in Europe! The city on the Danube has a lot to offer for both young and old. Experience the vibrant nightlife or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque city, including the Parliament building and the Chain Bridge. Let Budapest's charm enchant you!
The iconic landmark is this impressive building located by the water – the Parliament Building. It is one of the largest buildings in Budapest and impresses with its magnificent architecture. Since its construction between 1884 and 1902, the building has told the story of the rising national consciousness of the Hungarians. The dome in the center reaches a height of 96 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the old town. However, it’s not just the size of this building that makes an impact! The contrasting dark red domes and the light-colored facade create a dreamlike image. However, you should not only admire the Parliament Building from the outside, but also take a guided tour. Let yourself be guided through the dome hall, walk through the staircase adorned with intricate frescoes, and behold the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
In addition to Buda Castle with its exhibitions, there are other notable attractions on the Castle District grounds. These include the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, the Vienna Gate (a remnant of the Danube Monarchy), the Trinity Square, and Herrengasse.
Buda Castle is the centerpiece of the Castle District and the highest building in Budapest. As a magnificent palace, it once served as the residence of the Hungarian king and today offers exhibition spaces for museums and official events of the Hungarian government. Part of the castle is the Hungarian National Gallery with its collections of Hungarian art, the Historical Museum, and the Széchenyi National Library. The castle grounds can be visited for free, and you will surely encounter several statues along the way. The picturesque complex is adorned with the Lion Gate, which marks the entrance to the courtyard, as well as the Habsburg Staircase and Matthias Fountain.
Tip: You should not only admire the castle grounds in daylight. Especially in the evening, when the city begins to glitter in the dark, you will get a breathtaking view of the city from the garden of Buda Castle.
Equally impressive is the Fisherman’s Bastion, which was completed between 1889 and 1905. The name of the Fisherman’s Bastion comes from the former fish market and the fishermen’s guild that defended the city’s defensive walls. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Danube city and explore the halls, arcades, and towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of Budapest’s most visited attractions and lures you with its view of the blue Danube.
Tip: Entry to the Fisherman’s Bastion is free, but certain areas and the lookout point require a fee.
Another beautiful building next to the Fisherman’s Bastion is Matthias Church. Like the Fisherman’s Bastion, this church was designed by Frigyes Schulek. Matthias Church is also known by another name, the Church of Our Lady. It was the first church in the Castle District and is over 1,000 years old.
In the middle of the square, you will find the Trinity Column, which takes you back to the time of the plague epidemics in 1961. From there, you can reach the Honorary Square, which leads you to the Treasurer’s Alley. While the facades of the houses in the alley still bear traces of the trade route, one house is of particular significance. House No. 4 on Andreas-Hess Square belonged to a former printer who printed the first book in Hungary there.
The blue river is probably the most iconic sight of Budapest. The second largest river in Europe divides Budapest into two areas, Buda and Pest. These were only merged in 1873 and now make up the name Budapest. Discover the blue river with a leisurely stroll, a romantic boat ride, or from one of the many viewpoints.
This unobtrusive memorial does not immediately reveal what it stands for. It is only upon closer inspection that visitors realize the tragic history behind these shoes, as they symbolize a sad memorial to the persecution of Jews. The 60 pairs of shoes made of metal represent the terrible acts carried out when Jews were shot at the Danube's edge. Therefore, you should respect this memorial and not overlook it during your visit to Budapest, as it commemorates the execution of persecuted Jews.
Heroes' Square is located in the Pest district (eastern part of the city), and the construction was planned in 1896 but only completed 30 years later by Albert Schickedanz as a monument to honor Hungarian heroes. Heroes' Square is home to many different attractions, all worth a visit.
In addition, Heroes' Square is essentially the gateway to the City Park, which developed from a swamp area and is now one of the most visited parks in the city. The park includes the Városligeti Lake and the Budapest Zoo.
Also located in the Pest district is the church known as St. Stephen’s Basilica. With its interior that can hold up to 8,500 people and a dome reaching 96 meters in height, it is the largest church in Budapest and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. The dome of the church is covered in mosaics and will especially delight you. If you are already at St. Stephen’s Basilica, you should not miss the Chain Bridge.
The Chain Bridge is the most famous bridge in Budapest and is one of many bridges crossing the Danube. The bridge has been part of the city since its construction between 1839 and 1849, making it the oldest bridge in Budapest.
The National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) houses more than 1 million exhibits of Hungarian history and is magnificently decorated with frescoes in the staircase. The large dome hall of the National Museum is also worth seeing. But not only is the museum beautiful from the inside, but also from the outside. Enjoy a wonderful view of the neoclassical building in the green museum garden. Discover the history of Hungary!
Equally worth visiting is the House of Terror, located in a building in the Neo-Renaissance style. This building served as the headquarters and prison for the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party (a fascist and anti-Semitic party) from 1937 to 1944, and today it commemorates Hungary’s dark times. Immerse yourself in the dreadful era of oppression by National Socialism and Communism and become aware of how the world has changed. Process the impressions through numerous photos, videos, and rooms that illustrate the tragic events. Therefore, be mindful to only visit this museum if you can handle such events and are interested in exploring history.
In addition to Budapest's general exciting nightlife and the many places to go out in the late evening, you should not miss the unique ruin bars!
Don't forget to visit one of Budapest's legendary ruin bars, the so-called “Ruin Pubs.” Born out of necessity, these ruin bars still exist today. You will find the pubs mainly scattered around the Jewish Quarter. Let yourself be impressed by the eclectic, artistic setting. Originally taken over by students, the bars were filled with leftover furniture and decorated with graffiti and colorful wallpaper. One of the most interesting bars is Szimpla Kert, which became famous for its extraordinariness. Let yourself be enchanted by the artistic atmosphere of Szimpla Kert and immerse yourself in the true labyrinth of its many themed rooms.
