Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and the tenth in the European Union by population. There are many amazing places there. Bridges, cathedrals, fortresses and castles, famous thermal springs, vintage and technological transport, ruin bars, festivals, wines, palinka, and such delicious Hungarian cuisine — that’s why tourists from all over the world come to Budapest from year to year. The Hungarian capital is located on the banks of the Danube, where previously there were three cities — Buda, Obuda, and Pest. These historical areas are still different from each other, but each of them is attractive for tourism in its own way.
Buda is a majestic Royal castle towering over the Danube. You can admire the panorama of the city and see the old streets from here. Next to the Castle, there is a panoramic platform – the Fisherman’s Bastion on the former Market Square. There is also another attraction here — the Church of St. Matt.
Pest is a cozy promenade (it is really cozy, because the traffic flows below, right next to the water, and the pedestrian zone is located above, so nothing prevents you from enjoying the beautiful view).
There are numerous restaurants on the pedestrian embankment, where you can have a snack in a beautiful atmosphere. And to the left is the majestic building of the Hungarian Parliament, which is inferior in beauty only to the English Parliament in London.
When is the best time to visit Budapest?
It is interesting to visit Budapest at any time of the year: the city is beautiful both in summer and in winter. During the hot season, you can walk a lot through the historical streets of Budapest and picturesque parks, relax in the famous baths, sit in open cafes and take photos. But in winter, tourists can bask in the spa, enjoy the comfort of Christmas fairs and taste hot kurteshkalach – a traditional Hungarian bakery.
We have created for you a selection of the most amazing places to visit in Budapest (except for the Parliament, which you probably already know about!).
Amazing places to visit: Buda Fortress
The first thing you should definitely visit in Budapest is the Buda Fortress — one of the most amazing places in Hungary. This is a whole district, where are many historical monuments and interesting places. On its territory, there are objects that tourists from all over the world come to see. Among the most famous of them are:
- Royal palace;
- Matthias church;
- ruins of a castle built in the Middle Ages;
- Fisherman’s bastion;
- Sandor’s palace;
- art and historical museum.
Amazing places to visit: Chain Bridge
Various sights of Budapest include numerous amazing places, especially bridges. And the most grandiose and beautiful of them is the Sechenyi Chain Bridge. Its historical significance for the capital is priceless since this bridge became a powerful incentive for the unification of the cities of Pest and Buda, which formed Budapest in 1873. The building is decorated with royal lions, massive stylized chains, arches, and lanterns. The Chain Bridge is especially beautiful at night, when numerous lanterns light up, reflecting in the dark waters of the Danube.
Amazing places to visit: Széchenyi Bath
This largest bathing complex in Europe is open all year round. It harmoniously combines beautiful architecture, a variety of services, and the therapeutic effect of thermal water.
Inside this Budapest landmark, there are halls with mosaics, statues, stucco, and drawings depicting water themes. There are 5 swimming pools and 11 baths with hot thermal water. Visitors can take a course of wellness massage and mud applications, visit a Finnish or Turkish bath, take therapeutic baths.
Fisherman’s Bastion
The fisherman’s bastion was built in 1905. It resembles a medieval white stone castle and is surrounded by an “openwork ” wall. This impression is created by a lot of window openings, arches, projections, and recesses. The seven wall towers symbolize the number of tribes that united to create a single Hungarian state. There is a statue of the first king of Hungary on the squire in the middle of the bastion.
Central Market
This is the central covered market near the Freedom Bridge, where tourists can admire the beautiful sights and buy gifts and souvenirs to remember their trip to Hungary. The building covers an area of 10,000 m². In the numerous stalls of the market, you can buy at an affordable price food, clothing, dishes, national souvenirs,and other handmade items.
Vaidahunyad Castle
Despite the ancient appearance, this castle was built at the beginning of the last century, so it is quite well preserved. After admiring the architectural ensemble, visitors can visit the Museum of Agriculture. It displays numerous exhibits and photographs showing the wonders of plant and animal breeding. And connoisseurs of good wine can go to the tasting room, where are numerous varieties of this wonderful drink.
Heroes Square
On the square, there is a huge thousand-year-old marble column. There is a statue of the archangel Gabriel holding the symbols of the Hungarian state on it. Tourists can admire the equestrian sculptures of the leaders of the seven Magyar tribes, who laid the foundation of Hungary. Behind the monuments, there are 2 colonnades with a semicircular shape. You can also see here the monuments of 14 heroes of Hungary, and visit the Museum of Fine Arts.
