Budapest
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture.
A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture.
A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater.
Learn More About Budapest
Buda Castle
Sitting atop Castle Hill, the original Buda Castle was primarily built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries for Hungarian royalty. Many conflicts in the following centuries laid waste to this castle and its successive restorations, the latest iteration restored after battles waged between the Germans and Soviets in World War II. Nevertheless, this Baroque-style palace has persisted, and today’s Buda Castle is one of the most important monuments which give Budapest its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of the original castle still remain in the city’s Castle District, while the monolithic Buda Castle continues to be a popular stop for guided educational tours.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Closing the divide between the Buda and Pest embankments flanking the Danube River, Budapest's Chain Bridge is the city's original and most recognizable bridge. Two regal lion statues welcome those who traverse the bridge, which offers a spectacular view of Buda Castle and provides easy access to many popular tourist attractions throughout the city center.
After a count was unable to cross the river for his father's funeral due to icy water, the idea (and name) for this bridge was born. It was once the longest bridge in Europe, generally considered an engineering feat and the stone lions that guard it have their own urban legend. During the summer there are often weekend festivals here where only pedestrians are allowed.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Hues of gold and red paint the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building, adorned with intricate Gothic-style spires and a prominent central dome. Constructed in the late nineteenth-century, the Parliament building exemplifies the superb architectural and ornate beauty that can be found throughout Budapest. While the Parliament building hosts active sessions of the National Assembly, it is accessible to the public for guided tours during select hours.
St. Stephen's Basilica
The eminent St. Stephen’s Basilica sits in the center of bustling Budapest and is the city’s largest basilica. The namesake of King Stephen, the first ruler of Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica showcases a variety of architectural and cultural treasures, including a relic of St. Stephen himself. Be sure to explore the basilica’s dome for an impressive and expansive view of the city below. Visit the Hall of Knights for a chance to see new art exhibitions and listen to a melodic organ performance.
Heroes' Square
Heroes' Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with statues of the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary.
Liberty Bridge
What might you spy on a Danube river cruise? Spectacular bridges such as the Liberty Bridge in Budapest! Opened for the Millennial celebrations of 1896, the last silver rivet on the Pest abutment was inserted into the bridge by Emperor Franz Jospeh himself!
Szechenyi Baths
Over 100 years old, one of the biggest natural hot spring spa baths in Europe, and with a stunning backdrop of a Neo-Baroque palace. It’s very easy to see why the Szechenyi Baths are a popular tourist destination.
Getting Around
The best ways of navigating Budapest are walking and public transit. Taxis and rideshare services also operate here.
Upon walking around Budapest, visitors will find that they can easily walk between the city's must-see sights.
The mass transit system, BKK, runs trains, buses, trams and more. Purchase tickets at newspaper stands or a metro station and validate them immediately upon boarding.
Upon walking around Budapest, visitors will find that they can easily walk between the city's must-see sights.
The mass transit system, BKK, runs trains, buses, trams and more. Purchase tickets at newspaper stands or a metro station and validate them immediately upon boarding.
Advent Christmas Fair
Budapest’s annual Advent Christmas Fair takes place steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica every winter season. A canopy of twinkling lights hovers over the marketplace, which offers authentic cuisine and holiday goods for sale. The lighting of traditional Advent candles occurs each Sunday during the Fair.