Over the years, Budapest – the capital city of Hungary – has attracted a lot of tourists. With more than 40 theatres and over 100 museums and galleries in the city, beautiful structures, let us help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful city with this list.
1. Hungarian Parliament building
The largest building in Hungary and considered as one of the most beautiful structures in the world.
At 268 metres long and 123 meters wide it has a 96-metre high central dome. Beyond being in a beautiful riverside setting the Parliament building has 691 rooms, ornaments of white neo-gothic turrets and arches, and 242 sculptures on the walls that include Hungarian rulers, Transylvanian leaders, pictures of coats of arms of kings and dukes, famous military people and lions. Never miss the chance to visit this work of art and see Budapest’s finest architectural achievements.
Bonus: The building at super impressive night.
2. Thermal Baths
Your visit to Budapest will not be complete if you don’t visit and soak in its thermal baths. There’s a reason Budapest is known as the “City of Baths.”
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Széchenyi Baths are the crowd favourite – so make sure you check this one out. And try different baths every day on your stay there. Oh, by the way, here are some more popular baths in Budapest: Gellért Baths, Rudas Bath, Király Baths, the beautifully restored Császár Baths, and Lukács Baths.
3. Castle Hill
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the must-see sight in the capital, with its grand views.
The most popular attraction in the hill is the Gothic-style Royal Palace, which now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the History Museum. The Chain Bridge is a fun way to get to the top of the castle hill. What else can you see there?
Check out: Mary Magdalene Tower, Vienna Gate, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Hospital in the Rock.
4. Heroes’ Square
One of the major squares and popular tourist spots in Budapest. It was developed in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of Hungary.
Archangel Gabriel stands on top of the centre pillar, holding the holy crown and the double cross of Christianity. The seven chieftains who led the Magyar tribes to Hungary can be seen on the stand below. Statues of kings and other important historical figures stand on top of the colonnades on either side of the centre pillar. Enveloped by two buildings, the Museum of Fine Arts on the left and the Hall of Art on the right you’ll find the City Park square nearby – which includes a charming view of the lake.
5. Hungarian State Opera House
Also known as the Budapest Opera – which hosts the famous society event Budapest Opera Ball since 1886.
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It is one of the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings in Europe and considered to be one of the best opera houses in the world in terms of its acoustics because of its horseshoe shape, and has an auditorium that seats 1200 people. Ferenc Erkel – who composed the Hungarian national anthem and the first music director of the Opera, has a statue in front of the Opera House.
6. Central Market Hall
This is the single largest indoor market in Budapest.
Upon entering you’ll be welcomed by the market’s rich aroma and vibrant colours from a large selection of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, paprika and Tokaji, to the food stands and plenty of vendors selling handicrafts, clothing, embroidery, chessboards and other souvenirs. You can almost find anything in here.
7. The House of Terror in Budapest
Discover remnants from World War II – a museum dedicated to the Jews killed during the war, exhibits related to Hungarian organizations such as the fascist Arrow Cross Party and the communist ÁVH.
The building was the former headquarter of the ultra-right, a Nazi party, in 1940; and its basement was used as a prison. It is believed that hundreds, or even thousands, were tortured in the House of Terror.
8. Memento Park
A Communist-themed outdoor museum – the gigantic monuments displayed are reminders of dictatorship and the fall of tyranny. It’s best to visit this park with a tour guide so that you can hear all the stories about each statue.
Spoiler: Outside the park is a small museum with some training video for secret agents, titled ‘The Life of an Agent’.
9. Budapest Caves
Natural underground caves in Budapest are very popular among tourists, the caves were formed by thermal waters over millions of years.
You’re going to love caving in Palvolgyi Cave – the longest cave in the Buda Hills and the cave systems were only recently discovered by accident, it is a multi-level labyrinth with amazing rock formations.
10. Ruin Pubs
Part of the Budapest experience is bars and cafes. Ruin pubs, pop-art galleries are huge parts of Budapest’s post-Communism culture.
The trend of ruin pubs started when entrepreneurs started to take over some of the run-down buildings. One of the popular ruin pubs in the city is Szimpla Kert. Grab a drink, listen to live music, mingle with the locals and have the best night during your stay in Budapest.
Know of any other things to check out in Budapest? Let us know in the comments below!
