Sightseeing Activities in Budapest Locations
Here are some of the most famous tourist attraction in Budapest, Hungary, these famous tourist places that will help make your trips a magical experience. Budapest is widely regarded as a beautiful city in Europe and offers many interesting sightseeing activities. The capital of Budapest boasts an illustrative historical past dominated by many people from the Romans and Ottomans to the Austro-Hungarians. In addition to its impressive historical sights, it is home to interesting museums and amazing architecture. Budapest, formerly called 'City of Spas' because of its numerous thermal waters, lies inland from the river and the city once included two separate towns, Buda, on the west shore and Pest on the eastern side.
Eiffel Tower, Liberty statues, Sydney Opera House. All cities have iconic sights worth visiting, but for tourists, they're there to help. The same applies in the Hungarian capital. Budapest offers many famous buildings across Europe and many places for sightseeing or exploring. It is advisable for you to take at least several days to explore the city and enjoy some of its sights.
Budapest Hungary's capital Budapest consists of 3 separate cities, Buda on the west side of the river, and Pest on the east. Many of the cities have received UNESCO World Heritage status and many tourists consider it one of the Europes most beautiful cities. The city successfully blends its fascinating history and contemporary art with a charming and laidback style of art.
When travelling in Budapest with limited time to visit, it is best to stay focused on some of its most important attractions. During your visit. Why not find out about the most interesting things about Budapest? With so much choice, choosing one thing can seem difficult. Our lists can be used to help. Scroll to the bottom for a list of hotel options in Budapest and travel tips including transportation and directions.
01. Budapest Castle Hill funicular
Cross the bridge towards Buda and you're on Clark Dam street. You can buy Hungarys Mile Zero as well as funiculars here. Purchase tickets and head up the Buda Mountain Cliff. Its opening in 1908 is considered by many in history the second longest Funicular in Europe. Funiculars are the best way up castle mountain and are famous for a panoramic river view. The ride takes approximately 1.5 minutes but the journey is worth each minute and the views are breathtaking!
The Budapest Castle Hill Funicular begins at 7am and closes at 10am. The trip costs 1400 HUF if purchased with a return ticket. This funicular was originally launched in 1870 and is the world's second-oldest funicular. Using weight and counterweight systems a carriage can be raised up and down a slope. A funicular is the fastest way to reach the highest spot on Castlehill. It is highly popular for its panoramic view over the river.
02. Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Budapest Castle Hill is a high towering hill overlooking the Danube with many historic castles containing medieval sites and museums. Tops on their list are the monumental Buda Castle ("Budavri Palota"), an impressive 200-room palace replacing a 13th-century castle built to protect the stronghold against Mongol and Tartar attacks. Although badly damaged during World War II, most exterior and part of interior have been repaired.
It includes a museum of Hungary in the main wings, meanwhile the historical museum in the south wings occupies four floors. Buda Castle is the most amazing views across Budapest. A fascinating experience, the huge Budapest Castle and palace complex once hosted the king of Hungary and queen of the past. The regal palace, built in 1265 on the top of Castle Hill now houses the Budapest Historical Museum and Hungary's National Gallery.
Despite the former having lots of interesting objects and revealing you about Budapest's turbulent past, the former has a huge collection of stunning art, sculpture and prints. This castle is situated in Buda to attract visitors interested in arts history and architecture. Castle Hill's (Várhhegy) in Budapest belongs to UNESCO World Heritage. The city was established over the Danube in 1313 and remains the origin of the medieval roots.
03. Buda Hills
Buda Hills are one of the greenest parts of the City. They are very popular with Budapest citizens looking for some extra hours out from city living. There are several hiking trails for mountain biking which are also very easy.
If you want to explore the hills in a more leisurely fashion, visit the Children's Railway, where the entire workforce consists of children between 12-14. Plenty of places to picnic are dotted all over the town to make for good food.
04. Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Lets start with the only Budapest attraction that connects Budapest with Pest: Szécheny Chain Bridge. It has been the longest permanent bridge to cross Hungary's Danube since 1850 with an original structure built around 1850.
The bridge connects with Széchenyi Square behind Gresham Palace in Pest and Buda Adam-Clark Square below Castle Hill's Funicular and represents unity among peoples. When you walk through Budapest, you will discover the history of the city as well as the Széchényi Chain Road. Lion guards each corner of the bridge, but keep them out of your sight.
05. Mathias Church
Matthias's Church is another beautiful sight in Budapest with a beautiful red roof with white exterior. It's a very old building in Budapest. The official Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle, the Matthias Church, is based upon the name Matthias Corvinus Fair. When Corvinus became the official King of Hungary there, it became an extremely popular destination for weddings. Since then it has been the site of several royal weddings and coronations.
06. Café Ruszwurm – where to eat on Buda Castle Hill
To experience Café Culture Budapest Style you should definitely visit Ruszwurm Cukrszda. We figured café Ruszwurm was a good activity in Budapest. We're talking about Hungarian cuisine. The bakery has a unique variety of bakery goods and a large variety of traditional pastries, coffees and cakes. Sitting inside, you can enjoy its historic charm. Menu can be found here.
07. Vajdahunyad Castle
The fantastic design was so popular among local people, however the vision for architects Ignac Alpar was commissioned from suitable materials in 1896. Easily accessed from a city center park, the unique Castle offers great photographs. The hotel is ideally situated close to the Heroes Square and Szechenyi Bath.
08. St. Stephen's Basilica
Budapest St Stephen's Basilica (Szent. ISVán-bazilika) is known for its impressive buildings, the beautiful interiors and the panoramic views from the roof. The church is dedicated to Saint-Stephan, Hungary's Holy king and founder of Hungary. Construction started in the year 1851, and the structure was dedicated until 1905.
It had a few deterioration issues. The roof was severely destroyed in World War II, and the church's mosaic was removed from the wall of the church. However the buildings are still successfully refurbished and are a highlight for the richly decorated interiors.
09. Heroes' Square and the Millennium Monument
It was mostly designed by architect Albert Schickedanz, who also directed a large museum of art that flanked this vast open space. Highlights of this include The Millennium Monument, 36 metres in length adorned by an angel Gabriel figure.
Around the plinth is visible one bronze horseman displaying the conquering Magyar prince Rafiq and 6 other warriors who were there. On both sides of the columns the colonnade extends in a half-circle, surrounded by statues of Hungary's rulers carved into the pillars. Above the corner pillar is Zalas bronze-painted sculpture.
10. Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
In a valley below Castle Hill there are several caves and passageways buried underground. During WWII, some were fortified in order to be airborne shelters or medical emergencies. The hospital is now incorporated in the Rock National Bunkers Museum (Sziklakörház Atombunker Museum) but is presently being further protected by nuclear contamination during the Cold War. It has a range of exhibitions focusing on life-saving efforts witnessed at the Siege of Budapest during the Second World Wars. Another exhibit focuses on nuclear weapon destruction.
11. Szechenyi Chain Bridge
The opening of Szechenyi chain bridge on 17 August 1849 was widely considered an engineering marvel and a symbol for Hungarys revival and rebirth. The Cast Iron Bridge connecting Buda with Pest is the first permanent Bridge over the Danube in the nation and helps to move east to west.
In addition to a beautiful architectural piece displayed, the bridge has excellent decorations, with three distinctively shaped lion statues adorning each end of the bridge. Szechenyi's Chain Bridge is a popular tourist attraction.
12. Heroes Square
Heroes' Square (Hosök Tere), marking the end of Andrássy Avenue, is home to an iconic statue depicting the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars believed to have lead the Hungarian people. On the top is the Archangel Gabriel who holds Hungarys crown.
On each side are two identical columns depicting several other Hungarian historical figures. There are several art galleries on each side. Keep an eye on the traffic on the road at the monument as it may cause erratic traffic. The ideal way to see Budapest. Segway trips.
13. City Park (Városliget)
The 300-acre densely wooded city park is popular with visitors as well as Budapestans. This park was built at the start of the 19th century and now includes several additions. Sightseeing highlights include museums, galleries, and art galleries, the municipal Zoological and Botanic Gardens, Budapest's excellent museum transportation and Tivoli Pleasurepark has children's rides and arcades and massive open-air Szeged. Also worth visiting is Vajdahunyad Castle and the 100,000 seat Peoples Stadium.
14. Danube Promenade
It runs between Elizabeth Bridge and Chain Bridge and is perfect for anyone wanting a short but enjoyable walk. Having an excursion on the Danube can help you see most famous sights. Looking toward Buda Riverside you will find Buda castle and statues at Gellert Hill and the Fishermen Bastion.
The riverside Promenade is surrounded by restaurants and cafés and offers an array from sculpture to sculpting. It is ideal if you want gypsy entertainment and fun dinner cruises which can be booked here.
15. House of Terror
It hosts a variety of exhibits about the successive fascism and communist governments that ruled Hungary in the 20th century. It itself was the former headquarters of the fascistic arrows party and the building was later utilized as prison and torture facilities.
You may visit parts of a prison area on the basement floor. It contains details about either regime as well as testimonials by victims. Besides the fascist/communist security services exhibition, it also contains temporary exhibits.
16. Fisherman's Bastion
Atop the Danube is the impressive Fisherman's Bastion Hálaszbósta. These magnificent Neo-Romanesque towers, courtyards, walls were built between 1895 and 1902, and are amongst the most popular destinations for tourists, mainly due to their spectacular views across the city and the river.
Keep an eye on the statue of St. Stephen the King of Hungary located within the south courtyard. The reliefs along the sides depict snippets from Stephen's life making for an amazing picture backdrop.
17. Margaret Island
Margaret Island is Hungarys largest recreational and recuperating city and is only 2.5 km long and 503 m wide. Moreover, hot-water thermal spring water medicinal pools and well-tended garden pathways and historic buildings are also attractive for tourists to visit.
A highlight for all visits to Palatinos is Palatinus Baths – an enormous spa complex that encompasses a bath with artificial waves and various bathing pools for children and can accommodate around 20,000 bathers in one day.
18. The University Church
Budapest University Church (Kisboldogatsz-templom) is regarded by many as the best Baroque church in Budapest. It stands in the south of Pest, far off most shopping areas but the main entrance faces a narrow side street. The main facade of the house has a triangular tympanum depicting St. Peter and Saint Anthony, and also includes the arms of Pauline Order (a mighty tower). There are two naves with pilasters, enclosed side-chambers and their wall is constructed from natural stone.
19. Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
Said as the oldest still-operating Zoos in the world, Budapest Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Fovárosillat-és Növénykert) are among the top attractions in Budapest. Established 150 years ago, the park has more than 1,067 animal species, and has a unique distinction that is located at the centre of its host city just a few blocks from Museum of Fine Art. The top-quality Zoopark also offers an animal habitat, theme animals and a range of children-friendly programming including feedings.
20. Hungarian National Museum
Although created in 1802, the beautiful Budapest National Museum Magyar Nemzeti Mzeum did not move in its newest residence until 1849, the largest traditional building around 2 courtyards. The large portico also houses an impressive memorial of Hungary's renowned poets and its parklike garden with numerous busts of famous people. Among the most impressive exhibitions are the Royal regala, including the magnificent crown of St. Stephen whose precious stones are also displayed.
21. Gellért Baths
In addition to a spa- centre the hotel offers a sauna and steamroom with a sauna in the open-air pool that converts into a heated swimming pool. Massages and spa treatments can be obtained for a fee. It was initially designed from 1912 until 1918 in Art Nouveau styles, but was severely damaged by World War II. It has also recently been renovated extensively and restored in the hope of restoring the old beauty. The baths will be open all day for mixed baths. Please see below.
22. Gellért Spa
The Gellért thermal bath has been a famous thermal bath throughout Budapest for many years. Its Bath Palace was open to bathers since 1918 and offers therapeutic water fed through deep underground water sources. See the pictures of the old! The hotel's 5 thermal pools offer a cooling baths and two plunge pools and a relaxing swimming pool. In addition, the spa offers a beautiful outdoor pool with waves and thermal pools. Address: Budapest Kelenhegyit 4, 1218 Official website.
23. Hungarian Parliament Building & Crown Jewels
One of the highlights of walking around Budapests picturesque cobbled streets was the area around Országház, the architectural-rich Parliament building. It is perhaps an architecturally attractive quarter, along with nearby museums of ethnography and agricultural government.
This Neogothic building was built in 1886 for 1,000 years of independence. Hungary is still the territory of Austria. This impressive building contains 691 apartments and an 18 km corridor and stairs.
24. Matthias Church (church of Our Lady)
The Matthias church of Our Lady Nagyboldogasszonytemplom is located within Castle Hill. In the early 1600s a stunning south entrance with relief describing Marys death was added. During Turkish occupation 1541 – 1699 the church served as a mosque and is later restored to Baroque style. Its historical events include the 1309 Coronation of king Charles I of Hungary as king Franz Joseph the Austrian Emperor. For that purpose Franz Liszt compiled a coronation Mass.
25. Andrássy Avenue
The beautiful boulevard brings people from Erzsébet Square in the center of Pest to the Citypark. The site's fascinating heritage was made a World Heritage Site in 2002. A walk along Andrássy is an interesting way to explore several different architectural styles in Budapest, including the Budapest Opera House. The subway which runs under the Avenue has the 3rd oldest underground railway system to date and has a length of 125 km.
26. Shoes on the Danube Bank
This simple memorial was built in 2005 and tells the traumatic tale of the 3500 Jews who were killed by the Nazi Arrow Cross Party. When a militia group arrived the victim had to remove his shoes, which were later shot by the soldiers before his bodies were dumped in a river. Across the riverbank buried near the Hungarian Parliament building the bronze sandals commemorating the deaths of the pair are an imposing sight.
27. Hungarian State Opera House
Its interior and exterior make the Hungarian Opera House as breathtaking as its interior. The building is extremely large, with an opening date in 1884 occupying the top spot for cultural activities in the city. The interior is equally delightful as are the numerous performances it hosts. The opera house is decorated with the most impressive artwork of all time and has an acoustically pleasing auditorium with a capacity of 1300.
28. Exploring Gellért Hill
Another of Budapests best attractions is Gellért hill (GELLÉRTE HEGY, the panorama), a 235-metre-long block of dolomite falling steeply into the river. Here along the geologic faultline of the hill several of its best medicinal sources emerge from Gellért Spa and Rudas Baths. The Ruda bath houses are one of a handful of remains of Turkish occupation and among those rare Turkish baths still surviving from around 1600 years old.
29. Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest's thermal baths provide a relaxing experience for tourists and citizens alike as well as visitors. Budapest is famous for its Thermal Bath Széchenyi Gyógyfürd. The facility is accessed by two thermal pools and is the largest facility of its kind in Europe, with a capacity to accommodate thousands of swimmers in the three outdoor pools. The hotel offers spa treatments, including massage and sauna facilities.
30. Liberty Bridge
Opening in 1896, Liberty Bridge runs across the Danube river and runs between Gellert square in Buda and Fovam square in Pest. The wrought iron bridge features art Nouveau architecture and some wonderful views over the river when walking across. The Bridge is a monument built for the Millennium World Exhibition and there are many fantastic mythology bronze sculptures on both ends of the bridge.
31. Parliament Building
The Parliament Building is one of the biggest buildings in Hungary and houses over 100 parliamentary offices. Although this impressive house appears incredible in every aspect, the entire building deserves a viewing. Tours of various areas of the house can be booked each day in different languages. You must have identification to enter and the luggage is subject to search.
32. The Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts ("Szépmvészeti Mzeum") is Budapest's largest arts center and contains among the largest collections of works by the Old Masters in Europe. A vast selection of Italian, Spanish, and Dutch paintings are displayed within the spectacular, classically inspired 19th Century building with long rooms to house the large paintings and cabinet for smaller and intimate items.
33. Szechenyi Bath
While Budapest is famous for its amazing spas none are nearly as popular. This beautiful yellow Neobaroque structure was built in 1913 and features an expansive sauna and steamroom. The hotel has a variety of fine decoration including mosaics, sculpture and lighting. Even though it's incredibly busy it is always calm and peaceful except for the pool parties Saturday night!
34. Matthias Church
The Matthias church located just beside the Fishermen's Bastion is an incredible building. Its tallspire and magnificent facade have incredible Gothic qualities that glow in the sun. The church has a long and fascinating history. Aside from being used in Ottoman times for mosqueing, the walls contained a lavish decoration that certainly reflected such an event.
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