Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Budapest
Many consider Budapest, Hungary's capital, to be the "Paris of the East." This lovely city is not only one of the most culturally significant metropolises in ... read more...Eastern Europe, but it also has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn more about the top 10 Best Places to Visit in Budapest that you should not miss.
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Hungarian Parliament Building ranks 2nd in the list of best places to visit in Budapest. The area around the country's architecturally appealing Parliament building (Országház) is a highlight of a tour through Budapest's lovely pedestrian-friendly cobbled lanes. It is one of the city's most aesthetically appealing neighborhoods, together with the Museum of Ethnography and the Ministry of Agriculture. This Neo-Gothic structure, the world's third biggest parliament building, was inaugurated in 1886 to commemorate the country's 1,000th anniversary (Hungary was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.)
This magnificent structure has 691 rooms as well as 19 kilometers of hallways and stairs. Guided tours will last roughly 45 minutes and include many of the building's highlights, including the main entrance hall, several lobbies, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels, and are available whenever the government is not sitting. Most seats sell out a week in advance, so book your tickets as soon as possible.
Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 441 4000
Official site: http://hungarianparliament.com/tours/ -
Without a doubt, Fisherman's Bastion is one of the top Budapest sights. Fisherman's Bastion's current gorgeous lookout towers / decorative fortification was created in the 19th century to serve as a lookout tower for the best panoramic views in Budapest, Hungary. Needless to say, there were real castle walls where you may now capture amazing shots, although the current building was never employed as an actual defense in Buda.
The views from the Fisherman's Bastion deserve its own separate tower atop Buda Castle Hill, as not only the Buda Castle but also the river views and Danube riverfront sights have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Due to its distinguishing characteristic, the Fisherman's Bastion is one of Budapest's most popular attractions. The Bastion towers are also included in Buda Castle excursions. Many tourists take a Danube river cruise in Budapest to appreciate the full range of river vistas along the Danube.
While you're here, search for the bronze equestrian figure of St. Stephen, Hungary's first King, in the south courtyard. The reliefs on the base illustrate scenes from Stephen's life and make an excellent photo backdrop. Head to the highest towers or turrets for even additional photo opportunities. There is a little admission price, but it helps to keep that area of the site less crowded.Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary
Phone number: +36 20 394 9825
Official site: https://fishermansbastion.com/ -
Matthias Church ranks 5th in the list of best places to visit in Budapest. Matthias Church, also known as The Church of Our Lady (Nagyboldogasszony-templom), is a Roman Catholic church in Budapest, Hungary, located on Holy Trinity Square, in front of the Fisherman's Bastion, in the heart of Buda's Castle District. According to church tradition, it was built in 1015 in Romanesque style, albeit few references survive.
The existing structure was built in the second half of the 14th century in the florid late Gothic style and was significantly rebuilt in the late 19th century. It was medieval Buda's second-largest church and the seventh-largest church in the medieval Hungarian Kingdom. During the Turkish conquest in 1541-1699, the church was utilized as a mosque and was later rebuilt in the Baroque style. It was the site of various historic events, including the coronation of King Charles I of Hungary in 1309 and the consecration of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his spouse Elisabeth (Sissy) as rulers of Hungary. Franz Liszt wrote his coronation mass for this occasion. On some Sunday afternoons, free organ performances are held here, and they are definitely worth attending. Please check the website for the exact dates.
Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 355 5657
Official site: https://matyas-templom.hu/home -
Castle Hill (Várhegy), which towers over the Danube, houses several of the city's most famous medieval monuments and museums. The 18th-century Buda Fortress (Budavári Palota), a vast 200-room palace that replaced a 13th-century castle designed to safeguard the bastion from Mongol and Tartar invasions, tops the list of these spectacular constructions. Despite being severely damaged during WWII, much of the exterior has been repaired, as have sections of the interior, which now houses a number of notable museums. The Hungarian National Gallery is located in the main wing, and the Budapest History Museum is located in the south wing.
A bronze equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a hero of Turkish attacks on the city, stands in front of the castle, overlooking the Danube. Castle Hill is worth visiting because of its ancient alleyways and Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque buildings. The entire historic complex is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buda Castle, like much of the city, is beautifully illuminated at night, and the castle courtyards are open 24 hours a day. The rebuilt old Castle Funicular Railway departs from the Buda end of the Chain Bridge and takes you to the castle.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 458 3000
Official site: https://budacastlebudapest.com/ -
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) in Budapest is a famous tourist destination due to its remarkable architecture, the beauty of its interior, and the panoramic views from its dome. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, Hungary's holy king, and the Hungarian state's founder. The building began in 1851, but because of various setbacks, including the collapse of its unfinished dome, it was not consecrated until 1905.
During WWII, the roof, towers, and external walls were severely damaged, and the church's valuable mosaics fell off the walls. These, however, were successfully restored to their former location and are the focal point of the elaborately decorated interior. The sanctuary has the most magnificent of these, a five-part Venetian mosaic depicting the allegories of the mass. The most valuable holy relic in the cathedral, the mummified right hand of the church's patron saint, the first monarch of Hungary, is shown behind glass in the chapel to the left of the high altar.
If time allows, one of the greatest things to do here is riding one of the two elevators up to the cupola for panoramic views of the city and the Danube (alternatively, you can climb the 364 steps). On weekdays, guided tours of the basilica are provided. Also, you should keep an eye on the cathedral's website for information about upcoming organ and classical music concerts.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 311 0839
Official site: http://en.bazilika.biz/ -
The panoramic Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy), a 235-meter slab of dolomite that descends precipitously down to the Danube, is another of Budapest's most remarkable sights. Several of the city's most famous medicinal springs arise along the hill's geological fault line, supplying the Gellért Spa and Rudas Baths, which have drawn visitors from all over the world since the 13th century. The Rudas Baths are one of only a few buildings left over from the Turkish occupation, and they are one of the few authentic Turkish bathhouses still in use in the world, dating back to the 1600s.
The Gellért Monument, located on the hill's northeast slope, is a homage to Hungary's beloved famous saint, a Benedictine monk who died in 1046 and for whom the hill is named. It is perched high above a man-made waterfall and gives spectacular views of the city. The Austrians built the Citadel on the peak in 1851, and the Liberation Monument was erected in 1947 in remembrance of Soviet soldiers who perished fighting in WWII. Finally, if you still have energy, walk around Jubilee Park. It was built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution and features several gorgeous walks, lovely flowerbeds, and statues.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Gellert-hegy, Budapest, Buda, District 1, Hungary
Phone number: N/A
Official site: N/A -
The Museum of Fine Arts ranks 8th in the list of best places to visit in Budapest. The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Mzeum) is not just Budapest's most important art gallery; it also has one of Europe's most significant collections of Old Masters masterpieces. The huge collection of Italian, Spanish, and Dutch paintings is on display in a splendid, classically influenced 19th-century edifice with long galleries for the larger paintings, cabinets for smaller and more intimate pieces, and architecturally fascinating spaces such as the Renaissance Hall.
The museum, which was founded in 1870 after Hungary received a wonderful collection of paintings, drawings, and prints, is split into six superb sections: Egyptian Art, Ancient Art, the Old Sculpture Gallery, the Old Painter Gallery, the Modern Collection, and the Graphics Collection. The nearby Palace of Art is the city's major modern art museum, and it frequently offers temporary shows, so make sure to check for current offerings.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, 1146 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 469 7100
Official site: http://www.szepmuveszeti.hu/main -
Heroes' Square is a major square in Budapest, Hungary, known for its iconic Millennium Monument, which features statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes, which is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The square is located near City Park (Városliget) at the outgoing end of Andrássy Avenue. The spectacular Heroes' Square (Hosök tere) was designed mostly by architect Albert Schickedanz, who also designed the massive Museum of Fine Arts that sides this enormous open space.
Highlights include the Millennium Monument, a 36-meter column crowned by a figure of the Archangel Gabriel and unveiled in the late 19th century. A group of bronze horsemen symbolizing the invading Magyar Prince rpád and six of his fellow warriors surrounds the plinth. Colonnades stretch in a semicircle on either side of the column, and sculptures of Hungarian emperors stand between the individual pillars. Zala's bronze pieces adorn the corner pillars. In the evening, electric lights illuminate the entire area creating a beautiful picture. This place is really a worth-seeing destination when you travel to Budapest.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146 Hungary
Phone number: N/A
Official site: N/A -
Budapest is well-known across the world for its amazing thermal springs, many of which have been harnessed to provide locals and visiting visitors with the opportunity to rest and revitalize in thermal baths. The best-known of these attractions in Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi gyógyfürdo). It was founded in 1913 and is fed by two thermal springs; it is also Europe's largest such facility, capable of hosting thousands of bathers at a time in its three outdoor pools (including an adventure pool ideal for families) and 15 interior pools.
You can pick between 18 medicinal water pools, as well as the outdoor adventure pool, hot tub, swimming pool, or drift pool. Even in the winter, the thermal bath is a great place to go to experience the benefits of hot water. In addition to the pools, guests can enjoy saunas and steam rooms, as well as spa services such as massages. Visit the baths after dark for a wonderful experience. Day tickets, which include locker use, can be purchased online or at the door. Bring your bathing suit, towel, and flip-flops!
Google rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 363 3210
Official site: http://www.szechenyibath.hu/ -
The Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), also known as the Great Market Hall, is located directly across the Freedom Bridge from the Gellért Spa. Its strategic location and vivid Zsolnay tiles from the town of Pécs make it impossible to miss. The largest and oldest of Budapest's many markets, it's as interesting to look at from the inside as it is from the outside, especially if you enjoy people-watching. This popular indoor marketplace has an area of about 10,000 square meters and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists, drawn here for the abundance of fresh produce, food stuff, and other things traded across its many levels.
If you get hungry, get a snack from one of the sellers on the second mezzanine level, or a croissant and coffee to go as you explore. You may sample traditional Hungarian street food there, such as lángos, a wonderful deep-fried pastry topped with sour cream, cheese, and your choice of vegetarian or meat toppings. While Saturdays are undoubtedly the busiest days at the market (it is closed on Sundays), you can avoid the crowds by visiting during the week. If you're an early riser, come early; it opens at 6 a.m., and it's exciting to watch the sellers set up and prepare their produce for sale.
Google rating: 4.3/5.0
Address: apest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
Phone number: +36 1 366 3300
Official site: https://piaconline.hu/en/central-market-hall/