THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. These are the top things to do in Budapest: fascinating history, beautiful architecture, thermal baths, and ruin bars.

Visit Heroes’ Square

The Heros’ Square is a must-see at the end Of Andrassy Avenue. The Millennium Monument, which depicts the Archangel Gabriel holding a Hungarian crown, is at its center. You will find several statues surrounding it, including those of the Seven Chieftains and Magyars and other prominent Hungarian leaders.

Visit the art museums on either side of the square to learn more about Hungarian history.

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest’s most famous landmark is the Hungarian Parliament Building. It is best to see it from the other side of the Danube to appreciate its Gothic Revival beauty.

The 691-room parliament building can be toured, and you can watch the guard changing. You can also see its stunning statues and paintings and learn more about Budapest’s political history.

Cross The Chain Bridge

This bridge is Budapest’s most well-known. This suspension bridge, built in 1849, connects Budapest’s Buda (west) and Pest (east) sides. The views are breathtaking, and it takes only 10 minutes to cross.

To truly appreciate the beauty of this bridge, you will want to visit it both at night and during the day. You can take some fantastic photos, especially looking for the perfect spot.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle, perched high on Castle Hill, is a stunning sight. This Hungarian home was built in the 13th Century. It is now Unesco World Heritage Site. Castle Hill, surrounded by the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery, is the ideal place to learn about the city’s culture.

A guided tour is the best way to see Castle Hill. The 2-hour Castle tour is less than $20 and is well worth the money.

Szechenyi Spa Baths

It is known as the City of Spas. Szechenyi baths are a must-see in Budapest. After a day of sightseeing, they are the ideal escape. They are one of the most critical European medicinal baths and are well-known for their healing properties.

There are 15 indoor and three large outdoor swimming pools and ten saunas or steam rooms. Extra charges may apply for massages and spa treatments. Even if you only want to soak for a few minutes, you will always remember the experience.

The Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is the place to go if you want the city’s best views. The sunset views of Pest, Margaret Island, and The Danube are spectacular, especially at sunset.

Seven towers were constructed to represent the Seven Magyar tribes. Each building offers a different view of the surrounding areas.

Margaret Island

This 2.5km island is Budapest’s most beautiful natural space. Margret Island, located in the middle Danube River is accessed via a bridge at each end. It is the ideal place to escape the bustle of the city while enjoying beautiful gardens.

Stroll along the Danube Promenade

You can enjoy the most iconic landmarks of Budapest by walking between the Chain Bridge or the Elizabeth Bridge on the Danube. The Fisherman’s Bastion, the Liberty Statue, and Buda Castle are all within reach.

Visit The “Shoes On The Danube Bank Memorial

The Shoes on the Danube Memorial is located along the Danube Promenade. It commemorates the 3500 Arrow Cross militiamen killed during World War II. In memory of the victims who were forced to remove their shoes before being executed, 60 pairs of cast iron shoes are along the river’s banks.

Great Market Hall

Great Market Hall Budapest is not only the most popular market in Budapest, but it also features a stunning example of a NeoGothic tunnel. It is ideal for getting groceries and unique souvenirs if you rent an apartment.

The Great Market Hall can be found right at the Danube. It is well worth spending an hour exploring its treasures.

The House of Terror

The House of Terror is located at Andrassy Avenue. It is a monument to all those who died fighting the communist and fascist regimes in Budapest. It was once the Nazis’ headquarters and was used during World War II as a prison.

It has four floors and includes interactive displays and collections that allow you to learn more about the city’s history. The basement, which contains part of the prison, can also be viewed.

Hungarian National Opera House

The State Opera House is a unique place to visit in Budapest. It was opened for the first time in 1884. It is an excellent example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. It is a fantastic experience to see opera here. The 1200-seat auditorium has the best sound quality in the world, and the building is breathtaking.

You can take a guided tour if you cannot get tickets to the opera. You should book them well in advance.

Stephen’s Basilica

This church is both the largest and tallest in Budapest. It is named after Stephen I, the first King of Hungary (you can see his right hand if you are interested), and it is the largest church in Hungary.

For stunning city views, head up to the observation deck when you visit St Stephen’s Basilica. You can enter the church for free but must pay HUF 400 to use the stairs (365!). Alternatively, you can take the elevator for HUF 600.

Buda Castle Funicular

For another attraction in Budapest, take the funicular up. It was built in 1870 and is the 2nd European funicular. The funicular runs between Adam Clark Square, the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle.