Budapest has so much to offer its visitors. From stunning natural sites to fascinating historical attractions, the city is overflowing with culture and activities. It can be hard to know where to start when visiting Budapest, so we’ve rounded up our top 10 things to see and do in this beautiful Hungarian capital. Whether you’re after a cultural experience or simply want to take in the sights, here are our top picks for making the most of your time in Budapest.
Fisherman’s Bastion
If you’re looking for the best views in Budapest, head to Fisherman’s Bastion. This hilltop castle was built in the 19th century and offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a great spot to take photos or just admire the view.
There is also a lot to see inside Fisherman’s Bastion. The castle is full of intricate details and there are several museums and exhibitions to explore. If you’re interested in history, this is definitely a place you won’t want to miss.
Fisherman’s Bastion also has a café and restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the views. If you want to experience something truly unique, head up to the tower at night for a romantic view of Budapest under the stars.
The Great Synagogue (Dohány Street Synagogue)
The Great Synagogue, also known as Dohány Street Synagogue, is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. It is located in Budapest, Hungary and was built in 1854. The synagogue is a beautiful example of Moorish Revival architecture and can accommodate up to 3,000 people. The interior of the synagogue is equally impressive and features a number of intricate designs and paintings.
The Great Synagogue is a popular tourist destination and has been featured in several films. It is also home to the Jewish Museum of Budapest, where visitors can learn about the history of the Jewish community in Hungary. The synagogue also hosts concerts and other cultural events throughout the year.
The Great Synagogue is one of the most important sites for Jewish history and culture in Europe and is a symbol of Jewish resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It has survived two world wars and over a century of political upheavals, and it stands today as a reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic buildings in Budapest. It is located on the bank of the Danube River and it is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The Parliament Building is home to the Hungarian Parliament, which is the unicameral legislature of Hungary. The Parliament Building is also one of the tallest buildings in Budapest, with a height of 96 meters (315 feet). The building was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl and it was completed in 1902.
The Parliament Building is a stunning symbol of Hungarian culture and heritage. The exterior of the building is adorned with intricate sculptures and statues, as well as large stone columns that give it an impressive look. Inside, the building has six floors, which contain many grand rooms, including the House of Lords, the House of Representatives, and the Grand Staircase. Visitors can also explore the interior hallways and admire its beautiful stained glass windows.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is open to visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Sundays when it opens at noon. Tours are available in English, German and Hungarian and cost around 1000 HUF (roughly €3). Admission includes access to all parts of the building and a half-hour guided tour by an expert guide.
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest. The castle is located on the Buda side of the city, on top of Castle Hill. It is a large complex of buildings that includes the royal palace, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Library of Hungary. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take a tour of the royal palace, or enjoy views of the city from the castle walls.
The castle was originally built in the 13th century, but was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It has served as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a government office. Today, Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary.
Matthias Church
Matthias Church is a beautiful Romanesque church in the heart of Budapest. It was built in the 13th century and has been renovated several times since then. The church is named after King Matthias, who was crowned king of Hungary in 1458. The church has a rich history and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest.
The most iconic feature of the church is its façade, which is decorated with colorful tile mosaics. The roof is made of copper, and there are two towers flanking the building. Inside, visitors can admire the Baroque frescoes that were painted in the 17th century.
There is also a small museum inside that has religious artifacts from the Middle Ages. Additionally, there are many statues and monuments dedicated to various members of the royal family throughout the centuries.
On special occasions, such as major holidays or royal weddings, Matthias Church hosts special ceremonies and celebrations. During these times, visitors can witness intricate rituals and processions taking place around this grand old building.
Gellért Hill Cave
The Gellért Hill Cave is a must-see for any visitor to Budapest. This natural cave has been turned into a beautiful chapel, and is illuminated by candles. The cave is located just outside the city center, and can be reached by taking a short walk from the nearest metro station.
The cave was first used as a place of worship by monks in the 11th century, and later became a shelter during times of extreme weather. It became a popular tourist attraction in the 20th century, and has been restored to its former glory in recent years.
Visitors can explore the cave and admire its many stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a small museum located inside the chapel, where visitors can learn about the history of the site. The chapel itself is an amazing sight, with its impressive murals and intricate carvings.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest medicinal baths in Europe. It is located in the city park, next to Heroes’ Square. The bath has three outdoor and 15 indoor pools, and a water temperature ranging from 18-38C°. The main attraction is the yellow “Gellért” wave pool. Other facilities include: a sauna, a steam room, a massage service, and a sun terrace.
The bath was built in 1913 and is very popular among both locals and tourists. The facilities are open all year round, with opening times ranging from 6am to 10pm. Visitors can access the baths for a single fee or by purchasing a daily ticket. The thermal baths provide a great opportunity to relax and unwind while enjoying the healing benefits of natural hot spring water.
Memento Park
Memento Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest. The park is home to a number of statues and monuments that commemorate the country’s Communist past. Visitors can learn about the history of the park and see some of the most important historical sites in Hungary.
The park was established in 1993 and is located on the outskirts of Budapest. It covers a total area of about 44 acres and contains more than 40 statues, monuments, and plaques. The park also has a museum and a theater where visitors can learn more about the history of Communism.
The most important monument in Memento Park is the Monument to Imre Nagy, who was Hungary’s first freely-elected Prime Minister after the end of Communist rule in 1989. Other notable statues include those commemorating Lenin, Marx, Engels, Kádár (the Communist leader who held power until 1988) as well as other influential figures from Hungarian history.
The park is open every day (except Mondays), and admission is free. There are guided tours available which cost an additional fee but provide interesting insight into the history of Hungary’s Communist era.
Danube Promenade
Walking along the Danube Promenade is one of the best things to do in Budapest. The promenade stretches for almost 2.5 miles, from the Elizabeth Bridge to the Parliament Building. Along the way, you’ll get great views of some of Budapest’s most famous landmarks, including Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Gellért Hill. The promenade is also a great place to people watch, as it’s always full of locals and tourists alike.
If you’re looking for an even better view of the city, take a ride on one of the Danube Boat Tours. These boat rides will give you some of the best views of Budapest and its many landmarks, as you can get up close and personal with them from the river.
The Danube Promenade is also a great place for leisurely strolls and jogs. There are plenty of benches along the way to rest and take in all that Budapest has to offer. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, make sure to add this beautiful promenade to your list of things to do in Budapest!
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial in Budapest, Hungary. It commemorates the Jews who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during World War II. The victims were ordered to take off their shoes, and were then shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away.
The memorial consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes attached to the embankment of the Danube River. It was created in 2005 by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer as a reminder of this tragic event and serves as a reminder to all of us to stand up against hate, intolerance, persecution and injustice.
The memorial is located on the banks of the Danube in Budapest, near the Hungarian Parliament building. It has become an important symbol of remembrance for the victims and a reminder of the horrors of World War II. The shoes in the memorial are meant to represent those who were taken away from their families and killed in cold blood. The memorial also serves as a reminder that such atrocities should never be forgotten or repeated.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica (Hungarian: Szent István-bazilika) is a Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest, Hungary. It is named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose supposed right hand is preserved here. It was the sixth largest church building in Hungary before 1920.
The dome on top of the main façade is 96 m (315 ft) above ground level and can be seen from most of Pest . Inside, there are 10 altars , a Michelangelo ‘s Pietà , and two large organs .
The basilica was designed by Miklós Ybl , a leading 19th-century architect. Its construction began in 1851, based on earlier plans by Joszef Hild . It was completed in 1905. The interior decoration took another half century, until 1956. Saint Stephen’s crown adorns the top of the dome; at 365 feet (112 meters) it is one of Europe’s tallest churches. From each side a staircase leads up to the viewing gallery around the dome which affords panoramic views over Budapest .
Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is one of the most significant squares in Budapest. Located in City Park, it is home to the Millenary Monument, which commemorates the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian Conquest. The square is also flanked by two museums: The Museum of Fine Arts and The Historical Museum.
In addition to being a beautiful and historic site, Heroes’ Square is also a great place to people watch. On any given day, you’ll see tourists taking photos, locals walking their dogs, and children playing in the park.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just want to enjoy a sunny day in the park, Heroes’ Square is definitely worth a visit.
Hungarian State Opera
The Hungarian State Opera is the country’s premier opera house. Located in central Budapest on Andrássy út, the spectacular neo-renaissance building dates back to 1884 and is a listed World Heritage Site.
The Opera House is home to four resident companies – the Hungarian State Opera, the Hungarian National Ballet, the Budapest Symphony Orchestra and the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – and stages around 50 productions each season. Guided tours of the building are available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Budapest during the summer months (June-August), don’t miss the chance to see an opera or ballet performance outdoors at the open-air theatre in Városliget Park.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest and one of the most popular tourist attractions. It is located on Fővám square, in the 9th district. The market hall was built in 1897 and it is a three-story building with a glass roof.
On the ground floor, there are stalls selling meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, and baked goods. On the first floor, there are restaurants and cafes. On the second floor, there are shops selling souvenirs and Hungarian crafts. The market hall is open every day from 6am to 6pm.
Conclusion
With so much to see and do in Budapest, it can be hard to narrow down exactly which attractions you will want to spend your time exploring. We hope this list of the top 10 things to see and do in Budapest has helped give you some ideas for planning your trip. From a romantic boat cruise along the Danube River, to strolling through centuries-old markets, there is something for everyone in Budapest! So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and come explore all that Hungary’s capital city has to offer!