Budapest Things To Do

The Castle District

A memorably picturesque, car-free area set on the hills of Buda. The vast Buda Royal Palace is a fascinating mix of Gothic and Baroque and contains important national museums and monuments within its walls, including the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchenyi Library. Matthias Church, with its curious mix of architectural influences, coloured tiled roof and Gothic spire, is famous throughout Hungary.

Buda Castle

The most famous landmark in the city, Buda Castle dates back to the 13th century, and houses a range of cultural attractions within the grounds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lined with cobbled streets, and houses a royal palace, churches, museums, and galleries, as well as shops and cafes. Other attractions include a waxwork exhibition and a tour of the medieval cave system that lies beneath the castle, and during the summer, Buda Castle plays host to a number of festivals.

Heroes Square

Located in the heart of the city, Heroes Square has been the focus of political and social life, and represents the country's national pride. As well as playing host to Millennium Monument, the Museum of Fine Arts and Art Hall, the square boasts statues and reliefs depicting famous historical figures, and has plenty of atmospheric cafes in which to sit and enjoy daily life go by.

Matthias Church

Dating back to the 13th century, and located in the Buda Castle district, Matthias Church has a colourful and eclectic history, and displays both a Gothic and Islamic heritage, serving as the city's main mosque during Turkish rule. There's plenty to see, from medieval carvings and frescoes to an art museum and a replica of the nation's crown jewels, and the church serves as one of the main venues for the Autumn Festival of arts and music.

Parliament of Budapest

Inspired by London's Westminster Palace, the Parliament of Budapest has been the seat of the National Assembly for over a hundred years, and boasts a stunning gothic style and ornate architectural features. There is a public viewing platform to witness political debate in Europe's largest legislative building, and there are regular tours each day.

St. Stephen's Basilica

Dedicated to honour the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen's Basilica is a Neo-Renaissance catholic church, a highly ornate and decorated structure with a beautiful marble interior, stunning mosaics and magnificent stained glass windows. Enjoy a drink in one of the open air cafes in the square of the same name, and soak up wonderful views of the Basilica and city life around it.

The Chain Bridge

The iconic suspension bridge that spans the River Danube was the first to connect the two cities of Buda and Pest, and having played a pivotal role in the region's history, remains a shining symbol of Hungarian freedom. Spectacular and dramatic, the bridge is illuminated at night, and offers a wonderful spot for an evening stroll, and is ideally placed right in the heart of the tourist district.

Fisherman's Bastion

Overlooking the Danube, the Fisherman's Bastion affords some of the best views in Budapest. Built purely for ornamentation, it serves as an observation tower and boasts both Gothic and Romanesque styler, with seven large turrets connected by terraces and sweeping staircases.

The Danube

Take plenty of time to explore both banks of the river. Tram routes ply both sides of the Danube and provide good views, and in the summer, there are numerous boat trips and ferries. The mid-19th century Chain Bridge is by far the most famous of the 9 bridges, linking Buda with Pest, and is particularly picturesque at night. For some of the finest views of the Danube and Pest, explore the delightful ramparts, stairs, turrets and arcades of the Fishermen's Bastion built on the castle walls.

Parks

Visit Gellért Hill for some of the best views of both halves of the city, and of course, of the Danube. Many of Budapest’s famous spa baths are found in the area, including the Gellért Baths with its gloriously opulent Art Nouveau hotel. Margaret Island has old-fashioned charm, a Dominican convent, a Franciscan church, beautiful gardens, an open-air theatre and an open-air thermal swimming pool. The vast landscaped Varosliget Park contains a circus, a zoo, lakes and the bizarre Vajdahunyad Castle. Statue Park is a unique graveyard for the huge statues of the Communist years, including Marx and Lenin.

Andrassy Ut and Erzsebert

These two neighbourhoods make for an interesting day's sightseeing. Andrassy Ut is packed with fabulous buildings and monuments like St. Stephen's Basilica, the State Opera House, the Municipal Operetta Theatre, the Franz Liszt Memorial Museum, the Palace of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts. Deak Square and Heroes’ Square are two of Budapest’s finest. The old Jewish quarter, Erzsébet Town, is particularly picturesque and contains Europe’s largest synagogue, a superb construction of coloured brickwork, towers, domes and intricate arches and windows. Don’t miss seeing the interior and the adjacent Jewish Museum and Memorial.

Thermal baths

World famous Budapest spas are an unforgettable experience, featuring hot springs, thermal swimming pools, steam rooms, massage, mud packs and saunas. The best known are the Gellért Baths, set in wonderfully stylish Art Nouveau splendour, whilst the Széchenyi Bathhouse is one of Europe’s largest. The superb Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal Spa is expensive but worthwhile for the beautifully restored Art Deco fixtures, and for a more authentically Turkish experience, try the Kiraly Baths or Rudas in Buda.