Budapest has successfully preserved its historic atmosphere and unique, eclectic cityscape, while new places are constantly popping up and life is buzzing on the streets.
Tourist attractions in Budapest
Budapest is a city that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. The capital of Hungary captivates visitors not only with its historical richness, but also with the fascinating and varied tourist attractions that make the city so special. The elegant bridges over the Danube, such as the Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge, literally connect the two parts of the city, Pest and Buda, and make Budapest even more romantic in the evening lights. So the Hungarian capital has plenty of tourist attractions to offer, here's what you should see!
The Parliament
When we say "Hungary's iconic building", the Parliament is probably the one that immediately comes to mind. This grandiose building has been part of the Danube-front skyline since 1987 and proudly holds the title of World Heritage Site. The imposing Budapest creation was built under the direction of architect Imre Steindl over 17 years, between 1885 and 1902. You can take a 50-minute guided tour of the building, led by qualified guides in different languages. On this tour you will discover fascinating parts such as the City Staircase XVII, the Chamber of Deputies and its lounge, the Dome Hall with its crown, and the Decorated Staircase.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
One of the most beautiful symbols of our capital is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which connects the Pest side of the capital with the Buda side. Not only is it impressive to look at, but its history is also interesting!
Fisherman's Bastion and the Buda Castle District
After walking across the bridge, head for the Castle District! Here, next to the palace, you'll find one of Budapest's outstanding tourist attractions, the Fisherman's Bastion. Its neo-Romanesque style terraces offer wonderful views of the city, including the Parliament building. It is also worth walking around the surrounding streets to discover other attractions in the castle district, such as the Matthias Church, and of course the castle itself! And did you know that there is even a labyrinth under the castle? If you're looking for an interactive activity, you should try it!
And if you ar looking for real Hungarian flavours, don’t miss the Pest-Buda Bistro, where they serve authentic Hungarian cusine!
Citadel
Rising from the south-eastern bastion of Gellért Hill, the 14-metre-high statue of a woman is visible from almost every point of the capital and has become one of Budapest's main landmarks over the years. The Citadel has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Although the interior of the fortress is currently closed to the public, its permanent outdoor exhibitions and stunning views still make it a popular place for tourists to explore.
Heroes' Square and the City Park
Almost all Hungarian history can be found here. It is a World Heritage Site, full of monumental statues. What is it? This is Heroes' Square! The monument consists of two semicircular colonnades and a central group of statues. Some of the statues in the colonnades today are different from the originals; over time some have been replaced for historical reasons. If you've already decided to dive deeper into Hungarian history, it's also worth exploring the sights in the immediate vicinity of Heroes' Square. The Museum of Fine Arts offers a cultural journey through time from antiquity to the end of the 18th century, while the Kunsthalle offers contemporary art exhibitions. And if you want to relax after the cultural events, enjoy the soothing waters of the Széchenyi Spa or take a stroll in the beautiful City Park.
St Stephen's Basilica
St Stephen's Basilica is one of the most popular attractions for foreign tourists. This unmissable programme is not only eye-catching, but also budget- and family-friendly. Climb up to the dome and enjoy a stunning bird's eye view of the city! This neo-Renaissance building in the heart of the 5th arrondissement is a real eye-catcher.