What to see in Budapest, among historic buildings and bridges over the Danube

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city with a strong personality. Romantic and eccentric, between past and present, between history and innovation. This city will be a revelation for those preparing to visit it for the first time. We have created a list of the most important places and attractions: here is what to do in Budapest and what to see.

Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary

If you are visiting for the first time Budapest, Hungary, the impression will be that of a city divided into two well-defined parts. And in a certain sense it is exactly like this: on the one hand the ancient city, Buddha, on the other the modern one, Pest. Two cities separated by the Danube River. And it is precisely this meeting between past and present that makes it a wonderful destination for your trip.

What to visit in Budapest: places of interest not to be missed

The course of Danubio marks the life and rhythms of beauty Budapest, daughter of the union of the citizens of Buddha and Pest. The capital of Hungary is imposing, elegant and sumptuous, waiting to be discovered for its wealth of buildings and the emotions it can arouse.

How much there is of Eastern influence and how much of Western influence is difficult to establish with extreme precision because here, like the water of the great river that runs through it, everything that has passed has left a trace, in an evocative mix testified by the spectacular buildings of which it is populated the city.

There are many monuments and attractions to visit in this city. And then Hungary is well suited for them holidays with family And it is a great attractions during the Christmas period with the colorful ones Markets. That's why we've created a guide that can help you during your stay in Budapest: what to see in the Hungarian capital.

Buddha and Pest

What is popularly known is that Buddha can be defined as the tidiest part, while Pest it is more teeming. However, they are both very beautiful and in fact it is no coincidence that entire areas of Budapest have been included and annexed among the sites protected byUnesco. To unite the two sides of the same coin, eight imposing bridges of great artistic and architectural value have been erected Budapest attractions.

Overview of Budapest
Overview of Budapest

Buda neighborhood

Il neighborhood of Buda it is the oldest part of the city; destroyed several times it has been rebuilt over time. Currently the Royal Palace is located there. It's definitely one of the things to put on the list."Budapest: things to see".

Budapest ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it
Budapest ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it

Pest neighborhood

Il Pest neighborhood it is the heart of modern Budapest. In stark contrast to the ancient part, it is the contemporary soul of a European capital. Precisely in this neighborhood we also find the lively Budapest nightlife.

Budapest Spa

Budapest,  the charm of an Eastern capital. There are 22 thermal springs in Budapest, many of which are concentrated in the Vizivàros district, also known as the "City of the waters“. During the empire of ancient Rome the thermal baths of Buddha and Pest they were frequented by the good bourgeoisie. Since 1956, and throughout this post-Stalinist era, even intellectuals have found the space where they can meet and discuss in complete relaxation immersed in the hot tubs of Lukàcs bathrooms. While chess players prefer to compete blissfully in the waters of Széchényi baths. You cannot visit this city without trying one of its spas, which contribute to making it famous throughout Europe.

Budapest Spa
Budapest Spa

Danube, Budapest

But, spas aside, a Budapest there really is something for all tastes. The city is divided by Danubio, which here more than anywhere else is truly blue. The river clearly separates the old, aristocratic, imperial city of Buda, from politics, commercial, and sparkling Pest. Two cities united by a single way of life, apparently fatalistic and vigorously projected towards the future, the Hungarian Government managed to enter the European Community. Not an easy feat, given the galloping inflation.

Danube, Budapest
Danube, Budapest

Parliament Building, Budapest

Il Parliament building is located in the neighborhood Pest and it is perhaps the best-known building in Budapest, the one most photographed by tourists. The Baroque and Renaissance style of the interior contrasts with the Gothic exterior, making it a very particular building that we recommend you include in the list "What to see in Budapest".

Royal Palace in Budapest

At the foot of the Buda Hill There is the Royal Palace which enjoys fantastic views of Pest; to see the beauties of the city, just walk and raise your eyes, so as to come across the magnificence of the decorations of the Postal Savings Bank, whose roof is finely decorated with drawings of bees. The Royal Palace of Budapest dominates the city from the neighborhood Buddha. It is now home to the President of the Hungarian Republic. We advise you to visit it at midday, to witness the changing of the guard which takes place daily.

Royal Palace, Budapest
Royal Palace, Budapest

Chain Bridge

Il Chain Bridge it is an ancient bridge that connects Buddha a Pest. In the evening, illuminated, it is even more fascinating and evocative. The ideal place, if you are a couple, for a romantic walk. Crossing the Chain Bridge it is easily accessible from one side Castle and on the other a Belvaros where the medieval city extends enclosed in the “Small Course“, a dense set of ancient streets. Not far away is the area of shopping in Budapest, namely Vaci Ut, while to the north-east of the city it is possible to visit the Heroes' Square, epicenter of artistic beauties of inestimable value. Here also stands the Fine Arts Museum.

Chain Bridge, Budapest
Chain Bridge, Budapest

Buda Castle

Il Buda Castle it is the historical and architectural symbol of Budapest and the whole of Hungary. Inside you will find the Budapest History Museum, which tells the story of the city, and the National Gallery, which houses around one hundred thousand works of Hungarian art.

Buda CastleBuda Castle

10 St. Stephen's Basilica

La St. Stephen's Basilica it is a neoclassical style church, a real source of pride for the city of Budapest thanks to its mosaics and fine marbles, which contribute to its charm. It's definitely worth putting on your list."Budapest: what to visit".

St. Stephen's Church, Budapest
St. Stephen's Church, Budapest

11 The Great Synagogue

La Great Synagogue it is an unmissable stop during your trip to Budapest. It is the largest synagogue in Europe. Worth mentioning is the "Tree of Life", a monument commemorating the Jews killed by the Nazis.

Budapest Synagogue
Budapest Synagogue

12 Margaret Island

THEMargaret Island of Budapest: it is a small island in the center of the Danube. If you have some time, we recommend adding “Budapest: what to do” also a tour of the island, among wonderful gardens and parks. An area perhaps less touristy - it is very popular, in fact, by the inhabitants of Budapest - but absolutely full of charm.

13 The House of Terror

To visit the House of Terror, a place that certainly gives you chills but which makes you reflect on the tragic events of Nazi-communist history and on the atrocious practices carried out within those walls by both the Nazi and communist regimes. Today a museum, it is both a reminder of the victims and a bastion of historical memory.

The House of Terror, Budapest
The House of Terror, Budapest

14 The shoes of Budapest

The shoes of Budapest they are located along the Danube. They are bronze shoes that at first glance seem really real because the dimensions are real. They remember the victims of the Nazis, of the Holocaust. It is a work by director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer. And even if the shoes are fake, I really imagine them worn by someone who is no longer here.

The shoes of Budapest ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it
The shoes of Budapest ©Photo Anna Bruno/FullTravel.it

15 What to do in Budapest

At this point, to relax a bit and take a breather, there is nothing better than a walk in the Varosliget city park or maybe an evening at National Opera Theatre. To survive, in Hungary double or triple work is necessary. But the accommodating and kind nature of the Magyar people, together with the heat of the spa and the soup g they also manage to heat up the wage freeze. Good food, music everywhere and the Opera for 5-10 dollars a seat make Budapest the candidate for being the future European capital of good living and pleasure. There is a growing attention for nature conservation and environmental protection, the culture of good food is widespread everywhere, and spas, gypsy music, and literary cafés are valid reasons for a trip to Hungary. And perhaps, last but not least, the curiosity of finally being able to enter an ex-communist country.

Budapest covered market
Budapest covered market

16 When to go to Budapest

If you decide to go to Budapest in spring, you will also have the opportunity to fully experience the Budapest Spring Festival, however, city events are numerous throughout the year and, while braving the cold in winter, you will be able to enjoy an excellent holiday in Budapest. The capital of Hungary it is recommended all year round because every period is the right one.

Brief information on Budapest: where it is, how to get there, where to sleep, what to eat.

17 How to get to Budapest

The easiest and fastest way to reach the Hungarian capital is to use the plane. Once you reach theBudapest airport, Airport Budapest Ferihegy, to reach the centre, which is about 28 km away, you can use the train service (30 minutes), the bus service (70 minutes) or the taxi (faster but more expensive solution).

18 Getting around in Budapest

Walking is always the best choice to admire the city. Alternatively, you can move between the various places of interest in Budapest with trams, local buses and the metro, which has 3 lines and runs until 23.15pm.

Budapest tram
Budapest tram

19 Where to eat in Budapest

The best area where to eat in Budapest, to taste Hungarian cuisine, is definitely that of Pest. You will find many places that will satisfy your palate and your curiosity about typical cuisine. On your list”Budapest: what to eat” don't forget the from pork, typical Hungarian salami, il gulash, beef soup, and the chestnut puree, the typical dessert.

Budapest, coffee
Budapest, coffee

20 Where to sleep in Budapest

The best area to look for yours hotels in Budapest it is undoubtedly the neighborhood of Pest, lively at any time of day or night.

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Map of Budapest

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