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If you are in Hungary, you can’t keep Budapest off your travel list. As a long list of best places in Budapest to see awaits you, the city will undoubtedly entice and enchant you.
A Budapest blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Budapest.
Going on a 5 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Budapest. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Let me share with you the best things to do in Budapest and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Buda Castle
Buda Castle is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
The Buda Castle has borne witness to some of the most important events of the city’s history. The fort played a pivotal role in city’s defence against the offending armies.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Middle Ages, Baroque, Baroque Revival architecture, Art Nouveau style that you see is credited to the architects Miklós Ybl, Alajos Hauszmann.
- Spreading over an expanse of 4.73 km², it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- Buda Castle is also known as Royal Palace or Budavári palota in Hungarian.
- The castle houses the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.
- The castle’s collection include sculptures and Gothic altars.
Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
2. Hungarian Parliament Building
This majestically built building is the seat of the country’s government.
The parliament building is open for visitors when not in session.
The guided tour takes you to the most important sections and gives you insight on the history of the building.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Gothic Revival architecture style that you see is credited to the architect Imre Steindl.
- Also worth seeing here include a visitors’ center.
- The parliament has a height of around 96 m.
Without a doubt this wonderful parliament is one amongst the top things to do in Budapest.
Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
3. Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is the main square located in the central Budapest.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
Quick Facts:
- The main square houses statues of the seven tribe leaders who united their land into one country, Hungary.
- The main square was opened on 1896.
Address: Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146 Hungary
4. Matthias Church
Matthias Church, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
A donation at the entrance is optional but encouraged, since it will go towards the preservation of this piece of history. There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite.
Quick Facts:
- The church was built somewhere around 14th-century.
- The church houses the ecclesiastical art museum.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Gothic architecture, Gothic Revival architecture.
- The church belongs to the Roman Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
With so much to offer, no wonder Matthias Church is one of the top things to do in Budapest.
Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary
5. Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Considered as an icon of Budapest, Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a marvellous piece of architecture.
Quick Facts:
- The architect who designed this iconic bridge includes William Tierney Clark, and it was in 1840 when the construction began.
- The iconic bridge was built somewhere around 19th-century.
- The iconic bridge was opened on 20 November 1849.
Address: Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary
6. St. Stephen’s Basilica
Quick Facts:
- Done in Neoclassical architecture style, it was Miklós Ybl, József Hild, József Kauser who designed it.
- The grand church was opened on 1905.
- The grand church has a height of around 96 m.
- The grand church belongs to the Roman Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
An incredible sight, St. Stephen’s Basilica scores high in the list of the best things to do in Budapest.
Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
7. Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a spa complex well known for its thermal pools.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is perfect getaway for the ones looking to unwind and relax. The spa uses warm spring water from ground below, which is supposed to have medicinal effects.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Győző Czigler, thermal pool complex is a classic example of fine Baroque Revival architecture.
- Some of the things Széchenyi Thermal Bath features include cupola, massivve swimming pools.
- The thermal pool complex was built somewhere around 1913.
- The thermal pool complex was opened on 16 June 1913.
Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
8. Central Market Hall
The sheer choice of food on offer is tantalizing, no matter what your eating preference is. Induldge your taste buds with the variety of local delicacies on offer.
Quick Facts:
- The food market was built somewhere around late.
- Also worth seeing here include the shops selling general items and tourist souvenirs on the first floor.
Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
9. Margaret Island
A small island located in the middle of Budapest’s river.
Take a walk in the wonderful park that sprawls the length of Margaret Island.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 96 ha, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- The river island has a max length of 2.5 km.
- The river island belongs to the Dominican faith, but is visited by others too.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Budapest trip.
10. Hungarian State Opera
Hungarian State Opera is an elegant opera house, and one of the oldest in the region.
The auditorium is a visual delight too, decorated with paintings, stuccowork and sculptures. Purchasing a ticket to one of the performances is well worth the money.
Quick Facts:
- Founded in 1875, opera theater boasts of a capacity of 1,300.
- The gorgeous Neoclassical architecture style that you see is credited to the architect Miklós Ybl.
- Easy to get to Hungarian State Opera is located in central Budapest.
- The opera theater was built somewhere around 19th-century.
- Also worth seeing here include the statues of first directors, Franz Liszt and Ferenc Erkel, located at the main entrance.
Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary
11. Gellért Hill
Overlooking the city of Budapest is the iconic Gellért Hill.
Carry a packed lunch as there are plenty of spots to do little picnic here. From the top, the 360 degree bird view of the Budapest are simply wow.
Quick Facts:
- Also worth seeing here include snack kiosks.
Add it to your Budapest trip if you have time.
12. Gellért Thermal Bath
Gellért Thermal Bath is a spa complex that is renowned for its thermal water pools.
Facilities include a health center, various spa services, and sauna rooms. Depending on the season, both indoors as well as outside pool can be enjoyed.
Quick Facts:
- The thermal pool complex was built somewhere around 1918.
- The thermal pool complex follows the Art Deco style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
Address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary
13. Andrássy út
Andrássy út, the boulevard that runs through the heart of Budapest, is an excellent spot to get your bearings.
The street is pedestrian-friendly, with easy access to all of the local attractions, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
And for the ones who can’t afford, Andrássy út is ideal for window shopping than for shopping. And when you are tired by the long shopping excursion rest your legs at one of the street’s fine cafe.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over a total area of 57.85 ha (0.2234 sq mi), it stretches for around 2.31 km on the longer side.
- The boulevard traces its origin back to 1872.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Budapest trip.
14. Vajdahunyad Castle
Located on top of a high hill, Vajdahunyad Castle is a beautiful medieval structure.
It is an important place to see because of what it represents in the annals of city’s history. There are trails running around the castle which takes you through the woods and to a series of vantage points.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Vajdahunyad Castle features include a calming lake with option of boating.
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Ignác Alpár.
- The castle was opened on 1908.
Address: Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary
15. Dohány Street Synagogue
Dohány Street Synagogue is a prominent synagogue located in the older part of the Budapest city.
The beautifully designed exterior consists of an octagonal dome. It is no doubt a gem of long glorious Jewish heritage of Budapest.
Quick Facts:
- With a total capacity of 2,964, the synagogue was designed by Ludwig Förster, Ignaz Wechselmann.
- The synagogue was built somewhere around 19th-century.
- The synagogue houses a museum and a cemetery.
Add it to your Budapest trip if you have time.
Address: Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary
16. Váci Street
Váci Street is a pedestrian friendly street in the old town center of Budapest.
Váci Street has been a pedestrian street for quite some time now.
Quick Facts:
- The pedestrian street stretches for a length of around 1.2 km.
17. City Park
City Park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Budapest.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
The City Park is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure. A riot of colour erupts in the spring and early summer.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things City Park features include palm house, concert venues.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Budapest trip.
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Budapest. In this Budapest travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Budapest but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Budapest can be easily covered in a short itinerary. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Budapest, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.