Budapest Attractions: Top 10 Highlights

Discover the fascinating Budapest attractions along the majestic Danube River! Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of this unique city, wander through the charming streets of Buda’s royal castle district, and enjoy breathtaking views. But Budapest offers more than just historical splendor—embark on a culinary journey through Hungarian cuisine and explore the vibrant ruin bar scene. Due to its diversity, Budapest ranks among the most beautiful cities in Europe. We’ve gathered valuable tips, tours, and tickets to make your stay unforgettable. Experience Budapest in all its diversity and be enchanted by its beauty!

Budapest Attractions: The City’s Top Highlights

Numerous iconic landmarks define Budapest’s skyline. On the Buda side, highlights include Gellért Hill with the Liberty Statue, the Royal Palace with its museums and Castle Garden Bazaar, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. These historical sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. On the flat Pest side, key landmarks include the Parliament Building, the Academy of Sciences, the Vigadó Concert Hall, and Corvinus University. The city’s nine bridges, especially the Chain Bridge, are additional iconic symbols.

The downtown area features streets like Váci Street, the Small Ring (Kiskörút), and the Grand Ring (Nagykörút). Along Andrássy Avenue, a magnificent boulevard, you’ll find grand residential buildings and key cultural institutions like the Hungarian State Opera House. Heroes’ Square and the 56ers’ Square in City Park are significant historical locations. Andrássy Avenue, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts the city’s first electric subway line.

Beyond the center, the Aquincum Museum showcases Roman ruins, while the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial honors the victims of the Holocaust.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, also known as Buda Castle, is a historic jewel of Budapest. Built in 1733, it proudly stands above the Castle District on the Buda side of the Danube. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the palace offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. The buildings in the Castle District blend Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Once the residence of Hungarian kings, today it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. Surrounding the palace, you’ll find landmarks like Matthias Church, Vienna Gate, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Visitors can also explore the cave system beneath the palace. The Royal Palace and the Castle District provide a stunning way to experience Budapest, especially at dusk when the city is beautifully illuminated.

Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-Romanesque monument on Buda Hill, offering breathtaking views of the Danube and Pest since 1895. Built between 1895 and 1902 on the site of Buda’s medieval fish market, the bastion was designed by Frigyes Schulek and dedicated to the fishermen’s guild, which defended this section of the city walls in medieval times. Stretching over 140 meters with seven towers representing Hungary‘s seven founding tribes, it’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The bronze equestrian statue of King Stephen I stands prominently in front. From the bastion, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Pest, including the magnificent Parliament Building.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church, a Roman Catholic church in the Castle District of Budapest, is a prominent city landmark and part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Originally built in the mid-13th century by King Béla IV, it was redesigned in a neo-Gothic style by Frigyes Schulek in the late 19th century. Known for its ornate architecture and colorful glazed roof tiles, the church stands on Holy Trinity Square in Buda’s Old Town. Named after King Matthias Corvinus, who expanded it in the 15th century, the church has hosted significant coronation ceremonies, including those of Charles I, Franz Joseph I, and Charles IV. Today, it serves as the cathedral of the Hungarian Military Ordinariate.

Parliament Building

The Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks and serves as the seat of the Hungarian Parliament. Constructed between 1885 and 1904 in a neo-Gothic style, it spans 268 meters along the river. At 123 meters wide and 96 meters tall, it is the largest parliamentary building in Europe and one of the tallest structures in Budapest. Architect Imre Steindl drew inspiration from the Palace of Westminster in London. The building includes the impressive Dome Hall, which houses the Holy Crown of Hungary, and various chambers and offices for legislative and administrative purposes. The Parliament is especially spectacular during the golden hour or illuminated at night, making it a must-see for visitors.

Pesti Vigadó

The Pesti Vigadó, also known as the Pest Redoute, is a significant concert and ballroom venue on the left bank of the Danube, between the Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge. Built between 1860 and 1864 in a romantic style by Frigyes Feszl, it underwent extensive renovations from 2004 to 2014. The Pesti Vigadó serves as a key cultural attraction and event venue in Budapest.

Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square, featuring the imposing Millennium Monument, is a landmark attraction in the Pest district and part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The 36-meter-high column is the centerpiece, commemorating Hungarian history’s key figures. Flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle, the square is one of Budapest’s most monumental spaces.

Liberty Statue

The Liberty Statue atop Gellért Hill is one of Budapest’s most prominent landmarks. Erected in 1947 to honor soldiers who liberated Hungary during World War II, the statue depicts a female figure holding a palm branch aloft. It stands 14 meters tall atop a 40-meter base, commanding views from nearly anywhere in the city.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, was completed in 1905 and dedicated to Hungary‘s first king. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1987, its Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance styles create an architectural masterpiece. Visitors can ascend the dome for panoramic views of Budapest.

Budapest Attractions: Bridges in Budapest

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge, built from 1839 to 1849, is an important connection between the districts of Buda and Pest over the Danube and is considered one of Budapest’s most significant landmarks. It is crossed by almost every visitor and is the oldest and most famous of the nine Budapest bridges over the river.
This suspension bridge stretches over a length of 375 meters and is supported by two arch-like pillars, through which the iron chains of the bridge body pass, giving it its name. Weighing 2000 tons, it is a remarkable engineering achievement. The bridge, also known as Széchenyi lánchíd (Széchenyi Chain Bridge), was built on the initiative of the Hungarian reformer Count István Széchenyi and symbolizes the beginning of national identity.

The Chain Bridge also shines brightly at night, giving the Danube waterfront a special charm with its lighting. Therefore, it is an unforgettable experience to visit and walk across it, especially during a nighttime city tour. A visit to this landmark is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities during a trip to Budapest.

 Budapest Attractions: Baths in Budapest

Budapest’s baths have a long history dating back to Roman times. The Ottomans introduced a new bathing culture to the city, which continues to this day. In the 18th century, systematic analysis of the healing springs began, and in 1930 Budapest was granted the title of “Bath City” due to its many healing springs.
The main healing and public baths are the Gellért Bath, Széchenyi Bath, Rudas Bath, and Lukács Bath. Some of these baths have developed unique subcultures, such as the hours-long chess playing in the warm waters of Széchenyi Bath or the gathering of actors and artists in Lukács Bath.

In addition to the healing baths, there are many swimming pools in Budapest, including the Császár Bath and the Sports Swimming Pool on Margaret Island. In 2008, one of Europe’s largest indoor water theme parks, the Ramada Resort, opened.

Food and Drink in Budapest: Hungarian Cuisine

Budapest offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Hungarian cuisine to international influences. Typical Hungarian dishes are hearty with plenty of meat, garlic, and paprika, while desserts are often sweet. In addition to traditional Hungarian food, there are many international restaurants offering various cuisines. Recommended restaurants for typical Hungarian dishes include Dubarry and Drum Cafe. There are also many hidden gems for different culinary experiences, including Pizzica for Italian pizza, Toltö for sausages, and Buja for giant schnitzels. In addition to restaurants, there are many bakeries with delicious Hungarian pastries, and coffeehouses like New York Café and Gerbeaud Café offer a wide selection of cakes and pastries. Hungarian drinks like wine, fruit and herb schnapps, beer, and Hungarian Melange are also popular. Budapest also boasts a lively bar scene, including ruin bars like Szimpla Kert and bars like 0,75 Bar and Fröccsterasz for relaxed evenings.

History of Budapest

The history of Budapest dates back to Roman times when the area was founded around 89 AD as a military camp. Later, the Roman settlement of Aquincum became the capital of the province of Pannonia Inferior. After the fall of Roman rule, Slavic populations settled in the region, but were displaced by the incoming Hungarians in 896.
In the Middle Ages, Budapest gained importance under King Stephen I and later as the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. The city was, however, repeatedly ravaged by invasions and destructions, including the Mongol invasion in the 13th century and the Turkish occupation in the 16th century.

During the Habsburg period and the subsequent revolutions and uprisings in the 19th century, Budapest underwent a period of growth and modernization, partly due to the development of bridges over the Danube.

In the 20th century, Budapest played an important role in the world wars and witnessed significant political upheavals, including the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Since the change of regime in 1989 and the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, Budapest has experienced a period of democratic renewal and economic development, including Hungary’s accession to the European Union in 2004.

Coat of Arms of Budapest

The coat of arms of Budapest, which was created in 1873 when the city was merged from the coats of arms of Buda and Pest, shows a red shield divided by a silver wavy band representing the Danube. In the upper field is a golden castle for the Pest district, and in the lower field is a golden castle for the Buda district. The shield is held by a golden lion and a golden griffin, on which the Stephen’s crown rests.
The flag of Budapest was also introduced in 1873 and was originally based on the red-yellow-blue flag of Pest. In 2011, however, a new flag was introduced, showing the coat of arms of Budapest on a white background, with red and green triangles at the top and bottom.

Other Budapest Attractions

Shoes on the Danube Bank

The “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial commemorates the pogroms of Jews by the Arrow Cross during World War II. It consists of 60 pairs of metal shoes and symbolizes the mass shootings of Hungarian Jews. The memorial, created by Gyula Pauer and Can Togay, is located on the eastern bank of the Danube in Budapest and stretches over 40 meters. It serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the atrocities of the Holocaust and its victims, so they are never forgotten.

Budapest Attractions: Experience Activities

Boat Tour on the Danube

A boat tour on the Danube is an essential experience during a visit to Budapest and is one of the top attractions of the city. Both during the day and at night, the water provides a unique view of the city, offering an unparalleled experience.
The Danube, with a total length of 2,857 kilometers, runs through the Hungarian capital, separating the districts of Buda and Pest. Nine bridges connect these districts, with the Chain Bridge being the most famous. As one of Europe’s largest and longest rivers, the Danube is also one of the oldest and most important trade routes on the continent, connecting various cultures.

Along the Danube, many of Budapest’s main attractions are located, including the Royal Palace, the Shoes on the Danube Bank, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and illuminated landmarks that create a special atmosphere in the evenings. It is therefore especially recommended to visit the Danube banks in the evening, whether on foot, by bus, or during a boat tour.

There are numerous providers of boat tours and river cruises on the Danube offering various options, such as dinner, candlelight, or simply sightseeing tours. Most tours depart from Margaret Bridge, so it’s advisable to book in advance and reserve seats.

Budapest City Tours & Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Explore Budapest and its fascinating attractions with our selected Budapest city tours & hop-on hop-off buses. Immerse yourself in the rich history, admire the stunning architecture, and enjoy the culinary delights of this unique city. Hop-on hop-off allows you to explore the city at your own pace and visit the places that interest you the most. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Budapest!