View of the Hungarian Parliament from a Hillside in Budapest

Lines of Shoes Beside the Danube River in Budapest

A Pot of Hungarian Goulash Stew with a Sprig of Rosemary on the Side

Budapest Travel Guide

April - DecemberHungaryHUF

Architecture

Jewish Heritage

Spa & Wellness

Situated at the heart of Europe, Budapest is the capital of Hungary, appropriately named 'The Pearl of the Danube,' for its fixating and almost haunting beauty. Formerly two separate cities, Buda and Pest were forged into one by time, occupation, and the eight bridges that anchor them together today. The city's beauty has been pieced together by its many conquerors, each one leaving its influence on Budapest and the Hungarian people.

Before the Magyar tribes (Ancient Hungarians) made their way from the Ural mountains into Central Europe, the area around Budapest was occupied by the Romans. The Romans were the first to bring vines to the region, and the impact of this can be seen in the 22 unique wine regions Hungary has cultivated. While in Budapest, be sure to have a glass of Tokaj, what King Louis XIV of France referred to as the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines".

Soak like a sultan in one of the many Turkish thermal baths left by the Ottoman occupation. Constructed in 1550, the Rudas Baths are one of the oldest and located along the bank of the Danube. If Habsburg is more your style, head over to the neo-Baroque Széchenyi Bath complex, complete with saunas, massage parlors, and if you're lucky — an open chess table in one of the three heated outdoor pools.

If you're going to drink and soak like royalty, you may as well shake hands with them. Housed in the towering Neoclassical St. Istvan's Basilica is the mummified right hand of Hungary's first Christian king, Saint Istvan I. For only a few forints, you can view the creepy encased relic in person. Head to the top of the basilica's dome for a 360-degree view of the city.

From the Pest side to the Buda side, the Chain Bridge leads to the castle district. Glide to the top of the hill via the Castle Hill Funicular and land in the massive Baroque-style Palace complex. Finish the tour at Fisherman's Bastion, a colonnade which offers a framed panoramic view of Pest and Europe's largest Parliament building.

Must See Attractions in Budapest

Hungarian Parliament

As Europe's largest Parliament building, it's no surprise that the Hungarian Parliament is also Budapest's most iconic sight. Rising from the waters of the Danube, the neo-Gothic building is characterized by its massive light-maroon dome, which symbolizes Hungary's millennial celebration in 1896. Take a guided tour to see its grand staircase, Saint Stephen of Hungary's Holy Crown, and the regal debate chambers. In 1956, the Hungarian Parliament played a starring role in the brave student protest against the Soviet Regime that turned into the Hungarian Revolution. During the protest, students were fired upon by the ÁVH (State Protection Authority) and Soviet troops. Around Kossuth Lajos Square, you can find metal balls, which represent the bullet holes from this massacre.

A Stone Bridge with Chain Suspension in Budapest

Chain Bridge

Built in 1849, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first suspension bridge to permanently link Buda and Pest. At the time of its construction, it was amongst the largest in the world, signifying Hungary's economic, social, and cultural importance in the region. A trip by foot across this national symbol is a must for your time in Budapest. You can catch an amazing view of the Parliament rising from the Danube from afar and the grand Buda Castle sitting beautifully from above. Don't be surprised when you find a couple sneaking a kiss or two on the bridge; this is one of the most romantic spots in the city.

A White Stone Basilica with a Dome in Budapest

St Stephens Basilica

St Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is Budapest's largest church. The Neoclassical Basilica sports two bell towers and a majestic high dome, as well as an interior dripping in gold, relics, and fine art. For those who have a taste for the macabre, be sure to check out the Basilica's strangest attraction, the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, Hungary's first Christian king. If heights are more your thrill, take the elevator or the 364 winding steps to the top of the dome for one of the best panoramic 360 views of the city. More of a music fan? Every Monday evening, an organ concert is held inside the basilica.

Dohany Street Synagogue

Marking the entrance of Budapest's Jewish Quarter lies Europe's largest synagogue. Interestingly enough, the Central Synagogue in Manhattan, New York City, is an almost exact replica of the Dohány Street Synagogue. Before WWII, Hungary had one of the largest populations of Jews in Central Europe. Dohany Street Synagogue serves as a reminder of the violent past inflicted on the Jewish people. You can visit the Holocaust Memorial Park behind the Synagogue where inside stands "The Tree of Life", a metal weeping willow. Each leaf represents the name and tattoo number of a Hungarian Jew who perished in the Holocaust. This somber yet stunning building is sure to leave a long-lasting impression.

The View of the Danube River from the Gellert Hill in Budapest

Gellert Hill & Baths

Perched high above the city, Gellert Hill is one of the best sights in Budapest. For the adventurous traveler, a rigorous walk to the top is rewarded with a breathtaking view of Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and St. Stephen's Basilica all aligned. Here you'll also find the Citadel and the Liberty Monument, erected by Communist Regime. After the hike, be sure to relax those sore muscles in the Art Nouveau-style Gellert Thermal Baths. Resting atop the Turkish baths is the Gellert Hotel featuring an effervescent swimming pool with a colonnade and stain glass roof.

National Museum

From the ancient history of the Carpathian Basin to the Communist regime, The Hungarian National Museum paints the picture of Hungary's unique and complicated past. The museum was founded in 1802 by the father of Count István Széchényi, who was known as "the Greatest Hungarian." You'll be able to see and feel history come alive through the museum's collection of ancient Celtic coins, medieval frescos, weapons, and armor. Learn more about Hungary's role in WWI and WWII and check out the museum's fascinating assortment of communist memorabilia.

A Large Covered Marketplace With Vendors in Budapest

Central Market

The Central Market Hall or Great Market Hall is not only one of the largest market halls in Budapest, but also one of the most beautiful. The labyrinth of fresh produce, wine, meat, cheese, and souvenir shops is perfect if you need to find souvenirs while getting a taste of local life. Stock up on authentic, Hungarian-made gifts ranging from traditional shirts and spicy paprika paste to one of the many bottled wines produced in Hungary. If you're in need of some sustenance, pop up to the second floor for Langos, a savory funnel cake-esque treat, which is also sold at the festive Christmas markets.

The Many Towered Buda Castle in Budapest

Castle Hill

Head to the top of the Castle Hill via the funicular to reach the magnificent Baroque-style Palace complex. This hill is the historical seat of the Hungarian Kings of Budapest, while the palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, where you can find the works of Hungarian artists both present and past. After wandering the courtyards, make your way to St Matthias Church and the neo-Gothic Fisherman's Bastion, a colonnade complete with towers to represent the seven chieftains who led their tribes into present-day Hungary. This spot is perfect for a column-framed photo of the grand Hungarian Parliament across the river below.

Outdoor Baths with Old Architecture in Budapest

Szechenyi Baths

The neo-Baroque style Széchenyi Thermal Baths are one of Budapest's most unique and popular attractions. The complex is the largest medicinal bath in Europe, complete with saunas, steam rooms, massage parlors, and private cabins. In the colder months, you'll be able to enjoy the sight of the courtyard's corinthian columns fading behind the steam rising from the heated outdoor pools. If you're lucky, you may be able to join some of the locals for a game of chess while in the pool. The thermal baths are perfect if you're keen on bathing like royalty and unwinding after your travels. Just be sure to pack your swimsuit!

Optional Day Trips from Budapest

Szentendre

Szentendre offers visitors a taste of small-town Hungary. Resting at the gateway to the Danube Bend, Szentendre is known as an artist's village. The town's colorful houses, cobbled streets, and scenic riverside promenade beg to be sketched or painted, and you'll find art galleries and museums wherever you wander. As you explore the town's twisting alleyways, winding up the hill to Saint John the Baptist's Church, you'll come across a stand selling some of the best Langos in all of Hungary. Walking off this delicious, cheesy fried bread is the best way to motivate yourself up the rest of the hill. From the vantage point of the church, you'll gain a rewarding bird's eye view over the Danube.

A Large Royal Mansion of White Stone in Godollo

Godollo Palace

The Royal Palace of Gödöllő is an exquisitely restored Baroque palace in the small town of Gödöllő. Built under the Habsburg dynasty, the palace was a particularly favorite place for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, or Sisi, as she was affectionately known. The Empress formed a lasting bond with Hungary and spoke fluent Hungarian. When you visit the Gödöllő palace you can tour Elisabeth's rooms, an experience made all the more poignant when you learn about her tragic death. The Habsburgs brought a strong Austrian influence to Gödöllő. Even today, the town exudes a certain Viennese flair. If you don't have a chance to visit Vienna, the palace's Habsburg-style cafe serves an excellent coffee and Esterhazy cake.

A Miniature Train on a Rail Track in Budapest

Janos Hill & the Children’s Railway

The Children's Railway on Save Janos Hill is a fun-filled excursion for family groups. Adults drive the engines and children control the traffic and commercial services on this narrow gauge railroad, which travels through the woods and hills on the Buda side of the city. The railway connects Széchényi-hegy with Hűvösvölgy and runs for 11.2 kilometers. Except for the train driver, all of the posts aboard the train are operated by children under adult supervision. It's the world's largest children's railway!

The Bend in the Danube River Surrounded by Trees

Danube Bend

The Danube Bend must be one of the most famous curves in the world. As the Danube river flows toward Budapest, it dips in a pleasing U shape. The effect is one of the most picturesque parts of the river in all of Hungary. Your camera will never leave your hand. Three towns are tucked around the elbow of Danube bend: Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom. Szentendre is an artist's colony, Visegrád boasts a Renaissance castle, and Esztergom was Hungary's very first capital, in the 10th century. You can visit all three towns in a day, making the Danube Bend a popular trip out of Budapest.

Eger

Eger is an old-world Hungarian town, known for its vivid history and rich red wine. When the Ottoman Empire invaded in the 1500s, stubborn Eger held out for as long as it could while the Turks laid siege to the town castle. During the invasion, the Eger soldiers were served lots of food and red wine to bolster their strength. Legend says the wine was thickened with the blood of a bull. To this day, Eger's specialty wine, Egri Bikavér, is called 'bull's blood' by locals. You can sample some of this wine at the many vineyards and wine cellars around the town. Sitting in a tone wine cellar with a vaulted ceiling, sipping on Egri Bikavér, you'll feel as if you've been cast back in time.