Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is the perfect destination for anyone who loves beautiful classical architecture, a unique atmosphere, and the best nightlife. Through the city runs the Danube River which makes the city have two sides that are called Buda and Pest. Buda side is considered as classier, calmer, and residential however Pest is considered as the opposite being the more fun and active side of the city.
Budapest is praised for being gorgeous and memorable and after a week spent wandering through it, I can admit that it was one of the most stunning capitals I have ever visited, and even in the time that I spent there, I couldn’t manage to see and experience everything. So here are 14 places that you should consider visiting when in Budapest!
The Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest and one that needs to be seen in real life. The House of Parliament lies by the Danube River on the eastern bank and on the Pest side of the city and is also known to be the third largest parliament in the world.
The House of Parliament building was opened in 1902 and since then it has operated as the seat of the Parliament of Hungary. The building gained its popularity from the beauty of its architecture, consisting of neo-Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance characteristics. The site is worth enjoying not only from the outside but also by admiring the inside of the building. If you are planning on visiting the House of Parliament, it is possible to purchase tickets both online and at the Visitor Center but it is recommended to purchase them beforehand online here: www.jegymester.hu/parlament where you can choose the time and date you wish to visit the House of Parliament and also choose the language of the audio guide. The guide lasts 45 minutes and the visit cost for one person HUF 5000 or around 13 Euros. There are also discounted tickets for students, groups, or families.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Shoes on the Danube Bank, by the Danube River and just outside the Hungarian Parliament Building, is a memorial built in 2005 to honor Holocaust victims in the Second World War. During that time many horrible events and executions were happening in Budapest, one of them being the murder of Jews by the river where the removal of their shoes was mandatory beforehand. The memorial was created by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer and consists of 60 pairs of women, men, and children’s shoes made of iron, representing the shoes that were left on the bank. The memorial and history behind it are very devastating and heartbreaking, but very important to learn and remember those who suffered so much.
Ecseri Flea Market
Ecseri Flea Market is a wonderful place to visit to go back in time and be amazed by the uniqueness and how precious the things that are placed there actually are.
When we visited the market, there were only a few people around, and not every shop or stall was open but those that were, are worth visiting and browsing through the many interesting items ranging from clothes, books, and children’s toys to World War II war items, amazing paintings, jewelry, furniture, and vintage cameras – there is something for everyone.
To get there, you will need to take a metro and bus from the city center and it can take about 40 or 50 minutes to reach the destination. The market is open every day but is known to be the most active on Saturdays and make sure that you have cash with you if you are planning on purchasing something since the vendors don’t usually accept credit card payments.
Matthias Church
Matthias Church is considered one of the greatest Roman Catholic churches in Europe. It is located in the Holy Trinity Square and definitely is eye-capturing with its Neo-Gothic elements and marvelous colors. The church, dating back to the Middle Ages, has gone through many centuries and many historic events and changes therefore it’s a perfect place to visit to learn more about the history that affected the church and Hungary.
Nowadays Matthias Church is open for visitors on most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the entrance fee is HUF 2500 for one adult ticket which is around 6 Euros. The church organizes classical and organ music concerts that are quite memorable in the spectacular acoustics the church has.
Buda Castle
The marvelous Buda Castle, located by the Castle Quarter with picturesque streets and buildings, is one of the top places to visit in Budapest and enjoy breathtaking views of the city around from the Varhegy Hill top. Historically, the Buda Castle was home to Hungarian Kings but now it houses the Budapest Historical Museum, the National Library, and the Hungarian National Gallery with artworks made by Hungarian artists from various centuries. Being a part of the World Heritage Site, the Buda Castle is worth exploring to learn about its history and enjoy the area to its fullest.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica, the third largest church in Hungary and an unmissable spot while exploring the center of Budapest is a Roman Catholic basilica that is named after the first king of Hungary, Stephen I. The church has a neoclassical architectural style which is visible in the building’s greatness and splendidness.
Nowadays the church is a place to enjoy great music events of the basilica’s choir or organ music, overview the city from the church’s dome, and admire the architecture from inside and outside. The adult ticket to enter the church cost HUF 2000 or a little bit over 5 Euros. By the church, there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy local foods and in wintertime, during Christmas time, there are also holiday markets being organized therefore it’s such a magical way to explore and enjoy the church and the surrounding streets.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most popular tourist spots in Budapest and is definitely worth the hype. The fortification was built for amazing views of Budapest with seven towers, dedicated to seven leaders of Hungarian tribes that founded Hungary in 895, truly allowing spectacular views of the river Danube, the Parliament building, and the surrounding city. Being a part of the World Heritage Site, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a unique neo-romanesque style structure that was built in the 19th century and is located just by the Matthias Church.
The entrance is free and the site is open so there is no need for any reservations. The Fisherman’s Bastion is the perfect location for beautiful pictures with the city being laid out in the background.
Central Market Hall
One of the best ways to learn about the culture and country you are visiting, in my opinion, is to visit local markets to enjoy traditional foods. Central Market Hall, the oldest and largest indoor market in Budapest, is the place for that – on the first floor, you can explore fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, meats, dairy products, and everything in between. The prices are affordable and it is one of the best places to purchase fresh produce. If you plan on purchasing anything, make sure that you have cash with you but don’t worry if you have only a credit card since there are ATMs in the market hall.
On the second floor, there is a section full of all kinds of souvenirs from traditional clothing, toys, and accessories to magnets and postcards. The rest of the second floor consists of many small vendors that sell traditional Hungarian cuisines and other foods. It is a great place to have a taste of traditional goulash soup or chicken paprikash but keep in mind that even in the off-season when the tourists are generally less than in summer, there isn’t much space for lots of people and it gets crowded very often.
Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library
Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library or more so the historical Wenckheim Palace, dating back to the 19th century, was one of my favorite spots that we visited in Budapest. With the neo-baroque architectural style, the library throws you back in time, making you stop for a while and marvel at the beauty that the library holds.
The rooms that gained popularity with their exquisite interior are to be found on the fourth floor, in other floors the library may seem like every other modern-day library filled with books and people reading, working, or studying.
The entrance fee for visitors is HUF 1700 or a little bit over 4 Euros and is most definitely worth the price. If you enjoy architecture, books, or historical ballrooms, this is the perfect place for you.
View of the city from Citadella
Citadella, a fortification on the top of Gellert Hill, historically used for military purposes, is the perfect place to go for an active walk through the park on the hill and enjoy the views all around it. When we visited the Citadella, it was under construction therefore we didn’t make it to the final destination but frankly, the views were so stunning that we didn’t feel disappointed at all.
It is free of charge to walk up the path to the Citadella and there are lots of benches located all over the park therefore it’s a great place for a picnic or a cup of coffee surrounded by amazing landscapes.
Szimpla Kert
Budapest is famous for its nightlife and is often the chosen destination for a wild night out. One of the most popular pubs is the Szimpla Kert where the design and atmosphere deserve a visit on its own with a unique layout and quirky decorations. The pub has multiple bars and areas with even different events happening – while in one room you can enjoy electronic music with a DJ, in another one there might be a live rock band.
If you are looking for a different nightlife experience, this is the spot. It can get quite crowded during evenings but it’s also the time when some events or the best dances can happen.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island, located in the middle of the Danube River, is a calming stop between the active city life. Since the island consists mainly of parks, it might not be the most dynamic destination but rather a place where to enjoy some time in the greenery and visit some sights like Palatinus Strand Baths, the island’s thermal baths, Rose gardens and Japanese gardens, Musical Fountain, Mini Zoo, Water Tower and many more amazing spots there.
The island is connected to both Margaret Bridge and Arpad Bridge, and public transportation regularly goes from the city center to the island. The island is free of charge to visit and is the best in spring and summer when the Palatinus Strand Baths outdoor pools are open and the gardens are blooming.
Parliament at night
One of the best things to do in the evening when the city is overtaken by darkness is to walk by the river Danube on the Buda side of the city, opposite the House of Parliament building, and enjoy the views it offers and how the building is illuminated by lights that reflect in the river’s waters.
It is truly one of the most magical ways to spend late evenings in Budapest and soak in the beauty of the city.
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
I feel like I can’t end the post by not mentioning the thermal baths that Budapest is famous for, the most popular ones being Szechenyi Thermal Baths which are a great place for relaxing and health but also a great place for a memorable pool party. The Szechenyi Thermal Baths have 18 pools, saunas, massage treatments, and more.
The price for one person on a weekday is HUF 9400 or around 25 Euros and on weekends HUF 10 900 or almost 30 Euros. Sadly, since we are budget travelers and for both of us on a weekday it would cost 50 Euros and on the weekend even 60 Euros, we decided to skip this experience this time. Fortunately, we had a chance to enjoy hot springs for free in Albania and Greece so we didn’t feel like missing out but at the same time, I hope that on our next visit to Budapest, we will get a chance to try the famous thermal baths.
Budapest seems to be the city that you never get tired of and the beauty of it grabs your attention and even, your heart. The city has so much to explore and so much to enjoy that it is a must-visit destination that should be enjoyed to the fullest so I hope that my tips for the places that are worth visiting may help you to plan your time there to become the best possible trip.
The public transport system in the city is so easy and inexpensive to use that exploring the city is as convenient as it can get. So don’t hesitate and visit Budapest, you won’t be disappointed!
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