Top 10 Things to Do in Budapest

Our Local Expert Says:

Tops a short-list of "must-see" architecture in Budapest; strongly recommended. English language tours daily at 10, 12, and 2. Reservations are essential, particularly as there are new security regulations due to recent political troubles.

Description:

The Hungarian House of Parliament designed by Imre Steindl stands 96 meters tall, reminding the nation of the glorious year of the Hungarian Conquest in 896, symbolizing the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire to this day. Its design is similar to the Palace of Westminster in London and is the second largest parliament building in Europe. Taking part in one of the scheduled tours around the building, you will be led up the magnificent staircase where a dome hovers over a 16-sided hallway and statues of Hungarian rulers ornament each of the sides. Here you will also be privy to viewing the legendary St. Stephen's crown that was kept at the U.S. Pentagon for safety during World War II. The dazzling stain glass windows are the work of the famous Hungarian artist, Miksa Róth.

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The Royal Palace is the major draw bringing visitors to the castle district, a hilltop area on the Buda side of the river. The first permanent settlers moved to location in the 13th century, but King Béla IV moved his royal court here in 1255. The original castle destroyed during World War II, was rebuilt as the Royal Palace, though no royals ever lived in it. The Royal Palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Museum, and the National Széchenyi Library. The panoramic views from the front of the Hungarian National Gallery are breathtaking, each season offering a different perspective of the Danube River and the city below.

Description:

The monumental building of the St. Stephen's Basilica completed in 1905 after 50 years of construction is the largest Roman Catholic Church of the city, named after Hungary's first king St. Stephen who was later canonized for converting the once pagan nation to Catholicism. With such a lengthy construction period, the Basilica saw three consecutive architects explaining its architectural diversity; predominantly neo-Renaissance exterior with a hint of Classical, and an ornate neo-Baroque interior. The central dome being 96 meters high makes the Basilica the tallest building of the city, alongside the House of Parliament whose central dome also measures the same height. It is not just its size that makes the Basilica one of the most impressive religious building s of the country; the marble and golden interior with mosaics depicting biblical scenes and stain glass windows illustrating scenes from the life of Christ all contribute to its grandeur. One of its smaller chapels, the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand, houses something of interest for the morbidly curious: St. Stephen's mummified holy right hand. It is on exhibit in a golden shrine that needs illuminating by two 100ft coins. You... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The second-largest synagogue in the entire world is simply a must-see for visitors of any religion; tours leave hourly on the half-hour. Arrive early to negotiate the crowds, purchase tickets, and pass through security.

Description:

The Neolog Jewish community of Budapest built the Dohány Synagogue or also called the Great Synagogue. Neolog Judaism is similar to Conservative Judaism, but is mostly located in Hungarian speaking parts of Europe. Due to this and its Christian architects, many are surprise that the interior of the Dohány Synagogue resembles a church more than a traditional Jewish house of worship. With 2,964 seats, this is the second largest working synagogue in the world, after one in New York City. During World War II, the Dohány Synagogue was a place of internment for Jews; hence, you will notice the graveyard on the synagogue grounds, which is against Jewish burial laws.

Description:

To the side and behind Matthias Church is Fishermen's Bastion, a terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture. The Middle Age fishermen's guild was responsible for defending this part of the hill, thus the name. The seven towers represent the seven tribes that conquered the region now known as Hungary. The panoramic view from here provides a closer view of Margaret Island and the Pest side of the city. Sitting in front of the terrace is a statue of King St. Stephen riding his horse. From the terrace, there are paths to walk down the hill.

Our Local Expert Says:

The largest and most beautiful bath house of the city - no visit to Budapest is complete without a visit to Széchényi!

Description:

Though not the oldest thermal bath in the city, it is definitely the most beautiful! The pale yellow Neo Classicist building of the Széchényi Thermal Bath houses the largest spa of the city and of central Europe, though this will not be apparent from its exterior.

Once inside, an endless number of pools seem to unfold in a palace-like interior. Indoor and outdoor pools are filled with thermal water of varying temperatures and mineral content, all fed by two of the 123 thermal springs under Budapest. A swimming pool for those after some exercise, a wave pool for the kids, saunas and steam rooms plus a massage salon and a physiotherapy department can all be found in the complex.

Széchényi awaits guests with long opening hours between 6 am and 10 pm, so whether it'd be after a long day of sightseeing or a long night out, this is the place to relax!

Our Local Expert Says:

The so-called Champs Elysses of Budapest, perhaps the most glamorous address on the Pest side. Home to the Opera, Zenga, and Louis Vuitton.

Description:

No trip to Budapest is complete without a stroll down the historic Andrássy út or Andrássy Avenue. Often referred to as the Champ d'Illysees of Budapest, the avenue dates back to 1872, when it was created to span from Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth Square) to Városliget (City Park). When walking from the lower end, you will pass numerous buildings with eclectic Neo-renaissance facades. Many upscale designer boutiques have opened a shop on this tree-lined avenue, so you can window shop at Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli as well as others. For the 1896 Millennium celebration, the Yellow metro line was built. City officials at the time were concerned that too many horse and carriages would destroy the avenue. The Yellow metro is the first subway in continental Europe and only the second in the world after London. Once past Oktogon, the avenue expands into a boulevard where it is most obvious why it earned a World Heritage Site designation.

Description:

If you've been wondering what's inside the big castle in City Park, now you know. The building alone is worth a visit: it's stunning. And being located in City Park, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, means it's quiet and peaceful. Inside, you will find the largest agricultural museum in all of Europe, with historical displays as well as contemporary exhibits. Guided tours offered in English as well as German and Hungarian.

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Perfectly situated atop Gellért Hill, Citadella was built in 1854 by the Habsurgs after the War of Independence. The fortress also played an important role in WWII as a military air raid base. Today, the three storied bunker has been recreated exactly as it was in 1944 and is open to visitors hosting displays of historical documents, articles, and a photo exhibition Siege of Budapest. There are also permanent open-air exhibitions, a hotel (Hotel Citadella), restaurant (Citadella Étterem), and an event space perfect for dinners, concerts and more.