In recent years, Budapest has become one of Europe's most popular destinations for a city break. And rightly so, it's an incredible city and there are countless things to see, eat and do. Budapest was the third destination of my three week interrail trip around Central Europe, and was one of the cities I was most excited for. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint.
Budapest is full of beautiful buildings and amazing views across the river, and is home to tens of historic thermal baths and plenty of delicious food. Budapest is a huge city that captivates its visitors from the very first moment. Originally split into two cities by the Danube River until 1873, Budapest is made up of Buda on the west bank, hence the name of Buda Castle, and Pest on the east side of the river.
Here are 13 amazing places you must see in your first trip to Budapest...
1) Houses of Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is situated on the bank of the Danube river, and is one of the main landmarks of Hungary. This grand building attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, and is best seen from the opposite side of the river, or during a river cruise. You can also join a guided tour of the building which lasts just under an hour.
The building is also equally impressive at night...
2) Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman's Bastion is a beautiful viewing terrace on Castle Hill that looks like something taken straight out of Harry Potter. It gives you the best views over the river and the city, and most parts of the terrace are often free to visit. I'd recommend going during the evening to watch the sun set.
3) Matthias Church
Matthias Church is right next to Fisherman's Bastion and is an amazing piece of architecture. Its colourful roof tiles make it one of the most beautiful churches I'v ever seen.
4) Buda Castle
The main landmark of Budapest is Buda Castle, which as the name suggests is also located on Castle Hill. You can either walk up the hill, or there is also a funicular which goes right up to the castle. The building is now used as several museums which are open to the public.
5) Danube River
The Danube River splits the city into the Buda and Pest sides. Spend an hour or two walking along the bank taking in all of the sights. Another option is to take a river cruise.
6) Chain Bridge
You're unlikely to visit Chain Bridge without hundreds of other tourists, but it's still an impressive bridge to walk across from the Pest side up to Castle Hill.
7) Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the city park of Budapest, right next to the boating lake. It's amazing that such a beautiful castle is in the centre of a capital city. The city park is a short walk along Adrassy Street from the Danube River.
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8) Heroes Square
Heroes Square is at one of the main entrances to the city park, and shouldn't be missed.
9) St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. You can climb up to the top of the dome for a great view of the city. It's free to visit, but there's a small charge for climbing up to the viewing point.
10) Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Szechenyi Thermal Baths is located in the city park and is one of the most famous bath complexes in Europe. It's made up of 21 baths, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor pools at different temperatures. Although it can get quite busy, especially in the summer months, it's still a relaxing place to spend an afternoon.
11) Museum Of Applied Arts
Another impressive piece of architecture in Budapest is the Museum of Applied Arts. It has a beautiful tiled roof that's similar to Matthias Church.
12) Shoes On The Danube
Take some time to walk along the bank of the Danube river and see the memorial for the Jews that were killed in Budapest during World War II. The memorial is to commemorate those Jews that were ordered to remove their shoes, before being shot dead and falling into the river.
13) Central Market Hall
Go here hungry! The Central Market Hall is full of stalls selling a variety of foods and souvenirs, and it isn't just popular with tourists. It's an amazing place to try some traditional Hungarian dishes, especially Langos, which is a deep fried flatbread, usually topped with sour cream and grated cheese. I loved this market so much I visited twice during my trip!
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I've seen so many posts about Budapest lately and it's made me desperate to go! It looks like such an incredible city :) xx
ReplyDeleteJessie | allthingsbeautiful-x
OMG Thank You for this post! I'm hoping to be going to Budapest this summer with some uni friends to celebrate the end of year and this kind of post is exactly what we need! I can't wait to go to some of the famous baths for a spa day/relax and the architecture here looks absolutely stunning, I love the look of the Parliament, Matthias Church and the Applied Arts Museum! Ooh I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips!
JosieVictoriaa // Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle