Budapest / Hungary
3 May 2019
It is almost impossible to list everything that is worth doing, seeing or tasting in Hungary, and especially in the nation’s capital and largest city for hundreds of years – Budapest.
Among the endless list the most popular sights, historical monuments, architectural heritage, churches, museums and ecclesiastical collection in Budapest include the followings:
The Parliament building and Kossuth Square around it constitute an emblematic location in the city. Marvel at the building, enjoy the spectacle of the changing of the guards. If you time it right, you may even get to see the marching band play.
The Széchenyi Lánchíd or Chain Bridge is a marker for centuries of Hungarian history and a symbol of the unified city, just as all the local bridges connecting the Pest and Buda sides of the Danube. The lions at the bases of the bridge are a must-have selfie opportunity.
Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is testament to Hungary’s storied past and forms a great expanse that is a constant favorite with visitors and local skateboarders. It is also a seat of culture, embraced by two internationally renowned museums.
Andrássy Avenue runs along a stretch of central Budapest from Heroes’ Square and showcases its many beauties. Go shopping at the boutiques of the many international fashion brands that have set up a shop here, not to mention the showrooms for numerous talented young Hungarian designers. Go further to appreciate the elaborate architecture and visit a museum while you’re at it.
The National Theater and its sibling cultural institution Müpa (the Palace of Arts) are perfect examples of how modernity is integrated into Budapest’s rich history and riverside landscape. Relax in the park here or check out a concert by the many world-famous acts that are drawn by the near-perfect acoustics.
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The Great Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok) is Budapest’s best-known market hall offering a wide array of fresh produce and meat, as well as local delicacies. This is an unmissable part of your journey and also the spot to pick up some souvenirs and a fine bottle of Hungarian wine.
The Duna Corso in the city-center area of the Danube riverside is a condensed experience of all that this great city has to offer. Fresh air from the river, magnificent buildings, great restaurants and memorable spots for those essential photos.
Pick up your ticket and hop on Tram number 2. Considered one of the best of its kind, it takes you on a scenic tour of the central, majestic section of the city, giving you glimpses of the castle, the bridges spanning the Danube and many other locations that you’ll surely want to check out in more detail later.
In the scenic setting of the Castle District, the National Gallery’s permanent exhibitions inside the Royal Palace show the development of Hungarian fine arts over centuries, from the Middle Age to Modern ages. A separate room contains the works of Mihaly Munkacsy, who was an internationally known celebrity of his time.
The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) is an ornate cultural landmark on Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere). The collection feature Egyptian art, items from Classical antiquity and paintings by Old Masters. Already unveiled, the medieval-style Roman Hall is covered with elaborate murals.
The Neo-Classical National Museum (Nemzeti Múzeum) is home to a diverse showcase of archaeological and ethnic relics from Hungarian history. From stone-carved tools of the Palaeolithic era to the elaborate medieval coronation mantle worn by Hungarian kings, there’s much to discover here. The collection has recently been augmented with the so-called Seuso treasure, Roman silver relics from around 400AD.
Although it takes several days to fully explore the Hungarian capital, it is also worth seeking out attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Royal Castles of Gödöllő and Hatvan, Gastro-tour, Film Park in Etyek and Martonvásár or the skanzen in Szentendre.
You can find more information about the attractions of the surrounding area of Budapest:
Szentendre
Skanzen
Esztergom
Bazilika - Esztergom
Vác
Historic forts of Komárom
Duna-Ipoly
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The Hungarian capital is called the spa capital of the world rightly so, since plenty of the countires thermal springs and spas can be found here.
Whether it is the country’s strong folk culture, spas and baths, the cowboys of the “puszta”, the beautiful Parliament building, the spicy and hearty cuisine favouring paprika, in Hungary you are guaranteed to find authentic, impulsive and profound experiences that will turn into memories you will remember for the rest of your life.
Budapest is not just the heart of Hungary, but also the heart of 125 thermal springs which made Budapest a secret garden of baths and spas.
The Hungarian Tourism Agency launched a campaign in the middle of May, 2018 with the slogan: “Budapest, the Spice of Europe”.
Hungary is famous for its excellent food, as traditional Hungarian cuisine is among the best and richest in Europe. The country is a land where people’s love of food make eating out an enjoyable experience for anyone who comes here. Creative recipes, quality ingredients, and friendly service meet in the country’s gastronomy, offering a vivid fusion of authentic and modern meals.
Discover Hungary, our landlocked country full of water, through the eyes of National Geographic Photographer, Stephen Alvarez.
