The capital of Hungary is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Budapest achieves its charm by combining something that most European capitals lack: geographic diversity. Budapest is located in the Pannonian Basin and is a combination of three medieval cities: Buda, Óbuda and Pest. Buda is one of the hills surrounding the Danube, on the banks of which Pest and Óbuda were built. Together, these three create a beautiful harmony for the eyes and the mind.
Popular must-see attractions in Budapest
Plains and hills separate this area from the rest of the Pannonian Basin, but most of the Pannonian Basin is just flat land, with no hills visible for miles. Budapest is a great place to visit. That’s why we’ve created a list of must-dos to navigate Budapest if you’re planning to visit the Hungarian capital.
1. Check out Buda Castle
Buda Castle is one of the many must-see attractions when visiting Budapest. Contrary to what the name suggests, Buda Castle is not located on Buda Hill, but rather on “Castle Hill”. To be fair, the castle was connected to Buda Hill by a medieval path.
Another thing that may be confusing is that Buda Castle is not one castle, but a common name for several castles built in close proximity in the same area. All castles served as royal residences for numerous Hungarian kings throughout history, with the oldest dating back more than 1,000 years.
2. See the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building
This is undoubtedly Budapest’s most famous building. The Hungarian Parliament Building was built more than a century ago as a celebratory symbol of the union of his three cities, which became the Budapest we know today. The building itself is located on the banks of the Danube, so it can be accessed from land, but the most spectacular view of the Hungarian Parliament building is from the Danube itself, which is next on our list.
3. Cruise the stunning Danube River and enjoy the views of Budapest
There’s a reason the Hungarians built their capital around the Danube River. It served as a defense against enemies. Provided food and excellent transportation. However, over time, they quickly realized the tourism potential offered by the Danube and took full advantage of it. Many ships offer cruises on the Danube, but the most popular are during dinner time. You can sit back and enjoy your meal while the lights of Budapest flicker in the distance and the buildings transform one after another as the fog from the Danube slowly disappears. They are far away.
4. Take a closer look at Fisherman’s Bastion
One of the many fortresses in Budapest is the Fisherman’s Bastion. The origin of this name is still unknown, and some speculate that it came from the fact that fishermen would sell their catch of the day under the towers of the fortress, but this is only speculation. The Turkish Empire destroyed the original fortress in the Middle Ages, but the ruins were restored in his late 1800s. High towers overlooking the Danube River served as the first line of defense against enemies attacking from the water. It stands as a historical monument of a bygone era, but it is still an important piece of the big puzzle of Hungarian history, so it is something that every visitor must see.
5. Enjoy a relaxing bath at Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Széchenyi Thermal Baths are natural hot springs located on the outskirts of Budapest. It’s one of the coolest experiences. The hot springs provide a constant supply of warm mineral water, which you can enjoy even on cold winter days. I can’t stress enough how unique this is and that you need to visit this place as soon as possible.
6. Enjoy a day in nature on Margaret Island
This recommendation is an unusual recommendation. Margaret Island is a river island in the Danube River. It is more than a mile long and is almost completely covered by dense forest. The Hungarians turned this into a park where you can enjoy picnics on sunny days.
7. Walk along the Danube promenade
A great place for a long walk is the Danube Promenade. It’s a large walking space with many great buildings, hotels, and the world-famous World War II Memorial. “Shoes on the Danube” is dedicated to the Jews who lost their lives in the war. Before being executed, Jews had their shoes removed and were thrown into the Danube River. It’s an unsettling experience, but it serves its purpose, and the thought of innocent people losing their lives sends chills down your spine.
8. Try goulash
The Hungarian national dish is certainly a familiar taste. It is made by seasoning boiled meat and vegetables with ground paprika spice. It can be made from pork, veal, or lamb, but in some rural areas of Hungary it is also made with rabbit meat. It’s not suitable for everyone, but if you’re looking to get the most experience, you should give it a try.
9. Explore all the districts of Budapest by tram
Budapest has trams throughout the city, and while they aren’t the best in the world, they do have a vintage feel. The rides are quite cheap and are a great way to see all of Budapest, not just the town center.
10. Pay your respects at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Saint Stephen is considered the founder of Hungary, and Hungarians highly respect him. His remains are kept in St. Stephen’s Cathedral. At over 300 feet in height, it is the tallest Catholic church in the city. It was built over 200 years ago by locals who wanted to honor their country’s founder.
11. Drink coffee at a New York cafe
New York Caffe is one of Budapest’s most luxurious cafes. Dare I say it, it’s the ultimate luxury. The neoclassical building and marble interiors with crimson red details will instantly transport you back to the era of top hats and flashy hairstyles.
12. Look for miniature sculptures around town
artist named Mihai Kolodko He has installed numerous small sculptures throughout Budapest. Each carving has a meaning and is almost impossible to find without paying attention to detail. Budapest’s many walking tours take you through all the sculptures and explain their history.
Master’s student in Criminal Law from Montenegro. But he’s also an author, graphic designer, videographer, professional chef, gamer, music lover, and car enthusiast. Some people say it’s impossible to be good at too many things at once, and they’re right, but I still love doing them all. cheers!
