Margaret Island (Margitsziget)

Undoubtedly a signature landmark of Budapest, Lánchíd, which translates to chain bridge, was built in 1839 in a period characterised by economic boom in the city, by Scottish engineer Adam Clark. The construction was largely supported by István Széchenyi, one of the most important politicians of the time. The lions guarding the bridge are …

The Parliament is arguably the most prominent landmark of Hungary, also noted as the third largest parliament building in the world. It was designed in Gothic revival style by architect Imre Steindl. It is 96 metres tall, which refers to the year 1896, when extensive constructions were carried out to celebrate the country's …

The charming district of the Buda Castle entails the prominent Fisherman Bastion, Matthias Church, several museums, as well as some residential homes. You'll find the National Gallery here, and a wide range of other museums dedicated to music, military history, pharmacy (housed in the first pharmacy of Buda), and the life of Houdini. Take …

Marvel at Budapest's UNESCO-listed panorama on this lovely Danube River evening cruise. See the city's floodlit landmarks, such as the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle district, and sail under the illuminated Chain Bridge and other bridges. Enjoy your choice of a glass of Champagne, wine, beer, soda, or …

If Hungary is a Land of Waters, then the same distinction applies to Budapest as a city. Even though the country is landlocked, the river Danube is a central element in Hungary's geography, as is Lake Balaton, a popular holiday spot for many Hungarians and so big it is known as the Hungarian Sea. …

Thanks to the geological features of the Carpathian Basin, Hungary is extremely rich in thermal springs. And the area of Budapest is no exception: the capital stretches across over 100 springs, many of them accessible to the public in beautiful historical buildings. The Széchenyi Baths, built in 1913 in neo-Baroque style, is undoubtedly the most …

St. Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. It was built in Neo-classicist style and has a capacity of up to 8,500 people. Its most noted relic is the mummified right hand of Stephen I, Hungary's first king who among others converted Hungarians to Christianity. The adjacent square is home to several markets …

A highly photographable neighbourhood in Budapest, this quarter is home to several landmarks built for the millenial celebrations in 1896. The vast Heroes' Square is adorned by sculptures of the seven Magyar chieftains, surrounded by the most prominent rulers who followed them in Hungarian history. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle are …

The distinct symbol of the Jewish quarter, the Great Synagogye is also noted as one of the largest in the world, the second only to the one in New York. The visit entails a guided tour with a walk in the building and its surrounding garden, where you'll also find sculptures of famous Hungarian …

An ironwork memorial by Gyula Pauer consisting of sixty pairs of shoes, commemorating the thousands of Jewish victims who were shot into the Danube during the Arrow Cross movement in 1944-45. With over 800,000 people expelled or killed, the Hungarian Jewish community is regarded as one of the biggest victims in the dark era …

The Gellért Thermal Baths are housed just behind the imposing Art Nouveau Gellért Hotel near the Liberty Bridge in Budapest. There are a range of pools of different temperatures, both inside and out, including the iconic sliding-roofed main pool, the external wave pool, as well as several sauna and steam …

The Hungarian State Opera is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece, it has the third best acoustics in Europe after the Scala in Milan and the Opera Garnier in Paris. Designed by Miklós Ybl, who also planned St.Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika), the Hungarian State Opera opened in 1884. Lavish inside and out, a gorgeous fresco by …

The 2.5-km long Margaret Island between Buda and Pest makes for a perfect venue for a lazy day outside the bustling city centre. It is home to several flowery parks, bars, medieval ruins, a water tower, a running trail, and the beloved Musical Fountain, giving a spectacular show several times a day in the …

Stretching behind the imposing Heroes' Square, Városliget is one of the most popular recreational venues in the city. There are plenty of entertainment options in the neighbourhood, including the Széchenyi Baths, Budapest Zoo, Circus, the Vajdahunyad castle housing the Agricultural Museum and various fairs, and a pond that turns into a popular ice rink …

When Franz Liszt, Liszt Ferenc to Hungarians, established his Music Academy in 1875, it was at his home in Vörösmarty Street, now a memorial museum. Today’s Liszt Ferenc Zeneakadémia, on the square also named after the composer, is an Art Nouveau masterpiece created in 1907. Since its redevelopment in 2013, it has mainly arranged …

The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) is an ornate cultural landmark on Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) partly reopening in October 2018. When fully operational by mid-2019 following renovation, the collection will feature Egyptian art, items from Classical antiquity and paintings by Old Masters. Already unveiled, the medieval-style Roman Hall is covered with elaborate …

Known locally by its acronym of Müpa, Palace of Arts (Művészetek Palotája) is a striking complex by the Danube created for the new millennium. It consists of the Bartók National Concert Hall, the Festival Theatre and the Ludwig Museum. The Bartók National Concert Hall is known for its outstanding acoustics created by Russell Johnson, …

Located by the foot of the scenic Gellért Hill, Rudas is another symbolic bath of Budapest, built in the 16th century under the Ottoman occupation. It features a dim central dome and octagonal baths, surrounded by four pools, each with a different temperature. Plan your visit in advance as there are selected days for …

A fortress built under the Austrian empire and used also by fascist and communist forces, Citadel sits atop the 235-metre high Gellért Hill, together with the Liberty Statue, a bronze lady holding a palm leaf and guarding the city since 1947 (hence was originally intended to celebrate the Soviet liberation from the Nazi forces …

Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building along what is called the small boulevard of Budapest, this museum houses various permanent and temporary exhibitions on the history of Hungary, starting from the Roman period, when the province of Pannonia stretched far beyond than the present borders of the …

Regarded by the National Geographic among the most scenic tram routes in the world, these yellow trolleys will help you discover Budapest's most beautiful buildings for the price of a single tram ticket. Make sure you do it at night (as well), to see the splendid city lights illuminating the elegant Buda …

Only 20 minutes by bus, and you'll find yourself in the midst of unspoilt greenery without even setting foot out of the capital. Start your trip by taking the bus to the Normafa parks, and try the best strudel in the city with scenic views over the Buda hills. From here stretches a short …