The wonderful city of Budapest boasts countless special attractions that everyone simply must see! We’ve put together a list of Budapest’s attractions that make our capital city truly unique!
Budapest’s attractions – 10 must-see attractions in Budapest!
Budapest is quite simply one of the most wonderful cities in the world, and it’s not just Hungarians who think so, as more and more people from abroad are visiting it, and they usually return to our little country. This is probably because we have countless attractions that everyone can enjoy time and time again. We’ve put together a list of 10 sights that no one should miss in Budapest!
Sights of Budapest 1. The World’s Most Beautiful Café
The legendary Budapest café, the New York Café, served as a favourite meeting place for artists in the early 20th century; the café’s entire history is inextricably linked with literature. In days gone by, great emphasis was placed on creating a sumptuous, spacious interior, the beauty of which we can still enjoy today, along with the traditional motifs and the beautiful marble columns. Every Hungarian should visit this place, as even simply having a coffee here is a truly memorable experience. If you’d like to enjoy this experience for yourself, book a table
by clicking here!
Sights of Budapest 2. The Danube
Europe’s second-longest river cuts right through the capital, offering a magnificent sight. It rises in the Black Forest in Germany and is the world’s „most international” river, as it flows through 10 countries, whilst its catchment area extends into a further 7 countries. Today, it is an important international waterway. The first bridges across the Danube were built by the Romans, and the ruins of the bridgeheads can still be found in several places. For those seeking more active leisure pursuits, the Danube is the perfect choice, as countless amateur and professional athletes practising rowing and other water sports can be seen here.
Sights of Budapest 3. Széchenyi Chain Bridge
One of the symbols of the Hungarian capital is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which provides a permanent link between Buda and Pest and is also the oldest and best-known bridge over the Danube. The bridge features in countless promotional materials about Budapest and has been depicted on several Hungarian banknotes and coins, most recently on the 200-forint coin issued in 2009. The iconic stone lions at the bridgeheads were created by János Marschalkó, a sculptor from Lőcse. At weekends during the summer months and on public holidays, the bridge is often closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross.
Sights of Budapest 4. Parliament Building
More commonly known as the Parliament, it is one of Budapest’s most famous public buildings and landmarks. It is situated on Kossuth Lajos Square, offering an unrivalled view when seen from the Buda side. Many people are unaware that a condition of the Parliament Building’s construction was that only Hungarian building materials could be used. The Parliament Building houses the Holy Crown and the other coronation regalia; moreover, there are countless other reasons to visit, as the Parliament also features works by several famous Hungarian painters, whilst the building’s interior itself offers a magnificent sight.
Sights of Budapest 5. Buda Castle District
There are numerous historic monuments in this area, which are well worth a visit. An extensive network of caves and cellars lies beneath the Buda Castle District. The three main parts of the Buda Castle District are the Buda Castle, St George’s Square and the historic residential quarter, each of which boasts truly unique attractions such as the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Buda Castle Funicular, the Castle Theatre, the Fishermen’s Bastion, the Institute and Museum of Military History, and St Mary Magdalene’s Church.
Sights of Budapest 6. Fishermen’s Bastion
One of the city’s best-known historic monuments is situated in Buda Castle. It ranks among the most significant tourist attractions thanks to its unrivalled panoramic views. Built between 1895 and 1902 to a design by Frigyes Schulek in the Neo-Romanesque style, it comprises three sections that form a single, cohesive whole. Its name refers to the fact that, in the Middle Ages, this section of the castle wall was defended by the fishermen’s guild.
Sights of Budapest 7. Margaret Island
Margaret Island forms part of the capital city. The entire island is effectively a park, apart from a few hotels and catering establishments, and has thus become a hub of community life for both residents and visitors. Margaret Island had many names before its current name became established. A picnic in this green space is the perfect outing for families, but it’s also a great choice for runners, as a running track has been laid out here, allowing you to take in some real sights whilst exercising.
The Café – which is all bronze, marble, silk and velvet – once welcomed writers and poets (that is to say, artists) with its beautiful twisted columns, a balcony, chandeliers and frescoes – welcomed the company of writers, poets (that is to say, artists) in its day, just as it welcomes guests with a taste for the finer things today. These delights represent not only the pinnacle of gastronomic pleasure in New York, but also the epitome of elegance.
However, for those who do not seek the lively atmosphere of the Café – but rather a discreet, quiet setting where they can enjoy a business dinner, or a private lunch or dinner – we recommend the Salon restaurant.
We owe our exclusive, fine-dining menus, curated with artistic care, to our highly acclaimed chef, András Wolf.
The capital’s most impressive square is home to the Millennium Monument. Together with Andrássy Avenue, which lies in front of it, they form part of the World Heritage Site. The square was named „Heroes” Square’ in 1932. In the past, the square was often the venue for mass events, as well as numerous demonstrations and political rallies. Today, it is one of the favourite spots for tourists.
Sights of Budapest 9. St Stephen’s Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica is the second-tallest building in Budapest after the Parliament Building, and ranks third in the country. It is one of Hungary’s most significant religious buildings. The building is 96 metres high, 87.4 metres long and 55 metres wide, and has a capacity of 8,000 people. The basilica is exceptionally rich in works of art. In the summer, renowned organists from abroad give concerts here, and on Sundays the choir welcomes visitors with a concert.
Sights of Budapest 10. Museum of Applied Arts
The Museum of Applied Arts’ rich collection is truly unique, so everyone should see it! The building itself is truly special, as almost its entire façade is clad in Zsolnay ceramics produced using a variety of techniques, and the roof is also made from this material.
