It is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe that is separated by the Danube in the old Buda and the beautiful Pest. It is a city that you will love for its nobility, the dozens of bridges that crown the imposing Danube, its hidden treasures, its galleries, its dazzling alleys and its wonderful architecture of its buildings. It is also characterized as the “Queen of the Danube” with rich history, culture and natural beauty. Under the sounds of gypsy violins you will travel to the past.
Currency: Hungarian Fiorint
Calling Code: +36
Nearest airports from city center: Budapest Airport (24km), Heviz Balaton Airport (193km), Bratislava Airport (208km), Vienna Airport (226km), Debrecen Airport (239km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA (Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051)
It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and is dedicated to Saint Stephen who was the holy King of Hungary and the founder of the Hungarian state. See the mummified right hand of its patron saint and climb up to the dome for panoramic views of the city.
*** HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING & CROWN JEWELS (Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055)
It is one of the most emblematic buildings in Europe and of course the trademark of Budapest. Take a tour inside to see the impressive corridors, “treasures” and Hungarian crown jewels of the Neo-Gothic building with 691 rooms.
*** BUDA CASTLE & CASTLE HILL (Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014)
Visit the 18th century Buda Castle which is a huge 200 room palace and tour the mortal Art Gallery and Budapest History Museum. On Castle Hill the historic complex of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view of the Danube will fascinate you.
*** FISHERMAN’S BASTION (Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014)
See the neo-Romanesque towers, walls and courtyards of the impressive fisherman’s bastion built towards the end of the 19th century and offering an unimaginably beautiful view of the city and the Danube.
*** MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, 1146)
In an imposing 19th century building you will find a huge collection of Italian, Spanish, Dutch and local painters, but also exhibitions of Egyptian art, ancient art, sculpture, painters’ gallery, graphic collection, etc.
*** STATE OPERA HOUSE (Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061)
It opened at the end of the 19th century and is worth a visit even during the day when there is no show. The works of art, sculptures, impressive halls and the horseshoe-shaped amphitheater will impress you.
*** HUNGARIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM (Budapest, Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088)
A visit to the wonderful museum is a must, where you will find, among other things, the crown of St. Stephen with precious stones, objects from the country’s independence struggles and the history of Hungary from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. Beethoven’s grand piano is also in a prominent position!
*** SZECHENYI THERMAL BATH (Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146)
One of the most popular places in Budapest is the thermal bath which was founded in 1913 and you can enjoy your bath, sauna, spa or massage in Europe’s largest facility.
*** MATTHIAS CHURCH (Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014)
You should definitely visit the temple built in 1269 and located on Castle Hill. The coronations of kings and emperors have taken place there, while the Ecclesiastical Art Museum located in the medieval crypt of the church is also worth seeing.
*** MARGARET ISLAND
It is an island that is almost 2.5 kilometers long and is one of the best recreational outlets for the locals. Its impressive gardens, beautiful paths, the Palatinus Baths, the ruins of the Dominican monastery, the open-air theater, the water tower and many more attractions will impress you.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** A riverboat ride on the Danube, with good food and music, will be unforgettable.
*** The Chain Bridge is a landmark of the city and worth taking a photo.
*** The University Church opened in 1725 should get your attention.
*** Next to the banks of the Danube you will find the “Danube Shoes” which are in memory of the Hungarian Jews who were killed during the Second World War by their compatriots and Nazi collaborators.
*** The Gellért Thermal Bath is an equally good choice to relax.
*** You should definitely visit the City Park which has many attractions and landmarks for the city.
*** Of historical importance is the Vajdahunyad Castle built in 1896 for the 1,000 years of Hungarian history.
*** We would recommend you to take a walk in the Ludwig Museum with works of art by top artists such as Pablo Picasso.
*** The Tabakkagasse Synagogue deserves your attention
FOOD AND DRINK
The cuisine of Budapest will be unforgettable. Be sure to try their traditional dishes such as chicken paprikash, hungarian goulash, fish soup halászlé, lecsó (vegetable stew), stuffed cabbage leaves, meat stew and traditional pasta. For street food, the locals offer you langos, hot dogs with chips and the traditional sweet Kurtoskalacs. The traditional drink of Hungary is Unicum liqueur, but it is drunk as a digestive. Accompany your food with local beer or wine.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find hotels and apartments at very good prices in the city center and at a distance of 1-2 kilometers from the center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Visit the Zoo with your children and you will be impressed.
*** You should definitely take your children to the thermal baths to enjoy them as a family.
*** For your shopping visit Westend Shopping Center, Central Passage Shopping Center, Arena Mall, ÁRKÁD Budapest, Bevásárlóközpont, Markthal and Corvin Plaza Shopping Mall.
*** Váci Street is the most famous street for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike, by metro or by tram.
CITIES NEAR BUDAPEST
Major cities close to Budapest are Székesfehérvár (59km), Gyor (121km), Bratislava (201km), Debrecen (233km), Vienna (250km), Kosice (262km), Timisoara (315km), Graz (369km).
