Are you wondering: “What to see in Budapest”? The rich history of the Hungarian capital is reflected in the exquisite architecture, which has been preserved to this day. Tourists are attracted here by numerous basilicas, fortresses, museums, thermal springs, as well as national flavor and peculiar Hungarian cuisine. It is impossible to see all the sights of Budapest in one trip, so you should familiarize yourself with their description in advance and choose the most interesting ones.
What to see in Budapest first of all
Due to the fact that many interesting places are concentrated in one part of the city, many travelers choose sightseeing tours in Budapest, rightly believing that it makes no sense to overpay for visiting individual monuments. If, after the first inspection, you want to explore some attraction in more detail, then you can always go there at the end of the tour.
1. Buda Fortress
Buda Fortress in Budapest
The first thing to visit in Budapest is definitely the Buda Fortress (this place can be safely attributed to the best sights of Hungary), which is a whole area with many historical monuments and interesting places.
There are objects on its territory, the interest in which has not dried up over the years. Among them are the following:
- royal Palace; Matthias Church; ruins of a castle built in the Middle Ages; fisherman’s bastion; Sandor’s Palace; art and Historical Museum.
Budapest | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Chain bridge or Lanzhid Cross section
Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest
Various sights of Budapest include numerous bridges, the grandest and most beautiful of which is considered to be the Sechenyi Chain Bridge.
Its historical significance for the capital is priceless, as it became a powerful incentive for the unification of the cities of Pest and Buda, which formed Budapest in 1873.
During the war, the Nazis, retreating, blew up the bridge. However, 4 years later, he appeared again in all his greatness. The structure is decorated with royal lions, massive stylized chains, arches and lanterns. The section of Lanzhid is especially beautiful at night, when numerous lanterns light up on it, reflecting in the dark waters of the Danube.
3. The Sechenyi Bathhouse
Szechenyi Bathhouse in Budapest
When deciding what to visit in Budapest, you should not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the Sechenyi baths located in Varosliget Park.
This is the largest complex in Europe and is open all year round. It harmoniously combines beautiful architecture, a variety of services, excellent service and the therapeutic effect of thermal water containing salts of sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, as well as fluorine and organic acids.
Inside this Budapest landmark there are halls decorated with mosaics, statues, stucco and water-themed drawings. There are 5 swimming pools and 11 baths with hot thermal water. Visitors can take a course of wellness massage and mud applications, visit a Finnish or Turkish bath, take therapeutic baths. People who have problems with the musculoskeletal system, digestive, genitourinary and respiratory systems come to the baths.
The complex also has gyms, an aquafitness pool, a solarium, and a cozy cafeteria.
Official website: https://ru.szechenyifurdo.hu
4. Fishing Bastion
Fishing Bastion in Budapest
When choosing what to see in Budapest on your first visit, you should pay attention to the Fishing Bastion, located in the very center of the Hungarian capital.
Built in 1905, it resembles a medieval white stone castle surrounded by an “openwork” wall. This impression is created due to the abundance of window openings, arches, projections and recesses on it. The seven wall towers symbolize the number of tribes united to create a unified Hungarian state. The square inside the bastion is decorated with a statue of the first king of Hungary.
The undoubted advantage of this Budapest landmark is free admission. Tickets must be purchased only to enter the upper balconies of the towers, which offer a magnificent view of the city.
5. The Central Market
The Central market in Budapest
Not knowing what to visit in Budapest to simultaneously admire its sights and buy gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip to Hungary, you should choose the central covered market near the Freedom Bridge.
This delightful colored brick building looks more like a museum than a shopping arcade. Its walls are decorated with stucco, ornaments and elements of forging. An abundance of windows and arches gives them an external lightness. But the roof, covered with multicolored tiles, is particularly admired.
The building is located on 10,000 m2, and at the same time has three floors. His project was developed by the famous architect Samuel Petz with the support of the then mayor of the capital Karl Kamermayer.
In the numerous market stalls, you can buy food, clothes, dishes, national souvenirs at an affordable price, which include rag dolls, embroidered napkins and other handmade items.
Official website: https://www.piaconline.hu
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Budapest!
6. The Citadel
Citadel in Budapest Civertan Grafikai Stúdió
The towering Statue of Liberty on Mount Gellert is visible from all points of Budapest. But the fact that there is a citadel behind it, you can only find out by going upstairs.
The reason for its construction was the uprising of Hungarian patriots against the rule of the Habsburg dynasty. After its suppression, it became necessary to control and, if necessary, to pacify the newly rebellious citizens. At the same time, the mountain was an ideal place for the construction of a citadel, from which Pest and Buda were clearly visible and shot through.
After the departure of the Austrian garrison, the townspeople wanted to destroy this building, but only the main gate was demolished.
During the Second World War, it was again used against the Hungarian people, but only by Fascist troops. This is told by the exposition on display in the citadel Museum, which is currently closed for reconstruction.
7. Vaidahunyad Castle
Vaidahunyad Castle in Budapest Marc Ryckaert (MJJR)
There are sights of Budapest that do not often appear in brochures and travel guides to Hungary, but at the same time they are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty and are very much loved by tourists. Such places include the Vaidahunyad Castle, located in the cozy Varoshliget Park.
It is simply impossible not to notice him. Visitors entering the complex have the impression that it was built in the distant Middle Ages, and served as a reliable shelter from enemies and robbers. However, this is only a stylization. In fact, the castle was built at the beginning of the last century, so it is quite well preserved.
After admiring the architectural ensemble, visitors can visit the Museum of Agriculture. It exhibits numerous exhibits and photographic materials showing the wonders of plant and animal breeding. In a separate hall, you can see samples of hand tools and mechanized equipment that many generations of Hungarians used to cultivate the land. And connoisseurs of good wine can go to the tasting room, where numerous varieties of this wonderful drink made by local winemakers are on display.
Official website: https://www.mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu
8. Heroes Square
Heroes Square in Budapest Gabor Dvornik
The sights of Budapest include the central square, the image of which can often be seen in travel guides around the capital. On the square there is a huge thousand-year-old marble column, with a statue of the archangel Gabriel mounted on it, holding the symbols of the Hungarian state.
At the base of the column there are equestrian sculptures of the leaders of the seven Magyar tribes, whose unification laid the foundation of Hungary. Behind the monuments there are 2 colonnades with a semicircular shape. Here you can see 14 heroes who have entered the history of Hungary. But in the center of the square you can see a memorial to the soldiers who died liberating their native country from the invaders.
After admiring the beauty and grandeur of the sculptures, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, located here on the square.
9. Matthias Church
Matthias Church in Budapest
When deciding what to see in Budapest, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Matthias Church, built on Buda Hill.
Visitors enter the main building through a large gate. Inside the temple there are numerous sculptures, wall paintings and stained glass windows, the beauty of which fascinates at first glance. Despite the fact that the church underwent a complete restoration at the end of the XIX century, 2 columns dating from the middle of the thirteenth century have been preserved in it. Along one of the walls, a number of chapels of saints revered in Hungary, as well as the royal family, are clearly visible. One of the galleries houses a museum of religious art.
A high bell tower and the tower of King Bela are attached to the main building of the temple, which are open to visitors and parishioners.
Official website: https://www.matyas-templom.hu
10. Hungarian State Opera House
The State Opera House in Budapest
Music lovers know that it is worth visiting the State Opera House in Budapest, because it is one of the three best halls in Europe in terms of the quality of acoustic data.
The building itself impresses with the luxury of its decoration. Its walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings by Hungarian masters, frescoes, bronze chandeliers, as well as numerous sculptures. The hall of this Budapest landmark can accommodate 1,261 people at the same time. But at the same time, tickets for the concert should be ordered in advance.
For those who do not plan to visit the opera, guided tours are held in several languages, after which you can listen to arias performed by theater artists.
Official website: https://www.opera.hu
Sights of Budapest: what else to see in Budapest
Special attention should be paid to guides in Budapest, who may have different experience, level of knowledge of foreign languages, and also differ in the prices of their services. To organize everything in the best possible way, we recommend initially deciding which specific museums, cathedrals, etc. you want to visit and how much you are willing to spend on an escort.
11. St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest
Some of the sights of Budapest are shrines for every resident of the country. One of these places is St. Stephen’s Basilica, built in honor of King Stephen I, the Saint who founded the Hungarian state.
This monumental building has the shape of an equilateral cross. Bell towers are attached to the main building on both sides, in one of which hangs a giant bell weighing 9 tons.
The semi-darkness of the room sets up lofty feelings and thoughts, forcing you to forget your problems for a while and leave the fuss outside the threshold. The rich decoration of the temple also makes a strong impression. The walls and columns are decorated with colorful mosaics, paintings by artists, carvings and gilding. From the stained glass windows, the faces of the saints look at visitors with love and forgiveness. In the altar part of the basilica there is a mummified hand of the first ruler of Hungary.
Official website: https://en.bazilika.biz
12. Hungarian National Museum of Ethnography
Hungarian National Museum of Ethnography in Ernst
If you choose what to see in Budapest, it is best to go to the Hungarian National Museum, where more than one million exhibits are on display.
Opened at the very beginning of the 19th century, this museum represented only the collection of Count Ferenc Szechenyi, consisting of manuscripts, ancient coins and a collection of books. However, at the moment there are numerous halls open here, representing various topics.
This Budapest landmark contains archaeological finds from the time of the Roman Empire, household items of people who lived in the Middle Ages, exhibits dedicated to revolutions and wars.
Special attention should be paid to the hall in which the mantle of the first Hungarian monarch, Stephen the Saint, is displayed. Richly decorated with pearls and gilded embroidery, it has been admired for many centuries.
Official website: https://www.neprajz.hu
13. The Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
The majestic building of the Hungarian Parliament rightfully adorns the first pages of travel guides to the capital. Therefore, when deciding what to see in Budapest, it is worth looking here first of all.
This building is one of the largest residences of European rulers. It has 691 rooms and 29 staircases. The architecture of the structure is also interesting, in which neo-Gothic and eclecticism are harmoniously intertwined.
But the parliament looks most elegant at night thanks to professionally designed illumination. Reflected in the dark water of the majestic Danube, the building is a fascinating sight.
Official website: https://www.parlament.hu
14. Margate Island
Margit Island in the center of Budapest
Tired of the hustle and bustle of noisy and hurrying Budapest, it is better to go to Margit Island, which is reached by the Arpad Bridge. This green oasis has everything that outdoor enthusiasts need. Comfortable running and cycling paths, courts, a stadium, swimming pools and children’s playgrounds. There is also a bathhouse with thermal water, where you can not only relax, but also improve your health.
Connoisseurs of the sights will be happy to visit the ruins of an ancient monastery and the grave of Princess Margarita, after whom the island is named. There is a “dancing” fountain working around the clock, which is illuminated in the evening with all the colors of the rainbow.
15. Hungarian National Gallery
Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest
The National Gallery is one of the main attractions of Budapest not only by the number of exhibits, but also by the fact that they all belong only to Hungarian masters.
After the opening of the gallery in the building of the Royal Palace, the collection is constantly replenished with works from private collections, museums, exhibitions and other sources. More than 100,000 works on display cover the period of the Middle Ages, Gothic, Renaissance and modern art. It is impossible to go through all the halls and examine each exhibit in one visit, so many return here again and again, taking away new impressions and emotions each time.
Official website: https://mng.hu
16. Shoes on the Danube embankment
Shoes on the Danube Embankment in Budapest
One of the most famous and sad monuments to the victims of fascism were the metal shoes that appeared on the city’s Danube embankment in Budapest in 2005. 60 pairs of children’s shoes, women’s shoes and worn-out men’s shoes are a reminder of the hundreds of thousands of Jews who were shot and tortured during World War II.
Permissiveness and greed for profit gave the fascists and their supporters on the part of the Hungarian National Socialists cruelty. People chained in a human chain were shot right on the shore so that one person would drag other innocent victims into the water with him. Before the execution, they were forced to take off their shoes to be used for sale. That’s how the idea of creating this monument appeared.
17. Therapeutic bath and swimming pool named after Rudasha
Therapeutic bath and swimming pool named after Rudasha in Budapest misibacsi
Such sights of Budapest as Rudash Spa attract visitors not only with the opportunity to improve their health and have a good time, but also to admire the unusual architecture of the building. A special feature of the thermal water bath is also the opportunity to visit it at night, while admiring the starry sky through an unusual glass dome.
There are 5 pools, the therapeutic water in which has a temperature from 28 to 42 ° C. You can also visit the Turkish bath, take massage and aromatherapy courses on site. Purified water from the springs is used to treat diseases of the digestive system.
Official website: https://ru.rudasfurdo.hu
18. Andrassy Avenue
Andrassy Avenue in the Hungarian capital Civertan
Andrassy is one of the key streets of Budapest, stretching from Erzsebet Square to Varosliget Park. There are a large number of old mansions, townhouses, as well as famous museums, theaters, boutiques, restaurants and other interesting places. In fact, the avenue itself is one big attraction, so it is always crowded here, but it is really worth walking along the avenue in the shade of spreading trees, feeling the historical spirit of this place, and looking into one of its cozy cafes. The name “Andrassy” once came from the name of the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who initiated the construction. Like many other objects, the opening of the avenue was timed to coincide with the millennium of the state, which was celebrated in 1896. It was a truly grandiose 40-year-old construction project, during which more than 200 residential buildings were even demolished, and compensation payments were given to the owners of the structures.
19. Cafe “Gerbo”
The famous cafe “Gerbo” on Vereshmarti Square in Budapest Bjoertvedt
The luxurious interior of the cafe “Gerbo” in the very center of Budapest Yelkrokoyade
Undoubtedly, the cafe “Gerbo” can be called one of the iconic institutions of the Hungarian capital — a luxurious coffee shop with a noble interior and the highest level of service appeared here back in the 19th century, when one of the representatives of the pastry family decided to open his own pastry shop. And an invited young partner named Gerbeau bought the place out some time later and carried out an extensive renovation. And today this coffee shop has retained the look it had in the era of its heyday — to this day it is also crowded, even despite the fairly high price level. After all, this is exactly the case when it is not a pity to spend money — it is better, leaving worries, to enjoy a piece of exquisite dessert “Esterhazy”, branded “Gerbo“ or chocolate “Dobosh”. The building itself is decorated in a classic style — the interiors are decorated with marble, bronze and valuable wood, a huge floor space is covered with exquisite carpets, the ceilings are decorated with elegant chandeliers.
Official website: https://gerbeaud.hu
20. The Great Synagogue
The Great Synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Pest in Budapest Garloa
The interior of the Great Synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Budapest Pelz
A small town in a big city, a place with a national flavor and ancient architecture is Old Budapest. Reviews indicate that it is here, in the historical center, that the soul of the city lives and the most valuable objects that preserve centuries-old memory are located. One of them is the Great Synagogue, located in the Jewish quarter, where Jews traditionally live. This is the largest institution of its kind in Europe, its internal area of 1200 square meters can accommodate up to 3 thousand people at the same time. The construction of the synagogue began in the middle of the 19th century, the building was designed in the Byzantine style with the addition of oriental ethnic motifs. The courtyard of the synagogue houses the Jewish Museum of Budapest, the Church of Heroes in honor of the Jews who died in World War I, and finally, the main monument — a memorial in the form of a weeping willow dedicated to the numerous victims of the Holocaust.
21. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts in a neoclassical building on Heroes Square in Budapest Vadaro
Budapest’s main cultural center is the Museum of Fine Arts, the country’s largest collection of paintings, graphics and sculptures. It is based on about 7 hundred paintings that were once in the private collection of the Esterhazy princes. The fact is that in 1896 a decree was issued that regulated the seizure of collections of foreign art from the possessions of Princes Esterhazy, Counts Zichi and Buda Castle, which was the reason for the creation of the museum, which was inaugurated in 1906. Nowadays, the total number of exhibits already exceeds 100,000, distributed in several halls. The museum’s six galleries present the history of the development of world culture, from Ancient Egypt to the heyday of Impressionism. The main section, or “Gallery of Old Paintings”, presents about 2.6 thousand paintings by outstanding masters of the Italian, Spanish, Flemish, English, and French schools.
Official website: https://www.mfab.hu
22. House of Terror
House of Terror on Andrassy Avenue in Budapest Chmee2/Valtameri
The museum is dedicated to the tragic periods of Hungary’s totalitarian history Darren Donahue
Against the background of the elegant palace facades of Andrassy Boulevard, a gloomy building of light gray color stands out, surrounded by a mournful black frame with the word “terror” stamped on it. The ominous shadow from the canopy falls on the facade and sidewalk, this makes you want to accelerate and pass by, but you should not pass — at least once, overcoming the rolling fear, you need to enter this institution, see and feel all the horrors of the brutal dictatorships of the last century — fascism and communism. After all, the House of Terror does not demonstrate a documented history, but focuses specifically on feelings, forcing the visitor to skip through the whole essence of the destructive regime. The building, built at the end of the 19th century as an ordinary apartment building, only since 2002 has housed a museum with gloomy exhibits related to terror in one way or another — photographic posters, instruments of torture and documents that were secret until some time.
Official website: https://www.terrorhaza.hu
23. New York Palace Hotel
The beautiful interior of the five-star New York Palace Hotel in Budapest Visions of Domino
Where the central streets of Budapest Rakoczy and Erzsebet intersect, there is an elegant building, within the walls of which the luxurious New York Palace Hotel is located. The building was erected at the end of the 19th century by the American insurance company New York Life Insurance to set up its representative office in Hungary. The delicate details of the facade, sculptures and columns are especially excellent in the evening, when the backlight lights up, emphasizing the volume and reliefs of each element of the stucco. To appreciate all the luxury of the interior design, you can book a room or go at least into the lobby of the institution, which resembles a small courtyard with palm trees, comfortable sofas and an unusual glass dome through which natural light breaks through. The spacious rooms are furnished with luxury furniture, covered with silk wallpaper, equipped meeting and conference rooms are available for business guests.
Official website: https://www.dahotels.com
24. Gellert Bathhouse
The pool of the Gellert therapeutic bath on the right bank of the Danube River Roberto Ventre
In winter, Budapest transforms, becomes truly magical – snow sweeps away narrow old streets and cobblestone pavements, creating an atmosphere of fairy tales and magic. Going on a trip at this time of the year, a tourist asks a reasonable question – what to see in Budapest in winter to brighten up a winter vacation? When it’s cold outside, it’s definitely worth visiting the baths, of which there are about 3 dozen in Budapest, and more than ten are therapeutic. And undoubtedly, the most beautiful among them is the ancient Gellert bathhouse — a picturesque and luxurious Art Nouveau complex with 12 pools: 4 of them are therapeutic, 2 have an open-air beach, one is entertaining and another is equipped with a hydro massage. And once Gellart had a more prosaic name — Dirty, and all because there was a lot of silt in the lake formed at the base of Gellert Hill. One monk, secluded in a cave on the hill, was the first to discover the healing properties of lake waters.
Official website: https://ru.gellertfurdo.hu
25. Mount Gellert
The 14-meter Monument of Freedom at the walls of the Citadel on Mount Gellert in Budapest
In addition to man-made monuments, Budapest’s natural attractions also find their place in the city. Reviews indicate that many, driving past Mount Gellert, notice this hill on the right bank of the Danube from afar. However, few people guess to get there, but this is one of the wonderful places from where you can enjoy extensive views of the streets and neighborhoods of the city, the Danube Valley and its beautiful bridges. There are many interesting objects on the mountain — for example, the powerful Habsburg fortress of the 19th century rises here, and cafes and souvenir shops are located around it. Going down towards another fortress — Buda, you can see the monument to St. Gellert. A 14-meter Statue of Liberty in the form of a woman holding a palm branch is also installed on the top. On one of the slopes, you can visit a cave temple dedicated to a hermit healer.
26. Aquincum
Ruins of the ancient Roman city of Aquincum József Rozsnyai
In the Obuda area, you can see and study the history of European civilization with your own eyes. It is in this region that the ruins of an ancient Roman city that once existed here are located. Aquinkum is the largest open—air museum in Hungary, immersing the visitor in the world of archaeology and unique artifacts. It was from here that the development of Hungary and its capital began, the Celts lived here, who built a fortress, and soon the settlement grew and turned into an entire city. In the 3rd century, rich merchants came to the town to visit the warm springs — they are known to us today as the baths of Budapest. Unfortunately, in the 4th century the city was plundered by barbarians and fell into oblivion. And only in the 20th century active excavations began, a museum was opened, where sarcophagi, sculptures, household items, jewelry, dishes, coins and finally, a unique find — a water organ.
Official website: https://www.aquincum.hu
27. Varoshliget Park
Varosliget Park is a place of rest for Budapest residents and guests of the Hungarian capital Natalia Semenova
You can also relax in Budapest very economically — the city hospitably opens up magnificent parks and squares, museums and monuments to the guest, and many of them are absolutely for nothing. Wondering what to see for free in Budapest, you can find a simple solution — go to the heart of the historical capital, where the cozy Varosliget Park is located. Various holidays and festivals are regularly held on the territory of the park, because originally Varoshliget was built to celebrate the millennium of Hungary. Once there were endless swamps in this area, but under Empress Maria Theresa the lands were drained, canal systems were stretched on them and numerous trees were planted. Today, the park covers an area of 1 sq.km, and quiet secluded corners of serenity with artificial lakes and trees, and noisy entertainment find their place here — for example, attractions, a zoo, a swimming pool, a restaurant and much more are located in the vicinity.
28. Brunswick Castle
Brunswick Castle in Neo-Gothic style surrounded by a beautiful English park Adam Harangozó
The ancient city of Eastern Europe cannot be imagined without palaces, castles, fortresses, which are an integral part of the glorious history of Hungary. One of the most striking examples of palatial architecture is Brunswick Castle, located near Budapest. It is often called the “Beethoven’s nest”, because within its walls you can touch the work and life of the famous composer. The magnificent Neo-Gothic castle in the 18th century was the residence of the Hungarian aristocrats of Brunswick. Beethoven was in close contact and friends with a noble family, so he often visited Brunswick, and it is believed that it was here that he wrote the famous “Moonlight Sonata”. Nowadays, part of the castle is occupied by the Scientific Institute of Agriculture, part is a museum dedicated to the work of Beethoven. Here you can see ancient musical instruments, antique furniture, a bust of Beethoven and stands with the pedigree of the owners.
29. Budapest Zoo
The entrance to the Budapest Zoo in the Varosliget Fred Romero Park
When choosing where to go with children, you should definitely visit the Budapest Zoo. Its spacious and picturesque territory is home to real mountains, waterfalls and lakes, but most importantly, it is home to more than a thousand species of birds and animals from different parts of the world. The history of the zoo dates back to 1866, but then it was only a small menagerie, which has grown many times in our time and sheltered more than 3 thousand individuals of different species of fauna — from large mammals to beautiful tropical butterflies. The Magic Mountain pavilion tells about the origin of life on earth, where the ancient ocean is presented with models of the first creatures — trilobites, mollusks, sponges. In the semi-darkness of the section dedicated to nocturnal animals, you can observe the mysterious life of bats, shrews and jerboa. In addition, the Budapest Zoo is also a beautiful landscaped park with recreation areas, benches and alleys.
Official website: https://zoobudapest.com
30. The Danube River in Budapest
Suspension bridges over the Danube River in Budapest
In search of what to see in Budapest in the evening, you can choose a win—win option – go to the water. This ancient city, which is already beautiful during the day, turns into something fantastic at night. Its embankment, which stretches along the Danube, the great river that forever divided the Hungarian capital into two parts, is especially transformed. The most famous coastal part is the Central embankment, decorated with fragrant flower beds, sculptures, with magnificent views of the Buda Fortress and Mount Gellert. The city has not stinted on illumination, so with the onset of dusk, its panoramas are fantastically transformed in the light of night lights. One of the most romantic ways to admire the night city is to swim through the waters of the Danube. There are many stops for boats along the entire embankment, which serve as river transport here.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish