Sightseeing – History everywhere you look
Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion)
Built to celebrate the 1000-year anniversary of the founding of Hungary, the Fisherman’s Bastion is made up of 7 towers, representing the 7 Magyar tribes that founded the nation. Sitting atop Castle Hill, the Bastion provides some of the most spectacular views of the Danube and city.
Mátyás-templom (Matthias Church)
Over 700 years old, it was the site of the coronation of Franz Joseph I of Austria and his wife Elizabeth, which marked the establishment of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867. Its roof is tiled in ceramics from the renowned Zsolnay factory of Hungary.
Budavári Palota (Buda Castle)
Also known as the Royal Palace, it sits atop Castle Hill on the Buda side of the city. The site of extravagant ceremonies during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now home to the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the National Széchényi Library.
Szent István Bazilika (St. Stephen’s Basilica)
The largest church in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica was built over the course of 50 years in the 1800s. At 96 meters high, its center dome is as tall as that of the Hungarian Parliament. You can climb up to the dome and enjoy a spectacular view of the city.
Dohány Utcai Zsinagóga (Dohány Street Synagogue)
The Dohány Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and second largest synagogue in the world. It’s style has influenced that of later synagogues, e.g. New York City’s Central Synagogue.
Hősök Tere (Heroes Square)
Located at the end of Budapest’s main shopping street, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes Square is a Unesco World Heritage site. It was built in 1900 to commemorate the 1000-year anniversary of the arrival of the Magyar tribes to the region that is now Hungary (just like the Fishermans Bastion).
Nagy Vásárcsarnok (Great Market Hall)
The Great Market Hall, or Central Market Hall, is the largest indoor market in Budapest. This architectural wonder has 3 floors of Hungarian goods, restaurants and folk art to admire.
Take a bath! Seriously…
Gellért Fürdő (Gellért Spa & Bath)
The Gellért Spa & Bath features pools, spas, and steam baths, bedecked with Art Nouveau style on the Buda side of the city, overlooking the Danube.
Széchenyi Fürdő (Széchenyi Bath & Spa)
The Széchenyi Bath & Spa is the largest medicinal bath, and one of the largest public baths, in Europe. 15 of its 18 pools contain spring-fed water. The most popular bath among tourists and locals.
Veli Bej Fürdő (Veli Bej Bath)
The most beautiful Turkish bath in Budapest, and the only mixed bath. Recently renovated, with a brand new wellness section. If you want a cosier experience with more locals than tourists, this is the bath for you.
Try Nightlife like a local
Gozsdu udvar (Gozsdu garden) is the place everything is happening right now.
Here you can find almost anything you’re looking for, from dining to enjoying a glass of wine or cocktails to clubing.
Gozsdu udvar is basically a net of alleys, half closed – half opened, with dozens of bars, restaurants and clubs, right in the city center. It is busy all week around, but the place comes alive with people from every age group on the weekends.
And last but not least – try some Hungarian FOOD!
The best way to learn about a culture starts with its food.
A hands on cooking class in a Hungarian home, combined with a guided market tour is a great way of really getting to know a city and its people.
