The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, is one of our favorite places to visit in Europe and these 23 pictures will show you why. The city is a great mix of interesting history and a modern laid-back style so every type of traveler will find something they like. Most importantly, most of the city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the beautiful architecture, interesting museums, and thermal spas. Take a look at these stunning pictures of Budapest to help you plan your next trip!
Chain Bridge and River Danube
Firstly, one of our favorite things to do in Budapest is to take a walk along the Danube River. The walkway from Elizabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge is the best becausse you can see some of the top sights in Budapest along the way. Grab a glimpse of Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Liberty Statue on Gellert Hill, and Szechenyi Istvan Square on your stroll. There are also great restaurants and cafes along the river with a great view that you can stop and dine at.
On the other hand, if walking isn’t your thing, catch a river cruise to enjoy the sights. There are plenty of different types of river cruises from Viking cruises to dinner cruises with a folk show, so everyone will enjoy their time.
Margaret Island
After that, iIf walking along the Danube River wasn’t enough for you, you can visit an island in the middle of it, Margaret Island. Margaret Island is 2.5kms long and hosts a variety of recreational activities. For example, you can rent pedal carts, golf carts, or self-powered vehicles to properly explore the island. Although it is an island, you can take a tram, walk, or cycle over. You can take a more scenic route can opt for a public boat as well.
Moreover, on the island, you can climb the water tower built in 1911 to get a beautiful view of the island. Or, go for a swim at Palatinus Strand which has thermal pools, adventure pools, water slides, and even a wave pool.
If gardens are more your thing, Margaret Island has plenty. Explore the Rose Gardens or Japanese Gardens to get back to nature. You can even feel like an old-time explorer by visiting the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery from the 13th century or a Dominican Convent from the 16th century.
A trip to Margaret Island is the perfect day out for anyone, no matter what you enjoy doing.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Even if you aren’t religious, a stop at St. Stephen’s Basilica is a necessity on any trip to Budapest. St. Stephen’s Basilica was built in 1905 and is still one of the most important religious buildings in Hungary. Because of this, visitors who want to enter must be respectful by covering their knees and shoulders. You can even head up to the base of the dome of the basilica to get a great view of the city. If you enjoy classical music or organs, you can frequently catch a show here as well.
Matthias Church
Another beautiful church to visit in Budapest is Matthias Church on Buda Castle Hill which has been around since 1015. Matthias Church may be in the traditional Gothic style of the time, it is one of the most unique churches with delicate turrets, coloured tiles, and a breathtaking interior, you won’t regret stopping by.
Dohany Street Synagogue
If you’ve had enough of visiting churches, a visit to the Dohany Street Synagogue may help break things up. It is one of the largest synagogues in the world outside of Israel and was restored in the 1990s. Visiting the synagogue is a great way to pay your respect to the Hungarian Jewish population that were killed during World War II as there is a weeping willow memorial in the garden. The leaves on the weeping willow bear the names of some of those who were killed as a result of the war.
The Hungarian Parliament Building
Although a trip to a parliament building doesn’t seem interesting, you’re not going to want to miss this one! The Hungarian Parliament building is one of the largest buildings in all of Hungary and it was built in the Gothic Revival style, making it one of the most recognizable and impressive buildings in Budapest.
The Hungarian Parliament building is centrally located along the Danube River so it is hard to miss. Visitors can enter the building and take a guided tour of it to really understand its history. If you don’t want to go in, seeing the Parliament building from across the river, especially when it’s lit up at night, is a great activity.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Another great example of the stunning architecture in Budapest is Fisherman’s Bastion in Buda Castle. It has become extremely popular among tourists because it offers a panoramic view of Budapest across the Danube River and Margaret Island. It was built in the early 20th century in a neo-Gothic style and named after the Guild of Fisherman who were responsible for defending the city walls there during the Middle Ages.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a crisp white building that sports seven towers to represent the seven Magyar tribes. The best time to visit is during sunset as you can see the city in a different light.
Budapest Baths
One of the main things Budapest is known for is the thermal baths. Consequently, people often refer to Budapest as the City of Baths. One of the most well-known baths is Szechenyi Bath, the biggest thermal bath in the city. It is also the biggest natural hot spring in Europe as well. Szechenyi Bath is over 100 years old and holds over 18 pools indoors and outdoors. Visitors can also enjoy a massage, sauna, or gym, and have a delicious beer or wine poolside.