Interesting Places In Budapest

Located on the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is Hungary’s vibrant capital city. It’s a city bursting with culture, history, and natural beauty. With its grandiose architecture and picturesque setting, Budapest has something to offer everyone. From its grandiose castles and sprawling parks to its bustling nightlife and delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of interesting places in Budapest to explore. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll through nature, an exciting night out, or a journey through Hungary’s past, Budapest is the perfect destination.

History of Budapest

Budapest was founded in 1872 when the cities of Buda and Pest were united by Emperor Francis Joseph I. Before that, the area was home to various Celts and Romans. In the 12th century, the city was officially recognized as the capital of Hungary and its walls were then built by the Kingdom of Hungary. The city was later besieged by the Ottomans and then by the Habsburg Monarchy in 1526. It was then destroyed by the Mongol invasion in 1241-42. The city then went through many economic and political changes during the 19th century before becoming the capital of Austria-Hungary in 1867.

The city then flourished during the Belle Époque period, with many grand buildings being built, such as the Hungarian State Opera House and the Hungarian Parliament Building. It was also during this time that Budapest became an important center for culture and art.

After being occupied by the Nazis during World War II, the city became part of the Soviet Union’s control in 1945. It wasn’t until 1989 that it finally gained independence and became a democratic republic.

Today, Budapest is home to around 1.7 million people and is one of the most important cities in Central Europe. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, picturesque architecture, delicious cuisine, and thriving nightlife. Here are some of the most interesting places in Budapest to explore.

The Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most iconic sights in all of Budapest. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this magnificent building is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Europe. It was built between 1885 and 1904 and is one of Budapest’s most visited attractions.

The building is made up of 691 rooms and is filled with magnificent statues, intricate designs, and rich colors. Its dome is 96 meters (315 feet) tall and it stands as a symbol of Hungarian pride and power. Inside, visitors can find a number of interesting artifacts, such as a bust of King Stephen and a painting of Prime Minister Lajos Kossuth.

The Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most beloved landmarks. This iconic bridge was designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and opened in 1849 as the first permanent bridge linking Buda and Pest across the Danube River. It is a symbol of freedom and unity for Hungary and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

At night, the bridge is illuminated by hundreds of lights and illuminates the entire riverfront. The bridge also features four lion statues, which were added in 1852 to symbolize Hungary’s strength and courage.

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is home to some of Budapest’s oldest and most beautiful buildings, including the Royal Palace and Matthias Church. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers incredible views of the Danube River and gives visitors a glimpse into Hungary’s rich history.

The Royal Palace was once home to Hungarian kings and queens, but today it serves as an art museum. The building houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including paintings by Titian, El Greco, and Rubens. Matthias Church is a stunning Gothic church with colorful frescoes and an impressive alterpiece depicting Jesus’s crucifixion.

Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is one of Budapest’s most iconic sights. This ornate square is dedicated to Hungary’s seven chieftains who fought for independence from foreign rule in 896 AD. At the center of the square stands a 36-meter (118-foot) tall column topped with a statue of Archangel Gabriel holding a double cross representing Christianity and a crown representing Hungary’s monarchy.

The square also features two impressive archways leading to two beautiful fountains dedicated to Hungarian kings Stephen I and Mathias Corvinus, respectively. Surrounding these sculptures are two museums dedicated to art and history. Visitors can also find several restaurants offering traditional Hungarian food.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is a stunning neo-Gothic terrace located on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River. This terrace was built between 1895 and 1902 to commemorate one thousand years of Hungarian history. It is made up of seven towers representing seven Magyar tribes who founded Hungary in 896 AD. Each tower is topped with a bronze statue depicting a chieftain from each tribe.

At night, Fisherman’s Bastion is illuminated by soft lights giving it an almost magical feel. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the city from this terrace.

The Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue is one of Europe’s largest Synagogues and one of Budapest’s best-known landmarks. Built in 1859, this majestic building serves as a reminder of Hungary’s Jewish heritage and stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. The Synagogue features an impressive dome decorated with Star of David symbols and stained glass windows featuring images from Jewish mythology. Inside there is a magnificent sanctuary with an ornate ceiling and an impressive organ. Visitors can also explore a Holocaust museum dedicated to preserving the memory of those who perished during World War II.

Popular Tours in Budapest

Budapest offers many exciting tours that allow visitors to explore its fascinating culture, history, and architecture. Here are two popular tours that you can book:

Budapest by Night Tour

This tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through Budapest at night. It begins at St Stephen’s Basilica where visitors can admire its stunning façade illuminated by colorful lights before heading to Heroes’ Square to marvel at its impressive sculptures lit up against the night sky. From there, you will visit Fisherman’s Bastion for stunning views of Budapest across the Danube River before enjoying dinner at a traditional Hungarian restaurant. The tour ends at Andrassy Avenue where you can take in spectacular views of Hungarian Parliament Building illuminated by thousands of lights before returning to your hotel or hostel at the end of your evening tour through Budapest. You can book this tour here.

Half-Day Castle District Tour

This half-day tour takes visitors on a journey through Budapest’s picturesque Castle District which is home to some of Hungary’s most iconic landmarks such as Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Royal Palace. You will learn about Hungary’s history as you explore these beautiful sites before heading to St Stephen’s Basilica to marvel at its ornate interior and impressive dome. The tour ends at Fisherman’s Bastion where you can enjoy incredible views of Budapest across the Danube River before returning to your hotel or hostel at the end of your half-day tour through Castle District. You can book this tour here.

As you can see, there are plenty of interesting places to visit in Budapest – from its grandiose architecture to its bustling nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or an educational journey through Hungarian history, there are plenty of interesting places in Budapest waiting to be discovered!