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What are the Best Places to Visit in Budpaest?
Budapest is known for its beautiful sights and architectural wonders, making it one of the most popular destinations for travelers from around the world. With its stunning Renaissance, Baroque, art-nouveau, and traditional Hungarian styles – it’s easy to see why this is the place to be! From the symbol of Hungary, the Máriávala Fountain, to the beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion, to the iconic Chain Bridge, Budapest is full of amazing attractions.
When it comes to things to do in Budapest, there’s something for everyone. Here, we will discuss some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in Budapest.
The Máriávala Fountain
The Máriávala Fountain is known as an iconic symbol of Hungary. Located at Szent István tér in the Castle District of Buda and right next to the Chain Bridge, the fountain features a tall cast iron column which is surrounded by four colorful statues. Representing the four seasons of Hungary – winter, spring, summer and autumn – these statues were created by Hungarian sculptor Fruzsina Szél in 1915. Every day, visitors can enjoy fountain shows that combine music, colored lights and dancing water in order to create a truly remarkable experience.
The Fisherman’s Bastion
Located on the Buda side of the Danube river, The Fisherman’s Bastion offers one of the most stunning views of Budapest. It was built in 1905 as a monument to honor fishermen who defended the city against an invading Ottoman army hundreds of years ago. The bastion is designed with superb architectural precision and offers seven towers from where visitors can enjoy this wonderful view – each tower representing one of seven Magyar tribes who resided in Duna-Tisza-Körúti.
On a clear day, visitors can see stunning panoramic vistas of the Danube river and Pest’s Parliament Building in the distance. The Fisherman’s Bastion is also a popular setting for weddings.
The National Theatre of Budapest
One of the city’s oldest theatres, the magnificent National Theatre of Budapest was built between 1875 and 1876. Designed by Miklós Ybl, it highlights the neo-Basilica style. This special theatre has hosted some of Hungary’s greatest plays including those from renowned authors Áron Tamási and Ferenc Molnár and it is often used as a venue for Hungarian Opera evenings.
The theatre interior is just as mesmerizing as its exterior. Designed by Lechner Ödön, it showcases colourful ceilings highlighting traditional Hungarian motifs as well as beautiful chandeliers and carpets.
Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House is a magnificent neo-Renaissance building that was opened in 1884. Its exterior features beautiful sculptures and decorations while its interior includes a lavish marble staircase, a large chandelier located in the main hall and an incredible ceiling fresco painted by Hugo Charlemont.
The Hungarian State Opera House offers many performances throughout its season including classics such as Tosca, Don Giovanni, Carmen and Swan Lake among others. It’s one of the most important cultural venues in Budapest as it showcases a range of live performances such as opera, ballet and orchestral concerts.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Standing on the banks of the Danube river, the Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the world’s oldest legislative buildings. It was built between 1885 and 1904 to the designs of Imre Steindl and encloses over 246,000 square feet of floor space. The main feature of this enormous building are its impressive façades which include six courtyards and more than a thousand decorated windows. In its lobby stands the Crown Jewels of Hungary.
The national pilgrimage site also offers guided tours four times a day in English (check out www.parlament.hu/en/jaszon) – making it a must-visit destination for any tourist interested in this part of Hungarian history.
Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall – or Vásárcsarnok in Hungarian – is the biggest and oldest market hall in Budapest. With over a thousand years of history behind it, this market is still a major landmark in the city today. Located near Liberty Square, it features three floors filled with almost everything one could think of – from fruit and vegetables to traditional Hungarian souvenirs such as paprika and embroidered items. A visit to this market should be on every traveler’s list!
Budapest truly offers a wealth of experiences for those visiting and there are plenty of amazing places to visit and learn about along the way. Whether you want to explore cultural locations such as Máriávala Fountain or the Fisherman’s Bastion or shop at one of Budapest’s bustling markets, this vibrant city has something for everyone.
