Where to Visit in Budapest? Top 8 Tourist Attractions

Budapest has one of the most varied and vibrant cultural scene of any capital city in Europe, with its rich combination of Baroque, Roman, Medieval, and Ottoman influences. Tourists can’t go wrong with a visit to Budapest, as it offers an abundance of activities, events, and sights for all ages. Here you can learn about the city’s history, culture, and attractions. We’ve picked out 8 must-see tourist attractions in Budapest, to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

1. Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is a breathtaking, Neo-Gothic masterpiece that is more than a symbol for Hungary – it is also the largest building in Budapest and the second-largest in all of Europe. It originally housed the Hungarian Crown Jewels and had a library as big as 5 km (3 miles). The Parliament Building offers guided tours, so visitors can see the splendour and grandeur of this beautiful structure, with its ornate architecture and multiple rooms. Don’t miss the exterior during night – when it’s lit-up it’s absolutely stunning. For more information about the Parliament Building, visit budapest.com.

2. Margaret Island

Travelers should take a few hours to wander around Margaret Island, a peaceful central island where locals come to take a break from busy city life. It’s full of beautifully-manicured gardens, monuments and swimming pools. It also offers numerous tours that focus on its history and urban wildlife. Margaret Island has been a protected nature reserve since 2008 and is home to several rare species of flora and fauna. Visitors might also take part in one of the open-air yoga classes that run around the island or paddle-boat around the lake for some spectacular different perspectives will make Margaret Island an interesting spot for your holiday. For more information visit budapestinfo.hu.

3. Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is a famous landmark that dates back to 1902 and overlooks the Danube River and its majestic neighboring bridges. It holds a vast collection of neo-Romanesque towers that have interesting stories connected with them. It also provides some of best views of Budapest and its twelve major bridges which span the length of the river – you’ll understand why it was named one of the 15 Most Breathtaking Views In Europe. Another interesting feature of the Bastion is that it is made up of seven towers which symbolize the seven leaders of the seven Hungarian tribes in 896 AD. For more information about this enchanting landmark visit budapestview.hu.

4. Citadella

The Citadella is one of Budapest’s oldest structures and stands high atop Gellért Hill, in an area known as Buda Castle Hill. This imposing fortification overlooks other major attractions such as Buda Castle, Liberty Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament Building – from here you can take in quite a spectacular view of the cityscape. The Citadella was built by the Austrians in the 19th century, when they occupied Hungary and renamed it Imperial City Of Ofen. As such, its façade has been designed with strong military architecture in mind – it looks both medieval and futuristic at the same time! More information about Citadella can be found on visitbudapesthungary.com.

5. Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Budapest and has been an important passage between Buda and Pest since 1849 – it was the first bridge that bridged both sides of the city since medieval times! Its construction was funded by the Welsh earl William Clark, who did it as a sign of gratitude toward the Hungarians for their help during his diplomatic tenure in 1839-1841. Walking along this bridge gives you amazing views of Gellert Hill, Castle Hill and other historic landmarks – something you definitely don’t want to miss! Visit whc.unesco.org for more information about the bridge’s history and importance to Hungary’s culture and heritage.

6. St Stephen’s Basilica

St Stephen’s Basilica is named after Hungary’s first Christian king, St Stephen, and it holds his right hand inside an uber-detailed altar altar hidden deep within the basilica’s walls as a kind of secular time capsule to Budapest’s history. It took over 50 years to build it, completing it in 1905 and today holds a record number of visitors every year – up to 6 million people! Many claim that St Stephen’s Basilica has some kind of magical pull – even if you’re not religious or spiritual, you will still be astounded by its sheer beauty, which instantly transcends any language barrier. For more information on St Stephen’s Basilica visit budapestinfo.com.

7. Heroes’ Square

Located at the end of Andrassy Avenue, Heroes’ Square stands proud at the beginning to the City Park – one of the largest urban parks in the world – stretching from this area all the way down to Vajdahunyad Castle– visitors can easily spend hours here exploring, or just daydreaming away among all this lush vegetation! Constructed between 1896 and 1929 to honor some of Hungary’s most illustrious historical figures, Heroes’ Square offers some amazing views across Budapest with its majestic statues, such as that of Anonymus – considered the Father of Hungarian literature! For more information see visitbudapesthungary.

8. Shoes on The Danube Bank

Shoes on The Danube Bank is one of the more recent monuments in Budapest – built only 10 years ago – but it will certainly stay in your heart forever. It serves as both a commemoration and reminder to honour not just those who perished during World War II, but any atrocities against humanity around the world – showing us all that we shouldn’t take anything for granted or forget our past injustices. Seeing Shoes on The Danube Bank gives you an emotional insight into a powerful part of Budapest’s history which should never be forgotten – for more information visit budapestsightseeing.

Budapest is an incredible city full of spectacular sights that shouldn’t be missed! All together these 8 attractions are sure to give you a great insight into Hungary’s culture and history! With so much to see and do in this wonderful city you’ll never be bored – so why not jump into our recommended tourist spots in Budapest for yourself? There really isn’t any excuse not seize this opportunity for an unforgettable experience!