12 x Places to Visit in Budapest

Budapest is known for its fascinating museums and monuments, such as the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, Parliament Building, Shoes on the Danube Bank, and Hungarian National Museum. Museum of Fine Arts and a museum hop tour around the city take you on an incredible journey through the country's history and culture.

Photo by Emma Fabbri on Unsplash

Other popular Budapest tourist attractions include the hot springs on Margaret Island, Gellert Baths, and Szechenyi Thermal Bath. The Budapest Pinball Museum is immensely popular among pinball players worldwide, and no trip to Budapest is complete without a photo in the historic Heroes Square.

The Children's Railway is one of Budapest's most unusual tourist attractions, with an entire railway line operated by trained children. This exciting train ride entertains not only children but the whole family.

1. Parliament Building

The Parliament Building, which has emerged as one of Budapest's most visually beautiful buildings, is the world's third-largest. The Neo-Gothic structure was dedicated in 1886 to commemorate the country's 1000th anniversary.

The vast tower has a total of 691 rooms. Visitors can explore the building during 45-minute guided tours. The tour is only available while the government is not in session.

2. Gellert Hill

The Gellért hill is a steep cliff top that overlooks Budapest and its major attractions. Stephens Basilica, the Chain Bridge, the Parliament, the Castle, the Big Market Hall, Matthias Hall, and other landmarks are seen here. If you are an adventurer who enjoys city views, you should not miss out on Gellért Hill. Visitors have an excellent opportunity to snap many photos with them because this is a highly photogenic area of Budapest.

3. Margaret Island

Margaret Island, which is located right in the center of the Danube and is largely covered in magnificent leafy gardens, is a very peaceful and picturesque area to spend some time in. The island, which is connected to both sides of Budapest by Arpad Bridge in the north and Margaret Bridge in the south, also has a water park, an athletics facility, and numerous picturesque routes and trails.

4. Gellert Baths

For a good reason, Budapest is known as the "City of Spas." Every day, more than 118 natural thermal springs supply the city with 70 million liters of therapeutic water. The Gellért Baths, located within the world-famous Gellért Hotel, is one of a dozen spas where you can benefit from the therapeutic properties of spa water.

The luxurious spa features a steam room, sauna, sun terrace, thermal baths, and massage rooms, all situated in a stunning Art Nouveau-style structure. Avoid the crowds by going early in the morning or by booking a guided tour.

5. Buda Castle

The Buda Castle, which houses many notable medieval structures and museums, was designed to protect and secure against Tartar and Mongol raids. Although most of the castle has been repaired, it was severely damaged during World War II.

The 18th-century castle is a vast 200-room mansion that has been refurbished, where the Budapest History Museum in the south wing and the Hungarian National Gallery in the main wing take up four floors.

6. Shoes in Danube

The Danube Shoes is a sculpture by Hungarian Gyula Pauer that respects the Jews who the Danube slaughtered in the 1940s. The statue is similarly modeled after period shoes.

7. Danube River Cruise

You, without a doubt, add a river trip along the magnificent Danube. As you dine and wine along the Danube, you'll notice the gorgeous architecture and historical wonders glide quietly. It's the finest method to see all of Budapest in just an hour. The cruise is a condensed version of Budapest.

8. Museum Of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is a notable art museum in Budapest that was established in 1906 and is located on Heroes Square, near the Palace of Art. It features a diverse collection of European art, Egyptian antiques, and antique carved paintings, among other things. The museum, located in the city's west end, was designed by Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herzog in the neoclassical style and houses over 100,000 artworks and objects.

9. Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is famous as one of the world's most beautiful examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. It was completed in 1884 and featured a three-tonne chandelier and about three kilograms of gold used to gild the cherubs and nymphs of its richly elaborate interior. Although the Sydney Opera House is closed for renovations until early 2020, tours of the structure are still accessible.

10. Hospital In The Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

The Hospital in the Rock was constructed within a 10km underground cave system beneath the Buda Castle District. Built in the 1930s as a secret military and hospital bunker in preparation for World War II, the hospital was used to total capacity during the siege of Budapest in 1944-45, treating civilians and troops.

11. Matthias Church

Matthias Church is one of the most attractive buildings in the city, located immediately opposite the Fishermen's Bastion. Its towering spire and magnificent facade display some remarkable Gothic features, and its light-colored bricks dazzle before your eyes in the sun. The church, rebuilt in the second part of the 14th century after the Mongols destroyed the old one, has a long and rich history.

12. St. Stephens Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica is a stunning sight, almost spotting the sky with its massive and monumental front. The extensive Roman Catholic church, named for Hungary's first king, has two enormous bell towers and is crowned by a vast dome. Its lavishly adorned interior is magnificently designed, and among its robust marble columns are some unique mosaics, statues, and paintings.