Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Hungary

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, located on both banks of the Danube River. From 1867 to 1918 it was one of the two capitals of Austria-Hungary, a period that shaped much of its architecture. Main sites include the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle and many thermal baths.

Main Landmarks

Buda Castle (Budai Vár) – castle with the National Gallery and views over the Danube – map
Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya) – lookout terrace with views over the Danube and city – map | tickets
Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) – Gothic church in Buda Castle – map | tickets
Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár) – neo-Renaissance complex with gardens and terraces – map
Hungarian Parliament (Országház) – neo-Gothic building on the Danube riverbank – map | tickets
St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) – largest church in Budapest – map | tickets
Heroes' Square (Hősök tere) – square with monuments to Hungarian rulers and national heroes – map
Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) – Neo-Renaissance opera house – map
Shoes on the Danube Bank (Cipők a Duna-parton) – memorial to victims of World War II – map
Central Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) – large covered market for food, spices and souvenirs – map
Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) – first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest – map
Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyad vára) – castle in City Park – map
Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) – museum with European art collections – map | tickets
Szechenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi gyógyfürdő) – large thermal bath complex – map | tickets
Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) – island in the Danube with park and medieval ruins – map
Gellert Hill (Gellért-hegy) – hill with panoramic views over Budapest – map

Day trips from Budapest

Szentendre – riverside town with cobbled streets, museums and galleries, 20 km away – map
Esztergom – former capital of Hungary with the country's largest basilica, 50 km away – map
Visegrad – medieval hilltop citadel with panoramic views over the Danube Bend, 40 km away – map
Godollo Palace (Gödöllő Királyi Kastély) – Baroque palace and former residence of Empress Sisi, 30 km away – map
Tihany – peninsula on Lake Balaton with abbey and lake views, 135 km away – map
Balatonfured (Balatonfüred) – resort town on Lake Balaton with lakeside promenade, 130 km away – map