Top 10 Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest is one of the most scenic cities in Europe. There is even so much to see that the entire city center is immediately placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Below we have listed our top ten most beautiful sights in the Hungarian capital. Have you been to Budapest yourself and do you have even better tips? Then let us know in the comments!

10. Andrássy Boulevard

To immediately see the most elegant part of Budapest, a walking tour along the Andrassy Boulevard is an absolute must. You will find one stylish building after another on this nineteenth-century boulevard. In addition to the Hungarian Opera, there are also numerous museums in the Neo-Renaissance style here. At the end of the boulevard you will find Heroes' Square, filled with statues of important figures from Hungarian history.

9. The coffee houses of Budapest

Hungary's coffee houses are some of the best in Europe, which is hardly surprising. It was through the network conquered by the Turks in the sixteenth century Budapest that coffee first entered Europe. Take a seat in a cozy coffee house in the morning, bring something to read, order coffee with delicious Hungarian cake and enjoy.

8. The Citadella

Hungary has a long history of domination by other countries. A good example is the Citadella, a large fortress on top of Gellértberg that was built by the Austrians in 1854 to keep the Hungarians under control. A century later, the Russians also made good use of it by shelling the city from here with their tanks. Nowadays it is with tourists who come to take pictures a lot more peaceful.

7. The Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is an attraction that you cannot ignore as a visitor things to do in budapest. This monumental building was built here more than a hundred years ago on the right bank of the Danube. The beautiful Gothic towers, the incredibly impressive dome and especially the enormous size make it the biggest eye-catcher in the whole city. Inside you can view the Hungarian crown jewels, among other things.

6. The Great Market Hall

It does not often rain in Budapest, but at the end of the nineteenth century, mayor Karl Kamermayer thought that the city should have a large and elegant covered market. Today, you can still visit this 10,000 square meter market, covered with neo-Gothic glass and steelwork. For example, enjoy the lángos, delicious fried Hungarian sandwiches.

5. The Széchenyi baths

The Széchenyi baths consist of swimming pools, saunas and steam baths built around two hot springs in the middle of Budapest's city park. The striking yellow-painted bathhouses cast in neo-baroque style are not only a major tourist attraction, but also the largest medicinal spa in all of Europe.

4. Buda Castle

A cultural and historical heavyweight on the west bank of the Danube is Buda Castle. It was originally built here in the thirteenth century to protect the inhabitants of the city against Mongol attacks, but has been rebuilt in a new style numerous times over time. In addition to the castle itself, the winding medieval alleys with picturesque houses to the north of the castle are well worth a look.

3. The Vajdahunyad Castle

Another castle, the Vajdahunyad fortress, which was built around 1900 for the millennial anniversary of Hungary, can be found on an island in the city pond. All important Hungarian architectural styles can be found in it, as well as copied elements of historical castles from other regions of the country. A beautiful all-castles-in-one attraction!

2. The Millennium Metro

Many thousands of tourists pass one of the most fascinating attractions of the city every day without even realizing it. Line 1 of the underground metro was built in 1896, again in celebration of Hungary's millennium. After London's, it is the oldest tube in the world and the beautifully decorated underground stations are still as impressive in the 21st century.

1. The Museum of Terror

Hungary has had a bloody history, the most recent of which was that of the Nazis and Communists during the twentieth century. In the Terror Háza Múzeum, or the Museum of Terror, you can learn all about these atrocities. In the basement of the building, for example, you can still view the cells and torture chambers.