Budapest: Sights, History, and Nightlife

The capital of Hungary delights its visitors anew every year and is rightly one of Europe’s most popular cities! The city on the Danube has plenty to offer for young and old alike. Experience the vibrant nightlife or enjoy a walk through the picturesque city, including the Parliament Building or the Chain Bridge. Let Budapest’s charm enchant you!

• The Parliament Building: An impressive landmark right on the water.
• Castle District: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church all in one go.
• Danube & riverside highlights: Walks, viewpoints, and “Shoes on the Danube”.

The Parliament Building

The ultimate landmark is this impressive building located right on the water—the Parliament Building. It is one of Budapest’s largest buildings and captivates visitors with its magnificent architecture. Since its construction between 1884 and 1902, the building has told the story of the rising national consciousness of the Hungarians. The central dome reaches a height of 96 metres, making the Parliament one of the tallest buildings in the Old Town. But it’s not only the size that leaves a strong impression! The contrasting dark red domes and the light façade create a stunning picture. However, you shouldn’t admire the Parliament Building only from the outside—be sure to join a guided tour. Let yourself be led through the Dome Hall, walk through the staircase with its artful frescoes, and catch a glimpse of the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Castle District: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church

In addition to Buda Castle with its exhibitions, there are other noteworthy attractions within the Castle District. These include Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, as well as the Vienna Gate (a remnant of the Danube Monarchy), Trinity Square, and Herrengasse.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is the heart of the Castle District and the highest point in Budapest. As a splendid palace, it once served as the residence of the Hungarian king, and today it provides exhibition spaces for museums and hosts representative events of the Hungarian government. The palace complex also includes the Hungarian National Gallery with its collections of Hungarian works, the Budapest History Museum, and the Széchenyi National Library. You can visit the castle grounds free of charge, and you will certainly encounter a few statues along the way. In addition to the Lion Gate, which marks the entrance to the courtyard, the picturesque complex is also adorned by the Habsburg Steps and the Matthias Fountain.

Tip: Don’t admire the castle grounds only in daylight. Especially in the evening, when it gets dark and the city begins to sparkle, you’ll get a dreamlike view of the city from the garden of Buda Castle.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Another very impressive sight is Fisherman’s Bastion, which was completed between 1889 and 1905. The name comes from the former fish market and the fishermen’s guild, which once defended the city’s fortification walls. Enjoy the excellent view over the Danube city and explore the passageways, arcades, and towers of Fisherman’s Bastion. It is one of Budapest’s most visited attractions and tempts you with views of the blue Danube.

Tip: Admission to Fisherman’s Bastion is free. Only certain areas and the main viewpoint require a ticket.

Matthias Church

Right next to Fisherman’s Bastion you’ll find another beautiful building: Matthias Church. Like Fisherman’s Bastion, it was designed by Frigyes Schulek. Matthias Church is also known by another name, the Church of Our Lady. It was the first church in the Castle District and is already over 1,000 years old.

Also worth seeing: House of the First Book

In the middle of the square you can find the Trinity Column, which takes you back to the time of the plague epidemics in 1961. From there you can reach the Honour Square, which leads you to the Treasure Master’s Lane. While the façades along the lane still bear traces of the old trade route, one house is of particular significance: House No. 4 on Andreas Hess Square belonged to a former printer who printed Hungary’s first book there.

Danube

The blue river is probably Budapest’s most ever-present attraction. Europe’s second-largest river divides Budapest into two parts: Buda and Pest. These were only merged in 1873 and together form today’s name, Budapest. Discover the blue river on a relaxed walk, a romantic cruise, or from one of the many viewpoints.

Shoes on the Danube

At first glance, the unobtrusive memorial doesn’t reveal what it is meant to signify. Only when you look more closely do you realise what history these shoes are meant to recall: they stand as a sombre memorial in remembrance of the persecution of Jews. The 60 pairs of metal shoes symbolise the horrific acts committed when Jews were shot on the banks of the Danube. Therefore, you should appreciate this memorial and not pass it by during your visit to Budapest, in order to commemorate the execution of the persecuted Jews.

Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is located in the Pest district (east of the city). Construction was already planned in 1896, but it was only realised 30 years later by Albert Schickedanz as a monument in honour of Hungarian heroes. Heroes’ Square is home to many different sights, all of which are worth a visit.

• Millennium Monument: 5-metre-tall figure of the Archangel Gabriel
• Colonnade
• Kunsthalle
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Oldest underground line in the world: Line M1 on the UNESCO World Heritage list, still in operation

In addition, Heroes’ Square is essentially the gateway to City Park, which developed from a marshland and today is one of the most visited parks in the city. City Park includes Lake Városliget and the Budapest Zoo.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Also in the Pest district you will find the church known as St. Stephen’s Basilica. With interior space for up to 8,500 people and a dome rising 96 metres high, it is the largest church in Budapest and has therefore been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The church’s dome is covered in mosaics and is sure to delight you. If you are already at St. Stephen’s Basilica, you shouldn’t miss the Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is probably Budapest’s best-known bridge and is one of many bridges that cross the Danube. The bridge has been part of the city since it was built between 1839 and 1849, making it also the oldest bridge in Budapest.

Impressive Museums

National Museum

The National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) houses more than 1 million exhibits of Hungarian history and is magnificently adorned with frescoes in the staircase. The large dome hall of the National Museum is also well worth seeing. But the museum isn’t only beautiful inside—it's also impressive from the outside. Enjoy a wonderful view of the neoclassical building in the green museum garden. Discover the history of Hungary!

House of Terror

At least just as recommendable is the House of Terror, located in a Neo-Renaissance-style building. From 1937 to 1944, this building served as the headquarters and prison of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party (a fascist and antisemitic party), while today it is intended to recall Hungary’s dark times. Immerse yourself in the terrible era of oppression under National Socialism and Communism and become aware of how the world has changed. Process these impressions through numerous photos, videos, and rooms that make the tragic events tangible. Therefore, consider visiting this museum only if you can cope well with events of this kind and enjoy engaging with history.

The Fascinating Nightlife

In addition to Budapest’s generally interesting nightlife and the many options for going out late in the evening, you definitely shouldn’t miss the special ruin bars!

Ruin Bars

Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the legendary ruin bars in Budapest, the “Abrissbars”. Born out of necessity, these ruin bars still exist today. You’ll find the pubs mainly scattered around the Jewish Quarter. Be impressed by the eclectic, artistic setting. Back then taken over by students, the bars were furnished with bulky discarded furniture and decorated with graffiti and brightly coloured wallpaper. One of the most interesting bars is Szimpla Kert, which has become known for its uniqueness. Let yourself be enchanted by Szimpla Kert’s artistic atmosphere and dive into the true labyrinth of many themed rooms.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of fun on your road trip. You can find more information about tolls in Hungary in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime via email.