Popular Cities Budapest

• The Parliament Building: Imposing landmark directly by the water.

• Castle District: Castle Palace, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church all in one place.

• Danube & highlights along the riverbank: Walks, viewpoints and "Shoes on the Danube".

The Parliament Building

The landmark par excellence is this impressive building located by the water, the Parliament Building. It is one of the largest buildings in Budapest and impresses with its magnificent architecture. Built between 1884 and 1902, the building tells the story of Hungary's emerging national consciousness. The dome in the centre reaches a height of 96 metres. This makes the Parliament one of the tallest buildings in the Old Town. But it's not just the size of this building that makes quite an impression! The contrasting dark red domes and the bright façade also create a dreamlike picture. However, you shouldn't just admire the Parliament Building from the outside — you should also take a guided tour. Be guided through the Dome Hall, walk through the staircase with its elaborate frescoes and catch a glimpse of the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Castle District: Castle Palace, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church

Alongside the Castle Palace with its exhibitions, there are further sights worth seeing within the grounds of the Castle District. These include the Fisherman's Bastion, the Matthias Church as well as the Vienna Gate (a remnant of the Danube Monarchy), Trinity Square and Lords' Street.

Castle Palace

The Castle Palace is the heart of the Castle District and the highest-lying building in Budapest. As a magnificent palace, the Castle Palace embodied the residence of the Hungarian king and today provides exhibition spaces for museums and representative events of the Hungarian government. Part of the palace is also the Hungarian National Gallery with its collections of Hungarian works, the Historical Museum and the Széchenyi National Library. You can visit the castle grounds themselves free of charge, and you will certainly come across a number of statues. In addition to the Lion Gate, which marks the entrance to the inner courtyard, the picturesque grounds are also adorned by the Habsburg Steps and the Matthias Fountain.

Tip: You shouldn't only admire the castle grounds in daylight. Especially in the evening hours, when it gets dark and the city begins to sparkle, you get a dreamlike view of the city from the garden of the Castle Palace.

Fisherman's Bastion

Equally impressive is the Fisherman's Bastion, which was completed between 1889 and 1905. The name of the Fisherman's Bastion originates from the former fish market and the fishermen's guild, who defended the city's fortification walls. Take advantage of the outstanding view of the Danube city and explore the passageways, arcades and towers of the Fisherman's Bastion. The Fisherman's Bastion is one of the most visited sights in Budapest and will captivate you with its view of the blue Danube.

Tip: Admission to the Fisherman's Bastion is free. Only certain areas and the viewing point require a fee.

Matthias Church

But alongside the Fisherman's Bastion there is also a beautiful building, the Matthias Church. Just like the Fisherman's Bastion, this building was designed by Frigyes Schulek. The 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 of 1961. From there you can reach the Place of Honour, which leads you to the Lane of the Treasurer. While the house façades along the lane still bear traces of the trade route today, one house holds special significance. House No. 4 on András Hess Square belonged to a former book printer who printed Hungary's first book there.

Danube

The blue river is arguably the most omnipresent sight in Budapest. Europe's second-largest river divides Budapest into two areas, Buda and Pest. These were only merged in 1873 and today form the name Budapest. Discover the blue river on a relaxing walk, a romantic boat trip or from one of the many viewpoints.

Shoes on the Danube

The unassuming memorial doesn't reveal its meaning at first glance. It only becomes clear to visitors upon closer inspection what story these shoes are meant to commemorate, as they stand as a sombre memorial in remembrance of the persecution of the Jews. The 60 pairs of metal shoes serve as a symbol for these horrific acts, for the Jews who were shot on the banks of the Danube. You should therefore value this memorial and not overlook it during your visit to Budapest, in remembrance of the execution of the persecuted Jews.

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square is located in the Pest district (eastern part of the city), and its 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 (Art Hall)

• Museum of Fine Arts

• Oldest underground line on the European mainland: Line M1 (1896), part of the UNESCO World Heritage and still in operation today

In addition, Heroes' Square is practically the gateway to City Park, which developed from a marshland area and today is one of the most visited parks in the city. Part of City Park are Városliget Lake and Budapest Zoo.

St. Stephen's Basilica

Also located in the Pest district is the church known as St. Stephen's Basilica. With its interior accommodating up to 8,500 people and a dome reaching a height of 96 metres, it embodies the largest church in Budapest. The church's dome is covered in mosaic and will particularly delight you. If you're already at St. Stephen's Basilica, you shouldn't miss the Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge is arguably the most famous bridge in Budapest and is one of the many bridges that cross the Danube. The bridge has been part of the city since its construction 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 on Hungarian history and is splendidly adorned with frescoes in the staircase. Also worth seeing is the large dome hall of the National Museum. But the museum isn't only beautiful on the inside — it's also lovely from the outside. Enjoy a wonderful view of the neoclassical building set within the green museum garden. Discover the history of Hungary!

House of Terror

Equally recommendable is the House of Terror, housed in a building in neo-Renaissance style. This building formerly served from 1937 to 1944 as the headquarters and prison of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party (a fascist and antisemitic party), while today it is meant to recall Hungary's dark times. Immerse yourself in the terrible era of oppression under National Socialism as well as Communism, and become aware of how much the world has changed. Process your impressions through numerous photos, videos and rooms that illustrate these tragic events. Please bear in mind that you should only visit this museum if you can handle events of this nature well and have an interest in engaging with history.

The fascinating nightlife

Alongside Budapest's generally interesting nightlife and the many options for a night out in the late evening, you shouldn't miss the special ruin bars!

Ruin bars

Whatever you do, don't forget to visit one of Budapest's legendary ruin bars, the ruin pubs. Born out of necessity, the ruin bars still exist today. You'll find these bars scattered mainly around the Jewish Quarter. Let yourself be impressed by the eclectic, artistic backdrop. Taken over by students back in the day, the bars were enriched with mismatched furniture and decorated with graffiti and colourful wallpaper. One of the most interesting bars is Szimpla Kert, known for its extraordinary character. Let yourself be enchanted by the artistic atmosphere of Szimpla Kert and dive into the true labyrinth of its many themed rooms.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of enjoyment on your road trip. For more information on tolls in Hungary, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your journey optimally and have suitable toll products displayed to you. If you have any questions, we are always happy to help you via email.