The Buda Castle, part of the Royal District, is one of the most symbolic buildings of the capital and the crown jewel of the Danube’s Bankside view. It has been a member of Budapest's World Heritage Sites since 1987. The palace was originally built in Gothic style, but at the time of its recapture in 1686, the castle suffered serious damage. After which the palace was mainly rebuilt in Baroque style. The National Széchényi Library, the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum are all located in the palace building.
The building of the Hungarian Parliament has become one of the most spectacular attractions of the country for a reason: the baroque style, partially neo-Gothic building of Imre Steindl is amongst the most beautiful parliaments in the world. In addition to the Hungarian Parliament, this stunning building also houses the Parliamentary Library, the Holy Crown and the other coronation badges (royal scepter, mound or the coronation sword).
Fisherman's Bastion is undeniably one of the most romantic places in Budapest. Its characteristic silhouette and breathtaking views attract tourists from all over the World. It may sound surprising, but this wonderful ensemble of Neo-Romanesque towers, located on the back walls of Matthias Church, was constructed just over one hundred years ago; between 1895 and 1902. Many people do not know, but the peaking stone towers symbolise the Seven Hungarian Conquerors.
The pride of Buda Castle, the snow-white, lacy-towered church covered by colourful Zsolnay-tile was named after King Matthias as both of his weddings were held here. During the turbulent centuries of history, Matthias Church, originally built in Gothic style, was converted into Baroque style after the liberation of Buda. Its current style was dreamt up by Frigyes Schulek as the building was redesigned between 1874-94.
The Citadel of Budapest is a fortress on top of Gellért Hill, which was built after the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence in 1848-49. It was used for military purposes several times in history. For example, during the Soviet siege of 1944-45, it served as an air defence base for German and Hungarian troops defending the capital, whilst the casemates served as storage rooms and emergency rooms. It is located right next to Statue of Liberty making it an absolute must-see attraction. Since 1987 it is also a World Heritage Site.
St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the most significant churches in Hungary and the third largest church in the country with capacity of approximately eight thousand people. The original remains of King St Stephen’s right arm, also known as the Holy Right, is preserved here. The NeoRenaissance cathedral was built in the 19th century by József Hild and Miklós Ybl. At the opening ceremony in 1906, following the placement of the closing stone, Joseph I himself also gave a speech. A Budapest sightseeing tour is not complete without visiting this church.
Margaret Island is not only one of the islands of the Danube, but it is also an independent quarter of Budapest called Margitsziget. The island is actually a huge park with a couple of buildings which is an ever popular leisure destination for both locals and tourists. It is an exciting location from both a historical and cultural point of view. The island encompasses almost all of the significant periods of Hungarian history and preserves the footsteps of the most famous Hungarian poets and writers. Not to mention its precious thermal water that is rising from the depths of the island.
Looking at the map of Budapest, we can discover four different Heroes' Square, however only one of them became the main symbol of the capital. The square, that is located in the 14th District of Budapest, was built for the 1896 Millennium Celebration to commemorate one thousand years of Hungarian history. There are the statues of 14 historical personalities here with an obelisk in the middle, as well as a statue of Archangel Gabriel on the top. It is definitely worth a visit for the spectacular sight and taking incredible pictures.
Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden
More than 1,000 species and more than 1 million visitors per year. The Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden boasts these numbers. The Zoo opened its gates on 9th August1866 as the 26th zoo in the World. The 152-year-old institute has always been very popular thanks to the eternal mysticism of exotic animals, the constant love of domestic animals and, last but not least, the endless programs offered by the zoo. Discover a unique wildlife in the heart of Budapest!
Budapest's more than 2 km long avenue had 7 different names over the years. Since 1990 it is known as Andrássy Avenue. The road connects Heroes' Square to City Park (Városliget) and Budapest’s city centre. Underneath the avenue there is the Millennium Underground Railway (M1) running across the city, and the avenue itself is occupied by World-famous luxury stores. Fashion stores, decorative townhouses and various embassies of the World are all located on the prestigious Andrassy Avenue. Take a walk here and get to know the 'Champs-Elysee' of Budapest.
Under the roof of precious Zsolnay ceramics and between the walls of an Art Nouveau building lies Budapest’t biggest and busiest indoor market. The Central Market Hall was opened in 1897. That time fresh goods were arriving through the channel that ran across the middle of hall. There is no channel today, but fresh vegetables, fruits, quality meat and domestic products are still sold daily at the market. The Great Hall is a must stop for Hungarian flavours.
Gellert and Margit have been together for over 30 years, since 4th June 1986 to be exact, the first day of the reopening of Budavári Sikló (Funicular). The two carriages of the funicular (Gellért and Margit) are connected in a pendulous manner: while one car starts upward, the other carries passengers down between the Danube and the Castle District. Since 1987, the funicular has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the key elements of the Danube’s bank’s skyline.
The statue of János Arany has been looking after the building of Hungarian National Museum since 1893. However, the history of the museum goes back to even further, to 1802 exactly. In the past 216 years, many artefacts, archeological, historical and ethnographic findings were collected and preserved here. The museum welcomes everyone who is interested in Hungarian history on nearly 8,000 square meters. Don’t miss out on it!
Vörösmarty Square in Budapest is characterised not only by the constant bustle of pedestrians, but by the incredible mix of architectural styles. On the northern side of the street the eclectic Gerbeaud House, the world-famous confectionery is found. In the east, a grandiose art-nouveau building faces a masterpiece of modern architecture: a huge glass ball filled with luxury apartments and business premises inside. In the middle of the square, the statue of the naming poet Mihály Vörösmarty rises. It is well worth it to get lost in this crowd!
