Perched on the banks of the Danube, with the Buddha hills as a background, Budapest’s natural beauties are abundant. But because it houses a wide range of buildings fin de siècle and artnouveau architecture, it holds the title of one of the most impressive cities in Europe. Enjoying your coffee and creamy kipfels in the enchanting traditional cafes, does not even define the character of this city renowned for its high culture of world-class galleries, classical music and literary theatre. Immerse yourself in its wonderful thermal baths, fortified with mineral waters from the surrounding thermal springs, relax in the sulfur’s natural warm baths or relax with a massage under the grandeur of nouveau art.
What to see in Budapest:
- Budavári Palota (Royal Palace):
Dating back to the 13th century, the Royal Palace of Castle Hill has survived many wars. Within the partly reconstructed walls of the palace there are many museums and galleries, such as the Budapest Museum of History (also known as the Castle Museum) and the National Gallery of Hungary. The Castle Museum exhibits the history of the city from the liberation of Buda from the Turks in 1686, until the 1970s. The Hungarian National Gallery is at the core of the palace and the encyclopedic collection of Hungarian art, from the 10th century until today, provides a valuable insight into Hungarian national identity. - Országház (Parliament):
When the cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda were united, the government commissioned to become a new parliament building to express their national sovereignty. Inspired by the London Parliament buildings, the plan of the local architect Imre Steindl opened on the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian nation. With its elegant new Renaissance dome, which is completed with a pointed new Gothic pole, the building extends 250m (820ft) along the Danube River. It was here that the crowds gathered on 23 October 1989, when Mátyás Szurös proclaimed the Republic of Hungary from the balcony of Kossuth Lajos tér. - Várnegyed :
The Buddha Castle and Várnegyed (Castle) are dazzled by their impressive medieval and baroque architecture. Popular with tourists, but most of them stop at cobblestone streets before the castle, but for those who reach the top there is an excellent reward. The Royal Palace, the Matthias Church, the Budapest Museum of History, the National Gallery of Hungary and the Labyrinth Castle of Buda, is a route that many travelled by cable car that takes visitors to and from Széchenyi Lánchíd. - Hősök Tere and Millenniumi Emlékmű :
At the end of Andrássy Avenue, one of the majestic streets of Budapest, is the Heroes Square. That’s where the Millennium Monument is. This cultural square adjoins the city park and is surrounded by buildings such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. The Millennium Monument was named after its completion in 1900 and has statues of the seven tribes that founded Hungary, as well as other historical elements. The square is full of political memories: during the Soviet times its statues were overthrown and over the years it saw many demonstrations and political gatherings. - Hotel Gellért and the thermal baths:
Many consider the thermal baths connected with Hotel Gellért as the best in the city. This is the only bath that has been in the area since the 1500s, when its waters were considered by the Turks to have healing properties. His current building is a masterpiece of art. Swimming in its soothing waters, surrounded by flower patterns, columns and amazing wall designs, is one of Budapest’s most important spots, but even if you’re not up for a swin, stop and have a drink in his glorious foyer. - Széchenyi Lánchíd (the bridge of chains):
Nine bridges connect Buda to Pest, but the chain bridge is the first and most famous, with the compact arches and statues of the lions. When it was originally built, it was one of the largest bridges in the world and took its name from the iron chains that connect the huge, classic bases of the river bridge. It was completed in 1848, and inaugurated a year later, allowing the incorporation of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873. After suffering significant damage at the hands of the Nazis, the bridge was repaired and inaugurated in 1949. - Szent István Bazilika (St. Stephen’s Cathedral):
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Budapest’s largest church, was designed by József Hild and started in 1851. There was no liturgy until 1905, as the temple had to be rebuilt after a catastrophic bad weather. Inside, the painting of Gyulu Benczúr depicting King Szent István offering the Hungarian crown to the Virgin Mary symbolizes the alliance between Hungary and Western Europe.
