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Parliament building Budapest by the Danube in evening light.
Parliament building Budapest by the Danube in evening light.

Budapest

Published: 02 November 2023, 10:00

Pearl on the Danube

Budapest stretches along the Danube and consists of the historic districts of Buda and Pest, which are connected by picturesque bridges. The city offers an abundance of sights, including the impressive Parliament Building, the magnificent Chain Bridge and the romantic Fisherman’s Bastion. The metropolis on the Danube is a paradise for culture lovers with numerous museums, including the Hungarian National Museum and the Budapest Art Gallery. Last but not least, Budapest is the largest spa city in Europe: the city is rich in hot springs and historic bathhouses with thermal baths that invite you to relax. The city also has plenty for those who like to party: the lively nightlife with unique ruin bars and the picturesque Danube promenade provide entertainment until the early hours. Budapest skilfully combines tradition and modernity and casts a spell over travellers with its beauty and diversity.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 1.7 million
  • Official language: Hungarian
  • Currency: Forint (HUF)

Ten Budapest highlights

Chain Bridge with lion statue and pedestrians over the Danube.
The impressive Chain Bridge connects the two districts of Buda and Pest across the Danube. © pixelklex/stock.adobe.com
Budapest Parliament with towers and red dome.
The magnificent neo-Gothic Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube is a symbol of Budapest and a must for architecture and history buffs. © BRIAN_KINNEY/stock.adobe.com
Fisherman's Bastion with white towers and people on plaza.
The magical Fisherman’s Bastion on Buda Castle Hill offers one of the best views of Budapest. © FotoFrank/stock.adobe.com
Matthias Church with colorful roof and gothic tower.
Matthias Church is famous for its colourful roof tiles and lavish interior. © EKH-Pictures/stock.adobe.com
Széchenyi thermal bath with pools and historic facade.
At Széchenyi Spa, Europe’s largest thermal bath, you can enjoy a bath in the healing waters amidst magnificent architecture. © MarKord/stock.adobe.com
Interior of market hall with stalls and visitors.
The Nagyvásárcsarnok Great Market Hall is a wonderful place to sample Hungarian delicacies and browse for souvenirs. © schame87/stock.adobe.com
Buda Castle with dome and reflection in water.
Buda Castle, once the seat of the kings, now houses several museums and galleries, including the Budapest Historical Museum and the National Hungarian Gallery. © Sina Ettmer/stock.adobe.com
Interior of ruin bar with plants and vintage furniture.
“Ruin bars” are unique in Budapest: bars have taken up residence in numerous abandoned buildings, turning them into hotspots for revellers. © Alessandro Calzolaro/stock.adobe.com
House of Terror with bold black facade lettering.
The House of Terror commemorates the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in the 20th century and brings history to life in an interactive exhibition. © Daniel/stock.adobe.com
Heroes' Square in Budapest with statues and tall column.
Heroes’ Square is both an important historical site and popular meeting place for locals and tourists. © HaniSantosa/stock.adobe.com

The beauty and diversity of Hungary

There are more than enough sights in Budapest to fill several days. However, it’s also worth discovering destinations outside the city. Whether charming small towns, historic villages or the popular holiday region around Lake Balaton: the region around Budapest offers numerous opportunities to get to know this multifaceted country and its culture.

Five excursion destinations from Budapest

Colorful houses and fountain square in Szentendre.
The picturesque town of Szentendre on the Danube is only about 20 kilometres from Budapest and is known for its charming old town, art galleries and museums. © ArTo/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of Lake Balaton with turquoise water.
Lake Balaton is just under two hours’ drive from Budapest. Europe’s largest inland lake is a bathing and water sports paradise and popular holiday destination. © Horváth Botond/stock.adobe.com
Esztergom Basilica above old town and hills.
Esztergom, about an hour’s drive from Budapest, is the former capital of Hungary and home to the country’s largest basilica. © haidamac/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of Visegrád Castle ruins at sunset.
Visegrad Castle is an impressive, well-preserved 13th-century fortress and offers magnificent views of the Danube Bend. © SAndor/stock.adobe.com
Cobblestone road and village church in Hollókő at dusk.
Visitors gain exciting insights into rural Hungarian culture and architecture in the traditional village of Hollókő, northeast of Budapest. © GezaKurkaPhotos/stock.adobe.com

Budapest from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Wizz Air

Ryanair

Budapest Airport (BUD)

Five travel tips for ...

  1. Get an insight into history and culture at the Hungarian National Museum
  2. See the impressive collection of European art at the Museum of Fine Arts
  3. Experience haunting insights into dark chapters of the 20th century in the House of Terror
  4. Play on 150 historic pinball machines at the Pinball Museum
  5. Experience history underground at the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

  1. Look out over the city from the picturesque setting of the Fisherman’s Bastion
  2. Enjoy beautiful views from the terrace of Buda Castle, especially in the evening
  3. Enjoy the view of the Old Town and Danube from the Matthias Church’s observation deck
  4. Look out over the city between Buda and Pest from the water tower on Margaret Island
  5. Rewarding: the climb up Gellért Hill for its fantastic panoramic view

  1. Bathe in an impressive setting at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths
  2. Soak in the luxurious and artfully designed Gellért Thermal Baths
  3. Enjoy the beautiful view of the city and the Danube in the Rudas Thermal Baths
  4. Relax in a quiet atmosphere at the Lukács Thermal Baths
  5. The Király Thermal Baths offer a unique historical atmosphere

Picture source title:
© Noppasinw/stock.adobe.com

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