Things to do in Budapest

Originally, what is now Budapest, was two settlements that developed on opposite banks of the Danube - called Buda and Pest. They remain distinct in their appearance and function, with the older and in some aspects more charming Buda featuring cobblestone streets, small picturesque houses and a blend of medieval and neo-classical architecture set among the hills of the Danube’s western banks.

Buda is famous for the historic Castle Hill, where you will find the Royal Palace, St Matthias Church and numerous galleries and museums. Pest, on the Danube’s right bank, is the city’s centre for commerce, featuring upscale hotels, restaurants and fashionable shopping streets. The wide and leafy Andrássy boulevard is Budapest’s Champs-Elysées, where you will find fine examples of the city’s architectural styles and the massive Heroes' Square at the end of the boulevard.

You will find that, overall, the historic area of Budapest is quite small, and many sights are within comfortable walking distance from the city centre. It can be rewarding to take the time to stroll through the city and pass by magnificent examples of Budapest's distinctive architecture.

Chain Bridge (Szchenyi Lnchd)

The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s major attractions, built in 1849 as the first permanent bridge across the Danube River, linking Buda, Óbuda and Pest. Prior to its construction, a pontoon bridge was used, which had to be dismantled whenever a ship passed by. The bridge was destroyed by the Nazis in WWII, as they retreated from the city, but it was rebuilt soon afterwards. The bridge, which is in the heart of the city, is best viewed after dark, when it is illuminated until midnight.

Parliament

The construction of Budapest's Parliament building was completed in 1902. It is predominantly neo-Gothic in style, and features a neo-Renaissance dome. The building is situated on the banks of the Danube, and from the outset, it has been a major symbol of the city, intended also to be one of the greatest houses of parliament in the world. 

Statues of Hungarian kings decorate the cupola. Waiting rooms leading to the respective houses of parliament are found on both sides of the cupola: on the Senate side, the waiting room is decorated with statues of peasants, farmers and tradesmen; on the Representatives' side, there are statues of soldiers, sailors and postal officials. 

In the interior, you will also see a large carpet made in the Hungarian village of Békésszentandrás, which is said to be the largest handmade carpet in Europe. The parliament is now home to the crown jewels of St Stephen, as they were moved here from the National Museum to celebrate Hungary’s millennium.

Roman ruins of Aquincum

Several Roman ruins have been opened in Óbuda since excavations began in 1778, when the ruins of a major Roman bath were discovered by accident. Ruins that have been opened include: those of Aquincum Town; Hercules Villa; a Christian tomb-chapel; the impressive ruins of the amphitheatre; and the governor’s palace. There is a museum here also worth visiting, which houses murals and mosaic floors, and a reconstructed water organ and diorama showing the lifestyle of the Roman nobility.

Castle Hill

The Castle district, including Castle Hill, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within the district are three churches, six museums and an array of other historic buildings and squares. The former Royal Palace is here and now houses two museums and the national library. The offices and official residence of Hungary’s president are in the nearby Sándor Palace. You’ll also find the Matthias Church in this area, considered to be one of the jewels of the city, and there is a lookout point at the back of the church, offering a panoramic view of the entire area.

Museums

The Budapest History Museum (entered from the inner yard of the castle) houses major archaeological finds, documenting the development of settlements here from Roman times to the 13th century. Part of the Royal Palace of Buda and its Gothic statues can be seen in the museum. There are also exhibitions on historical events from more recent times. 

On the other side of the river, you will find the Hungarian National Museum, which opened in 1802 with its first collection, consisting of medals, books and manuscripts belonging to Count Ferenc Széchenyi. Since 1846, it has been in its current location in Pest. Permanent exhibitions now include: ‘Hungarian History from the Founding of the State until 1990’; and ‘Lapidarium – Roman Stonework, and Coronation Jewels and Robes.’

Budapest city tours

If your time is limited, an organised approach in touring Budapest is highly recommended. There are quite a few areas that should be included in a tour. The Castle district, the banks along the Danube and Andrássy út are all UNESCO World Heritage sites and should not be missed. In Pest, the most important sight is Andrássy út, beginning with shops and flats built quite close together and then further on, lined with much grander, detached houses as you approach Heroes’ Square. At the square, you will see the Millenary Monument, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Arts.