Places worth seeing in Budapest
Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, and one of the most beautiful places in the country. It lies in its northern part, on the Danube – the second longest river in Europe. The city’s rich history dates back to the early Middle Ages, and although World War II left its mark on the city, many historic buildings can still be seen here. Budapest is famous for its numerous attractions, visited by tourists from all over the world. You will find centuries-old churches and monuments, museums full of great exhibits and impressive palaces.
One of Budapest’s major attractions is the huge Royal Castle. Its oldest parts date back to the 14th century. The Castle Hill, where the building rises, can be reached on foot or by the historic 19th century funicular railway. It is the oldest operating facility of its kind in the world. The castle itself now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. It is definitely worth a visit. The dome that crowns the building is also open to tourists. It offers an amazing view of Budapest. If you are interested, you can also visit the caves below the hill.
Budapest – tourist attractions
The Royal Castle is not the only monument worth seeing when visiting Budapest. It is not even the only castle in the city! Indeed, in Városliget Park, on the so-called Széchenyi Island, you will find Vajdahunyad Castle. Its unusual style, a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, will delight all lovers of architecture. Interestingly, its individual elements are copies of the most beautiful monuments from around the country.
The Hungarian capital is also home to many magnificent churches – including St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s largest church and one of the tallest buildings in the entire country. It is crowned by a 96-metre high dome decorated with beautiful mosaics. From here you also have a wonderful view of the city. Also noteworthy is the historic Calvinist church in the Víziváros district. It is a neo-Gothic building with a characteristic soaring tower measuring more than 60 metres. One of the symbols of Budapest is the so-called Matthias Church. Parts of the original building from the turn of the 14th century – including the main portal – have been preserved to this day. For many centuries, until 1916, the coronations of Hungarian kings took place here.
The Fisherman’s Tower in Budapest is also worth a visit. It is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. This neo-Romanesque building was erected on the site of the former castle walls. Nowadays, its numerous towers and terraces overlook the Danube and the buildings on its left bank. The tower is located next to the already mentioned Matthias Church. When visiting Budapest, you should also not miss its most important symbol: the imposing parliament building. It is one of the largest – and most beautiful – buildings of its kind in the world. It towers directly over the Danube, so you can also admire it on a river cruise.
When in Budapest, it’s also worth heading to the Jewish Quarter, which has a special atmosphere and ambience. Here you will find the largest synagogue in Europe with a capacity of almost 3,000 people! About 80,000 Jews live here, people from various backgrounds: Hasidic, Conservative, Reform and non-religious. The Jewish Quarter is also one of the most popular areas of Budapest among the locals. It is the centre of the city’s nightlife with numerous cafes, restaurants and galleries!
Free walking tour – Budapest with an experienced guide
If you want to explore the Hungarian capital, opt for a so-called free walking tour of Budapest with an experienced Walkative! guide. You set the price for the tour yourself! You decide how much you will reward the commitment and hard work of your guide. Our free walking tours are designed for individual tourists, but will also be perfect for small groups: families, couples or friends. Take a free walking tour of Budapest with us and we will show you the most beautiful corners of the city! With Walkative! you can also visit other European metropolises – including Dubrovnik, Bucharest or Prague. Check out our website to find out where else we operate!