From the iconic Art Nouveau thermal baths to the beautiful buildings, there are countless new experiences waiting for you among Budapest attractions, with so many unmissable sights. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Budapest, make sure you visit these sights on your wanderings!
The Danube River - Where You Can See a lot of Budapest Attractions
If you want to see our capital from a new perspective, enjoy it from the Danube! On the banks of the Danube, the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building stands opposite the ornate Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion, while the river cruise boats offer views of the Statue of Liberty, Chain Bridge and Margaret Island. To save you the hassle of searching for the best boat trips during your holiday, guided tours can be booked online in advance!
The Danube River plays an integral role in the city of Budapest, Hungary. It is not only a physical boundary between the two sides of the city, but it is also a major source of recreation and entertainment for locals and tourists alike. One of the top Budapest attractions is taking a leisurely cruise on the Danube River. With its picturesque bridges and scenic views, it is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon in the city.
Site location: Id. Antall József rkp. Budapest, 1055
GPS coordinates: 47.505892, 19.044769
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Gellért Bath
Budapest is not known as the "city of baths" for nothing. More than 118 natural thermal springs supply the city with 70 million litres of thermal water every day. And among Budapest attractions, the Gellért Bath, located in the world-famous Gellért Hotel, is just one of dozens of spas where you can take advantage of the healing properties of thermal water. The sumptuous spa offers steam baths, saunas, sun terraces, thermal baths and massage rooms, all in a spectacular building. Get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds, or book a guided tour to avoid the queues!
The indoor pools feature a range of temperatures, from hot to cold, and each pool offers a different level of relaxation. The outdoor pools are surrounded by beautiful gardens and are perfect for relaxing in the sun. The complex also offers a range of spa treatments, such as massage, facials, and body treatments.
The Gellért Bath is an ideal destination for those who want to experience a little bit of luxury while in Budapest. The stunning architecture and thermal waters provide an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. It is an experience that will leave visitors with a lasting memory of Budapest and its attractions.
Site location: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118
GPS coordinates: 47.483965, 19.053064
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The Jewel of Budapest - St Stephen's Basilica
Many consider Budapest attractions, such as the St Stephen's Basilica to be the jewel of Budapest. The world-famous Roman Catholic basilica, located in the centre of the city, is named after Stephen, the first king of Hungary, who reigned from 975 to 1038. The neoclassical building, completed in 1905 after 54 years of construction, is still the most important church in the country. The architectural masterpiece, with intricate paintings adorning the walls and ceiling and an impressive interior, is best appreciated by listening to a magical organ recital while exploring the building.
The interior of the basilica is breathtaking and features several impressive features, including the grand organ, statues of saints, and a stunningly beautiful main altar. Visitors can also explore the galleries, chapels, and crypts of the basilica, which are filled with artworks, sculptures, and religious artifacts. To reach the top of the dome, visitors can take a lift or climb the 364 steps to the observation deck. From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Site location: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051
GPS coordinates: 47.500698, 19.053195
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The Amazing Synagogue on Dohány Street
Budapest attractions include the Dohány Street Synagogue, one of the most significant buildings in the seventh district. Built between 1854 and 1859 in a Moorish style, the synagogue is the largest in Europe, with a capacity of over 3,000 people and the second largest in the world. The complex also features the Great Synagogue, the Church of the Heroes, the cemetery, the memorial and the Jewish Museum.
It is a stunning example of Moorish Revival architecture and its façade is decorated with intricate Islamic and Judaic symbols. The interior of the Synagogue is equally impressive, with its ornate stained glass windows, elaborate ceiling paintings, and marble columns. It is also home to the Hungarian Jewish Museum, a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, and a Holocaust memorial garden.
To learn more about the synagogue complex's rich history and its relationship to the Holocaust, book in advance for guided tours!
Site location: Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074
GPS coordinates: 47.495713, 19.060165
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My favourite among Budapest Attractions - Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Located in the heart of Budapest's City Park, Széchenyi Thermal Baths is one of Europe's largest thermal baths. Built in 1913, the spa includes three large outdoor pools, 10 indoor plunge pools, massage rooms, saunas, steam rooms and even a beer bath (beer lovers first!). Open all year round, and popular not least for its sumptuous neo-Baroque style, the Széchenyi Spa is best explored with a full-day, pre-bookable ticket.
The bath features 18 pools, both indoor and outdoor, filled with natural thermal water. The temperature of the water varies between 20°C and 38°C, providing the perfect conditions for relaxation and rejuvenation. In the outdoor thermal pool you can often see local elderly people playing chess on the chess boards built into the pool steps.
Site location: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146
GPS coordinates: 47.519070, 19.081527
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The Most Famous Budapest Attractions Include the Parliament Building
The Parliament building, one of Budapest's leading landmarks, attracts nearly 700 000 visitors a year. Located on the banks of the Danube, the UNESCO-protected building is one of the finest examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the world. The Parliament is still a functioning legislative body, but is also open to the public at certain designated times. There are often long queues outside, so to avoid the crowds, book your tickets online!
The main attractions of the building include the ceremonial staircase, the Dome Hall, the Chamber of Deputies, the Delegation Hall, the Reception Room of the President of the Republic and the Parliamentary Library. One of the most famous Hungarian painters, Mihály Munkácsi's famous painting "Honfoglalás" ("Homeland occupation") can also be seen here.
Since 2001 the Budapest Parliament has been the home of the Holy Crown and the Crown Jewels, the symbol of Hungarian statehood.
Site location: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055
GPS coordinates: 47.507064, 19.047053
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Buda Castle Quarter
Budapest attractions also include the iconic Buda Castle Quarter, which is home to the historic castle and palace complex. The imposing Baroque palace was completed in 1769, but the complex was built as early as 1265. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former royal palace is now home to the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. Encompassing the entire upper quarter of the Castle District, Várhegy is home to a range of museums, shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels, whether you're stopping for a coffee or a night out. Although no appointment is required, it's worth booking a guided tour to learn more about the history of the castle and palace complex.
Buda Castle is located in a picturesque setting "near" the Chain Bridge, on the top of the hill on Szent György Square. A walk through the medieval castle walls takes you back to the age of the knights, when our kings could only reach the castle on horseback. Nowadays, you can also take the Castle Hill Funicular from the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, which offers a unique panorama along the 95-metre-long route.
Site location: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014
GPS coordinates: 47.499018, 19.036513
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A popular lookout in Budapest Attractions - Fisherman's Bastion
The neo-Romanesque lookout towers on the Fisherman's Bastion offer one of the most beautiful views of Budapest. The seven towers, built between 1895 and 1902, symbolise the seven leaders of the Hungarians who founded the Hungarian nation in 895 AD. Today's building stands where the thick walls once protected Buda Castle from enemy attacks - legend has it that the building was defended by a guild of fishermen, hence the name Bastion. To discover the beauty and history of the Fishermen's Bastion, we highly recommend a sightseeing tour!
Balconies are free of charge, and from 23 December 2022 the top turrets DO NOT require a fee to be paid, they are also free of charge!
The lookout tower at the Fisherman's Bastion is very popular with tourists. It offers a magnificent panorama of Budapest attractions such as the Danube, the Parliament and the Chain Bridge. In the evening you can take beautiful photos of a romantic sunset.
Site location: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014
GPS coordinates: 47.501974, 19.034868
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Vajdahunyad Castle
Budapest attractions include the Vajdahunyad Castle wchich was built in 1896 as part of the Millennium Exhibition to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin, and is located in Budapest's City Park. It was first built of wood, but became so popular that it was rebuilt in 1908 using stone and brick. The castle, surrounded by a boating lake in summer and transformed into an ice rink in winter, houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, Europe's largest agricultural museum.
The concept of Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest was to combine different architectural styles into a single complex castle. Ignác Alpar's plan includes architectural details of 21 buildings, some with only minor additions, others as the main feature.
Site location: Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146
GPS coordinates: 47.515367, 19.082584
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Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a stunning example of 19th century engineering, spanning the Danube and connecting Buda with Pest. One of Budapest's most popular bridge, my personal favourite among Budapest attractions, was built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to be built as a span across the river. Connecting Széchenyi Square in front of the Gresham Palace and the Adam Clark Square under the Várhegyi Alley, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is an iconic landmark in Budapest, so it's well worth a visit if you're in Budapest!
From 16 December 2022, cars will no longer be allowed to cross the Chain Bridge, only public transport, taxis, bicycles and motorcycles will be allowed.
Site location: Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051
GPS coordinates: 47.498950, 19.043451
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Margaret Island
Situated on the Danube between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge, the 2.5-kilometre-long tree-lined Margaret Island is home to outdoor pools, running tracks, bars, luxury hotels, a wildlife park and even the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican monastery. But the most popular attraction is the dancing musical fountain, one of the largest and most spectacular in Europe.
There is a running cirquit on the island. The Margaret Island running circuit is a 5.35 km long, recortan-covered circuit, popular for both its quality and its location. It is a popular choice for runners due to its excellent surface and the pleasant views it offers of the surrounding Danube river and cityscape.
You are not allowed to drive in the Island, but you can park near Árpád Bridge or on Buda side.
Site location: Budapest, 1138
GPS coordinates: 47.525004, 19.046621
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Heroes’ Square
Built in 1896, Heroes' Square sits at the top of a luxurious boulevard on Andrássy Avenue, full of upmarket shops, cafés and restaurants. Heroes' Square is home to the colossal statues of the Seven Leaders and the Heroes' Memorial Stone, which pays tribute to those who died defending Hungary. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Arts are also located on the outer edges of the square, making them super cultural additions to your trip to Budapest.
Site location: Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146
GPS coordinates: 47.514893, 19.077667
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Great Market Hall
Budapest's Central Market Hall (also known as the Great Market Hall) is always a hive of activity and an unmissable experience if you're in the mood for a gastronomic detour. Of course, along with the food, you shouldn't miss out on the traditional Hungarian clothes and handicraft products! Built in 1897, the magnificent venue has over 100 stalls on three floors and is housed in a neo-Gothic-style building under historical monument protection. If you'd like to learn more about the building, a guided tour will not only give you an in-depth look at the history of the building, but also give you the chance to sample authentic Hungarian food and wine tasting en route.
Site location: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093
GPS coordinates: 47.487337, 19.058187
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