Here we go: About Budapest
The capital of Hungary, Budapest is divided by the Danube River, with the Pest district on the eastern bank and the hilly Buda district on the western bank.
Budapest’s strategic location in central Europe brought it under the rule of the Romans, the nomadic Huns, the Eastern Visigoths, the Avars and as well as Hungarians; both Buda and Pest came under Ottoman control in 1541, remaining part of the Ottoman territory until 1686, when the area was conquered by the Holy League alliance. In 1872, the two districts were unified and called Budapest. On October 17, 1918, the Hungarian parliament declared independence from Austria and on November 1, an independent government was formed. Budapest is now an important educational, cultural and financial center.
Meeting of two cities: Places to visit in Budapest
The Buda district is considered the historical heart of the city, whereas Pest is known for its nightlife and entertainment.
Buda Castle
There’s much to see in Budapest, so we’ve selected some of the city’s must-see sites and highlights. The first on our list is the 13th-century Buda Castle. Set on the Buda side of the Danube, the Baroque-style hilltop Buda Castle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along both banks of the Danube. Within the Castle complex are other landmarks such as the Matthias Fountain, the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.
Hungarian Parliament Building
The neo-Gothic-style Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side of the city is also on our list of places to visit in Budapest. You can take a guided tour of this historic building, which is renowned for its splendid interior and exterior architecture.
Heroes’ Square
On the UNESCO World Heritage List, Heroes’ Square is a capacious plaza that holds a significant place in Hungarian history. In addition to the Millennium Monument, with statues featuring the seven chieftains of the Magyars, the Square contains the Memorial Stone of Heroes and statues of other prominent historical figures.
The Museum of Fine Arts Budapest
Set along Heroes’ Square, the Museum of Fine Arts is high on the list of must-see attractions in Budapest, featuring exhibitions that include works by renowned artists such as Goya, El Greco and Rembrandt, as well as an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts.
Gellért Hill
Named for Saint Gerard, who was thrown to his death from the hill, Gellért Hill overlooks the Danube River. On the hill is the Gellért Hill Cave, while the Gellért Thermal Baths are at the foot of the hotel, next to the Liberty Bridge. The top of Gellért Hill offers some of the city’s most beautiful views.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Facing the Danube River, the Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. The original walls were built in the 18th century, while the seven neo-Romanesque towers that symbolize the seven tribes of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895 were built in the 19th century. The citadel offers a breathtaking view of the Danube and the city and is easily accessible via funicular.
Memento Park
Considered an open-air museum, Memento Park contains a number of statues representing the socialist regime in various parts of the city. The Park offers a tour service providing information on the significance and historical context of each statue. Memento Park is located outside the city center but is accessible by public transportation.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Across the river is the spectacular St. Stephen’s Basilica. The neo-Classical structure is the city’s largest church and is topped with an eye-catching dome. Construction of the church began in 1851 and was completed in 1905.
Margaret Island
Set in the Danube River, Margaret Island is renowned for its medieval monastery ruins and natural beauty. It is a popular destination for both visitors and city residents, offering nature walks along with recreational activities.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Budapest has a number of natural springs and thus numerous baths. One of the largest and most popular is Széchenyi, an expansive complex that has 21 indoor and outdoor pools, many of which are filled with natural thermal waters, along with a spa, a gym, saunas, steam baths, and nightly shows and entertainment. Opened in 1913, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are a Budapest attraction worth including on your itinerary, featuring Baroque-style buildings and Corinthian sculptures.
Danube riverside
Do make time to stroll along the Danube River and visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a Second World War memorial, as well as the Little Princess Statue, the Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth (Erzsebet) Bridge. Boat tours along the Danube River are also available.
Dining in Budapest
Hungarian cuisine incorporates Central European culinary traditions, with meat and dairy products comprising many of the typical dishes. Paprika is also an essential ingredient in the Hungarian kitchen. Some of the local specialties include the following.
- Goulash (a soup of meat, vegetables and noodles seasoned with paprika and other spices)
- Palacsinta (crêpe-like pancake)
- Pörkölt (a thick beef and onion stew)
- Dobos torte (sponge cake layered with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel)
- Cold cherry soup
- Langos (deep-fried flatbread, usually served with savory toppings)
- Hungarian sausages and salamis
Some useful information on Budapest
If you’re ready to fly to Budapest, click here. You can check out recommendations for lodging and transportation below.
Staying in Budapest
Budapest welcomes millions of tourists each year and thus offers a wide range of accommodation options. For proximity to nightlife and entertainment, the Pest side of the city is the place to stay, with an array of hotels and hostels of all levels. The Jozsefvaros neighborhood is close to many tourist attractions, while the Buda Castle District is more tranquil and the Terezvaros neighborhood is considered more affordable. To simplify the process, we suggest checking out holiday packages offered by Turkish Airlines Holidays, which lets you book flights and hotels on a single platform.
Transportation in Budapest
Budapest has a robust public transportation system composed of metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular and cable car lines. Visitors can buy tickets at kiosks throughout the city – various options are offered, including 24-hour passes, monthly passes or single rides.
Transportation from Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport to the city center
Budapest has three airports but the most frequently used is Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport, which is about 20 kilometers from the city center. Airport shuttles operate between the airport and the city center, as do public buses, trams and the metro. Taxis are also available, along with private transfers.
We wish you pleasant travels!
