What to see in Budapest

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage. This makes it attractive to tourists from different countries. Take an excursions in Budapest, colorful architecture and nature of the capital city.

Main attractions

When you arrive in Hungary, the first thing you should do is take a walk through the capital. Here are all the main interesting sights of the country, including:

  1. The Basilica of St. Istvan (Stephen). This is the most famous temple of Budapest, the chapel of the cathedral holds the relics of Hungary’s founder István. It was laid back in 1851 and in 1905 – completed and consecrated. The temple attracts tourists with its large-scale dome with a viewing platform, which offers an excellent view of the city. In the large hall regularly held concerts of classical music. If you walk around the temple, you can see the exquisite sculptures and bas-reliefs, which are located on the walls. On New Year’s Eve, a festive Christmas tree is placed on the square in front of the Basilica.
  2. Vaidahunyad Castle. Romantic Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the heart of the capital. Its construction was completed in 1908, and next to the walls there is a monument to the architect – Ignaz Alpari. The castle is surrounded by a moat with water. Walking over the bridge over it, a Gothic gate opens in front. On the territory there is an exact copy of a Romanesque monastery with a small chapel and a copy of the Szegeswar fortress. Vaidahunyad Castle itself is in the Baroque style. Its walls depict King Matthias and the Princess of Aragon. Entrance to the castle is free and it is not difficult to get there.
  3. Gellert Mountain. This is one of the most visited places in Budapest. On the slopes of the mountain there are many attractions. It got its name in honor of St. Gellert, one of the patrons of Hungary, who was thrown down from this peak by pagans. At the top of the mountain is the Citadel, which was erected after the Hungarian uprising, the Statue of Liberty and the Philosophers’ Garden. From the very top there is a beautiful view of Buda Hill, the Parliament, the Basilica of St. Istvan, the Danube embankments and other sights of the capital. That said, Gellert is often referred to as a hill rather than a mountain because it is 235 meters high.
  4. Fisherman’s Bastion. This is a beautiful white-stone fortress with seven towers. Many people have only two associations from the name – fish and fortifications. But you will not find fish here, and the structure was never used for defense. The fortress was named so because of the fact that earlier on this place fish was traded. From the Fisherman’s Bastion there is a very beautiful view of Pest and the Danube. Entrance is free. During World War II the building was significantly damaged by bombing, but reconstruction work was carried out. An important element of the Fishermen’s Bastion is the monument to King Istvan the Holy (an equestrian statue of the ruler standing on a pedestal). The pedestal has bas-reliefs depicting scenes from his life. The monument was installed in 1906.
  5. Szechenyi Chain Bridge. It is a suspension stone bridge across the Danube River. It connects the main historic parts of Budapest – Buda (west) and Pest (east). The Szechenyi Chain Bridge has an important historical significance and is one of the symbols of the capital. Its construction began in 1840. The opening ceremony was held in the autumn of 1849. Four stone lions from both banks appeared in 1852.
  6. Castle Mountain (Varhedy). This is the medieval heart of the capital and the central part of the district of Buda, which was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1987. The history of the castle begins in 1247. The founder was Duke Stephen the Younger. Under him it was small, but over time began to be completed and expanded. During the reign of King Sigismund it was already considered the largest building. Nowadays there are several attractions in Verhede, including the Royal Palace with museums and a library. It offers a beautiful panorama of the city.
  7. Shoes on the Danube promenade. This is a memorial consisting of 60 bronze pairs of shoes (women’s, men’s and children’s). They are a reminder of the execution of Jewish families during World War II. The shoes on the Danube embankment are considered to be one of the most moving memorials in Europe. The idea for the memorial came from director Ken Togai and was realized by sculptor Gyula Power. Behind the exhibit is a bench with iron memorial plaques with inscriptions in Hungarian, English and Hebrew.

When best to go to Budapest

Budapest has a moderate continental climate: winters are mild and short (no severe frost) and summers are long and hot (no extreme temperatures). When choosing the right time of year to travel, it is worth focusing on the main purpose. The peak of the tourist season is in mid-spring to early fall. This is a great time to go sightseeing (except for July and August, the hottest months, when daytime temperatures can reach 35-37 ° C).

At the height of summer there are many cultural and sporting events. You should book your hotel rooms and restaurant reservations well in advance. At the end of July there are Formula 1 races, so the number of tourists increases several times. Also, from August to September begins the first season of sales (you can buy branded goods at 40-50% cheaper).

Winter is especially attractive for New Year and Christmas holidays. At this time the city is thematically decorated, the weather is comfortable (the temperature during the day warms up to 5oC), and there is not much snow. From January to March is the second season of sales. In winter, an exotic type of recreation is available – bathing in open thermal springs.

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