Budapest is the crowning jewel of the Danube River. The city lights up the banks with historic treasures from its architecture, bridges and culture. Even more, Budapest is known as the “World’s Spa Capital,” with its 100 local thermal springs. The flow of the river takes you through time and the many layers of the Budapest Hungary top attractions.
During my 5-weeks tour in Central Europe and the Balkans, I experienced 5 days in Budapest. I visited all these 20 attractions in 5 days. I did need all this time to fully enjoy the sites. Overall, I wouldn’t change a thing and enjoyed every minute of it. I love sharing tips and recommendations. So, read on to discover what to see and do in this historical gem.
Budapest Historical Overview
Budapest’s rich history is fascinating. The Holy Roman Empire ruled this region from 15 BC – 235. The roots of Hungarian history stems from the 7 chieftains of the Magyars. These leaders arrived in the Carpathian Basin from central Asia in AD 895. Later, the Ottoman Empire conquered Budapest in 1526 for 150 years.
In 1689, the Habsburg Monarchy seized control of Budapest after years of war with the Turks. From 1867 – 1918, Budapest became part of the Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire. This dual monarchy offered significant cultural diversity.
In the years leading to WW I and II, Budapest was home to the second highest Jewish population in Europe (after Warsaw). Nazi Germany occupied Budapest from 1945 – 46. In less than a year, Hungarian authorities collaborated with the Nazi’s, sending over 550,000 Hungarian Jews to extermination camps.
The Soviet Union freed Hungary from Nazi occupation. Then, Hungary became a Soviet state, known for its Goulash Communism from 1945 – 89. After the fall of the Iron Curtain and Cold War, Hungary established a democracy. However, now it’s a backsliding democracy with the rule of the far-right populist, Viktor Orban as Prime Minister since 2010.
Danube Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. The Danube River is its most significant landmark and symbol of Budapest. The Danube crosses through 10 countries and is the second longest river in Europe. Other iconic cities that lie on the Danube include Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade (See my travel blogs on these cities.)
The Danube River flows through Budapest dividing it into 3 cities. Buda and Obuda lie on the west bank with Pest on east bank. Nine bridges cross the Danube in Budapest, including the iconic Chain and Liberty Bridges.
Thermal Springs Budapest
Budapest is known as the “World’s Spa Capital” from its access to geothermal springs and spas. There are more than 1,000 thermal springs in Hungary, with 100 being in Budapest. Some of the historic bathhouses are still in use today. In Budapest, the Gellert Baths and Szechenyi Baths were built in the 19th and 20th centuries during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Hungary’s Lake Heviz is the largest swimmable, thermal lake in world
20 Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
Buda Castle
Perched on Castle Hill just in front of the Chain Bridge is the Royal Palace or Buda Castle. Originally built as a medieval fortress, it later turned into a baroque palace for Hungarian kings. Visitors can reach the castle by funicular (get tickets online or wait in queue). It is open till 10 pm for views. Otherwise, stairs take you up the hill to the castle.
The Royal Palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery. Also, don’t miss the Matthias Fountain, a neo-baroque treasure. It is called the ‘Trevi Fountain of Budapest.’ The views from the castle are stunning of the Danube River, Chain Bridge and the city, Pest.
Underneath Buda Hill is an elaborate cave system that is a top tourist attraction. This updated network of caves was originally created as bomb shelters and cellars. Today, visitors can enjoy it on a guided tour. Faust wine cellar underneath Buda Castle sample wines from 22 Hungarian regions.
Fisherman’s Bastion
On Castle Hill just a 10-minute walk from the Buda Castle stands the Fisherman’s Bastion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views of the Danube River and Pest. From its lookout terraces the views are spectacular. The seven stone towers symbolize the seven chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895. It was originally built in the 18th century by a guild of fisherman as walls of the castle. Later, the bastion became restored in the neo-Romanesque style.
Beside the Fisherman’s Bastion in Holy Trinity Square is the Matthias Catholic Church. Built in 1015, it displays mixed Romanesque and Gothic styles. The last 2 kings of Hungary were coronated here. Its tower offers the highest view, overlooking the bastion, Danube River and Buda Castle.
Danube Promenade
Stretching between the Chain and Elizabeth Bridges on the Pest side is the picturesque Danube Promenade. It offers spectacular views of the Buda Castle, Gellert Hill and Liberty Statue. The unique atmosphere with the architecture, history and panoramic views is nostalgic and inspiring. It’s the perfect place to absorb the historic ambience and culture. On the promenade side of the river visitors enjoy restaurants, cafes, Szechenyi Istvan Square and various sculptures, including the Little Princess.
Shoes on the Danube Memorial
Between the Chain Bridge and Parliament Building on the east bank is the Shoes on the Danube Bank. During Nazi occupation in Budapest during WW II many Hungarian Jews were executed here. The Arrow Cross Militiamen lined up the Jews, requesting them to take off their shoes before shooting them into the river. They wanted to save the shoes, because they were expensive during the war years.
This evocative memorial displays 60 pairs of iron shoes on the banks of the Danube. I found this to be one of the most profoundly moving memorials for the Holocaust ever. Just heartbreaking. It’s the ideal setting to not forget and pay respects for all the Jewish victims from WW II.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
On the Pest side of the Danube River stands the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building. Opened in 1902, this neo-Gothic style edifice is the fourth largest parliamentary building in the world. Vienna City Hall greatly influence its architecture and style. Overall, surviving 2 world wars this icon is a symbol of the country’s resilience.
Indoor tours include highlights, such as, the Hungarian Parliament Museum, Dome Hall, Great Stairway and Hungarian Crown. River Cruises provide the best views. The building lights up at night as a spectacle to behold and not miss.
River Cruise
Experiencing Budapest from the river is the best way to see how beautiful this city is. There are many Dinner Cruises that sell tickets along the Pest side of the river. I took the option to just do the cruise without the dinner. It was only about 25 Euros and I got to sit outside enjoying my free glass of Hungarian wine.
Especially, I recommend doing a cruise at night to truly see Budapest at night all lit! This may be one of the most unique things about Budapest. You cruise under the famous bridges and go by the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliamentary Building.
Margaret Island
Just up the river from the Parliamentary Building is Margaret Island. I spent and day here and it was the perfect antidote for my jet lag. This green space is about one square km and shaped like a long leaf. It is accessible from the Margaret Island bridge. Also, there’s a trail that stretches around the coastline of this island.
The island is almost purely recreational with no residences or roads. For example, I enjoyed the rose gardens, Japanese gardens and some Franciscan Monastery ruins. With more time, I would have loved to experience the wellness spa at the thermal Palantinus Baths.
Additionally, the Music Fountain is a highlight of the island displaying shows at 10.30am, 5pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm. The water jets dance to the music of various composers, shooting up high into the air. After sunset, the fountain illuminates with colorful lights.
Budapest Free Walking Tours
Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
Walking tours are the best way to experience and learn the history for any destination. Budapest’s history is complex with many layers. Learning firsthand from a local guide teaches us about the history so we can most enjoy the sites. Reserve online at Triptobudapest.hu for popular free walking tours:
Budapest Tour
Buda Castle Tour
Free Communism Tour
Jewish District Tour
Liberty Statue
The Liberty Statue stands along the western river bank atop Gellert Hill. It commemorates the Soviet army for liberating Hungary from Nazi occupation during World War II. Standing 14 meters tall on Gellert Hill, it overlooks the city. The statue is a person holding a palm frond, symbolizing peace and freedom. Visitors can either walk up the hill or take the funicular near Chain Bridge and walk along the hilltop.
St Stephens Basilica
On the Pest side of the city is the historic St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. This neo-classical Renaissance building is a World Heritage Site. As one of the tallest buildings in Budapest at 96 meters high, its terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. The queue is long, so buy tickets online to avoid the wait. Classical music and organ concerts perform inside the basilica.
Vaci Street
Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
Just a couple blocks from the Danube Promenade is Vaci Street, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare. Its popular restaurants, cafes and shops for tourists and souvenirs are fun to explore. Prices are higher, but it’s worth the splurge for some authentic Hungarian dishes enjoyed along the outdoor setting.
It stretches for about a km between the Central Market Hall and Vörösmarty Square, dedicated to the famous Hungarian poet.
Central Market Hall
Just off the Liberty Bridge at the end of the Vaci Street is this incredible Central Market Hall. Destroyed in World War II, it became restored in the 90’s. It’s massive with dozens of vendors for food, produce, handicrafts and souvenirs.
The food stands on the top floor lower prices where you can share tables with locals. The market is open daily except Sunday.
Here’s an ideal place to taste local delicacies, such as, langos and goulash. Langos is a deep-fried flatbread. Traditionally, it was made from the last pieces of bread dough and baked in a brick or clay oven.
Gellert Spa Hotel
Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
The Gellert Spa Hotel is a historic landmark and wellness sanctuary. Originally, called the “magical healing spring” by the Turks, this spa taps into the local thermal springs. The bath complex was built between 1912 – 18 in the Secession Art Nouveau style. Damaged in WW II, it was restored in 2008.
The Gellert Spa is famous for its main hall with gallery and glass roof in Art-Nouveau style. The mineral-rich water contains magnesium, calcium and sulfates. Therapeutic properties help with arthritis, stress, skin problems and respiratory issues. The numerous baths vary in temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees C (95 and 104 F).
Other services include saunas, plunge pools and massage treatments. It’s best to reserve online to assure availability. I reserved on their website the baths with a cabin and massage, all for less than 100 Euros.
Jewish Quarter (District VII)
In the years leading to WW I & II, Budapest was home to the second highest Jewish population in Europe (after Warsaw). Nazi Germany occupied Budapest from 1945 – 46. The Jewish Quarter became a ghetto during these years. In less than a year, Hungarian authorities collaborated with the Nazi’s, sending over 550,000 Hungarian Jews to extermination camps.
Today, the historic Jewish District is a gentrified area known for its synagogues, ruin bars, street art, restaurants, nightlife and shops. The Great (Central) Synagogue on Dohany Street is the largest working synagogue in Europe. Tours take you inside with close up views of the Tree of Life Monument. Other synagogues include the Kazinczy and Rumbach Street Synagogues. There is also a Jewish Museum.
A popular trend in this neighborhood is the ruin bars. These abandoned buildings became upcycled into colorful ruin bars. Don’t miss the OG ruin bar, Szimpla Kert. Other popular ruin bars include Durer Kert, Doboz and Mazel Tov.
Hungarian State Opera House
Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
The Hungarian State Opera House stands on the scenic Andrassy Avenue in central Pest. Built in a neo-Renaissance style in 1884, this building offers guided tours and performances in a 1,200 seated auditorium. It’s considered one of the best venues in the world for operatic performances. The interior features sculptures, frescoes and artwork created by locals.
Heroes’ Square
The Heroes’ Square is one of the most iconic squares located at the end of Andrassy Avenue next to City Park. Its statues feature the seven chieftains of the Magyars, known for discovering Hungary in AD 895. Atop the central pillar is the Archangel Gabriel, who is holding the Hungarian crown.
City Park
Andrassy Avenue is a renowned long street in Budapest, stretching from city center to the City Park. The Heroes’ Square stands next to the City Park. This incredible green space offers numerous attractions. These include Vajdahunyad Castle, lake and ice-skating rink, Agricultural Museum, House of Music, Museum of Ethnography and Szechenyi Baths, Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Széchenyi Baths
In the City Park is Budapest’s most famous thermal spa, the Szechenyi Baths. There are a variety of pools for all seasons. They offer outdoor thermal pools, plus an activity pool with cooler waters for the summer months. Overall, this historic landmark offers interesting architecture and atmosphere with massage and beauty treatments.
New York Cafe
“The Most Beautiful Cafe in the World”
Here’s the way to dive into the Budapest cafe culture! In the early 20th century, the New York Café was the most renowned coffee house in Budapest. I was popular with artists and writers. During WW II, it became very damaged. It became restored to its original beauty in 2006. Today, built in eclectic Italian Renaissance, the café is part of the hotel. The traditional menu offers classics, such as, Hungarian Goulash and famous desserts.
It is open from 7 am to midnight. They only take reservations after 6 pm. I arrived about 8 am and got the last seat before the line piled up.
Memento Park
Budapest Hungary Top Attractions
The Memento Park is a reminder of the Goulash Communism years under Soviet rule. It offers the Statue Park, a photo exhibition, Barrack Cinema, Stalin’s Grandstand and storage showroom. This is Central Europe’s first museum dedicated to sharing the history about a dictatorship and its fall.
Enjoy Budapest!
Budapest is a treasure trove of history with many layers from the Hungarians, Ottomans, Habsburg Dynasty, Nazi Germany and Soviet Union. It stood the test of time and maintained a respect and celebration for its complex heritage. The Danube River remains the heart and continuation of this region in time. If your travels bring you to Budapest, feel free to leave any suggestions or tips below.
