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Budapest is the crowning jewel of the Danube River.  The city lights up the banks with its architecture, bridges and culture.  Even more, Budapest is known as the “World’s Spa Capital,” offering 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-week tour in Central Europe and the Balkans, I experienced 5 days in Budapest.  I visited all these 20 attractions in 5 days.  Budapest’s World Heritage Sites include the Buda Castle Quarter, Banks of Danube and Andrassy Avenue.  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 Seven chieftains of the Magyars.  These leaders arrived in the Carpathian Basin from central Asia in AD 895.  Later, in 1526 the Ottoman Empire conquered and occupied Budapest 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 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, Hungary established a democracy.  However, now it’s a backsliding democracy with the rule by 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.  It crosses through 10 countries and is the second longest river in Europe.  Other iconic cities lie on the Danube, such as, 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” with its access to geothermal springs.  More than 1,000 thermal springs exist in Hungary, including 100 in Budapest.  Some of the historic bathhouses are still in use today.  The Gellert Baths and Szechenyi Baths were built in the 19^th and 20^th centuries during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  Hungary’s Lake Heviz is the largest swimmable, thermal lake in world

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20 Budapest Hungary Top Attractions

Buda Castle

Perched on Castle Hill stands 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. 

Beneath Buda Hill lies 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

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 18^th 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 stands the Matthias Catholic Church.  Built in 1015, it displays mixed Romanesque and Gothic styles.  The last 2 kings of Hungary were coronated here.  Also, 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.  Overall, the unique atmosphere with the architecture and panoramic views is nostalgic and inspiring.  It’s the perfect place to absorb the historic ambience and culture.  Here, visitors also enjoy restaurants, cafes, Szechenyi Istvan Square and various sculptures, including the Little Princess.

Shoes on the Danube Bank 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 Jewish people, requesting them to take off their shoes before shooting them into the river.  Horrifically, the militiamen saved 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 profound 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 on a river cruise is the best way to see how beautiful this city truly 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 cost only 25 Euros, and I sat outside on the deck enjoying my free glass of Hungarian wine. 

Especially, I recommend taking a cruise at night to see Budapest all lit up!   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 a 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 on 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 eclectic restaurants, cafes and shops for tourists are fun to explore.  Prices are higher, but it’s worth the splurge for some authentic Hungarian dishes enjoyed in the al fresco setting.  It stretches one 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 the incredible Central Market Hall.  Destroyed in World War II, it became restored in the 90’s.  As the largest market in Budapest, it offers dozens of vendors for food, produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. 

The food stands on the top floor have 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 and 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 in this quarter include the Kazinczy and Rumbach Street Synagogues.  Also, there’s a Jewish Museum.

A popular trend in the Jewish Quarter 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 / City Park

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.  On top the central pillar is the Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian crown.

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, a lake and ice-skating rink, Agricultural Museum, House of Music, Museum of Ethnography, 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 a way to dive into the Budapest cafe culture! In the early 20^th century, the New York Café was the most renowned coffee house in Budapest.  It was popular with artists and writers.  During WW II, the cafe became very damaged.  It was restored to its original beauty in 2006.  Today, built in eclectic Italian Renaissance style, the café is part of the hotel.  The traditional menu offers classics, such as, Hungarian Goulash and famous desserts. 

It’s open from 7 am to midnight.  The cafe only takes 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. 

Day Trip to Bratislava, Slovakia

Just an hour away by bus or train is the capital city, Bratislava, Slovakia.  This charming city is compact and filled with history.  Many people take a daytrip here from Vienna or Budapest.  I enjoyed 2 days here.  Check out my blog/video:

Charming Bratislava, Slovakia’s Top 15 Attractions

Enjoy Budapest!

Budapest is a treasure trove of history with many layers from the Hungarians, Ottomans, Habsburgs, 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. 

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