Budapest – one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the world
Regarding the main title: “Budapest – top 5 attractions” – you must know that the choice is not easy. Anyway, I will try to pay attention to the most critical places. You will find below more than 5 recommendations from my side, so you can choose what most suits your needs. What is important to remember is that the city must be visited in the light of day, just before sunset and at night.
There are also some hints on how to make our visit unforgettable:
- panoramic view of the city seen from the Castle Hills,
- visit one of many hot springs,
- a walk along the Danube River bend waterfront.
- our final experience should be complemented by tasting local cuisine and wine.
Budapest, Banks of the Danube river, Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 and 2002. We can find more details on the UNESCO Committee website. “This site has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda, which have considerably influenced the architecture of various periods. It is one of the world’s outstanding urban landscapes and illustrates the significant periods in the history of the Hungarian capital.
Budapest – why should we visit it?
You do not need to be an expert to agree with the UNESCO Committee opinion. Other famous landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes Square, and Nyugati Railway Station, were built by the Eiffel Company of Paris in 1877. Budapest impresses not only with its unique architecture but also with its picturesque location. Tourists are also attracted by numerous geothermal springs (around 80), where some still remember the times of Turkish rule. The most extensive thermal water cave system, the second largest synagogue, and the third largest Parliament building worldwide. There is also the second-oldest metro line in the world, called the Millennium Underground Railway.
This city also offers excellent (sometimes very spicy!) cuisine and wine. Contemporary Budapest is also famous for nightclubs hidden in old tenement houses, techno music concerts, modern design, and modern art.
During Christmas, this city is surprised by Christmas decorations adorning the main streets and squares. Another attraction is a Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square. There, among other things, you can buy numerous handicraft products, ceramics, Christmas decorations, and local delicacies.
There are, therefore, many reasons to visit Budapest. Regardless of the season or purpose of your visit, this city will surely steal your heart. Budapest attracts 4.4 million international tourists annually, making it a popular European destination.
Below, I will share a short history of the city. I will also propose what should be included on the “Budapest – top 5 attractions” list. Finally, I will present a few other interesting places and share my recommendations.
Remember: Budapest is considered one of the world’s most outstanding urban landscapes. Let’s see together what can’t be missed.
Short historical outline
The city was created after three other cities were officially unified: Buda and Obuda, both located on the right bank of the Danube River, and Pest, on the left bank. Thus, the new name of Budapest was given. Budapest has been the formal capital of Hungary since 1872.
Buda, located on the Buda hills, has been the seat of the kings for centuries. To this day, the Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Hill, and the citadel have been preserved here. Although the area of the Pest side is flat and less picturesque, here you can experience the real beauty of Hungarian architecture: the Parliament building, the representative Andrássy Avenue, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Budapest was recognised as a global metropolis in 1950 after its unification with 23 neighbouring towns. At present, almost every fifth Hungarian citizen lives in Budapest, which has a population of approximately 1.7 million.
What’s worth seeing?
Below is a short table of contents. If you are interested only in one subject, please click the link and go there directly.
House of Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is considered a symbol of the city and one of its most important attractions. Its construction works lasted for 19 years (1885 – 1904). Although the building was not yet completed, its grand opening was planned for the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state in 1896. The architecture of the building is a Neo-Gothic style. Its external walls are decorated with coats of arms referring to the times of former Great Hungary. In the interiors of the building, you can find numerous baroque elements, because some rooms are richly decorated with frescoes, paintings, and colourful stained glass windows. The edifice has 17 gates, 10 courtyards, 29 staircases, and is decorated with 252 statues.
The total usable area of this building is 17 thousand square meters. It is 265 meters long, and its dome is built at a height of 96 meters—the same as the dome of the Basilica of St. Stefan. This is not a coincidence but the result of the parliament’s decision, which underlined the equal treatment of both state and religious affairs in the country. Today, the Hungarian Parliament is the world’s third-largest national assembly building.
Parliament – important for visitors
The Parliament can be visited from April to October between 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., and from November to March between 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Visiting the Parliament is possible only in groups provided by the official guide, and the entire route takes about 50 minutes. The guides conduct tours in foreign languages, e.g. in English at 10.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 12.30 p.m., 1.30 p.m., 2.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m., in German at 10.00 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 2.30 p.m.
Reservations can be made in advance by purchasing electronic tickets online.
Tickets (price depends on the season of the year):
- for European Union citizens, standard ticket costs 2200 – 2400* HUF (about 8-8,5$), a discount ticket 1100 – 1300* HUF (about 4-4,6$)
- for non-EU citizens, a different price list applies: standard ticket 5800 – 6000* HUF (approximately 20,5 – 21$), discount ticket 2900 – 3100* HUF (approximately 10,2 – 11$).
- Children below 6 years old – entrance is free
*prices from March’2019
The most important places to visit are the beautiful main staircase, the dome hall and the Chamber of Peers. The most important national treasure hidden in the parliament building is the Coronation Insignia. Among others, you can see here: the Hungarian Holy Crown of Saint Stephen, the golden apple, the crystal sceptre, the ceremonial sword and the purple royal cloak. The rulers of Hungary wore all these insignia until the time of Charles IV of Habsburg, who took them down in 1916.
Please note: Photography is completely prohibited in the Great Dome Room, where the royal insignia is located.
Useful links
- Hungarian Parliament. On this website, you can check when it can be visited, as visits to the House of Parliament are restricted during weeks in which the National Assembly holds its plenary sittings. On the first day of the plenary, the building will be accessible to visitors from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The ticket office will be open until 11.00 a.m. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the “Hungarian Parliament visiting tab“, where you can find safety procedures applicable to parliament visitors.
- Tickets for the House of Parliament in HU, where you can buy entry tickets. Please note, when booking tickets online, a handling fee of HUF 399 (approximately 1,1 $) will be charged on each ticket.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
The Basilica of St. Stefan is the largest church in the city. Construction of the Basilica lasted for over 50 years, with breaks of almost 60 years (1848 – 1906), mainly due to several unforeseen circumstances. At the beginning stage, it turned out that the area on which the basilica would be built was too slippery. The close distance to the Danube riverbed meant that creating a strong building base was necessary. For this purpose, a three-storey cellar was built, the size of which is almost equal to the basilica standing above it.
Another obstacle appeared in 1868, when the main church dome collapsed during a strong storm, destroying the half-finished temple. An additional difficulty was that the main architect changed three times during its construction, as the other two died before its completion.
Today, the temple’s walls contain important works of art and a precious relic—the mummified hand of King Stefan the Saint, the first crowned King of Hungary. The beautiful and richly decorated basilica interior is noteworthy, including a colourful mosaic decorating the dome from inside.
St. Stephen’s Basilica – entrance time and tickets
There is a possibility of entering the dome’s roof. There is a fantastic view of the beautiful panorama of the city. Part of the route can be overcome by using the lift to get there. After the lift, you must climb the winding stairs to the top. The dome is open to visitors every day. From October to June it is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., from July to September from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Admission Tickets for adults are 500* HUF (1,7 $), and the discounted ticket price is 400* HUF (1,4 $).
*prices from March’2019
The two side towers of the church are equipped with 6 bells. The most important of them is in the right tower. Bell of St. Stefan weighs over 9 tons, is over 2.5 meters in diameter and is the largest bell in the country. You can hear it twice a year: at 5.00 p.m. on August 20th on the anniversary of the Hungarian state, and at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
St. Stephen’s Basilica – a link to the official website.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Budapest is a historical castle and palace complex of Hungarian kings. The first royal residence was erected on the Rocky Budań Castle Hill in the second half of the 13th century. However, the massive baroque palace was built only between 1749 and 1769. The castle was seriously damaged during the War of Independence (1848). It was rebuilt only at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. At that time, the palace’s size was almost doubled, and its roof was crowned with a dome that is characteristic today. It was again destroyed during the siege of Budapest in 1944/45. Reconstruction after the destruction of World War II lasted until the 1980s. During this reconstruction, valuable fragments of the medieval castle were discovered. Discovered fragments are now available to visitors.
The castle currently houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Library. It is part of the castle district of Buda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal Palace entrance time and tickets
The courtyard of the Royal Castle is available 24 hours a day, and admission is free. On selected days, when festivals take place in the castle’s courtyard, the entrance to the courtyard is closed. You should buy a ticket to the festival if you want to go inside.
To visit the castle’s interior, visit the National Gallery or the Budapest History Museum. The opening hours of both institutions dictate the visiting hours.
- The National Gallery is open every day (except Mondays), between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is 1800* HUF ($6,5). It is often open on national holidays.
- The National Museum in Budapest is open every day (except Mondays), between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March to October. Between November and February, entrance is possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The admission ticket costs between 2000 and 2400* HUF (7,2$ – 8,6$), depending on the season (it is more expensive in high season). It is often open on national holidays.
- The Budapest Royal Palace also has an interesting website. There, you can find, among other things, information about planned festivals or special events during which entering the castle grounds will require the purchase of a ticket for the specific event.
- Dome: With a valid ticket to any of the Hungarian National Gallery exhibitions, subject to weather conditions, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The dome is closed from November to April.
*prices from March’2019
Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is undoubtedly a place from which a beautiful panorama of the city extends. It was erected at the end of the 19th century, on the remains of the city’s old defensive walls. The name was given in honour of the guild of fishermen, who in the Middle Ages were responsible for defending the designated fragment of the fortifications. The tower was built in the style of neo-Romanesque decorative architecture.
Entrance to the tower and part of the walls are payable, although only during the peak season. During the off-season, the entrance gates are open. Undoubtedly, however, it is worth paying! Danube river view, Parliament House and Margaret Island are worth every penny!
Next to the Tower is an equestrian statue of the first king of Hungary, St Stephen and the Holy Trinity Column.
More can be read directly on the Fisherman’s Bastion website.
Entrance ticket to upper towers only: 1000* HUF (3,6$), only peak season. Entrance is free of charge from October 16th to March 15th. It is also free on the 20th of August (National Holidays) and every day between 8.00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
*prices from March’2019
Matthias Church
Matthias Church was built in a special place – on the hill overlooking the Danube, which in time became the seat of Hungarian kings. The origins of the temple date back to the thirteenth century. Until today, only a few elements of the original Gothic building have remained: the leading portal and the south tower. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary; however, it is popularly called the Matthias Church by both locals and tourists. The unofficial name is given in honour of King Matthias Corvinus – the national hero who ruled the country in the fifteenth century.
Matthias Church is one of the finest churches in Budapest, and one of the most unique churches in Europe. The church witnessed the most critical events in the history of this country, including the coronation of Hungarian kings, ceremonial marriages and Turkish occupation. When the Ottoman Turks conquered Buda, the temple functioned as a mosque for 146 years. In 1867, the coronation of Emperor Franz Josef I and his wife Elisabeth (known as Sisi) was held here, as they became rulers of Hungary.
During its 700-year history, the church was destroyed several times and decayed into ruin. The current construction is the result of a major renovation that lasted 16 years and began in the second half of the 19th century. Reconstruction ended in 1896, exactly for the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state.
Matthias Church – a history from the 20th century
The last great destruction took place during World War II. First, the roof burned down, and some of the walls collapsed. In the remaining part, the German army organized a field kitchen. The Red Army, who came after, set up a stable and a latrine in the church. This led to the church’s total ruin.
At the beginning of the 1950s, the building’s condition was so bad that it was considered for complete demolition. Fortunately, the ruins were secured. In 1951, a thorough reconstruction began. In 1960, the reconstruction of external walls was completed, and 10 years later, the interior renovation was completed.
Today, visiting the church is an obligatory program point for every tourist. The interiors perfectly reflect the state’s history. Noteworthy are the colourful frescoes (depicting, among other things, the coat of arms and the figure of King Matthias), a collection of valuable liturgical objects, and the tomb of King Béla III.
Matthias Church and the big tower – visiting hours and admission tickets
- Tickets can be purchased at the cash register in front of the church and online.
- Tickets purchased at the box office can be bought in a package: only the church, church and tower, or church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Therefore, there is only one queue for all attractions. However, each attraction can be visited independently of other attractions. For example, you can enter the church tower without visiting the church.
- Tickets bought online allow us to avoid standing in a long queue.
Worth knowing:
- Visiting the church is possible between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. most of the year. These hours may change on Sundays and holidays (1.00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.), or visitors may not be allowed to enter (e.g., on December 24).
- On the Matthias Church website, in the tab for the visitors, there is a calendar, where day after day you can check during what hours the entrance will be valid for the tourists. On the same page, you can buy tickets online.
- It is allowed to take pictures in the church using a flash, but the flash must be turned off in areas where valuable liturgical vestments are present.
- The entrance to the church towers is carried out only in a group with a guide, a maximum of 15 people. It takes place every full hour between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The entrance requires a proper physical condition. There is no elevator; to climb to the top, you must climb 197 stairs.
- Entrance tickets: church and church tower – a separate ticket to each attraction is needed – 1800* HUF (6,4$) each
*prices from March’2019
Castle Mountain
The Royal Castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion are located on Castle Hill.
There are several ways to get there, and below, we will describe two of the most popular among tourists.
Funicular railway
The funicular is historic and dates from 1870. Officially, it is called the Castle Hill Railway. The prototype and inspiration for its creation were the first of its kind funicular built several years earlier in French Lyon. It was a railway driven by a stationary steam engine. The need to build a railway on the hill was dictated by the desire to bring public facilities (the theatre, ministries located in the castle walls) to the ordinary citizens. It was supposed to be the first urban transport system to provide access to Castle Hills.
The modern railway functioned almost unchanged until 1944. At the end of the war, the railway and its entire infrastructure were destroyed during the bombing of the city. After the war, it was not decided to rebuild it. It was only in 1984 that it was decided to restore the railway for the city’s inhabitants. The new, fully automatic funicular came back in 1986 and has been functioning until today. It is engraved on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the city landscape and the Castle Hills.
Funicular railway – opening hours and entrance tickets
The funicular operates daily between 7.30 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. It departs on average every 5-10 minutes when the wagons are full. Every second Monday (an odd week in a given month), the funicular is closed for the duration of technical work.
The entrance to the funicular and the ticket office are located opposite the descent from the Chain Bridge. It is impossible not to notice this, as you can see colourful wagons climbing up the hill from a distance. One-way ticket: 1200* HUF (approximately PLN 16), return ticket 1800* HUF (approximately PLN 24). The ride by train takes about 1 minute.
The funicular operates daily between 7.30 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. When the wagons are full, it departs on average every 5-10 minutes. Every second Monday (an odd week in a given month), the funicular is closed for the duration of technical work.
The entrance to the funicular and the ticket office are located opposite the descent from the Chain Bridge. It is impossible not to notice this, as you can see its colourful wagons climbing up the hill from a distance. One-way ticket: 1200* HUF (4,3$), return ticket 1800 HUF (6,5$). The ride by train takes about 1 minute.
*prices from March’2019
More information about the Budapest Funicular can be found on the Buda Castle website.
Entrance to Castle Hills on foot
You can also climb the hill on foot. I recommend getting there on foot, from the side of the Chain Bridge. To cross the bridge is already an attraction in itself.
After crossing the bridge, facing Castle Hills and the funicular, the beginning of the walking route is on the left. Go along the defensive wall and then enter the first open gate. A walking trail starts right on the other side of the wall.
Walking up the hill takes about 15-20 minutes. You can go through this route faster or much slower. It all depends on how often you stop to take pictures and enjoy the views. The path runs twice over the railroad tracks, so this is an additional attraction: to stand above the passing funicular.
I recommend that everyone climb up the hill on foot. The route leads through the park, most of which is paved, and the stairs are secured with handrails. It is not difficult, but it is certainly not suitable for people who have walking problems, wheelchairs, or baby strollers. On the way to the hill is a large observation deck, where you can rest. The views of the Danube River, the Chain Bridge, and the city’s panorama are breathtaking. It is worth experiencing.
You can also enter Castle Hill through the park, located on the right side of the railways. This entrance also leads through the park, up the stairs with handrails. You can also go along the main street (going to the right of the cash registers) and reach the entrance stairs directly to the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Budapest. Other attractions
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is the most beautiful park in Budapest. It stretches between the Margaret Bridge and the Arpad Bridge in the middle of the Danube River. This green island is 2.5 km long and at its widest point, it is 500 meters wide. On the entire island, it is prohibited to move around by car. The only public means of transport is a bus that takes you directly to the island from the Margaret Bridge. Although there is a car park on the island next to the Arpad Bridge, outside the car park, it is not allowed to drive further into the island.
The island owes its name to Princess Margaret. She was a daughter of King Bela IV, who spent almost 20 years here in the thirteenth century, closed in a monastery. Only the ruins of this monastery have survived to this day. It is engraved on the list of UNESCO’s Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The island is the city’s green lung and a favourite recreational place for residents. It attracts joggers, rollerbladers, and cyclists. A large number of gardens attract fans of outdoor gymnastics. There are several bike rentals, scooters, and many other two—and three-wheelers, whose names I do not even know.
The island has several hotels, a casino, sports facilities (e.g., sports fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, and baths), clubs, and restaurants. There is also a small zoo, a Japanese garden, a garden of roses, and a garden of light.
In the summer, there are many festivals, concerts and street shows.
Worth knowing:
- The best way to get to Margaret Island is to take city bus No. 26, which enters the island directly from the Margaret Bridge. On the spot, the bus has several stops. It is also the only public means of transport that gets you there. The bus runs quite often, every few minutes, and the stops are very short (instead of waiting for another bus, you can go to the next stop).
- Bus No. 26 starts its route from the Nyugati stop on the Pest side. You can get there by Metro line 3 or tram 4 or 6.
Andrassy Avenue
Andrassy Avenue, known as Budapest’s “Champs-Élysées,” is a representative city showcase. Along the whole alley, there are not only architectural gems, such as the Opera House, the Academy of Music, the Art Gallery, the Operetta Theatre, and the Moulin Rouge, but also stores of the most expensive brands in the world, elegant restaurants, and always full bars.
Underneath the avenue runs an underground railway line (yellow subway), which was put into use in 1896. It was then the first electric subway on the European continent and the second metro in the world after London.
Both the Andrassy Avenue and the historic metro under it have been included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage
Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square, also called Millennium Square, is one of Budapest’s largest and most important squares. It is located at the end of Andrassy Street and borders City Park. The square’s architecture reflects national pride and aesthetics.
A tall column (36 meters) stands in the middle of the square, called the Millennium Monument. It was erected in 1929 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. On the main column, there is a statue of the Archangel Michael. According to the legend, he appeared in a dream to Stefan, the first king of Hungary, and ordered him to Christianize the country.
On the square, there are also arches with colonnades depicting heroic figures from Hungary’s history.
Majestic buildings line both sides of the square. The Museum of Fine Arts is on one side, and the Palace of Exposition – Mucsarnok is on the other side.
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the City Park in Budapest. It was established in 1896 as part of the Millennium Exhibition. It was held to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state. On this occasion, it was decided to erect a complex of buildings made of non-durable materials (mostly wood) that were copies of the most essential objects from Hungary. They were supposed to represent different styles as an example of diversity in Hungarian architecture. The exhibition appealed to the public very much. 1904-1908, it was decided to build these buildings again, this time from durable materials.
On the castle’s official website, there is an introduction that reads: “The castle is actually a fantasy pastiche showcasing the architectural evolution through centuries and styles in Hungary. The castle is the home of several festivals, concerts, and the exhibitions of the Hungarian Agricultural Museum.”
The Vajdahunyad castle style combines elements from several historical periods in Hungary. All styles are placed in one eclectic palace. You can find styles from the Middle Ages to the eighteenth century: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The name comes from a copy of the Vajdahunyad Castle in Transylvania, currently in Romania.
There are more interesting buildings in the castle gardens. Among them are a replica of a Romanesque chapel, a Romanesque stone bridge with lions, and a bridge gate.
An interesting fact is the 1903 statue of the Medieval Hungarian Chronicler. The Anonymous (Anonymus) is a sitting figure in a monk’s habit with his face covered by a hood. He holds a fountain pen in his hand. It is said that touching his pen guarantees a surge of writing inspiration. Anyway, it is always worth trying 😊
Worth knowing:
- The castle museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. On Sunday, it is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission 1600* HUF (about 5,7$).
- An entrance ticket to the museum is also needed to enter the castle tower. The tower is open at the same time as the museum. You can enter the tower every hour; admission is only with a guide (also available in English). Buying a ticket only for the tower entry, 600* HUF (about PLN 8), is possible. Attention: The entrance to the tower requires good physical condition. To get to the top, you need to climb 150 stairs.
- You can also enter the castle gate, which is open daily between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Admission is 400* HUF (about $1.5).
- The easiest way to reach the Vajdahunyad Castle is by Metro Line 1 (yellow), Szechenyi Fundo stop, or tram number 1.
More details can be found directly on the Vajdahunyad Castle museum’s website.
*prices from March’2019
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest is a city with 12 thermal baths. It makes Budapest an attractive resort and a perfect place to relax. Both city residents and tourists eagerly use the city baths for healing and pleasure. In their architecture, you can find elements from the times of Turkish rule and those from the 20th century. The most interesting architecturally are:
- Turkish baths: Racz Hotel Thermal SPA (fully restored in 2014), Király, Rudas and Veli Bej Spa – the oldest and largest Turkish bath in Central Europe (recently refurbished in 2012).
- The neo-Baroque Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- comes from the secession period – the Gellért Thermal Bath.
More information about selected city baths can be found on the official website of the Budapest Thermal Bath.
In the City Park, there is a Szechenyi Thermal Bath. It is the largest and most popular thermal bath in the city. It is also one of the largest natural thermal baths in Europe. Since its inception in 1913, it has reportedly benefited over 100 million people. There are 21 pools altogether, while 18 are open yearly (including holidays).
Besides health and wellness, the entrance ticket includes saunas, gymnastics and aqua fitness. At the pool, you can relax with a glass of wine or a beer.
Worth knowing:
- Only people over 14 years old can enter the Szechenyi bathhouse. Babies can also enter, but only if they are provided with special pool diapers.
- The admission ticket depends on the day of the week, the time (whether in the morning or the evening), whether we want to enter for a maximum of 2 hours, and whether we want an “open ticket.”
- The admission ticket between Monday and Friday ranges between 5200* and 6000* HUF (from $18.5 to $21.5). The admission ticket on Saturdays and Sundays ranges between 5400* and 6200* HUF (from $19.2 to $22.1).
- Buying a ticket with a guide for walks in the bathhouse is possible. The walk takes 20 minutes and lets you view the main rooms and pools. The tour occurs twice daily: at 10.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Entrance tickets 2000* HUF (around 7,1$).
*prices from March’2019
Gellért Hill
In addition to Castle Hill, Gellért Hill rises above the city. It is 235 meters high and offers fantastic views of the Danube River and the city. The road to Gellert Hill leads through the Freedom Bridge, next to the historic Gellert Hotel and the Gellért Baths.
The hill’s name comes from the Bishop of Hungary, St. Gerard, who lived from 980 to 1046. He had a significant influence on the Christianization of Hungary and died a martyr’s death at the hands of the heathen. St. Gerard was thrown down the hill in a barrel that was nailed from the inside by nails. In 1904, a monument of the Saint was erected on the hill. This is perfectly visible from every point in the city. His statue surrounds a semi-circular colonnade.
In the 18th century, the slopes of Gellert Mountain were overgrown with vines. Local legends proclaim that the mountain was inhabited by witches who performed the Sabbath here.
Citadel
In 1850-54, the Austrian Citadel was erected on Gellert Hill. The fortress is 220 meters long and 60 meters wide, surrounded by a wall reaching 16 meters in height. At the end of the 19th century, the citadel was handed over to the city. Today is a great vantage point, the most visited just before sunset. The citadel houses, among others, museums, a restaurant, a disco and a youth hostel. The citadel is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the Castle Hills and the Danube promenades.
In addition to the fortress at the top, there is also the Freedom Monument. Built in 1947, it was dedicated to Soviet soldiers who fell in the fight for Budapest. The monument depicts a figure of a woman made of bronze with a palm leaf in her hand. The monument is 14 meters high, but it also stands on a 26-meter pedestal. After 1989, the communist symbols (including a red star) and subtitles were removed from the monument. Today, the memorial has a universal message and commemorates all those who fell for the freedom of Hungary.
Budapest. My recommendation
Cafe New York
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the New York Café was Budapest’s most beautiful and beloved café. It was a popular place among artists, writers and editors. It is said that writers used the upper gallery of the restaurant to edit texts for the most influential newspapers of those times. After the Second World War, the once-famous cafe fell into disrepair. For some time, there was a sports shop. The cafe was again opened in 1954 under the name Hungária. Unfortunately, it did not resemble that one from years ago. It was only in 2006 that Cafe New York was restored to its original splendour.
Cafe New York – today
Today, the cafe is located in the New York Palace Hotel, built in 1894 in an eclectic Italian style. The menu is reminiscent of the multicultural cuisine of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy—it is simple but delicious. Due to the high prices, you can come here for lunch or just for a coffee with a cake.
The café has a neo-baroque and vibrant decor. Inside, you can admire magnificent frescoes and gilded columns decorated with stucco. Its interior is breathtaking because it looks like a beautiful palace. During the day, guests are accompanied by live music. Apart from concerts on the piano, a gipsy music band also performs on stage. The band performs in a cafe every day between 11.00 a.m. To 5.00 p.m., for 15 minutes every hour. You can order a song from them on request 😊.
There is often a queue in front of the cafe for people willing to go inside. I recommend making a reservation for a table so you can avoid the queue. Tourists often crowd the entrance to take photos of the cafe inside. Without a table reservation, guests cannot enter beyond the line marking the beginning of the queue.
This is my favourite place in Budapest. I recommend this Cafe to everyone who goes to Budapest. Each time I am in Budapest, I just have to visit this place. I know that I will never get bored of it.
If you are interested in getting more info, please visit the website of Café New York.
Railway station Keleti (Eastern Railway Station)
Once, the Keleti railway station was called the Central Railway Station, but currently, it is the Eastern Railway Station. When it was built (1881-1884), it was one of Europe’s most modern railway stations. It is currently the largest railway station in Budapest. The main attraction is the architecture of this building, which is called the jewel of the Neo-Renaissance style. Above all, there is a sculptured, elegant, richly decorated entrance hall. The main hall is 93 meters long and 80 meters wide.
Many international trains stop at this station, including direct connections from Warsaw (journey time about 13 hours).
Unfortunately, it is impossible to hide that this beautiful station has long fallen into ruin. The main hall, both inside and outside the building, requires urgent renovation.
During my last visit, I accidentally came across a part of the newly renovated station. This renovated part is beautiful, and it gives hope that the renovation will also reach the other parts of this beautiful building.
The Keleti station is currently connected to metro lines 2 and 4.
Budapest – my other posts
In my second post – Budapest one-day outside the city, I will take you on a trip around the Danube river bend. There are three places to see. Esztergom, where the largest and most important Christian Church in Hungary is located. Visegrad with the ruins of the royal palace and citadel, and a panorama of the Danube valley from the nearby hills. Szentendre (St. Andrews) – colloquially called “Artistic Mecca”- is considered the most beautiful small town in Hungary and one of the most beautiful in Central Europe.
Also, links to the other posts you can find below: