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. Below are more than 5 recommendations from my side, so you can choose what best 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, the Banks of the Danube River, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue were inscribed 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 to numerous geothermal springs (around 80), some of which still recall the days 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 towns 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 Hungary’s capital 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 building’s architecture is in the Neo-Gothic style. Its external walls are adorned with coats of arms recalling 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., and 3.30 p.m., and in German at 10.00 a.m., 1.30 p.m., and 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, a standard ticket costs 7000* HUF (about 18 euros), a discount ticket 3500* HUF (about 9 euros)
- For non-EU citizens, a different price list applies: standard ticket: 14000* HUF (approximately 36 euros); discount ticket: 7000* HUF (approximately 18 euros).
- Children below 6 years old – entrance is free
*prices from Jan’2026
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 the safety procedures applicable to visitors to the Hungarian Parliament.
- Tickets for the House of Parliament in HU, where you can buy entry tickets. Please note that when booking tickets online, a handling fee of HUF 499 (approximately 1,2 euros) will be charged per ticket.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
The Basilica of St. Stefan is the largest church in the city. Construction of the Basilica lasted over 50 years, with a break of almost 60 years (1848 – 1906), mainly due to unforeseen circumstances. At the beginning stage, it turned out that the area on which the basilica would be built was too slippery. The proximity to the Danube riverbed required a strong foundation. 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 central church dome collapsed during a strong storm, destroying the half-finished temple. An additional difficulty was that the principal architect changed three times during its construction, as the other two died before its completion.
Today, the temple’s walls contain essential works of art and a precious relic—the mummified hand of King Stefan the Saint, the first crowned King of Hungary. The beautiful, richly decorated basilica interior is noteworthy, including a colourful mosaic on the dome 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 city’s beautiful panorama. Part of the route can be overcome by taking the lift. 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, it is open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
- Entrance ticket to the church and treasury – HUF 2,600 (~6,7 euros)
- Entrance ticket to the Observation Deck – HUF 5,000 (~12,9 euros)
- All-in-One ticket for both attractions – HUF 6,800 (~17,5 euros)
*prices from Jan’2026
The two side towers of the church are equipped with six 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.
Saint Stephen’s Basilica – a link to the official website.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Budapest is a historical castle and palace complex that served as the residence 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 characteristic of the palace today. It was again destroyed during the siege of Budapest in 1944/45. Reconstruction after 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 Buda Castle District, 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) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 5400* HUF (~13,9 euros). It is often open on national holidays.
- The National Museum in Budapest is open every day (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. to 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 3800* HUF (~9,8 euros). 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 Jan’2026
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 Neo-Romanesque style.
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 the upper towers only: 1500* HUF (~3,8 euros), open year-round.
*prices from Jan’2026
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 temple’s origins 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 known as the Matthias Church among 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 significant renovation that lasted 16 years and began in the second half of the 19th century. Reconstruction ended in 1896, precisely 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 organised a field kitchen. The Red Army, which 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 part of the tourist program. 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 packages: 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 the other attractions. For example, you can enter the church tower without visiting the church.
- Buying tickets online lets us 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 be denied entry (e.g., on December 24).
- On the Matthias Church website, in the visitors tab, there is a calendar where, day by day, you can check during what hours the entrance will be valid for 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 – 3100* HUF (~8 euros), Church Tower – 3700* HUF (~9,5 euros).
*prices from Jan’2026
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, dating back to 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 Lyon, France. It was a railway driven by a stationary steam engine. The need to build a railway on the hill was driven by the desire to bring public facilities (the theatre, ministries located within the castle walls) to 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 the decision was made to restore the railway for the city’s inhabitants. The new, fully automatic funicular returned in 1986 and has been operating ever since. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the city’s landscape and 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 technical work.
The funicular entrance and 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. Return ticket (round trip) – 5000 HUF* (~12,9 euros) + 175 HUF (~0,5 euros) handling fee if you buy the ticket online. The cable car ride takes approximately 1 minute.
*prices from Jan’2026
- More information about the Budapest Funicular can be found on the Buda Castle website.
- Online Tickets for the Funicular.
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. Crossing the bridge is an attraction in itself.
After crossing the bridge, facing Castle Hills and the funicular, the walking route begins 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 not suitable for people with walking difficulties, wheelchair users, or those with 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 railway. 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 spans the Danube River between the Margaret Bridge and the Arpad Bridge. This green island is 2.5 km long and 500 meters wide at its widest point. On the entire island, driving is prohibited. 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, it is not allowed to drive further onto the island.
The island is named after Princess Margaret. She was the daughter of King Bela IV, who spent almost 20 years here in the thirteenth century, cloistered in a monastery. Only the ruins of this monastery have survived to this day. It is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The island is the city’s green lung and a favourite recreational place for residents. It attracts joggers, rollerbladers, and cyclists. Many 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 rose garden, 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, tram 4, or 6.
Andrassy Avenue
Andrassy Avenue, known as Budapest’s “Champs-Élysées,” is a representative showcase of the city. 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 (the yellow subway), which opened in 1896. It was then the first electric subway on the European continent and the second metro in the world after London.
Both Andrassy Avenue and the historic metro under it have been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
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 central 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 Budapest’s City Park. 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 to illustrate diversity in Hungarian architecture. The public very well received the exhibition. In 1904-1908, it was decided to rebuild these buildings, this time using 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 museum, located in the castle, is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is 4000 HUF (~10,3 euros). The museum admission ticket also covers the Gate and the Clock Tower. The Clock Tower (Apostles’ Tower) is open during the same hours as the museum.
- Entry to the tower is every hour on the hour, and admission is only possible with a guided tour (also available in English). It is also possible to purchase a ticket for the tower only, which costs 400 HUF (~1 euro).
- Note that climbing the tower requires good physical fitness, as it involves 150 steps.
- The easiest way to reach Vajdahunyad Castle is by Metro line 1 (yellow), Szechenyi Fundo stop, or tram line 1.
- More details can be found directly on the Vajdahunyad Castle museum’s website.
*prices from Jan’2026
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest is home to 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, of which 18 are open year-round (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 those over 14 years of age are permitted to enter the Szechenyi Baths. At the express request of parents, infants may be admitted, provided they wear special pool diapers.
- Fees start at €36 for a ticket with locker access, or €38 for a ticket with access to a private changing room. Weekend fees are €4 more expensive.
*prices from Jan’2026
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 Gellért Hill passes through the Freedom Bridge, next to the historic Gellért Hotel and the Gellért Baths.
The hill’s name comes from St. Gerard, the Bishop of Hungary, 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 to the Saint was erected on the mountain. 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 claim that the mountain was inhabited by witches who held the Sabbath there.
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 16 meters high. 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 UNESCO’s World Heritage List, along with 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 bronze woman holding a palm leaf. 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 carries a universal message and commemorates all those who fell for Hungary’s freedom.
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 restaurant’s upper gallery to edit texts for the most influential newspapers of the time. After the Second World War, the once-famous cafe fell into disrepair. For some time, there was a sports shop. The cafe reopened 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 neobaroque and vibrant decor. Inside, you can admire magnificent frescoes and gilded columns decorated with stucco. Its interior is breathtaking, like a beautiful palace. During the day, guests are accompanied by live music. Apart from piano concerts, 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 to avoid the queue. Tourists usually 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 visiting Budapest. Each time I am in Budapest, I have to see this place. I know that I will never get bored with it.
If you are interested in more information, please visit Café New York’s website.
Railway station Keleti (Eastern Railway Station)
Once, Keleti railway station was called Central Railway Station, but it is now 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 happened upon a section of the newly renovated station. This renovated section is beautiful, and it gives hope that the renovation will also extend to the other parts of this 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 the “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: