Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and the union of two cities: the older Buda to the west, and Pest to the east. They are divided by the river Danube, one of the main arteries for river transport in Europe. Large areas of the magnificent cityscape have been declared a World Heritage Site, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.
The city began life as a Celtic settlement, going on to be replaced by the Roman town of Aquincum, which is located in the Óbuda area, to the north of the city centre. The Buda Castle Quarter is found in the heart of the city. Look out for the standout vibrant hues of Matthias Church (Mátyás-templon). Buda Castle (Budai vár) sits proudly on a hill surveying the city, and offers a beautifully illuminated image after nightfall.
Nearby Gellért Hill is home to the Citadella fortification, as well as the Liberty Statue (Szabadság-szober), a commemoration of the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation at the end of World War II.
The area around City Park (Városliget) in the eastern part of Budapest has a lot to offer. Heroes’ Square (Hősök Tere) remembers the deeds of the city’s founders and its many defenders down the centuries. The absorbing Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum) is also found here, while the atmospheric Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyad Vára) is by the lakeside in City Park.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was an important European power, particularly during the late 19th century, and this prominence has part of its legacy in the many excellent cultural institutions in the city, and the prominent artistic names that lived and worked here. Visit the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum), the National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház) and the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) in Pest.
Budapest is an easy city to navigate, as a driver or as a pedestrian, though it’s wise to remember that while Pest is quite flat, Buda is much more hilly. There are also a range of public transport options, including the second-oldest metro system in the world. You can pick from a range of bus and bicycle tours, or enjoy a boat trip on the Danube.
Budapest Travel Guide
Where to stay in Budapest
Budapest City Centre
Known for its stunning cathedral, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Budapest City Centre. Top attractions like Ferenc Deak Square and Budapest Christmas Market are major draws. Catch the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Deák Ferenc tér M Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Inner City Budapest
Vaci Street and Liberty Bridge are top sights in Inner City Budapest, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ferenciek Square Station or Március 15. tér Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.
Belváros - Lipótváros
Known for its fantastic nightlife and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Belváros - Lipótváros. Check out top attractions like St. Stephen's Basilica and Danube Palace, and jump on the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Vorosmarty Square Station to see more of the city.
Erzsebetvaros
Kiraly Street and Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue are top sights in Erzsebetvaros, and you should be sure to explore the luxurious spas. Hop aboard the metro at Wesselényi utca - Erzsébet körút Tram Stop or Király utca / Erzsébet körút Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.
Lipotvaros
Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Lipotvaros. Check out top attractions like Danube Palace and Szechenyi Istvan Square, and jump on the metro at Széchenyi István tér Tram Stop or Kossuth Lajos ter Station to see more of the city.
District VI
If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror or Andrássy Út and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.
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Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024
Popular places to visit
Buda Castle
This magnificent building is a landmark in the Budapest skyline, as well as being home to a gallery and a museum.
Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
Soothe your aching joints in Budapest’s famous mineral hot springs housed in an impressive building where you can also enjoy a range of spa treatments.
Parliament Building
This impressive building is home to the Hungarian government and is beautifully situated on the banks of the Danube.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Relish the remarkable experience of a bath party and relax in one of the 18 pools of Budapest’s famous hot spring water.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.
Heroe's Square
Hungary and Budapest's millennium-long histories are celebrated at this large civic space, full of culture and history.
Reviews of Budapest
5/5 - Excellent
Perfect for a long weekend.
4/5 - Good
Very nice city definitely worth a visit
5/5 - Excellent
Loved Budapest and will revisit when next able to do so.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved the city, beautiful and clean. People were lovely too.
5/5 - Excellent
Absolutwly beautiful place, was there for 6 days and theres still so much to do. Will be making it an anual trip to come back
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing city with so much to see and do. I would recommend using the “Lime scooters” as a cheap and convenient way to get around.
Other places like Budapest
- Buda Castle
- Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Parliament Building
- Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Vaci Street
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Rudas Baths
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Hungarian National Museum
- Andrassy Avenue
- Elisabeth Bridge
- Las Vegas Casino
- Matthias Church
- Vajdahunyad Castle