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
Tourist Guide
Visit Budapest
Where to stay in Budapest
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.
Terezvaros
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Terezvaros. If sightseeing is on the list, Andrássy Út is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Vorosmarty Street Station or Kodaly Circus Station to see more of the area.
Erzsebetvaros
Kiraly Street and Nagymezo Street 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.
Castle Hill
Travellers love Castle Hill for its stunning river views, and you can see more of Budapest by jumping on the metro at Halász utca Tram Stop or Batthyany Place Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Fisherman's Bastion and Fő Utca.
Jozsefvaros
Enjoy the popular shops in Jozsefvaros. Arena Plaza Shopping Mall is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Orczy tér (Baross utca) Tram Stop or Orczy tér Tram Stop to see more of Budapest.
Continental Hotel Budapest
"When you plan to visit this hotel You must lower your expectation and it is not about staff , it is about hotel policies and how property is maintained .Breakfast average , spa below average , GYM really bad , when you take a shower be ready for a flood ( I i stayed in3 different rooms thru my stay ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Budapest Marriott Hotel
"A wonderful view and close proximity to the attractions"
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Park Plaza Budapest
"The benefit of this location is very close to Buda of castle and fisherman’s bastion."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Elisabeth Downtown Apartments by FirstHost
"The Elizabeth Downtown Apartments were the perfect location for our first visit to Budapest. Check-in was completed online before arriving so we quickly received our key. The apartment was spacious with plenty of storage. We didn’t really use the kitchen except for morning coffee and cooling drinks. ..."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
7seasons Apartments Budapest
"Excellent, would definitely stay there again if travelling to Budapest."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Marriott Executive Apartments Millennium Court
"We had a great stay at Marriott Executive Apartments. The rooms are huge, very comfortable and well equipped. Great value for money!"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Popular places to visit
Margaret Island
Explore the great outdoors at Margaret Island, a popular spot to commune with nature in Budapest. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.
Parliament Building
This impressive building is home to the Hungarian government and is beautifully situated on the banks of the Danube.
Széchenyi 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.
Budapest Christmas Market
You can take time to visit Budapest Christmas Market during your travels to Budapest. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.
Gellért Thermal Bath
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.
Buda Castle
This magnificent building is a landmark in the Budapest skyline, as well as being home to a gallery and a museum.
Other places like Budapest
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- 5 Star Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels near Andrassy Avenue
- Andrassy Hotels
- Luxury Hotels in Belváros - Lipótváros
- Belváros - Lipótváros Hotels
- Hotels near Buda Castle
- Aparthotels in Budapest
- B&B in Budapest
- Hotels near Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Castles in Budapest
- Chalets in Budapest
- Hotels near Budapest Christmas Market
- Cheap Hotels in Budapest City Centre
- Hotels with Views in Budapest City Centre
- Riverside Hotels in Budapest City Centre
- Spa Hotels in Budapest City Centre
- Budapest City Centre Hotels
- Country Houses in Budapest
- Cruise Ships in Budapest
- Aparthotels in Budapest Deli Railway Station
- Hotels near Budapest Deli Railway Station
- Pensions in Budapest-Deli Station
- Guest Houses in Budapest
- Hostels in Budapest
- Resorts in Budapest
- Adults Only Resorts & in Budapest
- All-Inclusive Hotels in Budapest
- Beach Resorts & in Budapest
- Boutique Hotels in Budapest
- Cheap Hotels in Budapest
- Business Hotels in Budapest
- Family-Friendly Hotels in Budapest
- Gay-Friendly Hotels in Budapest
- Historic Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels Suites in Budapest
- Hotels with a Bar in Budapest
- Hotels with Views in Budapest
- Hotels with Airport Transfers in Budapest
- Hotels with Connecting Rooms in Budapest
- Hotels with Entertainment in Budapest
- Hotels with Gym in Budapest
- Hotels with Laundry Service in Budapest
- Hotels with Parking in Budapest
- Hotels with Balcony in Budapest
- Hotels with Hot Tubs in Budapest
- Hotels with Swimming Pool in Budapest
- Luxury Hotels in Budapest
- Marina Hotels in Budapest
- Mountain Hotels in Budapest
- Riverside Hotels in Budapest
- Romantic Hotels in Budapest
- Scuba Diving Hotels in Budapest
- Ski Hotels in Budapest
- Spa Hotels in Budapest
- Steigenberger Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels with Waterpark in Budapest
- Budapest Hotels
- Aparthotels in Budapest-Nyugati Station
- Hotels near Budapest-Nyugati Station
- Palaces in Budapest
- Aparthotels in Central Hungary
- Guest Houses in Central Hungary
- Hostels in Central Hungary
- Cheap Hotels in Central Hungary
- Hotels near Corvinus University of Budapest
- Hotels near Danube Promenade
- Aparthotels in Eastern Railway Station
- Hotels near Eastern Railway Station
- Hotels with Balcony in Erzsebetvaros
- Erzsebetvaros Hotels
- Hotels near Ferenc Deak Square
- Gellert Hill Hotels
- Hotels near Hungarian State Opera House
- Adults Only Resorts & in Inner City Budapest
- All-Inclusive Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Hotels with Gym in Inner City Budapest
- Shopping Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Spa Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Inner City Budapest Hotels
- Hotels near Keleti Station
- Hotels near Kiraly Street
- Hotels near Parliament Building
- Hotels near Rudas Baths
- Hotels near Semmelweis University
- Hotels near St. Stephen's Basilica
- Hotels near Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Terezvaros Hotels
- Hotels near Vaci Street
- Hotels near Vorosmarty Square
