Budapest City Guide
The beautiful capital of Hungary, Budapest, comprises Buda on the west bank and Pest on the East, both unique in their own way. Whatever you are going to Budapest for; the relaxing thermal baths, the sense of history, the spectacular River Danube or the effervescent social scene, you will not be disappointed.
What to do and see in and around Budapest
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The first bridge to cross the Danube, linking Buda to Pest was Széchenyi Chain Bridge, named after Count István Széchenyi who commissioned the building. The bridge opened in 1849 and is guarded by a pair of stone lions at each end.
Thermal Baths
When your legs are tired out from taking in all of Budapest’s wonderful sights, why not experience a bit of rest and relaxation in one of the city’s many natural thermal baths. The oldest of the baths is Király Thermal Baths which dates back to 1565. Now known as the “City of Spas” it was precisely these 118 springs and boreholes that caused the Romans to colonise the area.
House of Terror Museum
Aptly named, the House of Terror Museum occupies a building that was not only inhabited by the Nazis but the Communist secret police as well. Opened in 2002 in memorial to the victims of two of the bloodiest periods of 20th Century Hungarian history, this museum contains a wealth of exhibits depicting the horrors of both Nazi and Communist rule. The fact that the basement of the museum was also the site of hundreds of executions and barbarities to the oppressed Hungarian people make this a sobering but important experience for anyone interested in the history of the city.
Inner City Franciscan Church
A religious site since the thirteenth century, the current church is mainly from the eighteenth century. This baroque beauty is famed for its high alter and stunning frescoes by Károly Lotz and Vilmos Tardos Krenner.
Hungarian National Gallery
Housed in the Royal Palace of Buda this museum dedicated to Hungarian art was founded in 1957. Permanent exhibitions include among others: Renaissance and Baroque art and Nineteenth Century Hungarian Art and Sculpture. The Gallery contains fascinating pieces in a regal setting overlooking the Danube.
Caves
Formed by thermal waters millions of year ago, there are two hundred known caves under Budapest. Four of the caves are open to the public, and each cave is unique. Notably Castle Cave was used as an underground shelter for thousands of Hungarians during the siege of Budapest in 1944.
Hungarian State Opera House
The plush interior of this magnificent building is so beautiful that it is possible to have a tour of the building without even going to watch the opera, although it would be a shame not to spend the evening in such a lovely setting.
Hero’s Square
This popular square can be found at the end of the World Heritage Site, Andrássy Avenue, and is presided over by the symbolic Millennial Monument built in commemoration of the Hungarian arrival in the Carpathian Basin in 896.
Aquincum Museum and Roman Ruins
These well preserved ruins are a reminder of Budapest’s Roman heritage and provide the perfect opportunity to see life as it was two thousand years ago. You can still see the ruin of the amphitheatre of the town of Aquincum and the museum exhibits murals, floors made of mosaic and various other everyday Roman items.
Castle Hill and the Funicular
Castle Hill or Varhegy is where you can find the majority of Buda’s sights. If you want to travel to the top in comfort, why not take the nineteenth-century funicular or Sikló up to the Castle Royal Palace.
Saint Stephen’s Basilica
Home to the mummified right hand of King Saint Stephen, the first monarch of Hungary. Saint Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and can clearly be seen on the city’s skyline. You can climb up to the cupola for wonderful views over Budapest.
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