Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is divided by the famous Danube River into two different parts: Buda – the mountainous and greener part, and Pest – the urban, culture and business center. Together, Buda and Pest comprise a diverse city with many different attractions that has something to offer to everyone. Budapest offers tourists many attraction and visitors always enjoy spending time in it
1. Vörösmarty Square and Váci street – The famous Vörösmarty square is located at the end of the famous Váci street. Named after the poet Mihály Vörösmarty, this city square features a central monument of the poet, a fountain and a small garden. Before the holidays, the square accommodates the Holiday Market and is filled with food and craft stands. From the square you can walk down the beautiful Váci street, enjoy the many shops, restaurants and cafes
2. The Great Market Hall – The Great Market Hall is an indoor market that was opened as early as the end of the 19th century! It is also located at the end of Váci street (the other end from the square) and offers a vast number of stalls across 3 floors. You can find in the market food stalls (to take home or eat as you go), local Hungarian crafts like wooden toys, table maps, kitchen tools and much more. A visit to the market is always a nice experience
3. The Danube – The Danube is probably the first thing that comes to mind to most people when they here the name Budapest. The river splits Budapest into it’s two original parts: Buda and Pest. There are many ways to explore the river: Either by a boat ride, a walk along the banks, or view the river from one of the many ancient bridges that cross the river and connects the two parts of the city. The beautiful parliament of Hungary is located on the banks of the Danube. Many visitors stand across the river to take photos of the building, and some come especially at dusk – when the building is already wonderfully lit but it’s not yet entirely dark
4. Castle Hill: Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion – Castle Hill is a hill located on the Buda side, across from the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The Buda Castle and palace complex is located on the hill and was first completed in 1265! Around it are gardens with statues, and a great view over the Danube and Pest side. The Fisherman’s Bastion, also located on the hill, is a neo-Gothic terrace built in the years 1895 – 1902 that also offers wonderful views of the Danube, Margaret Island and Pest. The most prominent features seen in Pest from the hill are the parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. To reach the top of the hill you can either take a short walk of about 10 minutes, or use the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
5. Margaret Island – Margaret island is a small green island on the Danube, in the middle of the city. It is 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long and only 500 metres (550 yards) wide. The island is mainly a recreational park, a great place for joggers, runners, bicyclists, or to have a picnic on the wide lawns. The island is mostly active during the Summer
6. Dohány Street Synagogue – The great Synagogue of Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It was built between 1854 and 1859 in the Moorish Revival style. The synagogue is part of a larger complex that consists of the synagogue, the Heroes’ Temple, the graveyard, the Memorial and the Jewish Museum
7. St. Stephen’s Basilica – This Roman Catholic basilica was completed in 1905 and is the third largest church in Hungary. Outside the beautiful Basilica, you can enjoy small pedestrian streets with small shops, cafes and restaurants, and admire the beautiful and ancient buildings
8. The Opera House – Built in the late 19th century and has a capacity of only 1300 spectators, the Opera House of Budapest is not the largest or most beautiful Opera House – but it’s interior is impressive and a guided tour is recommended, or yet better – enjoy a performance. The Opera House is located on Andrássy street – the famous high-end shopping street of Budapest
9. Museum of Fine Arts – Located in Heroes’ Square, the museum of fine arts is the most important art museum in Budapest. The museum has a collection of over 100,000 pieces and is divided to six departments: Egyptian, Antique, Old sculpture gallery, Old painter gallery, Modern collection and Graphics collection
10. Szechenyi Baths – Public baths are part of the tradition since the Turkish occupation several centuries ago. The Szechenyi Baths are the most famous public bath place in Budapest and the water is supplied by two thermal springs