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Budapest, Hungary's capital, straddles the Danube River, with hilly Buda on the west bank and flat, bustling Pest on the east. The two cities, together with Óbuda, were unified in 1873, and the late nineteenth century brought grand boulevards and landmark buildings. The city is also known for its thermal baths, fed by natural hot springs.
On the Buda side, Buda Castle houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, while Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church offer views across the river. Gellért Hill, crowned by the Liberty Statue, provides one of the city's widest panoramas. In Pest, the Hungarian Parliament Building stretches along the riverbank, and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge links the two halves. St. Stephen's Basilica has a dome that can be climbed, and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial honors Jews killed there during World War II. The Dohány Street Synagogue, among the largest in the world, anchors the historic Jewish Quarter, now known for its ruin bars. Andrássy Avenue leads to Heroes' Square and City Park, home to the Széchenyi Bath, with its outdoor thermal pools.
Budapest suits travelers looking for architecture, history, food and nightlife at a relaxed pace. River cruises and evening views of the illuminated Parliament are highlights. Spring and fall are pleasant, while winter is cold but brings Christmas markets.
WiserMap travel guideBudapest Hungary Thermal Baths and Buda Castle ViewsPlan your Budapest trip: Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Parliament, thermal baths, the Jewish Quarter, Great Market Hall and when to visit the capital.Read the guide
A huge Gothic Revival building on the Pest bank of the Danube, finished in 1904 and one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. Guided tours show the grand staircase, the domed hall and the Holy Crown of Hungary. Tip: book tour tickets online in advance, as they sell out.
The first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest, opened in 1849 and guarded by stone lions at each end. It leads straight to the Castle Hill funicular on the Buda side. Tip: walk across at dusk, when the bridge, the castle and Parliament are lit up along the river.
Budapest's largest church, with a dome of the same height as Parliament. It holds the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, Hungary's first king, and organ concerts are held inside. Tip: climb or take the lift to the dome terrace for a 360-degree view over the city.
The former royal palace complex on Castle Hill, now home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Its terraces look over the Danube and Pest. Tip: ride the Budavari Siklo funicular up from the Chain Bridge, or walk up the free paths and stairs.
A fairy-tale terrace of white towers and arches on Castle Hill with sweeping views of Parliament across the river. Next to it, Matthias Church has a colorful tiled roof and a richly painted interior. Tip: the lower terraces are free; visit early to avoid crowds.
A wooded hill rising above the Danube on the Buda side, crowned by the Liberty Statue and the Citadella fortress. Paths lead up past the Gellert statue and waterfall to the best panoramic view of the city. Tip: the climb takes about 30 minutes; go up for sunset.
A moving memorial of 60 pairs of iron shoes on the river embankment near Parliament, honoring the Jews who were shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944 and 1945. Tip: it is a place of remembrance, so visit quietly, and allow time to read the plaques.
The largest synagogue in Europe, built in the 1850s in Moorish style, with a museum, a memorial garden and a Holocaust memorial tree. The surrounding Jewish Quarter is full of ruin bars, cafes and street art. Tip: the synagogue is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
A grand tree-lined boulevard with the Hungarian State Opera House and elegant mansions, leading to Heroes' Square and its monument to the founders of Hungary. Below it runs Line 1, the oldest metro line in continental Europe. Tip: ride the metro one way and walk back.
One of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, with warm outdoor pools inside a yellow neo-Baroque building in City Park. The park also holds Vajdahunyad Castle, a zoo and a lake used for skating in winter. Tip: bring flip-flops and a towel, or rent them at the bath.
A car-free island in the Danube between Buda and Pest with gardens, a musical fountain, a small zoo, ruins of a medieval convent and a popular running track around its edge. Tip: rent a bike or pedal cart near the entrance, and catch the fountain show in summer evenings.
The city's largest indoor market, in a grand 1897 hall with a colored tile roof at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge. The ground floor sells paprika, salami and produce, and upstairs stalls serve langos and souvenirs. Tip: it is closed on Sundays and busiest on Saturday mornings.
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