Hungary is chock full of amazing architecture and sights that will blow you away. Boasting a history thousands of years old and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Budapest, visiting Hungary is certainly a life-changing experience. Our top ten list will ensure you’ve got your camera charged and ready at all times!
10. Esztergom Basilica
flickr/jdmiller83
The largest church in Hungary is in the small town of Esztergom, an hour’s drive from Budapest. The Basilica, situated on the banks of the Danube, certainly does everything on a grand scale. It features 22 metre high entrance columns, a cupola 33.5 metres high, a huge crypt and the world’s largest altar-piece. The only thing that isn’t large is the price – it’s free admission!
9. Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
flickr/Dennis Jarvis
When the Chain Bridge opened in Budapest in 1849, it effectively provided a reliable way to cross the Danube. Before this there was a sub-standard structure that was always being wrecked in bad weather. Also known as Széchenyi Lánchíd, for its wealthy financier Count István Széchenyi, the bridge is a symbolic joining of Budapest’s east and west. It is also a popular place to stroll in summer for the weekend festivals, musicians and art and craft booths set up along the bridge.
8. St. Stephen’s Basilica
flickr/Davide Bianciotto
Every capital city needs a standout landmark. For Budapest, St. Stephens’s Basilica fits the bill quite adequately simply for being its largest, most ornate church. Exquisitely designed both inside and out, the Basilica started its life in 1851 and was inaugurated in 1906. The reason it took over 50 years to build is that the dome collapsed and had to be rebuilt from scratch! Highlights include the views from dome’s observation deck – accessed by 364 steps or elevator – and the relic of St. Stephen’s mummified right hand kept next to the main altar.
7. Cave Baths of Miskolc Tapolca
Miskolc Tapolca is under a two hour drive away from Budapest and makes for a good day trip. Famous for its natural spring thermal baths, and indoor natural cave pools, the water here is supposed to have healing properties for joint pain. The steady 30C of the water and low salt content means that you can stay in for much longer than thermal baths with higher temperatures. It’s also a novelty and a bit mysterious to swim in caves, just avoid the weekends and school holidays as they can get crowded!
6. Hungarian State Opera House
flickr/Davide Bianciotto
Opera and classical music enthusiasts will consider Budapest’s Opera House an essential visit. But non-enthusiasts should also visit if just for the beauty and grandeur of this Renaissance-style building. The interior is incredibly ornate with lots of gold leaf and the ambience of a bygone era. Guided tours are available of the halls, galleries and royal box but see a show if you can as well.
5. Shoes on the Danube Promenade
flickr/joiseyshowaa
A poignant memorial to the Budapest Jews of the Holocaust of 1944 and 1945 is the Shoes on the Danube. Sixty pairs of cast iron shoes line the edge of the Danube as the victims were lined up and shot but had to take their shoes off beforehand. Flowers and candles are often laid by the shoes by locals and visitors. The memorial is situated between the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Parliament Building.
4. Thermal Lake of Heviz
flickr/danubiushotels
Heviz is a spa town two hours south of Budapest and has a thermal lake claimed to be the largest in Europe. There is a bath house right next to the lake, which has been used for its healing properties since the 4th century. Saunas, massage and beauty treatments are able to be enjoyed when you visit, as well as a soak in the rich mineral lake.
3. Castle Hill (Varhegy)
flickr/vanto5
A must-do scenic walking tour is to the Castle Hill area which is the medieval heart of Budapest. Buda Castle sits atop the hill but the area features many baroque and classic style buildings, monuments and museums. One of the main reasons for visiting however, are for the views of the city across the river which are even more spectacular at night. If you don’t wish to walk to Castle Hill there is a funicular railway.
2. Fisherman’s Bastion (Halaszbastya)
flickr/kleiner hobbit
You might think by its name, that Fisherman’s Bastion would be located somewhere near the waterfront but it’s actually a big lookout terrace on Castle Hill. Used as a 19th century lookout, today people flock there to take photos from the free terraces and climb the not-free turrets. There’s also a pretty nice café and restaurant but you’ll need to reserve a table.
1. Parliament
flickr/Dennis Jarvis
The most commanding building you’ll see from Castle Hill, and your next port of call, is Budapest Parliament. The building itself is neo-Gothic and dates back to 1884 and is impressive for its sheer size – it has 691 rooms and 20 kilometres worth of staircases. There are a number of beautiful features of this magnificent building which can be seen on a guided tour, including the Grand Staircase, Dome Hall, ceiling frescoes, painted glass windows and the treasured Hungarian Coronation Regalia.
súper Worth para la visita
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