Regardless of how you picture Budapest, you will likely be wrong! Cosmopolitan, trendy, quirky … there are so many adjectives that could be used to describe this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Pronounced “BudaPESH“, the city is actually divided into two sectors by the River Danube; Buda on the right bank and Pest on the left. Both sides are filled with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and memorable landmarks to explore.
One of the few members of the European Union not to adopt the Euro, Hungary elected to remain on its national currency, the Hungarian Forint (HUF). As a result, visiting Budapest is not as expensive as other European cities. While both the Euro and U.S. Dollar are widely accepted, you will end up paying more due to exchange rates than you will in local currency.
The Buda and Pest sides are connected by the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, a wrought iron and stone bridge completed in 1849. Its name comes from the chain-links that were connected by large rivets hung from two pillars. Destroyed by German troops in 1945, it was rebuilt in 1949.
Walk along the bridge from the Buda side during the day and you will experience one of the most photographed views of the city on the Pest side.
At night, you will be mesmerized by the glittering lights of the bridge mixed with the illumination from the city on the waters of the Danube.
The Buda Castle complex sits atop Várhegy Hill on the Buda side. Overlooking the Danube and Pest district, it was originally built in the 14th century. Destroyed in 1686 and rebuilt in 1723, it was again severely damaged during the German invasion of World War II. In 1962, it was once again rebuilt. The Stephen’s Tower and its barrel-vaulted rooms are the oldest remaining parts of today’s castle.
The castle complex can be accessed by a vintage-style funicular. The funicular station is located on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge at the foot of Várhegy Hill. Two beautifully reconstructed passenger cars named Margit and Gellért make the trek year-round.
The 10-minute ride provides a breathtaking view of Budapest and the River Danube. Be sure to have your camera ready! The roundtrip fare for adults is HUF 4,000 and for children, HUF 2000.
The funicular ends at the upper station on Castle Hill, an easy walk to a number of Castle sites including the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, the Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery and many other monuments.
With over 132 thermal springs (each with different properties and therapeutic benefits) and nine medicinal baths, Budapest is known worldwide for its healing mineral waters and stunning spas. Fed by natural thermal springs flowing at a rate of 70 million liters per day, the waters naturally remain at their exact temperatures ranging from 21° C to 78° C year-found. Originally discovered by the Romans, locals and visitors flock to the spas to treat arthritis and other locomotor disorders, or simply for a day of relaxation. Three of the most popular baths we visited are:
Built in 1913, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is enjoyed by all ages. Located on the Pest side, the complex features both indoor and outdoor facilities including sundecks, a swimming pool, adventure pool, and cafe. Supplied by the Saint Stephen Well II, the waters are rich in calcium, magnesium, and hydro-carbonates. Extremely popular with all ages, it makes for a full day of enjoyment.
Located on the Buda side in an iconic Art Nouveau hotel, the Gellért Thermal Bath is one of the most famous in Budapest. Built in 1918, the indoor/outdoor facility features a thermal jacuzzi, sauna, steam baths, Thai massages, and a wave pool. A day-time hospital, dental care and medical consultation are located on the complex as well. The hot mineral waters are used to treat rheumatic diseases including hernias, arthritis, circulatory and respiratory problems.
Dating back to the 16th century, the Rudas Thermal Bath is an outstanding example of Turkish/Ottoman architecture. The bath was expanded in 1896 to add a swimming pool and saunas. Unlike the Széchenyi and Gellért waters, the slightly radioactive water of the Rudas Bath includes sulfate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a significant amount of fluoride ion used to treat degenerative joint illnesses, chronic joint inflammations, disk problems and low bone calcium.
One of the oldest areas of Budapest, the Jewish Quarter is located in Pest’s District 7. Now a vibrant part of the city, it is full of contradictions. Once a thriving Jewish community, it was disseminated during World War II. Today, the streets are filled with locals and tourists enjoying a lively, party-like atmosphere surrounded by the historical remains that existed in the area. Here you will find whimsical street art, hip boutiques, coffee shops and Budapest’s famous ruin bars.
The Dohány Street Synagogue built in the 1850s is the largest synagogue in Europe. Suffering severe damage during the Siege of Budapest in 1944, renovations were completed in 1998. Today, the complex includes the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives, the Heroes Temple, a Jewish cemetery and a Holocaust Memorial Park.
Located in the back of the Synagogue are the Jewish Cemetery and Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park.
The Memorial Park commemorates the over 400,000 Hungarian Jews murdered during World War II. The Cemetery contains the remains of the 2,000 people buried in a makeshift graveyard during the Holocaust. The lush garden-like park features various headstones to commemorate those who perished.
Perhaps the most unique sites in Budapest are its ruin bars. Located inside neglected pre-war buildings primarily in the Jewish Quarter, these makeshift bars filled with quirky flea market furnishings, exude an eccentric fun atmosphere. Popular gathering spots, especially for tourists, experiencing a ruin bar during your visit to Budapest should not be missed!
The Szimpla Kert (“Simple Garden“) is the oldest and most iconic ruin bar in Budapest.
Pleasantly chaotic, you will find yourself in a tree filled garden with no roof next to a crowded dance floor permeating with the thump of popular beats. Take a walk up the stairs and you will find a room with a local jazz ensemble or someone reading poetry while people sit on the floor quietly listening. Enter the next room, and people are carrying on a quiet conversation far away from the chaos below.
Take in the breathtaking architecture of the Hungarian Parliament Building as well as historical monuments as you stroll along the Pest side of the Danube. Situated on Kossuth Square, the Parliament was designated a World Heritage site and is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Guided tours are available Monday – Sunday.
One of the most striking monuments in the city can easily be missed! Not far from the Hungarian Parliament building are sixty pairs of mens, women and children’s shoes cast in iron sitting along the edge off the water. Scattered and abandoned as if their owners had just stepped out of them, they are a memorial to the Hungarian Jews who were shot on the banks of the Danube. During World War II, the violent antisemitic Arrow Cross Party would force terrified Jews to remove their shoes before shooting them. Falling into the Danube, the current would carry the bodies away. Known as “The Shoes on the Danube Promenade”, it is a simple, yet starkly moving memorial.
Considered one of the most beautiful in the world, the Hungarian State Opera House is often compared to the Vienna Opera House. Opened in 1884, the ornate neo-renaissance building radiates elegance! Performances are held year-round as well as informative guided tours.
Stepping inside is magical! The sheer opulence of the Opera’s interior is overwhelming. It is easy to imagine gentlemen dressed in tuxedoes and women in their finest dresses mingling in the vestibules before the opera begins.
Tours of the Opera House are available Monday through Sunday. It is best to purchase tickets in advance, especially during the summer months and holidays.
Created in 1896, Heroes’ Square is Budapest’s largest and most symbolic plazas. Dominated by the 36m tall Millenary Monument topped with the golden Archangel Gabriel, the square commemorates the founding of Hungary in 896.
To the side of Heroes’ Square is the Museum of Fine Arts. Housing some of the most important collections of European art, the Museum also features a tranquil garden located within the Ionic Courtyard. The Museum and Courtyard are open Tuesday to Sunday with guided tours available.
One of the most romantic castles in Budapest, Vajdahunyad Castle is located within the City Park. A replica of Romania’s Hunya Castle, it was built in 1896 as a venue for the Millennial Exhibition. Originally meant to be a temporary structure, it became so popular it eventually was remodeled into a permanent building. The home of the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, the castle also is host to exhibitions, festivals, events and activities as well as the location for a number movie productions including ‘Inferno‘, ‘Gemini Man‘ as well as the television series ‘Dracula‘.
Completed in 1897, the Great Market Hall is the largest market in Budapest. Situated close to the Chain Bridge, it has over 180 stalls and shops on three floors. On the first floor you will find fruits, vegetables, meats and much more.
On the upper floors are dealer stalls offering local products and souvenirs as well as bistros and snack bars offering Hungarian delights including goulash, and my favorite …
Langos
A classic Hungarian street food, Langos are a deep fried flatbread. Eaten either plain or covered with sour cream, grated cheese or any number of toppings. Tip: They are best enjoyed hot right out of the frier.
With its art nouveau architecture, quirky ruin bars, opulent bathhouses fed by mineral-rich hot springs, and it’s rich history, Budapest has something for everyone!
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A terrific post and photos. Gave me a really good look at Budapest. Thanks.
Thank you Coral! I'm glad you liked the article. Budapest really is a fantastic city.