Top Attractions in Budapest: The Must-See Spots

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, often surprises visitors who are uncertain about what to expect from this city of 1.7 million people.

Stretching across the Danube River, Budapest boasts one of Europe’s most breathtaking skylines, with stunning architecture on both the Buda and Pest sides, making it one of Europe’s most beautiful urban destinations.

Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting Budapest:

The Danube River and its picturesque banks

The Danube flows through the heart of Budapest, with the flat Pest district to the east and the hilly Buda area to the west.

A great way to start exploring the city is by strolling along the Danube’s banks, where you’ll encounter some of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Notable sights along the river include:

– The Neo-Gothic Parliament Building, the third largest of its kind in the world.

– Buda Castle, first constructed in the 1200s and expanded over centuries.

– Shoes on the Danube, a poignant memorial to the Jewish victims who were shot during World War II and thrown into the river after being forced to remove their shoes.

– Gellért Hill, offering some of the finest panoramic views of Budapest.

Tip: If you prefer not to walk, take the No. 2 tram along the Pest side of the Danube, or enjoy a scenic river cruise on a tourist boat.

Buda Castle, located at Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest, Hungary; +36 1 458 3000

Margaret Island

Nestled in the Danube, Margaret Island is Budapest’s most picturesque park, situated between the Buda and Pest sides of the city.

The park features two swimming pool complexes, a cushioned jogging track, a petting zoo, an open-air theater, a musical fountain, a restaurant, and numerous spots perfect for picnics.

Margaret Island, located between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge

Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue, a broad, tree-lined boulevard starting near Deák tér, is Budapest’s most sophisticated street, adorned with stunning architectural landmarks. If you have a few free hours, a relaxed walk down the entire avenue is a pleasant way to spend them.

Don’t miss the magnificent Opera House (Andrássy út 22), and if you need to pause for a rest, grab a coffee at Művész Kávéház (Andrássy út 29).

The House of Terror (Andrássy út 60) is a poignant museum that delves into the dark history of Hungary under both the Nazi and communist regimes.

Andrássy Avenue culminates at Heroes’ Square, where City Park begins. The M1 (yellow) metro line runs underground along the entire length of Andrássy Avenue. Budapest’s largest park includes Heroes’ Square, constructed in 1896.

Hungarian State Opera House, located at Andrássy út 22, 1061 Budapest, Hungary, +36 1 814 7100

City Park and Heroes’ Square

Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square), located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, is bordered by the Museum of Fine Arts and Műcsarnok on both sides.

Heroes’ Square, featuring the Millennium Monument at its core, was constructed to celebrate the thousand-year anniversary of the Magyars. The monument is crowned by Archangel Gabriel, with statues of the seven chieftains who led the Magyar tribes into Hungary standing below. Additional statues of significant Hungarian historical figures are positioned between columns radiating outward from the center of the square.

City Park (Városliget), Budapest’s largest park, lies just beyond the square and offers a wide range of activities. Among its attractions are the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the Zoo, the Circus, the Museum of Agriculture, and a pond that serves as a venue for ice skating in winter and rowing in summer.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths, located at Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Budapest, Hungary, +36 1 363 3210

Franz Liszt Academy of Music

Founded by the renowned Hungarian composer Franz Liszt in 1875, this concert hall and music academy remains Hungary’s most esteemed institution for musical education.

Even if you’re not attending a performance, it’s still worth visiting to admire the stunning stained glass windows by Miksa Roth, the Zsolnay ceramic tiles, elegant crystal chandeliers, and the dazzling mosaics and murals.

Franz Liszt Academy, Liszt Ferenc tér 8, Budapest, Hungary; +36 (1) 462 4600