There’s no denying it, Budapest is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. In fact, it might just be THE most underrated city in all of Europe! But if you’re still not convinced, here’s a selection of my 20 favourite places you must see in Budapest – the photos will be sure to convince you to visit!
Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion was built in the late 1800’s and despite attracting thousands of visitors a day, is still in great condition. The design features 7 towers to represent the 7 Magyar tribes that founded the nation, and the site is free to visit. This is also where you will arguably find the best views over Budapest.
Chain Bridge
Back when it was built in the late 1800s, the Chain Bridge was the largest suspension bridge in Europe. It connects Buda with Pest and is certainly the most charming of the cities’ bridges, so be sure to make the crossing at some point throughout your stay.
Hősök Tere (Heroes Square)
Located at the far end of Andrassy Street is Heroes Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that pays tribute to the 1000-year anniversary of the founding of Hungary.
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Pictured is the view from the Presidential Suite inside the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, one of the most opulent and impressive hotels in the city of Budapest. If you can’t afford to stay a night in one of the rooms, consider dropping by for a meal or a visit to the spa to try one of the many medicinal treatments on offer.
Flickr: theodevil /Creative Commons
Gellért Baths
These are said to be the most photographed public baths in Budapest – one look at the above photograph soon explains why!
The Danube
The river Danube is what separates “Buda” from “Pest” and offers great nightly dinner cruises as a more slow, relaxed way to appreciate the lights of Budapest in the evenings.
Houses of Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament (also known as the House of the Nation) is like something out of a Harry Potter filmset. It is also the third largest parliament building in the entire world, and most impressive from the outside, particularly on the opposite side of the Danube river to see the building in full.
Museum of Applied Arts
There are man impressive architectural displays in Budapest, but one that should not be missed is a little more of a surprise. The museum of Applied Arts is home to an impressive collection, as well as a stunning roof tiled from Zsonay tiles (the same as the Matthias Church).
Mátyás-templom (Matthius Church)
This is one of Budapest’s most beautiful architectural displays and indeed one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. The roof tiles are made of Zsonay tiles and are what makes this church so unique.
Leptospira/Leptospira
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is one of the most popular places to be throughout the summer months. Be sure to take the time to wander around the impressive gardens or enjoy lunch al fresco at one of the many pop up summer restaurants or bars.
The Corinthia Hotel
Another one of Budapest’s most impressive hotels is The Corinthia Hotel (pictured above). Non-hotel guests can choose to eat lunch or dinner in the above enclosed courtyard.
St Stephen’s Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica is another of Budapest’s churches worth visiting. The inside of the dom is quite impressive.
Buda Castle
Located on Castle Hill is Buda castle – once home to royal affairs and now a collection of museums open to the public.
Flickr: proimos /Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 34120957@N04
Széchenyi Baths
Széchenyi baths are some of the largest public baths in Europe and cost around $12 to visit for the day. Most of the baths feature spring water, said to have medicinal benefits.
Flickr: dorottyak /Creative Commons
Boscolo Hotel Budapest
Another of Budapest’s highly celebrated hotels is the Boscolo Hotel, which is home to one of the most glorious locations to find yourself for a slice of cake and coffee.
Andrassy Street
Andrassy Street leads you all the way to Heroe’s Square and has many points of interest along the way. If you’re interested in the history of Nazi occupation in Budapest, be sure to stop by the House of Terror Museum.
Flickr: theodevil /Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 35722809@N03
Hungarian State Opera House
This is one of Europe’s most spectacular opera houses that has been preserved with great care. If you can’t afford a ticket to a show in the evening, consider touring the inside of the opera house throughout the day.
Shoes on the Danube
The shoes on the Danube is a sculpture by Hungarian Gyula Pauer, paying tribute to the jews who were killed by the river in the 1940s. The sculpture is also modelled after shoes of the time.
House of Terror Museum
The House of Terror Museum provides an insightful look into communism and its devastating impact in Budapest. It is a very unique experience, particularly if you are interested in Budapest’s darker past.
Flickr: 1yen /Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 62929416@N00
Dohány Street Synagogue
This is the largest synagogue in Europe and the seconds largest in the world, making for an impressive insight into the Jewish religion.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.