Hungarian Parliament Building

Landmark

The world's third largest parliament building! This Neo-Gothic building was inaugurated in 1886 to mark the country's 1,000th anniversary. (Hungary was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.) This impressive structure boasts 691 rooms, as well as an impressive 19 kilometers of corridors and stairs. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and are available whenever the government is not sitting, and include many of the building's highlights, such as the main entrance hall, various lobbies, and the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Most tickets sell out a week in advance, so make your reservations as early as possible.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Historical

A reminder of Nazi suffering! It consists of a series of 60 pairs of steel sculpted shoes memorializing Jews shot here by the Nazis, and is a poignant and moving reminder of the Nazi atrocities suffered by Hungary in World War II.

Stephen Széchenyi Square

Park

Grassy, tree-filled plaza known for its statues, elegant architecture & Chain Bridge views.

Little Princess Statue

Must to See

1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

General

See the sights of Budapest from the River Danube on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise, and enjoy a seasonal cocktail or soft drink along the way. Glide past landmark monuments such as Buda Castle and the Vigado Concert Hall.

Labyrinth

Museum

Historical labyrinth under Castle Hill where Count Dracula (Vlad Tepes) was once imprisoned.

Matthias Church

Church

The Church of Our Lady! It is a prominent landmark on Castle Hill. It was completed in 1269, and its magnificent south doorway with its relief depicting the Death of Mary was added in the 1300s. During the Turkish occupation of 1541-1699, the church was used as a mosque, and was later renovated in the Baroque style. It has been the scene of several historic events, including the coronation of King Charles I of Hungary in 1309 and the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his consort Elisabeth as rulers of Hungary. It was for this event that Franz Liszt composed his coronation mass.

Halászbástya

Must to See

Classic Buda Castle Walking Tour

Walking

Explore the Buda Castle District on a guided walking tour in Budapest. See highlights like the Matthias Church and the Royal Palace, and explore hidden gems while hearing about Hungarian history.

Hunyadi-udvar

Must to See

Budai Váralagút

Must to See

Buda Castle

Landmark

Built to protect the stronghold from Mongol and Tartar attacks! Although badly damaged in World War II, much of the exterior has been restored, along with sections of the interior, which now houses a number of important museums. These include the Hungarian National Gallery in the main wing, while in the south wing, the Budapest History Museum occupies four floors. In front of the castle, overlooking the Danube, stands a bronze equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a hero of Turkish attacks on the city. Castle Hill is worth exploring for its medieval lanes and it Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. This entire historic complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gellért Hill

Sightseeing

235-meter block of dolomite that falls steeply down to the Danube! It's here along the hill's geological fault line that several of the city's most famous medicinal springs emerge to supply the Gellért Spa and Rudas Baths, which have lured visitors from far and wide since the 13th century.

St. Stephen's Basilica

Historical

Popular attraction for its impressive architecture! The cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, Hungary's holy king and the founder of the Hungarian state, and construction began in 1851, but after several construction setbacks—including the collapse of its unfinished dome—it was not dedicated until 1905. The roof, towers, and external walls were badly damaged in World War II, and the church's precious mosaics fell from the walls. The cathedral's most precious holy relic, the mummified right hand of the church's patron saint, the first king of Hungary, is displayed under glass in the chapel to the left of the high altar.

Hungarian State Opera

Must to Visit Places

The Hungarian State Opera House is a Neo-Renaissance building that is considered to be amongst the best in the world when it comes to its acoustic properties. The opera house also houses tours of its gorgeous architecture, as well as performances of world-class caliber.

Central Market Hall

Mall

Smell of local foods! You can't miss it for its central location and its roof of colorful Zsolnay tiles from the town of Pécs. Built in 1897 and the largest and oldest of Budapest's many markets, it's as interesting to view from the inside as it is on the outside – particularly if you enjoy people watching. As cavernous as any major rail terminal in Europe, this popular indoor marketplace encompasses an area of over 10,000 square meters and is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists, here for the abundance of fresh produce, food stuffs, and other goods being traded across its many levels.

Városliget

Park

History stays in this park! With its pretty lake, the 302-acre heavily wooded Városliget is a popular recreational site for both Budapest locals and visitors. Laid out in the 19th century, the park has had many additions over the years. Sightseeing highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art; the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Garden; the excellent Transport Museum of Budapest; Tivoli Pleasure Park, with its kids' rides and arcades; and the massive open-air Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. Also worth seeing are the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle and the 100,000-seat People's Stadium.