7 Recommendations To Get To Know Budapest
It is one of the great European capitals and recognized as one of the most beautiful on the continent. It has great monuments, a famous nightlife and spectacular spas. If you plan to travel to the capital of Hungary, we recommend some essential places to visit Budapest.
Recommendations to get to know Budapest
1. Visit Parliament
The Parliament of Budapest is the most representative building in the city, one of the most famous on the European continent and the third largest parliament in the world. It was built between 1884 and 1902, in what was one of the largest works for the time.
It has dimensions of 268 meters in length and 118 meters in height, where 691 rooms are distributed. In the structure, its great staircase impresses with the central landing, where a relief of the architect Imre Steindl, designer of the building, can be seen.
Several statues of the Hungarian kings are on display in the Cupola Room, with a display case containing some of their belongings, among which the crown stands out. Other very interesting rooms are the Old Upper House and the Chamber of the Council of Deputies.
2. Get to know the castle of Buda
Buda Castle is one of the best known sights of Budapest. It is also known as the Royal Palace because it was formerly the residence of the kings of Hungary. This castle forms an imposing ensemble together with the famous Chain Bridge. It is very visited, especially at night, when the play of lights offers a beautiful show.
From the top of the hill you get wonderful views of the city and the surroundings are home to a large tourist area full of restaurants and luxury hotels. Currently, the Buda Castle houses the Széchenyi Library, the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.
3. Observe the Chain Bridge
Its official name is the Széchenyi Bridge, in honor of its creator, Count István Széchenyi. It is the oldest in Budapest, it was inaugurated in 1849 after 20 years of construction. The purpose was to allow the passage through the Danube River, which was very difficult to cross between stations.
4. Admire the views of the Fisherman’s Bastion
A fantastic way to see Budapest from above. The famous Fisherman’s Bastion is a viewpoint on Buda Hill, on the west bank of the Danube. Its construction was completed in 1902, after almost 20 years of work. It has seven towers in honor of the seven founding tribes of Hungary.
In the fortress you can see an equestrian statue of Stephen I. The views of the Parliament of Budapest are impressive. If you wait until the evening you can enjoy the views of illuminated Pest.
5. Frolic in the beautiful Plaza de los Héroes
Heroes’ Square is located at the less central end of Andrássy Avenue, the most important thoroughfare in Budapest and is one of the most important squares in the city.
It has several statues that recall the leaders of the seven founding tribes of Hungary, hence its name. The architectural complex formed between the square and Andrássy Avenue, has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most important museums in Budapest.
6. Go up to the Citadel
The Citadel is a fortress that was built by the Habsburgs in 1854 as a guardhouse. It is located at the highest point in the city. It is 220 meters long and 60 meters wide and is surrounded by 4 meter high walls.
When you go up to the Citadel you will find viewpoints, restaurants, merchandise stalls and the grandiose fortress building. The whole complex was declared a Place of Tourist Interest in 1960, therefore essential for getting to know Budapest.
Inside the fort there is a bunker from the Second World War. It has three floors with several rooms where wax statues representing typical scenes of the war are exhibited. It also houses a large collection of images from the war that are worth seeing.
7. Marvel at the Budapest Opera building
The Budapest Opera House is one of the most important neo-Renaissance buildings in Hungary. It was designed by the Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl and was built between 1875 and 1884.
It was ordered and financed by Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria and King of Bohemia. The only condition was that it should not be the largest Vienna Opera. The exterior of the building is richly decorated. In it sculptures of famous musicians and composers are detailed.
