Kornél & Bing
Things To Do in Budapest
Hungarian Parliament Building
One of the most impressive buildings in the country, this Gothic Revival and Neo-Renaissance masterpiece is an essential must-see. Constructed in the late 1800s, the building was designed by architect Imre Steindl who unfortunately did not live to see the job, and his finest work finished. You can get a guided tours of the building at HUF 5,400 (€16) per person or just marvel at the the architecture from the outside! The exhibition (In Memoriam 25 October 1956) is also nearby for history buffs, detailing events during the 1956 student revolution in Hungary against Soviet rule.
St. Stephen's Basilica
As the largest church in Budapest, the 19th-century St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is a revered site for Hungarian Catholics as it contains the mummified right hand of King St. Stephen, the founder of modern-day Hungary! Definitely worth a visit!
Central Market Hall
The oldest and largest indoor market in Hungary, the Central Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) was built in 1897 and full of colourful stalls and vendors selling Hungary’s finest exports, such as paprika, Tokaji wine, salami, spirits and traditional foods such as langoś, pörkölt, and goulash, albeit slightly over-priced, but worth a visit and you may find yourself leaving with a Hungarian souvenir or two!
The Jewish Quarter
Once a dilapidated district riddled with pain and trauma from the atrocities of WWII, the Jewish Quarter of Budapest (Erzsébetváros) is now home to trendy cafes & restaurants, famous attractions, notorious ruin bars, and incredible street art, with big synagogues restored to their former beauty. While you're in the area, make sure you visit Dohany Street Synagogue, the second largest Synagogue in the world and quite simply one of the most beautiful structures in all of Budapest. We recommend joining a guided tour of the complex and visiting the various memorials that exist throughout the site.
The Shoes on the Danube Memorial
The Shoes on the Danube memorial pays respect to the lives lost during World War II. The memorial is a harrowing reminder of the brutality of the Nazi occupation in Hungary, where many Jews were systemically rounded up, deported to camps around Europe, or executed, many of whom were forced to remove their shoes before their execution.
Bridges of Budapest
Unsurprisingly for a city that straddles one of Europe’s largest rivers, the Danube, Budapest is home to a number of wonderful, historic, and photogenic bridges that are worth a stroll on. Some of our favourites include: Szechenyi Bridge (Chain Bridge), it’s simply gorgeous, especially at night and an emblem of beautiful Budapest. The most well-known legend attached to the bridge concerns the giant lion statues found at the entry. For a long time, the rumour was that the sculptor, János Marschalkó, forgot to carve tongues for the beasts and when made aware of the fact, took his own life in his embarrassment. Szabadsag bridge (Liberty Bridge), featuring ornate art nouveau design, the bridge is the place to sit and watch the sunset! Margit Bridge, located at the northern end of the city, it’s the second oldest bridge in the city, completed between 1872 and 1876 and connects Margaret Island, the beautiful city island situated in the middle of the Danube.
Fisherman's Bastion
The most enchanting views of Budapest is had on top of Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya). Built in the late 1800s by Hungarian architect Frigyes Schulek, the bastion comprises seven Neo-Romanesque and Gothic stone towers, symbolising the seven chieftains of Hungary, who founded the nation in 895. History suggests Fisherman’s Bastion owes its name to a medieval fishermen’s guild, who lived under the castle walls in Watertown (Vizivaros), and were held responsible for preserving this part of the city. Take a stroll around the area and visit Matthias Church famed for its unique tiled roof.
Castle District - Buda
Walk among the cobblestone paths and palace quarters and gardens of Buda Castle atop of Castle Hill for a glimpse into Hungary’s rich cultural history. There are lots of museums and exhibitions around the area that are worth a visit. Some of our favourites include: The House of Houdini, dedicated to the famous Hungarian-born magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, who was born Erik Weisz in Budapest. We recommend a guided tour which includes a live 15-minute magic performance! Hospital in the Rock (Sziklakorhaz), one of the most unique and fascinating historic attractions of Budapest situated in a bunker, housing lifelike wax figures of Hungarian, German and Russian soldiers that depict scenes from when the hospital was first used during World War II and the 1956 Revolution. Hungarian National Art Gallery, houses Hungary’s most impressive fine art, covering all genres ranging from historical to contemporary.
Thermal Baths
No visit to Budapest is complete without a soak in a thermal bath, the quintessential Budapest experience. Our favourites include: Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Budapest’s most popular attractions, built in 1913 with numerous indoor and outdoor pools. You'll see locals playing chess in the water, or just simply soaking up the healing pools. Gellert Thermal Baths, remnants of a palace surrounded by the magnificent century-old Art Nouveau facades, with beautiful pools frequented by everyone from monks and soldiers to noblemen and everyday folk alike. Rudas Baths, a more authentic and local Turkish bath that has been in place since the 16th century when the Ottomans built a small hammam complex. The baths has set men and women-only, and co-ed bathing times, so make sure to check out the schedule before you go!
Hero's Square
On route to Szechenyi thermal baths, this enormous square is one to take a snap in, built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar (Hungarian) conquest, featuring the seven chiefs of the Hungary, and an impressive column, atop which the archangel Gabriel holds the Hungarian Holy Crown. Suggest walking down to the Square along Andrassy Utca which holds many galleries and museums along the way.
Vadjahunyad Castle
Vadjahunyad Castle sits just beyond Hero's Square and is a must visit, modelled after castles in Transylvania and gives off a distinct Dracula vibe, filled with turrets, gates, ivy-covered walls with stunning parks and gardens, alongside the Hungarian House of Music, and Ethnographic Museum, as well as a cafe and restaurant to keep you fuelled!
Ervin Szabó Library
The Ervin Szabó Library is a hidden gem, located in the 8th District and converted from the palace of one of Hungary's wealthy aristocrats, Count Frigyes Wenckheim. The gilded roofs and magnificently carved wood panels of the old reading rooms and ballrooms are absolutely breathtaking. It is a working library, so make sure to keep it down!
Museums
If you're a history junkie or just have some ample time to kill, we recommend visiting some of Hungary's museums to learn more of its unique and complicated history. House of terror - the former headquarters of the Nazi regime (Fascist Arrow Cross Party) and subsequently the Soviet secret police (State Protection Authority). The museum is worth a visit to learn about the history of the fascist and communist movements during pre and post-war Hungary, and also acts as a memorial to the victims of these regimes. Hungarian National Museum, one of the best history museums on Hungarian history set in an attractive neo-classical building. Museum of fine arts, houses international and local collections, as well as permanent collections of ancient Egyptian art, classical antiques, old sculptures, old master paintings, modern art and graphics.
A day trip out to Szentendre
If you’re in Budapest for a while, you must visit Szentendre located 45 mins out from Budapest. Think Mediterranean beach town mixed with hipster vibes, and you'll be transported to cobblestone paths, pastel-coloured buildings filled with galleries, shops and museums to keep you busy. You can get to Szentendre by heading to Batthyány Square metro station and taking the HÉV suburban rail. You’ll need to grab a Budapest public transport ticket (HUF 350), and an extension ticket to ‘Békásmegyer-Szentendre’ (HUF 350) from the ticket machines at the station.