10 Best Things to do in Budapest

Budapest is an incredibly beautiful travel destination.   It is called the ‘Paris of the East’. Known for its beautiful architecture, scenic locales and fabulous landmarks, this city makes for a great stop for any tourist.  And you know the best thing? Most popular landmarks are within walking distance of each other, cool isn’t it?

So here are my top 10 attractions and things to do in Budapest

10. Heroes Square-  Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square is a major city square. It is known for its iconic status complex that include important Hungarian national leaders, ‘seven chieftains of the Magyars and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’. The construction of the square dates back to 1900.

Now,  I have to tell you that Heroes Square is a part of the City Park or the Varosliget. This City Park also a has a huge ice-skating rink, the stunning Vajdhuynad Castle,  the Museum of Fine Arts and the Széchenyi thermal baths – all within walking distance.

Alright now, let’s go to the next one..

9. Vajdahunyad Castle –This is as beautiful as it gets, built in 1896, this castle is a blend of various architectural styles –  Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance.  It houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, the biggest agricultural museum in Europe.  You can also check out the statue of Bela Lugosi, the actor who played Count Dracula in the 1931 movie.

8. Shoes on the Danube Bank – Around December 1944 and January 1945, members of the Arrow Cross Partyexecuted 20,000 jews along the banks of the Danube River.  The victims were asked to remove their shoes at gun point; this was because shoes were equated as valuables during the World War II.  Then they were shot at, before they would fall and drown into the freezing river.

The shoes are a chilling reminder of the horrific act,  the monument consists of 60 pairs of 1940-style shoes, built with iron. You will definitely love the attention to detail given to these shoes.

Shoes on the Danube River is located on the edge of the Danube River, near the Hungarian Parliament building. The best time to visit this place is just before the sunset.

7. Cruise along the Danube River – The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe, after Volga. It had a deep connection with the Roman Empire, in the days of yore.  You will find a number of cruises online along the Danube River. Make sure you don’t miss it!

6. Hungarian Parliament Building -Lying along the banks of the Danube River and a 7 minute walk from the Shoes on the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most visited landmarks in Budapest. The interiors of the building are quite stunning, and the guided tours are worth it, as they come in different languages You have to book your visit online in advance for the guided tour.

5. St Stephen Basilica – Along with the Hungarian Parliament Building, it is the tallest building inBudapest at 315 feet. With both buildings having the same height, there is an underlying symbolism that the worldly and spiritual thinking have the same importance.  This Neo-classical building is the third largest church building in Budapest, named in honor of Stephen, the first king of Hungary.

4. Chain Bridge – The Széchenyi Chain Bride is synonymous with Budapest, is a suspension bridge that spans  the River Danube, between Buda and Pest. It was opened in 1849. It spans across 375 meters. It is an engineering marvel. Take a walk along the bridge at night, it can be quite romantic.

3. Fisherman’s Bastion -Reminiscent of a fairy-tale world, this bastion built during the 19^th century features pointed towers and turrets. Plus, you get a view of the Chain Bridge and the Danube River from the bastion. It is a great point to take fascinating pictures. Matthias Church, another prominent landmark, is located at Fisherman’s Bastion.

 

2. Buda Castle -This small castle hill is one of the most visited landmarks in Budapest, lying quite close to Fisherman’s Bastion.  The funicular ride up to the castle is a treat. Once you are at the castle hill, enjoy the glorious sights of the surroundings and the view of the Buda River and the Chain bridge from the top. This castle dates back to 1265, but most of the Baroque building that you see today was built in the 18^th century.

1. Thermal baths – If you have not been to the thermal baths in Budapest, you have not really enjoyed Budapest to the fullest! There are many thermal baths, likeGellért, Rudas, Kiraly, but my vote goes toSzéchenyi thermal bath. Besides it is very close to the   Heroes Square, that I talked about initially.  Széchenyi thermal bath is the largest thermal bath in the entire Europe. The bath is known to have curative properties as well.  It is an ethereal experience, that cannot be summed up in mere words.

So go ahead, and make the most of your visit in Budapest. This one needs to be your travel bucket list. For the ones, who have already been to Budapest, let me know your favorite place and share your experience in the comments section.

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