Travel Guide to Budapest, Hungary

The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is often called 'the pearl of the Danube'. The Danube flows through the city and divides it into two parts. Only in the 19th century the bridge, which connected Buda and Pest was built. So this way the name 'Budapest' was created. Nowadays is a marvelous city with a lot of historical buildings, beautiful squares, cozy parks and interesting museums. But most of all, the city is famous for its bathhouses.

The Fisherman's Bastion. The Fisherman's Bastion is one of the most famous sights of Budapest. It is likely to get his name from the fish market, which was situated nearby. Nowadays it has another function: it turned into a romantic place, its hidden recesses and stone benches became one of the most favorite places for loving couples. The bastion itself with all its marvelous towers and fabulous staircases resembles a wedding cake. From its towers everyone can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view on the Danube, Margaret Island and the ancient part of the city.

Andrassy Avenue. This magnificent street in the center of the city was founded in 1870. The avenue, that resembles a bit world-famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, lies between Erzsebet Square and Heroes' Square. Every year the Budapest parade is carried out there. Under Andrassy Avenue there is the underground line Millennium, which was built in 1896 in honor of the change of the centuries. In 2002 Andrassy Avenue and this underground line were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Castle Hill. Castle Hill with its fabulous castle on the top helps Budapest to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. At Castle Hill, in the Castle District there are a lot of ancient monuments, different museums and narrow streets. It's one of the main attractions of Budapest. With the help of funicular of the 18th century one can get upwards, so as to enjoy a wonderful view on the Danube and of course Budapest. It will take at least a day to see all the sights of the hill.

Nagy Vasarcsarnok. Nagy Vasarcsarnok is the biggest covered market in Budapest. Here you can buy mainly food: fish, meat, fruit, cheese and so on. Moreover, there you can find some delicatessen: foie gras, pepper of all sorts and sizes, caviar… The market was projected by Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the well-known tower in Paris. Upstairs you can purchase some souvenirs from the specialized shops.

Matthias Church. Matthias Church is one of the symbols of Budapest. Its name the church got from King Matthias, who contracted his two marriages there. This church has long and exciting story, for example it was the place of coronation of many kings. This building is a good example of European eclecticism: it harmonically unites very different architectural styles. The tower and the colorful roof can be seen even from the other bank of the Danube. From the 14th till the 19th century Matthias Church was restored for many times.

The Bathhouses. First of all Budapest is famous for its bathhouses. The most famous and attractive of them is surely the Gellert Bathhouse with more than 70 million liters of water that flow out of 118 springs. There you'll find various pools (both inside and outside), saunas, you can also have massage, pedicure and manicure. The floor of the bathhouse is decorated with mosaic. They say that the water there can cure many diseases. If you forgot to take a swimming costume with you, never mind – you can always hire it there.

St. Istvan Basilica. St Istvan Basilica is the biggest church in Budapest, which was built in honor of the 1st king of Hungary – Istvan. The building work started in 1851 and lasted for 50 years. When in 1868 the cupola collapsed, the works had to be started from the beginning. In 1905 the church was finally ready and the result was really tremendous. The building was fabulous not only inside, but also outside. Famous sculptors and artists of those times took part in its decorating. The Basilica is located in front of the Parliament Building and has a wonderful view on Andrassy Avenue.

Margaret Island. Margaret Island is an ideal place for those, who'd like to enjoy piece and privacy of the nature far from the hustle of the city. When you are at the island it's just impossible to believe that Margaret Island is situated in the centre of the city. There you can jog, swim, have a picnic or simply have a nice walk. The history of this place takes its beginning in the Middle Ages, when an abbey was built there. Much time passed and the island turned into a park. From the both sides you can see the bridges, which connect Margaret Island with the city: Arpad on the north and Margaret on the south.

The Parliament Building. The Parliament Building in Budapest is one of the most important buildings of Hungary. Its total area is 17.745m2. The outward was chosen with the help of the contest for the best architectural project, which was won by Imre Shteindl. The Parliament Building was built in1884 - 1902. The source of inspiration the architect took in the London House of Parliament. On weekends 45-minute excursions are organized there.

Read more about Budapest:
Restaurants and cuisine in Budapest
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Budapest
Nightlife and attractions in Budapest
Preparing for Budapest: Advices
Budapest photogallery