Visitors of Budapest have a wide variety of options for destinations and activities in the city. From the hills of Buda, overlooking the river, to the wide avenues and shopping centers of Pest, the Hungarian capital has many ways to entertain and amuse. So check out these tourist attractions on your next vacation, and make the most out of your experience!
Castle: The best place to start on a tour of the city is the Castle. Located high on a hill, overlooking the river and the streets of Pest, the Castle is a picturesque location. Inside, the free National Museum showcases art from Hungary's most famous painters and sculptors. A little farther on lies the Cathedral with its traditionally Hungarian colored tiles. The seven towers overlooking the river are symbolic of the seven tribes which united to create the Hungarian Empire.
Parliament Building: Across the river, on the Pest side of the city, is the ornate Parliament building. Chosen from three competing designs, the other two buildings are close by and now serve as various official buildings. Take a look at the intricate towers of the Parliament, or relax in the park in front of the building.
Turkish Baths: No trip to Budapest would be complete without a soak in the famous Turkish baths. One of the most famous locations is Gellert, with its beautiful tile work and a large selection of pools and saunas. Choose between various mineral baths, waters of many temperatures, and an outside wave pool, or just sit outside and soak up the sun along with visitors from all over the world. The Swedish saunas and steam room will leave your skin feeling healthy and happy.
Statue Park: A ways outside of the center of town lies the unusual Statue Park, with giant stone statues from the Communist Era. Dwarfing visitors, the towering statues make history come alive, and give a sense of what it was like under the iron fist of communism. Pictures, photos, and replica statues are available at the gift shop for people wishing to take a bit of history home with them.
Margit Island: In the middle of the river, between the banks of Buda and Pest, lies the garden island of Margit. Filled with visitors and joggers during the warmer months, the island has an extensive series of parks, fields, and playgrounds. Rent a pedal bike and take a tour of the many paths, or pick a bench with a view over the river and watch boats go by.
Gerbaud: The most famous cafe in Budapest, Gerbaud boasts a wide selection of cakes, pastries, and delicious coffee and tea. Take the time to relax inside, or explore the sights of Gerbaud Plaza, with many shops and upscale stores to please those who are shopping-oriented. Farther down the street lies the large indoor market where locals gather every day to buy vegetables and meat. Upstairs are stands featuring traditional handicrafts and clothing, as well as a selection of local dishes. Try the goulash, full of paprika, or the various sausages with thick, hearty bread.
Millennium Park: Farther into Pest is the large Millennium Park, a great destination with lots to see and do. Complete with a large lake, various museums, and a theater which offers plays and operas in the evenings, the park has something for everyone. A sprawling thermal bathhouse completes the experience, where for a small entrance fee one can wash away the stress of travel and emerge refreshed and relaxed.
Plaza of Heroes: This enormous plaza has statues of all the major tribal chiefs and former presidents that influenced Hungary's history. The plaza and statues are all built on a massive scale, and they are definitely worth a visit.
Terror House: Despite the name, this isn't a carnival scare house or Halloween attraction. It’s a museum devoted to the realities of WWII and the Cold War. The building in which the museum is housed was at times the center of Gestapo activity and later, the KGB’s central office. A powerful experience for visitors, the museum has kept the prison cells and other rooms as they were found. In addition, there are a variety of interesting exhibits and showcases that have been installed.
