View of Hungarian Parliament Building at sunset with yachts on the Danube
Photo Credit: Immortal Shots
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture.
A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater.
Learn More About Budapest
View of Buda Castle entrance and grounds
Photo Credit: Waldo Miguez
Buda Castle
Sitting atop Castle Hill, the original Buda Castle was primarily built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries for Hungarian royalty. Many conflicts in the following centuries laid waste to this castle and its successive restorations, the latest iteration restored after battles waged between the Germans and Soviets in World War II. Nevertheless, this Baroque-style palace has persisted, and today’s Buda Castle is one of the most important monuments which give Budapest its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of the original castle still remain in the city’s Castle District, while the monolithic Buda Castle continues to be a popular stop for guided educational tours.
View of Chain Bridge, lion statues, and Danube at night
Photo Credit: hince
Chain Bridge
Closing the divide between the Buda and Pest embankments flanking the Danube River, Budapest's Chain Bridge is the city's original and most recognizable bridge. Two regal lion statues welcome those who traverse the bridge, which offers a spectacular view of Buda Castle and provides easy access to many popular tourist attractions throughout the city center.
View of parliament building, city, and Danube
Photo Credit: Mircea Iancu
Hungarian Parliament Building
Hues of gold and red paint the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building, adorned with intricate Gothic-style spires and a prominent central dome. Constructed in the late nineteenth-century, the Parliament building exemplifies the superb architectural and ornate beauty that can be found throughout Budapest. While the Parliament building hosts active sessions of the National Assembly, it is accessible to the public for guided tours during select hours.
View of St. Stephens Basilica at night
Photo Credit: Immortal Shots
St. Stephen's Basilica
The eminent St. Stephen’s Basilica sits in the center of bustling Budapest and is the city’s largest basilica. The namesake of King Stephen, the first ruler of Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica showcases a variety of architectural and cultural treasures, including a relic of St. Stephen himself. Be sure to explore the basilica’s dome for an impressive and expansive view of the city below. Visit the Hall of Knights for a chance to see new art exhibitions and listen to a melodic organ performance.
Getting Around
The best ways of navigating Budapest are walking and public transit. Taxis and rideshare services also operate here.
Upon walking around Budapest, visitors will find that they can easily walk between the city's must-see sights.
The mass transit system, BKK, runs trains, buses, trams and more. Purchase tickets at newspaper stands or a metro station and validate them immediately upon boarding.
View of Christmas Market near St. Stephen's Basilica
Photo Credit: Krisztian Tabori
Advent Christmas Fair
Budapest’s annual Advent Christmas Fair takes place steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica every winter season. A canopy of twinkling lights hovers over the marketplace, which offers authentic cuisine and holiday goods for sale. The lighting of traditional Advent candles occurs each Sunday during the Fair.
Munkácsy: Story of a Worldwide Sensation
From 11/27/2024 - 3/30/2025
This grand exhibition, honoring the life and career of celebrated Hungarian artist Mihly Munkcsy, offers a display of over a hundred items, including art pieces, historical pictures, documents and respectful icons. It provides a novel perspective on his popular work and discloses hitherto unseen masterpieces on loan from exclusive collections, shedding light on the societal and cultural impact of the 1870's and 1880's that molded his pioneering path in art.
Experience the alluring blend of traditional and modern art at Mrton Nemes' Techno Zen exhibition. The event features abstract laser-cut steel projections, car-painted enamelled steel sheets, enchanting lighting installations, and colourful fans, shown in unison with Nemes' techno-influenced paintings and steely structures recalling precious works, together indulging attendees in intricate sensory spectacular resonating with acoustic waves.
Women's Quota 02: Female Creators, Creative Women from the Collection of the Ludwig Museum
From 1/17/2025 - 3/23/2025
Marking its 35th anniversary, the Ludwig Museum illuminates talent and innovation via a unique exhibition highlighting female artists and their perspectives on womanhood in the arts. Spanning from the late 60s to the modern day, the display celebrates numerous pioneering women whose contributions dramatically shaped the Central and Eastern European art landscape despite societal challenges.
Ronald Hynd's choreography of "The Merry Widow" brings a delightful blend of classical ballet and comedic flair to the stage, based on Ferenc Lehár's beloved operetta. Since its debut in 1975, this “comic ballet” has captivated audiences with its charming narrative and exquisite melodies. After joining the Hungarian National Ballet’s repertoire in 2014, this whimsical production now graces the Opera House, offering a vibrant celebration of dance and music.
Explore the intricate relationship between contemporary and classical art at this dynamic, methodically driven exhibition. Enhanced with media objects, games, and tasks, the event focuses on visitor reception and engagement with featured works from the prestigious Ludwig Museum collection.
Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" is renowned for its exhilarating opening motifs, but its origins as a staged work are less widely known. Tibor Bogányi's visionary production transforms the piece into a stunning visual and auditory spectacle, featuring three soloists, dancers from the Hungarian National Ballet, and a monumental 120-strong chorus, all enhanced by 3D projections and LED displays. This performance at the Erkel Theatre promises an immersive experience, blending powerful music with dynamic visual effects.
Alan Walker is a British-Norwegian DJ, record producer, and YouTuber who rose to fame with his critically acclaimed platinum single, "Faded," in 2015. In 2017, his YouTube channel became the most subscribed in Norway and he has almost 11 billion views. Some of his other very popular tracks include, "Alone," "Sing Me To Sleep," and "All Falls Down."
