There’s no denying that Budapest is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. In fact, it might be the most underrated city in all of Europe. But if you’re still not convinced, here are 20 of my favorite must-see places in Budapest. Looking at the photos will definitely make you want to visit.
Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion was built in the late 1800s and remains in excellent condition despite the thousands of tourists who visit it each day. The design features seven towers representing the seven founding Magyar tribes, and the site is free to visit. This is also where you can definitely see the best views of Budapest.
chain bridge
When it was built in the late 1800s, the Chain Bridge was the largest suspension bridge in Europe. This bridge connects Buda and Pest and is definitely the most attractive of the bridges in these cities, so be sure to cross it at some point during your stay.
heroes square
Heroes’ Square, at the end of Andrássy Street, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Hungary’s founding.
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
This photo shows the view from the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, one of Budapest’s most luxurious and impressive hotels. If you can’t afford to stay overnight in a room, consider stopping in for a meal or visiting the spa to try one of the many medicinal benefits on offer.
Flickr: theodevil /Creative Commons
Gellert Baths
These public baths are said to be the most photographed public baths in Budapest. Take a look at the photo above and you’ll quickly see why.
danube river
The Danube River separates ‘Buda’ from ‘Pest’ and offers a wonderful evening dinner cruise that allows you to admire Budapest’s lights at night in a more leisurely and relaxing way.
National Diet Building
The Hungarian Parliament (also known as the National House) is like a Harry Potter movie set. It is also the third largest parliament building in the entire world and its most impressive exterior, especially when viewed from across the Danube.
Flickr: Ars Decorativa
Museum of Applied Arts
Budapest has a lot of impressive architecture on display, but there’s something a little more surprising that you shouldn’t miss. The Museum of Applied Arts has an impressive collection as well as an impressive roof covered in Jonai tiles (the same as Matthias Church).
Matthias Church
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest and, in fact, one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. The roof tiles are made of Zonai tiles, which makes this church so unique.
Leptospira/Leptospira
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is one of the most popular destinations throughout the summer. Take time to wander through the impressive gardens or enjoy an al fresco lunch at one of the many restaurants and bars that open during the summer.
The Corinthia Hotel
Another of Budapest’s most impressive hotels is the Corinthia Hotel (pictured above). Non-hotel guests can also enjoy lunch or dinner in the enclosed courtyard above.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is another Budapest church worth visiting. The inside of the dome is quite impressive.
buda castle
Located on Castle Hill, Buda Castle was once the seat of royal functions and is now a museum collection open to the public.
Flickr: proimos /Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 34120957@N04
Széchenyi hot springs
Széchenyi Baths is one of the largest public baths in Europe and costs around $12 a day. Most baths use spring water, which is said to have medicinal properties.
Flickr: dorottyak /Creative Commons
Boscolo Hotel Budapest
Another very famous hotel in Budapest is the Boscolo Hotel. This is one of the nicest places to enjoy cake and coffee.
Andrássy Street
Andrássy Street runs all the way to Heroes’ Square, and there are many things to see along the way. If you’re interested in the history of Budapest’s Nazi occupation, be sure to stop by the House of Horrors Museum.
Flickr: theodevil /Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 35722809@N03
Hungarian National Opera House
This is one of the most spectacular opera houses in Europe, meticulously preserved. If you can’t afford tickets to the evening show, consider touring the interior of the opera house throughout the day.
Danube shoes
The Shoe on the Danube is a sculpture by Hungarian Gyula Pauer that pays homage to the Jews killed in the river in the 1940s. The sculpture is also modeled after the shoes of the time.
House of Horror Museum
The House of Horror Museum features insightful exhibits about communism and its devastating effects on Budapest. A very unique experience, especially if you are interested in Budapest’s dark past.
Flickr: 1 yen /Creative Commons / Via Flickr: 62929416@N00
tobacco street synagogue
This is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, and offers an impressive insight into Judaism.