Welcome, dear travelers and adventurers!
I believe you are here not to spend so much money on tours and tourist traps… or maybe you are traveling alone? Well, you are in the right place!
It is sometimes hard to plan your destinations and manage your time during a trip. Sometimes it’s confusing where to start, and we have a lot of questions in our minds. But I am here to help you! I will tell you about the most important architecture, tourist attractions, hidden gems, stories, culture, and cuisine in Budapest.
How do I know? I am living and studying in Budapest as a Computer Engineering student, and I’m a girl who loves travel and art. I love learning and I’m always inspired and fascinated by new places, architecture, cultures, and museums. You can also check my other blog pages related to this content in the links below.
So… Let’s start discovering Budapest!
🇭🇺 Hungarian Parliament Building
You can’t miss it — literally. It’s huge, majestic, and stands proudly right by the Danube.
📏 The Parliament is actually the tallest building in Budapest, tied only with St. Stephen’s Basilica, both standing exactly 96 meters high. This number honors the year 896, marking the beginning of Hungarian history — the conquest of the Carpathian Basin.
In Budapest, no other building can legally be taller than 96 meters, protecting the city’s historic skyline.
💡 Tip: Visit both during the day and again at night — the building lights up in golden tones, reflecting on the river like a dream.
✨ A detail you might notice: At night, above the Parliament, you might see what look like tiny stars dancing in the sky. But they’re not stars — they’re birds, mostly black-headed gulls, flying under the city lights. The reflection on their wings makes them look like glowing dots in the night.
👞 Shoes on the Danube Bank
This is not just a monument — it’s a feeling. Right on the riverbank, you’ll see iron shoes lined up: men’s boots, women’s heels, children’s tiny shoes.
They’re a memorial to Jewish victims of World War II, who were shot by the Arrow Cross militiamen and fell into the river. Before being killed, they were told to remove their shoes — valuable at the time.
Created in 2005 by Gyula Pauer and Can Togay, it’s simple yet powerful. You’ll often see flowers and candles left by visitors.
⛪ St. Stephen’s Basilica
Grand on the outside, breathtaking inside — and home to Hungary’s first king, Stephen I. His mummified right hand, known as the Holy Right, is kept in a golden shrine inside.
The dome is also 96 meters high, matching Parliament to symbolize the balance between church and state.
💡 Tip: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Budapest. If possible, attend a classical music concert inside for an unforgettable experience.
🌉 Széchenyi Chain Bridge
The first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest, opened in 1849. By day it’s beautiful, by night it’s magical.
Urban legend says the sculptor forgot to carve the lions’ tongues — and when a child pointed it out, he jumped into the river (spoiler: not true, but fun to tell!).
💡 Tip: Walk across at sunset for the breeze and golden light over the Danube.
🏰 Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church
Fisherman’s Bastion looks like it came from a fairytale, with seven towers representing the seven Hungarian tribes of 896.
Next to it, Matthias Church stuns with its colorful tiled roof.
💡 Local Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and magical light.
Upper balconies require a small fee, but much of the area is free.
👑 Buda Castle
On Castle Hill since the 13th century, rebuilt many times, now home to the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, and National Library.
💡 Tip: Walk up for free, take the funicular for the experience, or accidentally end up on stairs because of Google Maps 😅
The view from the top is unreal.
🌺 Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár)
An underrated spot at the base of Castle Hill — peaceful gardens, arcades, and great views. Less crowded than the castle, perfect for slow strolls.
🎡 Ferris Wheel of Budapest (Budapest Eye)
In Erzsébet Square — worth a ride at least once, especially at night for city lights.
🌉 Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd)
Beloved green bridge connecting Gellért Hill to the Central Market Hall. In summer, locals sit on the beams to watch the sunset.
🌿 Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
Budapest’s peaceful heart — with gardens, ruins, a tiny zoo, musical fountains, thermal pools, and a running track.
🏞️ Citadella
On Gellért Hill with the best panoramic view in Budapest. The Liberty Statue here is a national symbol of freedom.
🏛️ Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere)
With the Millennium Monument and statues of Hungary’s founders. Behind it: Vajdahunyad Castle.
🕌 Dohány Street Synagogue
Europe’s largest synagogue — with the Tree of Life memorial for Holocaust victims.
🎭 Hungarian State Opera
One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Tours available during the day.
📚 Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
Once a palace, now one of the most beautiful libraries you’ll ever see.
🖼️ Museums in Budapest You Can’t Miss
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Hungarian National Museum
- Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hungarian National Gallery
- House of Music Hungary
- Museum of Ethnography
💡 Note: Some museums in Budapest offer free entry on special national holidays — always check the official websites before your visit.
This section was about some touristical and architectural places, museums, and libraries.
But if you are looking for more activities to do in Budapest, ideas for day trips from Budapest, wondering culture and cuisines and looking for recommendations or even tips on traveling to other cities from here, or if you want to know more about me you can check the links below to my other blog pages I created especially for that. Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you liked it and helped to plan your trip. For more stay tuned!
You can see reach other things in Budapest from here.
Disclosure
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click them and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places, services, and products I genuinely love. All opinions and photos are my own.
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