Hungary's capital city Budapest is actually made up of 3 unified cities, with Buda and Obuda on the west bank of the Danube and Pest on the east bank. Budapest , is one of the most culturally important metropolises in Eastern Europe, and much of the city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site statues.
As majority of the sites where far away from each other me and my partner decided to invest in a two day hop on, hop off bus tour which included a river cruise all for €28.80 per person.
There's a wide range of different things for visitors to do and see, from museums to thermal spas, so everyone should be able to do something that tickles their fancy.
Below are some of the best things to do in Budapest:
1. Parliament Building
This was by far my favorite building of the whole tour. Not only is it the largest building in Hungary but it’s the world's third largest parliament building which was built in 1886 to mark the country's 1,000th anniversary. Tours of the building are available daily, and run in different languages.
2. Heroes' Square
Is one of the major squares in Budapest, noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as Memorial Stone of Heroes.
3. St. Stephens Basilica
The Basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in Hungary, and visitors to the reliquary can see the mummified right hand of Stephen, first king of Hungary. As this is a holy site, visitors are asked to keep their knees and shoulders covered. One of the best things to do here, is to take one of the two elevators which will take you to the cupola for a 360-degrees view over the city and the Danube.
4. Hungarian State Opera House
As impressive inside as it is on the outside, the Hungarian Opera House is a must-see when in Budapest. The 1200 seat auditorium is considered to be one of the best in the world for operatic performances and it is well worth it to buy a ticket to a show. Ticket prices start from as low as 500ft. If you cannot find the time
to see a show, guided tours of the Opera
House are available during the day.
5. Ecseri Flea Market
On the outskirts of the city you'll find this fantastic flea market where you're sure to find a bargain. It is possible to pick up different treasures from here, although you may need to search through stalls full of things.
6. Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Topping the list of these impressive structures is the 18th-century Buda Castle, a massive 200-room palace that replaced a 13th-centrury castle built to protect the stronghold from Mongol and Tartar attacks.
7. Liberty Statue
The Liberty Statue of Freedom Statue is a monument on the Gellért Hill in Budapest. It commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom and prosperity of Hungary. The panoramic views from underneath the statue are unparalleled, and help to make the walk to the top of the hill well worth it.
8. The Danube Promenade
The Danube flows through Budapest from north to south, and in some places within city boundaries is as much as 640 meters wide. It is also on these banks that you'll find the chilling Shoes of the Danube Bank memorial, a series of 60 pairs of steel sculpted shoes commemorating Jews shot here by the Nazis. It's a moving reminder of the Nazi atrocities suffered by Hungary in World War II.
9. Exploring GellértHill
Another of Budapest's most striking features is the panoramic Gellért Hill, a 235-meter block of dolomite that falls steeply down to the Danube. On the Hill's northeast slope is the Gellért Monument, a tribure to Hungary's beloved famous saint.
10. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
After a long day of sightseeing our bodies were ready for a well deserved spa day. Budapest is well-known worldwide for its incredible thermal springs which are an opportunity for locals as well as tourists, to relax and rejuvenate in the thermal baths. Established in 1913, its supplied with two thermal springs; its also the biggest such facility in Europe, capable of handling thousands of bathers at a time in its three outdoor pools and 15 indoor pools. In addition, guests can enjoy its saunas and steam rooms, as well as spa services including massages.
Thank you!