Welcome to Budapest, the unique capital of Hungary! Due to its beautiful buildings, ancient heritage and lively culture, Budapest has many places to visit. If you love history, paintings or just want to enjoy local life, Warsaw won’t disappoint you. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top places in Budapest so you can map out your trip.

1. Buda Castle

Standing on top of a hill beside the Danube, Buda Castle is part of the Budapest skyline and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The Royal Palace, another name for the palace, includes several museums, among them the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. Walk slowly around the castle area, enjoy the beautiful view of the city and look through the exhibitions to discover what made the city great. The Baroque exterior of the castle, decorated with fascinating courtyards and statues, displays centuries of royal history from Hungary. Tourists can take a funicular ride up from the riverbank to the castle, giving them great views along the way.

2. Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is located beside Buda Castle and provides visitors with a fairytale experience because of its neo-Gothic design and lovely views. The seven towers on this terrace-like building show which seven Magyar tribes founded Hungary. Scale the towers, explore the sculpted parapets and take lovely pictures of the Danube, Chain Bridge and Pest. White stone and beautiful carving turn the bastion into a place of wonder and at sunset, you can see the city lights starting to shine. A number of cafes nearby provide a comfortable place to enjoy the views.

3. Hungarian Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament Building is among the best-known sights in Budapest. A shining example of Gothic Revival, the building sits by the Danube and catches people’s heads with its beauty and detailed ornamentation. Get know the palace from the inside by joining a guided tour, see the Hungarian Crown Jewels and find out about the country’s political background. Hungary’s talented architects are reflected in the building’s 691 rooms, large staircase and lavish Session Hall. The tours are offered in different languages, so booking ahead is advised because they are very popular.

4. Széchenyi Spa

Many tourists come to Budapest for its thermal baths and Széchenyi Thermal Bath is both large and popular. You can try the naturally heated pools, spend time in the saunas and steam rooms and benefit from a quality spa treatment for the most relaxing time. The wonderful architecture of the facility makes it more attractive, mixing pleasurable experiences with cultural insights. You will find 18 gorgeous swimming pools inside and outside the yellow and elegant neo-Baroque building. It is said that the mineral content in the water aids arthritis which is why breaking your journey here is both helpful and relaxing.

5. St. Stephen’s Basilica

Neoclassical in style, St. Stephen’s Basilica is dedicated to Hungary’s first king and is located in the middle of Budapest. Visit the stunning dome, admire the many detailed interiors and enjoy the wide views from the roof observatory. If you’re in luck, you could see an organ concert or join a church service, making your visit more personal. Basilica is celebrated for its valuable treasury and intriguing mummified relic of St. Stephen, as well as for its huge, 96-meter dome. With all the cafes and street acts surrounding it, the square contributes to the active mood of the place.

6. Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is an important part of Budapest and the biggest square in the city. The square, chiefly defined by the Millennium Monument, is also decorated by statues of important Hungarian leaders and historical greats. If you want to find out more about Hungarian art and culture, visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art by the square. Thanks to its large and grand architecture, the square is often chosen for celebrations and close access to City Park gives visitors a chance to relax after a day of sightseeing.

7. Big and bustling market is the symbol of this city.

The Great Market Hall, at the end of Váci Street, is a wonderful place for a satisfying culinary trip. Explore all the stalls for fresh food, local snacks and handmade objects. Taste the popular goulash soup and get some Hungarian paprika, so you can relive the city’s flavors when you’re home. Thanks to its neo-Gothic style and diverse roof tiling, the market is lively and attractive. The upper floors host handicrafts and eateries which means visitors can buy and eat everything in one place.

Conclusion

What makes Budapest special is the way history, architecture and culture are mixed there. You can find everything from impressive castles to relaxing spas in the city. Schedule visits to main attractions as well as those less known, to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Alternatively, you can see Buda Castle in the morning and the Great Market Hall in the afternoon or choose to follow a tour of Parliament with a trip to Széchenyi Thermal Bath in the evening. Budapest’s good transport system helps riders get around the city quickly.

Reserve your spot for tours and baths ahead of time, particularly in busy seasons, so you don’t need to wait in long lines. Choose comfortable shoes for walking, since much of Budapest’s sightseeing is done by foot and be sure to check for multi-day festivals in Heroes’ Square. When you take time to explore and visit all the top attractions, your experiences will stay with you for a long time. Have a great time while you are traveling!