Coming to Budapest and wonder what are the most important attractions to see when in town? We have created a list telling you what are the top five Budapest attractions.
The attractions on this list are things to see, which means that we have not included activities and programs. These are buildings and landmarks that you simple need to see, because they are stunning and because if you do not see them, you can not return home claiming to have seen the most important sights in Budapest. So here we go, our top five Budapest attractions.
Top five Budapest attractions
St. Stephens Basilica
We have always been big fans of the St. Stephens Basilica. It has a beautiful exterior and interior. From the square outside the church it is possible to make magnificent pictures, from the dome you can enjoy the best view available on the Pest side, and inside you can enjoy the mixture of prayer, organ music and beautiful paintings, sculptures and much more!
Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament might be the most impressive of all buildings in Budapest. It is located by the Danube and it reminds quite a lot about the Parliament in London. As you watch the building from the outside you will be extremely impressed, but do not make the mistake to think that you have seen it once your bus or taxi has driven next to it during daytime. It is when the lights are turned on in the evening it turns into one of the most beautiful buildings Europe has to offer.
Heroes Square
If you want an introduction to the history of Hungary, bring a guide book or a guide with you to the Heroes Square. The square is beautiful both during daytime and nighttime, but be aware of the fact that in the hottest months it is hard to be out on the square for more than 5-10 minutes. The monuments and the statues at the square are delightful, and the two wonderful museums at both sides of the square just gives a plus to it all.
Chain Bridge
If you buy a postcard from Budapest, it is very possible that the Chain Bridge is the landmark you will see on it. The bridge is first of all a favorite object to photograph when it is illuminated in the evening, and it is also the oldest bridge connecting Pest with Buda. Beautiful, and almost impossible to miss out on when in Budapest.
Castle Hill
The fifth and last attraction on our list of the Top five Budapest attractions is the Castle Hill. We realize that the Castle Hill in fact is a hill and not one attraction, so it is kind of tricky. However, as we write the Castle Hill as an attraction it includes the castle building itself, but also the Matthias Church and the Fishermens Bastion.
The best route to see these five attractions
If you decide to see all these five attraction on one and the same little trip on your own, then we recommend the following route.
- Start your tour at the Heroes Square
- Take the yellow metro or walk your way down the Andrassy avenue to the St. Stephens Basilica
- Continue towards the Chain Bridge and walk across it
- Walk on foot or use the funicular to get to the Castle Hill
- Walk from the Castle towards the Trinity square (Szentharomsag ter)
- Enjoy the view of the Matthias Church and the Fishermens Bastion
- Walk to the top of one of the viewing points at the Fishermens Bastion and see the beautiful Parliament from there.
Enjoy your trip and if you have further thoughts and advices, just write a comment!
Hi. Your recommended walking route has been really helpful as I am planning a trip in March and was looking for a DIY walking tour. Could you recommend somewhere for lunch near Fisherman’s Bastion that is not too touristy and not too pricey?
There are quite a lot of restaurants in the small streets in the castle area which has fairly good prices, so I suggest you just walk around the area near the Matthias Church, up and down a few streets, and you will for sure find one or more restaurant that will suit your budget.
Thank you!