Visiting options - What TO DO in Budapest
Inner city
Discover the Inner City along the banks of the Danube, with its fashionable shops and iconic buildings. The Inner- City Parish Church and St.Stephen’s Basilica stand out as two of the finest examples of architecture in the area. If you are still hunting for more historical treats, then the ruins of the medieval city walls on Kecskeméti Utca are a must-visit while the Soviet War Memorial is also worthy ofattention and relevant to Hungary’s more recent history. If shopping is on your itinerary, then be prepared: the market squares in this area are an absolute delight, particularly during the Christmas period,but even throughout the year you’ll find the latest trends inthe shops on Vaci Utca.
Jewish Quarter
District VII is the very heart of Budapest and houses the city’s Jewish Quarter. Itsstreets are lively and colorful, its buildingsnarrate different histories in an assortment of architectural styles,and its cafes and bars are frequented and loved by the enthusiastic crowds. Grand and magnificent, the striking star of the district is the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. Distinctly Moorish in style, crowned by the twin onion shaped domes, the Synagogue is the very emblem of District VII and one of the main attractions in the capital.
Buda
The historical center to a city with a multifarious and intricate past, Buda has some of the most outstanding buildings in Europe and an enviable natural landscape with stunning views onto the Danube. Centered around the Royal Palace, it provides a glimpse into the golden years of the Austro- Hungarian empire and the lives led by the aristocracy at the time. Matthias Church, beside the palace, hosted many events attended by the royal family and was the chosen place for the coronation of Franz Josef, one of the Hungarian Habsburg kings. Having admired the palace and the church, a visit to Buda will be unforgettable by the stunning and memorable panorama over Pest offered by the seven towered Fishermen’s Bastion.
Gellért hill
If you want to treat your camera to some amazing scenery, Gellért Hill is a must on your itinerary. Once on top of the hill, you’ll find the Citadel dominate the landscape with its imposing 19th century construction, a site that’s hard to keep your eyes on without being distracted by the phenomenal view over the Danube and the eight bridges crossing.
Parliament tour
Taking 17 years to build and completed in 1902, this neo- Gothic structure was partly inspired by the UK’s Palace of Westminster. British politician- turned-broadcaster Michael Portillo memorably described it as “one of the most beautiful legislatures in the world, a cathedral of democracy.”
Adorned with white neogothic turrets and arches, the Parliament Building has become one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks. When built up, for a time, it was the largest parliamentary building in the world. With 691 rooms and staircases stretching for more than 12 miles (20 kilometers), the building is topped by a dome that sits 226 feet (69 meters) high in the sky.
Opera House
The Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph approved (and partially paid for) the construction of an opera house in the city on the condition that it was no bigger than the one in Vienna. Smaller it may have been, but it was far more opulent. The emperor’s reported reaction on seeing it at the grand opening in 1884 was to mutter, “These Hungarians!” You can visit the ornate building on a tour or, even better, see it while watching an opera or ballet performance. The opera house is on Andrássy út (itself a World Heritage Site), Budapest’s grand boulevard full of high-end shops and other magnificent buildings.
Boat cruises
A river cruise in Budapest will let you see the most fascinating sights of the historical city of Budapest, which is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of East. Take a romantic cruise on the river Danube, and marvel at the genuine beauty, and century old grace of Budapest, Hungary. The river cruise is one of the highlights of many Budapest holidays without a doubt.
The spas of Budapest
No other capital city in the world has as many thermal baths as Budapest. Doing as the Romans did…in this case the story can start here, as it was first the citizens of ancient Aquincum, followed by the Turkish invaders centuries later, who established a major thermal bath culture here. Its traditions are more alive today than ever, as thermal baths are a defining feature of the unique Budapest lifestyle. Over 100 natural springs found throughout the city with waters of varying mineral compositions help us to stay healthy, as they can be used to treat numerous ailments.
A DAY OUT OF Budapest
Szentendre
Szentendre is a small baroque city built on medieval ruins, considered to be the Artist’s Village or the Painters’ Town. Walk around the historical centre and enjoy the cobblestoned narrow streets as well as the baroque houses. You can also visit Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum or the Confectionery Museum with marzipan figures.
Danube bend – an excursion into Hungary’s history
A tour along the “Blue Danube”. Esztergom is used to be the capital of Hungary and is still the centre of the Catholic Church. Visit the largest cathedral of Hungary.
Visegrád: After the Mongol invasion a new fortification was constructed here in the mid-13th century. The top of the hill offers a fascinating panorama on the Danube valley.
Puszta
Spend an unforgettable day in the Puszta. Visit the city of Kecskemét to see nice examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Enjoy a traditional horse show and a carriage ride in the Puszta and have a tasty three-course lunch accompanied by Hungarian gipsy music.
Lake Balaton and Herend
Visit Herend, the world’s largest Porcelain Manufactory, founded in 1826 and get to know about porcelain making technology. Visit the minifactory and the museum where a huge collection of Herend porcelain is exhibited.
Explore Lake Balaton, the largest fresh-water lake of Central Europe, Tihany Abbey and walk along the famous promenade in Balatonfüred, the oldest spa resort in Hungary.
Gödöllő
Explore the beautiful Baroque Palace in Gödöllő, only a 30-minute drive from Budapest, the former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi) and Francis Joseph (Habsburg Emperor & Hungarian King 1867-1916). The interior visit of the Gödöllő Palace gives you a glimpse of times under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You will become acquainted with the secrets of the private life, the hidden doors, rooms and lovers of the royal couple.
Tokaj
Birthplace of Tokaji Aszú, this legendary wine region in north-eastern Hungary. Its a relatively small region of around 5,500 hectares of vineyards which encompasses 27 towns and villages. It was declared one of the first appellations in the world (in 1737!) and has been famous for its Tokaji Aszú, a noble sweet wine, for centuries. Its winemaking culture and traditions are honoured by its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage since 2002.
