Budapest is an elegant and culturally vibrant city, boasting Art Nouveau, Baroque and Neoclassical structures dotting its landscape.
City castles and fortresses are worthy of exploration, especially the historic European Castle of Buda with its incredible Neo-Gothic palace – an absolute treasure!
History
Budapest, situated along the Danube in Central Europe, boasts an intriguing and diverse history. First established as a Celtic settlement, later being colonised by Romans before eventually becoming part of Bulgarian kingdom.
There’s much to see and do in Budapest, from relaxing along the Danube to exploring historic castle hill on foot tours. Budapest is an incredible city full of art and culture and should definitely be on your itinerary!
City has an extraordinary and fascinating 2,000 year-long history that dates back to Celtic times. Once Roman forces arrived they transformed it into an important provincial center.
After Romans left, it was invaded by Byzantines and Ottomans before finally becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing metropolises.
Today, Budapest is a bustling metropolis that attracts visitors from across the world. Home to an abundance of historic monuments, museums and galleries that make visiting Budapest worthwhile, Budapest boasts something for every tourist visiting this vibrant city.
Visit the Budapest History Museum to gain an in-depth knowledge of its 2000 year history. The four floors in this institution each showcase different historical eras or periods.
At the south end of Buda Castle is an elaborate museum dedicated to Hungary’s rich cultural history, featuring many rooms that showcase this heritage through Gothic statues, Roman mosaics, and much more.
Climb the castle for breathtaking views over the city and perhaps even take in a peek at the crown jewels or parliament building!
Architecture
Location: At the heart of Budapest lies this historic european castle offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Inspired by Transylvanian architecture, its white stone building combines Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance elements into one breathtaking structure.
Built as part of Hungarian’s Millennium Celebration in 1896, Ignac Alpar designed this stunning castle. Comprising of a museum, palace and towers that can be climbed, its goal was to showcase 1000 years of Hungarian architecture history.
This castle’s main building is modeled on Vajdahunyad Castle in Transylvania, but also contains elements from other Hungarian castles and buildings. A visit here offers visitors an ideal way to spend an hour or so discovering Budapest’s architecture and exploring its sights.
Trinity Square (Szentharomsag ter) on Castle Hill offers another intriguing destination. This central square boasts many significant monuments, such as a Baroque plague column designed by Barbier & Ungleich in 1714.
At the summit of Buda Castle lies Buda Castle, a majestic 18th-century Neo-Baroque palace that serves as home for various museums and cultural institutions. Most remarkable about it is its exterior facade which makes an impactful first impression.
The castle has long been at the center of battles and sieges throughout its long history, yet its grandiose facade still exudes old-world grandeur. Additionally, it hosts several notable museums like Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
After visiting the castle, Margaret Island provides a peaceful retreat and recreational area for locals. Boasting thermal spring-fed medicinal baths and carefully maintained gardens, Margaret Island also contains historical remnants and remnants from past buildings that make for an interesting visit.
Monuments
As an impressive and popular tourist attraction in Budapest, the Historic European Castle stands as one of UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks. Boasting 200 rooms arranged around its central dome 62 meters tall that faces Danube River.
This grand structure, an outstanding example of Hungarian Baroque architecture, served as the royal residence until the 19th century. Today it also serves as home for the Budapest History Museum with four floors dedicated to exhibits from Hungary’s 2000 year history and artifacts spanning this span.
The original castle on this site was constructed during the 13th century. Later in 18th century it was transformed into more palatial design, and used by Emperors from Austria, Hungary, and Italy as their palace.
Today, this church serves as a striking reminder of the power and might of monarchy; it was used for coronation ceremonies under Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1867 (Franz Liszt composed the coronation mass), as well as numerous side chapels including one dedicated to Franz Joseph’s mother as well as a 14th-century Tower Chapel.
Castle Hill boasts some impressive structures, but none more so than its majestic rock chapel. Crafted entirely out of stone and designed in the form of a cross, its distinctive features include its round interior space and elegant spire.
On Castle Hill there are also a host of other monuments worth seeing – some hidden away while others tucked into corners around its historic area.
Vajdahunyad Castle, which looks straight out of a Disney fairytale, is one of Budapest’s must-visit sites. An urban castle that blends Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles together for one incredible panoramic view over Budapest.
Museums
Budapest is known as the ‘Paris of the East’ for good reason: this stunning city features breathtaking architecture that rivals that found anywhere in Europe, while its medieval treasures contribute to Hungary becoming a rising tourism star.
Budapest boasts an array of museums that house unique collections and exhibits, from historic weapons and uniforms, vintage art, and even Hungary’s crown jewels! There’s plenty to keep history buffs busy!
The Hadtorteneti Muzeum is an oasis of military history, featuring vintage weapons and uniforms from past conflicts spanning across Europe and Hungary over its long history. While most displays here focus on major European wars, this museum also contains examples from regional conflicts that have left their mark over time.
Budapest History Museum provides an impressive journey through two millennia of Hungarian history, starting from its medieval origins up until today’s vibrant metropolis. Situated directly east of Royal Palace, this engaging attraction makes an excellent way to pass an hour or so and learn how Budapest grew into the vibrant metropolis it is now.
For an exciting adventure, visit Fisherman’s Bastion in Neo-Romanesque style built between 1895 and 1902. With towers, courtyards, colonnades, walls and stunning views over the Danube River this impressive structure offers visitors spectacular sights.
Miniversum Budapest provides an incredible, enjoyable day trip for kids of all ages. Here you’ll discover an intricate scale model of Budapest and its environs, complete with over 100 miniature trains running at any one time – providing an ideal opportunity to see all of its main monuments while simultaneously learning more about Hungary’s rich heritage.
Food & Drink
Budapest offers plenty of delicious food and drink, especially when staying in one of its historic hotels. Some of the city’s finest restaurants can be found in its castle district where visitors can sample regional specialities in an intimate atmosphere.
The castle offers stunning views over the city from various vantage points. However, visitors will also find attractions and museums within this area to visit.
Vajdahunyad Castle, built in 1905 and still maintaining a whimsical Disney aesthetic with towers, parapets and conical roof reminiscent of those seen on animated Disney films, makes an interesting stop-off.
On a clear day, this place can offer beautiful views of Budapest and the Danube River. As its size isn’t particularly extensive, you could easily spend several hours wandering its charming streets.
Whilst visiting the Castle District, don’t miss the chance to try a chimney cake (kurtoskalac). You’ll likely find them for sale along the streets – they are irresistibly delicious.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, The Pavillion de Paris offers exquisite garden dining in an atmospheric French environment. Although prices might seem higher than other venues, this romantic garden restaurant is definitely worth experiencing!
If you enjoy drinking, be sure to visit one of Budapest’s many ruin bars. There are dozens of them, but Szimpla Kert stands out among the crowd as an especially fun place for meeting friends while tasting some of their signature beverages!
