Top Attractions in Budapest
Budapest has a wide range of attractions for tourists to go and visit I’ve listed a few favourites and will tell you a little about them.
Buda Castle is a historic fortress complex located on Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary. The castle's origins date back to the 13th century when a fortress was built on the hill by King Béla IV of Hungary. Over the centuries, it has been expanded, destroyed, and rebuilt multiple times.
The castle complex includes the Royal Palace, the Matthias Church, and the Fisherman's Bastion. The Royal Palace, at the heart of the complex, served as the residence of Hungarian kings for centuries. It houses several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, showcasing the country's art and history.
Buda Castle has faced destruction and reconstruction due to wars and occupations, but it remains a symbol of Budapest's rich history and architectural heritage. Today, it's not only a historical site but also a cultural hub, attracting visitors from around the world.
The Fisherman's Bastion is a picturesque terrace located on the Buda Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary. Built between 1895 and 1902, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the Danube River, and the Pest side of Budapest.
The terrace is named after the medieval guild of fishermen who defended this stretch of the city walls during the Middle Ages.
One of the notable features of the Fisherman's Bastion is its white-stoned, decorative parapet with columns and statues, providing a fairy tale-like ambiance. The terrace is a popular destination not only for its architectural beauty but also for its panoramic views, especially towards the Hungarian Parliament building and the Pest side of the city.
Visitors can explore the bastion for free, but there is a fee to access the upper towers for an even more spectacular view. Whether during the day or illuminated at night, the Fisherman's Bastion stands as one of Budapest's iconic landmarks, offering a captivating experience for locals and tourists alike.
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and these rejuvenating havens are an integral part of the city's cultural and social scene. The thermal baths in Budapest are not just about relaxation; they also have a rich history dating back to the Roman era.
One of the most renowned thermal baths in Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, located in City Park. It's the largest medicinal bath in Europe, featuring a stunning neo-baroque architecture. The Széchenyi Bath has various indoor and outdoor pools with varying temperatures, as well as saunas and steam rooms. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a unique bathing experience.
Gellért Baths, situated in the Gellért Hotel, is another iconic thermal bath complex. The Art Nouveau style of the building adds to the charm of the baths. The Gellért Baths feature thermal pools, swimming pools, and additional services like massages and spa treatments.
Rudas Baths, with a history dating back to the 16th century during the time of the Ottoman Empire, is known for its Turkish-style dome and octagonal pool. It offers a traditional Turkish bathing experience with thermal pools of varying temperatures.
Budapest's thermal baths are not only places for relaxation but also cultural and social hubs. They provide a unique opportunity to soak in the city's history while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters. Whether you're seeking relaxation, a social experience, or a taste of history, Budapest's thermal baths have something to offer for everyone.
The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a poignant and moving memorial located on the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. This memorial pays tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, specifically those who were shot and thrown into the river during World War II.
The memorial consists of 60 pairs of rusted iron shoes of various styles and sizes, representing the men, women, and children who were forced to remove their shoes before being shot at the edge of the river. The shoes are lined up along the riverbank, creating a somber and powerful visual impact.
It has become a symbol of Budapest's commitment to honouring the memory of those who lost their lives during one of the darkest periods in history.
