Exploring the Buda Side: Must-See Sights in Budapest
If you have the opportunity to visit the amazing capital city of Hungary known as Budapest the fondest must strongly recommend that the traveler give enough time for the Buda side of it. There are a number of interesting historical and cultural sites in Buda side of the Danube River that must be visited. Here is a list of interesting locations that are worth visiting at the Buda side of Budapest starting from castle complexes to thermal baths.
1. Buda Castle
Standing majestically on the top of the Castle Hill, one of the most important attractions of Budapest, Buda Castle is amongst one of the best-preserved landmark and listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its sights include the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, and Matthias Church which is located in the court of the Buda castle. The castle has terrace of isolation that provides beautiful view of the city and the people can move freely in the beautiful lawns and courtyards.
2. Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace that is sited near Matthias Church and offers a splendid view of the Chain Bridge and Pest. This is indeed one of the most significant places through which many people visit Budapest because of its beautiful architecture and fairy-tale like towers. Make sure to pack your camera since there are numerous views on the way up and at the summit.
3. Matthias Church
This is the Matthias Church, inaugurated as the Church of Our Lady and much more than a spiritual institution. It features a highly captivating architectural design, colorful stained glass and beautiful interior. A few moments are needed to recognize the features of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque style all combined to create this outstanding church.
4. Gellért Hill
Strengthening its standing on the hill, Gellert has commanding views of the city that could be gotten by scaling the rocks. The highligh there is the Citadella hill which was constructed by the Habsburgs as a fortress. Get a leisurely walk or hike of the castle hill and one can be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the Danube, Buda Castle and the Parliament.
5. Rudas Baths
While in Budapest, one can not fail to visit the natural hot thermal baths that are found in the city. A visit to the Rudas Baths which were originally constructed in the 16th century is possible, the building are in the state of art of Ottoman style and atmosphere around it is very calm. This also includes, therefore, thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms and the famous Hungarian spas.
6. Castle Hill Funicular
Among the attractions for travelers that would like to have a retro feel of the old times, there is the Castle Hill Funicular. This beautiful cable railway runs from Adam Clark Square to the Castle District to enable accessibility to those who desire to go to the top of Castle Hill.
7. Margaret Island
To have a breath-taking view and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, one can visit Margaret Island. This concrete pedestrian island in the middle of the Danube River can be used simply for leisure where people can take a stroll or have a dinner or even take a stroll and do some jogging or have a picnic. There is a musical fountain, an attractive Japanese garden or just the really scenic area that offers quite a relaxing atmosphere.
8. Matthias Fountain
Being situated near Matthias Church, the Matthias Fountain is considered to be a major sightseeing destination. This attractive fountain presents a scene of the hungarian Gypsy hunters and it is one of the well-known places to visit and to relax for both: tourists and hungarians. So much care has been taken in carving the statues; one can take sometime to appreciate the art and architecture of this wonderful historical site.
9. Batthyány Square
Batthyány Square is an ideal point of departure since it represents one of the major transportation centres on the Buda side. You can simply take a walk along the bank of Danube or one of the popular river cruises to see the sites from water. Batthyány Square also boasts a wonderful market place where one can eat traditional food and get some souvenirs.
10. Hungarian National Gallery
The Hungarian National Gallery is situated within the complex of Buda Castle and offers visitors a chance to explore Hungarian art from the medieval times up to the contemporary art. Visit the numerous exhibitions and feel the spirit of the country art making . This is mouth-watering, striking to a better place, especially if you take into account the fact that this gallery is located at the castle.
While in Budapest you should spare sufficient time for the Buda side of the city. The place is a historical one that is full of architectural structures and beautiful sights that are eye-popping you ’ll be captivated. From the historical Buda Castle to relaxing, beauty of Margaret Island, the Buda side of Budapest has so much to offer.
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