Budapest Sights: Top 10 Attractions for First-Time Visitors
Planning a trip to Budapest? Budapest is a beautiful city, well-known for its historic and architectural sights and colored with a rich and very own character. If the guest is interested in history and architecture or if they want to experience the distinctive atmosphere of Budapest, the city will not disappoint them. In this article, we have provided below the details of the best tourist attractions that should not be missed while on a tour in Budapest.
1. Buda Castle
As located on the hills that dominated the Danube River, Buda Castle is one of the most significant symbols of Budapest. This fortress complex is located on the Buda side and visitors can have a great panoramic view of Budapest from and it holds many attractions such as the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. A leisurely tour of the castle area and its environment will definitely provide one with the feel of the castle.
2. Chain Bridge
Chain Bridge is one of the main symbols of Budapest; it links the Gellért Hill, Buda’s highland with the flat territory of Pest. Take a leisurely stroll across this stunning suspension bridge that offers splendid view of the Danube River and the city skyline. Nevertheless the Chain Bridge looks particularly beautiful at night when one can see the exciting sight of it being floodlit.
3. Hungarian Parliament Building
Having no doubt rated as one of the most popular attractions in Budapest, Hungary, the Hungarian Parliament building is a work of art. It is an amazing neo-Gothic building that is difficult not to notice in the skyline; the cathedral gives conducted tours for the people who are interested in seeing its interiors. It would be a mistake not to visit Hungary and, in particular, take a tour of the Hungarian Crown Jewels exhibited in the Hungarian Parliament.
4. St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica was built in neo-classical style and was named in honor to the first king of Hungary. It is advisable to observe the lush domes and carved designs of this magnificent church before entering it. Visit this basilica’s dome to get a bird’s eye view of the area and revellers can further get to watch music performances within the basilica.
5. Fisherman’s Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a magnificent structure with the scenic outlook of Budapest, situated on the Buda side of the city and is indeed reminiscent of a fairy tale. They illustrated seven towers for the respective seven tribes of the Hungarians that moved to the Carpathian basin in the 9th century. Ascend the neo-Gothic balconies and staircases and take a look at the panoramic sea view over the Danube, as well as the city to discover.
6. Heroes’ Square
The Heroes’ Square is one of the largest in Budapest and it is a symbol of the Hungarian history. Located side by side with the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art, it accommodates the statue called Millennium Monument which is symbolizing the country’s most revered national personalities. Have a walk through the compound and admire the majesty of this monument before proceeding.
7. Great Market Hall
Another impressive place to taste a great number of Hungarian meals is the Great Market Hall, which is the biggest and the most popular covered market of Budapest. Browse through a wide array of stalls offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts. While in Budapest, do not hesitate to taste non-other than the Hungarian palinka and also enjoy typical Hungarian dishes like goulash and chimney cake.
8. Margaret Island
Margaratet Island – a picturesque island for recreation during the stay in Budapest without the noise and fuss of a metropolis. This is a green island with many places for recreation activities such as cycling, jogging and having picnicking. This eye-opening place gives you the opportunity to walk through its gardens and fountains as well as explore the remains of a once great civilization.
9. Széchenyi Thermal Bath
It is quite impossible for anyone visiting Budapest to skip the famous bath facilities that are associated with the city. Finally, Széchenyi Thermal Bath situated in City Park is much larger and is one of the most famous thermal spas of the continent of Europe. Feel the warm water and get a health cure in the spas, relax in saunas or just plunge into the magical atmosphere of this famous Hungarian attraction.
10. Dohány Street Synagogue
The next interesting site in Budapest related with Jewish community is theDohány Street Synagogue known also as the Great Synagogue. It is currently one of the biggest synagogues of Europe and it has always been an important Jewish landmark of the city. See the Almohad-Andalusian stucco work, and the history of the Jewish culture in Spain as depicted in exhibits at the Jewish Museum within the walkways of the synagogue and the poignant Holocaust Memorial in the courtyard of the Synagogue.
The following is a list of the top 10 attractions in Budapest that will give you an excellent flavour of the city. However there is no need to do so – Budapest will not cease to surprise you with a number of other attractions! Find time to stroll through its lined streets, have fantastic Hungarian dishes, and feel the depth of culture this place holds. Do not miss the chance to make your visit an extraordinary experience and make you unforgettable memories in Budapest!
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