TOP 5 PLACES YOU MUST SEE WHEN VISITING BUDAPEST
Thinking about the most interesting attractions of Budapest, it is difficult not to agree that there are so many of them that one weekend is not enough to visit them all. TOP in this case means therefore the best of the best, in terms of splendor and originality. This is usually associated with a large number of tourists, as it happens in popular places, which is why below you will also find a few less popular ones, at least at first glance, that delight mostly natives, but also those more inquisitive tourists.
Budapest began to transform into a metropolitan city relatively late, only at the turn of the 19th and 20th century, during the settlement with Austria. During this period, most of the buildings in the Hungarian capital were created, characterized by pomposity resulting from the reawakened national pride, and mixing styles by architects, including Gothic, Renaissance and Classicist.
Budapest can boast of more than one hundred museums, galleries and exhibition halls, so if you're interested in art, you must come here. Thanks to the stylistic mix, the city has become the cradle of eclecticism. However, you can not fail to notice the remains of the former times of occupation, after which the majority of the city still has to cope with the lack of financial resources to renew it.
1. CASTLE HILL
Located in the 11th district: one of the most prestigious in the metropolis, it delights with the diversity of styles, fascinating buildings and underground caves, of which a small part has been made available to tourists. The hill is best seen on the section between the royal palace and the Matthias Church. The most beautiful panorama of the city stretches from the Fisherman's Bastion.
The Budyan Maze is underground corridors, hollowed out in rocks at a great depth. They can be visited daily between 9:30 and 19:30, and from 18:00 the effect is enhanced by a visit with an oil lamp.
The royal palace was the first such impressive building in Hungary. He was demolished three times, he took his last and present form after World War II, when it was also discovered many remains of a medieval castle, which was modeled during reconstruction. The palace currently houses the National Gallery, the National Library and the Museum of the History of Budapest. Dworski's splendor can be admired daily from 9:30 to 19:30.
2. MARGARET ISLAND
The name of the island comes from Princess Margaret, who for twenty years lived in the monastery built here by her father, thanks to which she survived during the Mongol invasion.
Currently, this 2.5 km long and 500 meters long park on the Danube is a favorite place for rest of Budapest's residents. There is a total ban on car traffic on the island, which is why you can meet many walkers, rollerbladers and jogging fans. In warm days various outdoor concerts and festivals take place.
Noteworthy is also the Palatinus swimming pool, opened in 1919 (admission is approx. EUR 10) and the beautifully blossoming garden in June.
You can get to the island by the Arpada Bridge, where buses 26 and 106 run, and from the Margaret Bridge take tram no. 4 and 6.
3. ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA
Basilica of St. Stefan is located in the 5th district in the center of Budapest and is the largest Hungarian church that can gather over 8,500 faithful. Its characteristic 96-meter-long dome, which in the mid-nineteenth century collapsed, destroying the half-completed temple, is also a fantastic viewpoint of the city. To get there, you can use a certain height from the elevator, and then climb to the top of the stairs.
Under the basilica, a fully automated underground car park was built, which puts the car back in its parking place, and then it is delivered to the driver. It has over 400 cars.
4. PARLIMENT
This is one of the most interesting buildings in Budapest. It has 27 gates, 29 staircases and almost 700 rooms! It can be visited only in a group with a guide who guides you around the building, among others in English and German. To avoid queues, it is best to book a date in advance, e.g. on the website HERE.
5. Hősök tere
t is the largest square in Budapest, perfectly combining national pride with aesthetics. In the middle of the square there is a column with Saint. Gabriel Archangel, who according to the legend appeared to the first Hungarian king, Stefan, and to recommend him to convert Christianity to the pagan Magyars.
If you are not eager to explore and do not necessarily fascinate you with the history of other countries, the above places are one of the most interesting in Budapest, which every tourist arriving to him should see. The capital of Hungary is obviously not only monuments and national pride. It is also open, cheerful people, excellent cuisine and the cultural center of this country. Currently, Budapest is at your fingertips, thanks, among other things, cheap flights, so you should visit the city even at the weekend. More information, how to organize a trip and what to look for, you will find in my previous post HERE.
I promise you that you will spend wonderful time in Budapest, regardless of the season or weather. Do not forget to share your impressions in the comments! : D