Budapest travel pictures

Home‎ > ‎Hungary‎ > ‎

Things to see in Budapest

On both sides of the Danube river, the cities of Buda and Pest have merged into Budapest where now about 1.7 million people live. This capital of Hungary is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has many tourist sights of which several are listed as UNESCO world heritage. Influences from many time periods can still be seen today which makes Budapest a city of contrasts.

Cities which have their historical center around a river are usually very attractive and Budapest is no exception. On one side there is Buda castle which looks out over the whole city, the picturesque fisherman's bastion and Gellert Hill. This part can be considered to be more medieval. For a nice view of Budapest a walk up Gellert Hill is recommended. From the top it is possible to see Buda castle on the left side of the river Danube and the St. Stephen's Basilica on the right. The views are well worth the effort. On top there are defense works located which are called the Citadel.

The river Danube can be crossed on the Szechenyi chain bridge which is a typical sight on its own. On the Pest side the two main attractions are the Parliament which has a similar look as the houses of parliament in London and the imposing St. Stephen's Basilica. The Pest side is much different to that of Buda as it feels more like a city where people live and work and has been influenced by architecture from a later period. This contrast of a city built in different times makes Budapest more appealing. Budapest is home to the largest synagogue in Europe which is located on Dohany street. Some other remarkable sights are the New York palace and national opera.

One place which is somewhat out of the city center is heroes square. This is a large empty place with many statues on one side and on the other some buildings such as the museum of fine arts. Behind it is a park where the Szechenyi baths can be found and several other sights.

There are a few day trips possible from Budapest. One of them is Szentendre which is a charming small town which has a Mediterranean feel to it. For those who are into medieval sights must visit Visegrad which is home to an old castle that offers an amazing view over the surrounding scenery. Alternatively visit Godollo where the largest palace of the country can be found.

There is a tram system that gets you around the city and is a great way to get from one side to the other. For some sights walking is necessary but do not forget that the part of Buda is built on some hills. The weather in Budapest is typical for eastern Europe with summers being warm and winters very cold. Spring and fall are still a good time to visit, although you might expect the odd rain shower.

Travel photo gallery of Budapest

New York palace.	Chain bridge crossing the river Danube.	Statue in Buda castle.	The Hungary photo gallery includes only: Budapest.
Gate in Buda castle.	Courtyard in Buda castle.	Matthias hunting fountain in Buda castle.
Fisherman's bastion.	Fortuna Utca.	Fortuna Utca.
Street impression of Fortuna Utca.	Matthias church.	Matthias church in Buda.
The Fisherman's bastion.	Parliament seen from Gellert Hill.	Szabadsag Ter (Freedom Square).
The Great synagogue.	Old historical building in Pest.	Typical architecture seen throughout Budapest.
Historical buildings.	Government building.	Szabadsag Ter (Freedom Square).
Buildings with typical architectural style.	Hungarian Academy of Sciences.	Hungarian parliament building.
Chain bridge.	Chain bridge and parliament seen from Gellert Hill.	Buda castle.
Eugene of Savoy's monument in front of Buda castle.	Eugene of Savoy's monument.	Back of Buda castle.
Gate through Buda castle.	Courtyard of Buda castle.	Statue in Buda castle.
Courtyard of Buda castle.	Entrance to the Adam Clark traffic tunnel under Buda.	Statue of Queen Elisabeth.
Birds eye view on Buda castle.	The liberation monument on Gellert Hill.	Skyline of Budapest.
River Danube and Pest.	Danubius hotel close to the Gellert thermal bath.	Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge) over the river Danube.
Old building.	Inner city Parish church.	Old historical building.
Franciscan church.	Typical church.	Street scene.
Hungarian national opera.	Heroes square.	Museum of Fine Arts, next to the heroes square.
Gardens in front of Szechenyi bath.	Szechenyi bath.	Church in Vajdahunyad castle.
Vajdahunyad castle.	St. Stephens Basilica.	Szabadsag Ter (Liberty Square).
Parliament.	Francis II Rákóczi statue in front of the Parliament.	Kossuth memorial.
Back of the Hungarian parliament.	Monument.	The Hungarian parliament building on the river Danube.
St. Anne church.	King Stephen equestrian monument.	Matthias church.
The courtyard behind Buda castle.	View over Budapest from Gellert Hill.	Anker palace, Desk Ter.
Klotilde Palaces.	Central market hall.	Chain bridge over the river Danube by night.