Budapest Travel Guide 2024: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions, Experience the Romantic Charm of the Danube Riverbank!

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is divided into two districts, Buda and Pest, by the Danube River. This city, known as the "Pearl of the Danube", boasts a wealth of historical and cultural heritage and captivating architectural landscapes. Here are 10 must-visit attractions in Budapest to fully experience the charm of this city!

Fisherman's Bastion is located on the Castle Hill side of Buda, built between 1895 and 1902. It's a mixed-style lookout tower combining Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque elements. Although named "Bastion," it was never used for defense but served as a place of rest and to enjoy the view. The white towers and arcades of Fisherman's Bastion, paired with blue roofs, create a fairytale-like dream scene. From here, you can overlook the Danube River and Pest across the river, admiring the panoramic view of Budapest.

The Parliament Building is the seat of the Hungarian Parliament and one of Budapest's landmark buildings. Built between 1885 and 1904, it is the third largest parliament building in the world, measuring 268 meters long, 123 meters wide, and with a central dome that reaches 96 meters high. The exterior of the Parliament Building is majestic and magnificent, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. At night, the Parliament Building, illuminated by lights, appears even more imposing.

Buda Castle, located on the castle hill overlooking Buda, was once the residence of the Hungarian royal family. Today, Buda Castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. The castle complex mainly includes the palace, the royal garden, and Matthias Fountain, among others, blending Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical styles. Climbing up to the castle hill, you can not only visit magnificent buildings but also enjoy the panoramic views of the Danube River and Pest.

The Chain Bridge is the first bridge to span the Danube River in Budapest, connecting the Buda and Pest districts. Built between 1839 and 1849, it is about 380 meters long and a masterpiece of the famous Hungarian architect Istvan Szechenyi. The Chain Bridge features two towers and a suspension structure, which are even more romantic when illuminated at night. Stroll across the Chain Bridge and experience the enchanting charm of the Danube waterfront.

St. Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and the cathedral of the Archbishop of Hungary. Built between 1851 and 1905, it stands at a height of 96 meters, opposite the Parliament building. The exterior of the church is solemn and majestic, while the interior is richly decorated, with frescoes on the ceiling and dome depicting biblical stories. From the viewing platform at the top of the church, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Budapest city.

Hero Square is located in the city center of Budapest, and was built to commemorate Hungarian national heroes. In the center of the square stands a 36-meter-tall Millennium Monument, topped with the angel Gabriel holding a crown and an apostle's cross. On both sides of the monument are semicircular colonnades, which are carved with statues of important figures from Hungarian history. Hero Square is also surrounded by art galleries and museums, making it a great place to learn about Hungarian history and culture.

Váci Street is Budapest's most famous pedestrian street, stretching about 1.5 kilometers long. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Here you can find both international brands and Hungarian specialty stores, making it a great place to shop and enjoy food. The buildings lining the street showcase a variety of architectural styles, from Baroque to Art Nouveau, creating a stunning visual contrast. Take a stroll down Váci Street and experience the urban charm of Budapest.

The Central Market, built in 1897, is the largest indoor market in Budapest. It not only sells fresh produce, meat, spices and other ingredients, but also Hungarian specialty crafts and souvenirs. The second floor is a gathering place for Hungarian restaurants where you can taste authentic dishes such as goulash and steamed chicken dumplings. Stroll through the bustling stalls and feel the strong atmosphere of the market.

Margaret Island is a small island located in the middle of the Danube River, about 2.5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide. The island is lush with greenery and is a popular place for Budapest residents to relax and unwind. It has attractions such as rose gardens, Japanese gardens, fountains, and zoos, as well as a scenic path around the island suitable for jogging and cycling. In summer, the open-air theater and swimming pools on the island are also very popular. Enjoy your leisurely vacation here!

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths, built in 1913, is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe. The new Baroque architecture of the bathhouse is magnificent and grand. Inside, there are many indoor and outdoor hot spring pools with water temperatures ranging from 18 to 38 degrees Celsius. The three outdoor hot spring pools are particularly popular, with chess tables by the poolside for those who want to relax while playing a game. Visiting Budapest and taking a dip in the thermal baths is also a great way to unwind.