What’s so great about Budapest? Everything! From castles to museums to thermal baths, Budapest is a great place to visit. With nearly two million inhabitants, Budapest is the capital of and most populated city in Hungary. From its beginnings as an early Celtic settlement, Budapest became part of the Hungarian empire in the 9th century. Though it has been turned over in power to a few other nations over time, it eventually returned to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which then ended after World War I. Located along the Danube River, Budapest was voted Best European Destination of 2019 by a European Commission tourism partner.
The Danube divides the city’s Buda and Pest sides and is the #2 most recommended sight to see. The second longest river in Europe, the Danube is accessible by boat or by foot. Seeing it on foot is absolutely free, and the Danube Promenade is an excellent vantage point. The #1 most recommended Budapest attraction is the Fisherman’s Bastion, which is also free. Built in 1905, Fisherman’s Bastion is named after a medieval group of fishermen who protected the city from invasion. Though the panoramic sights from this location are amazing, be sure to check out the turrets on-site, too. While at Castle Hill, don’t forget to explore the 13th century Buda Castle, Matthias Church, or the underground labyrinth to Fisherman’s Bastion.
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, a 1,250-foot-long suspension bridge, was built in the 1800s and was mostly destroyed during WWII. It was reconstructed soon after and, today, visitors walk, bike and drive across it. It’s fantastic for photos, especially at night and, from it, you can see the Hungarian Parliament building, one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks. While government business is still conducted here, visitors go to see the Gothic-Revival-style architecture. It also houses the crown jewels of Hungary and is said to be a symbol of democracy and independence.
A soak in a thermal bath is a uniquely Budapest experience, and the city is often called “The City of Spas.” There are more than 100 of these baths throughout the city, and many of them claim to promote relaxation and even healing. After dark, some of them transform into hip dance clubs, so if you’re planning a family bath, be sure to go during the day. If communal bathing is not your thing, consider either the Hungarian State Opera House or the House of Terror Museum. The opera house has been in operation since 1884, and the exterior alone justifies a look, even if you never step foot inside. The House of Terror Museum details Hungary’s horrifying struggles under the fascist and Stalinist regimes. This powerful exhibit has English audio guides available or, with ten-day notice, you can reserve a personal English-speaking tour guide.
Budapest has been transformed from a city that has struggled over the centuries into one that is flourishing in modern times, but there is no shortage of artifacts from the past to see there. History and architecture buffs are sure to be overwhelmed with all there is to see and do, and nature lovers will adore their time on the Danube but, whether indoors or out, Budapest is a city that is definitely worth a visit.
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