Separated by the big Danube river, with Buda on the west side and Pest on the east side, this dynamic city has earned nicknames like ‘Heart of Europe’, ‘Pearl of the Danube’, and ‘Capitol of Freedom’.
It was the third time for me in Budapest and every one it is a fantastic surprise, new place to see, to love and to discover.
I love the city

in spring, in winter, in summer, every season has always something memorable

In this post you will find a simple guide relative to the places that you must visit if you have tog just a few days.

While it’s fairly easy to get around on foot, some of the more popular attractions are spread across the city, so unless you’ve got plenty of time and like exploring on foot, the best way to explore Budapest is on the tram or taxi too, it is really not expensive.

Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest Parliament is the symbol of Hungarian town and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is located on the bank of the Danube on the Pest side. It is a classic example of neo-gothic architecture, but horizontally developed and integrated by architectural elements of other styles

Chain Bridge, the most famous
The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd in Hungarian), is the oldest bridge and no doubt the best known of Budapest. To connect the two parts of the city, it was chosen the solution of a suspension bridge whose central span between two pylons, was at that time among the largest in the world (202 m long). The bridge entrance is decorated by statues of lions, sculptures, in spite of tradition, are the king of the animals without language. The traffic flows under two arches / of neoclassical pillars, while the sidewalks, at the two poles, pass from the outside of the arches leaning on shelves. It is transformed into a pedestrian zone on holidays.

Buda Castle
Buda Castle (Hungarian: Budavári Palota) is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, and was first completed in 1265.
Buda Castle was built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, bounded on the north by what is known as the Castle District (Várnegyed), which is famous for its Medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century houses, churches, and public buildings. It is linked to Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Admission to the Castle itself is free, (festivals can usually be visited with a day ticket), you’ll have to pay entry fee to the museums and the Hungarian National Gallery (History Museum, Military History Museum, Pharmacy Museum)

Hősök tere
Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere, 1896) is the largest and most impressive square of the city. Located at the end of Andrássy Avenue and next to City Park, Heroes’ Square is one of the most visited sights in Budapest. Surrounded by two important buildings, Museum of Fine Arts on the left and Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) on the right, Heroes’ Square is also a station of the Millennium Underground.

Fisherman’s Bastion
Fishermen’s Bastion (Halászbástya) is only 100 jaar oud, and is a favorite lookout. In medieval times, the fish market was nearby and the bastion was built to commemorate the fishermen who protected this part of the city. The seven tent-like turrets symbolize the seven Hungarian tribes that arrived to the Carpathian Basin in 896.
Getting to Fishermen’s Bastion: Take the Funicular from Chain Bridge, the public bus serving Castle Hill called Várbusz from Moszkva tér or one of the many paths leading up to Castle Hill

Citadella
It ‘a beautiful walk to do in Budapest because by so’ called “Citadel” will enjoy the most beautiful and impressive views of this wonderful city

House of Terror (house of dark history)
House of Terror is a museum located at Andrássy út 60 in Budapest. It contains exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary and is also a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured or killed in the building.

Hungarian State Opera House
Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház in Hungarian) is one of the greatest examples of neo-Renaissance architecture.
It is a Pest in Andrássy út 20

Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue, recognized as a World Heritage Site, was built to connect the city center with City Park (Városliget). Construction began in 1872, and the avenue was inaugurated in 1885. Its Eclectic Neo-Renaissance palaces and houses were built by the most distinguished architects of the time. Aristocrats, bankers, landowners and noble families moved in. The iconic avenue was named after Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy, a key advocate of the project.
Andrássy Avenue is great for walks alongside the beautiful turn-of-the-century buildings or people watching in one of the many cafés. It’s a long avenue, however the Millennium Underground Railway runs beneath it, should you feel tired. The State Opera House is one of the most famous tenants on Andrássy, but the avenue is also home to many upscale boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Burberry and Gucci, and to several other attractions.

Matthias Church
The historic Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) is over 700 jaar oud. The church was the scene of several coronations, including that of Charles IV in 1916, the last Habsburg king. It was also the venue for the great Hungarian King Matthias’ two weddings, hence its name.
Every year, the church hosts several concerts featuring Hungarian and foreign musicians. One of the most popular concert series is called the “Sunday Organ Nights at the Matthias Church”.

Margitsziget Island (in the middle of Budapest but better in spring or summer)
Margaret Island is an island in the Danube, 2,500 meters long, 500 meters wide, with an area of about 96 hectares, is green island in the heart of Budapest. Surely it is one of Budapest’s attractions to see.
The island is mostly occupied by a crowded park in the summer months, a favorite place on weekends for picnics. There you can also visit the ruins of the Dominican convent and a Franciscan church. Do not miss the small zoo, a rose garden and the rock garden. On the island there are also several sports facilities, including a running track and an outdoor swimming pool Palatinus.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath
One of the largest bath complexes of Europe in Budapest. Healthcare and wellness services in 21 pools. Saunas, aquafitness, aerobics, gym.

Vaci utca

shopping hungarian typical products

Szentendre (little town near Budapest)

Gozsdu-Udvar
many pubs in the same place but different style

Budapest Christams Market
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival perfect if yoyu want to buy something unique and original for your XMas gifts.
From 11 November 2016, Vörösmarty Square, a lovely plaza in the heart of the city, turns into a festive market place.
The location is ideal; the Square is in the heart of the city at the end of Váci utca, right in front of the prestigious Gerbeaud Coffee House.
Cottage-style wooden stalls and two outdoor stages take over one of Budapest’s most attractive spots during the couple of weeks preceding the end of the year holidays. You can smell the scent of traditional honey cookies, mulled wine, cinnamon and fir from afar and enter in the Christmas atmosphere.

Met liefde,
Nicky