A QUICK GUIDE TO THE BEST BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING!
1 minute tour guide to a perfect sightseeing experience!
CHECK OUT THE SIGHTSWE COMPILED A LIST OF THE MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR THE MOST EFFICIENT BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCE!
Budapest offers countless fantastic attractions that you shouldn’t miss when you visit the city! To save you hours of searching the internet, we’ve put together a short list of 14 not-to-be-missed sights!
You will find our list of the best sights to see in Budapest below!
LIBERTY STATUE
The Liberty Statue is an iconic landmark and symbol of Budapest. The 14 meters high bronze statue stands atop Gellért Hill, its location makes it a prominent feature of Budapest’s cityscape. It is visible from practically everywhere in the city. The sculpture depicts a woman holding a palm branch in her raised hand, a symbol of victory and peace. The statue commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary. It was designed by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Stróbl in 1947.
HUNGARIAN PARLIMENT
The Hungarian Parliament is Hungary’s most iconic and largest building, it is part of the world heritage. The building is located on Kossuth Square in the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the Danube. The Parliament is a beautiful neo-Gothic building with a stunning symmetrical facade and a central dome. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hungary, and it is also the seat of the country’s government. It was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl and opened in 1902.
BUDA CASTLE DISTRICT
Buda Castle sits on the southern tip of Castle Hill and it is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. It was first completed in 1265, but the massive Baroque palace today occupying most of the site was built between 1749 and 1769. The castle and its gardens have been decorated with works of art since their foundation in the 14th century. It now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
FISHERMAN'S BASTION
Fisherman’s Bastion is located near Buda Castle, in the 1st district of Budapest. It is one of the most important tourist attractions due to the unique panorama of Budapest from the Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces. The main façade, parallel to the Danube, is approximately 140 meters long. Its seven high-pitched stone towers symbolize the seven chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895.
LIBERTY BRIDGE
The Liberty Bridge is the shortest bridge in Budapest’s city center. It was built at the end of the 19th century and it features art nouveau design, mythological sculptures and the country’s coat of arms adorned on its side. Although its structure is radically different, the bridge mimicked the general contours of the Chain Bridge. The tops of the pillars are decorated with bronze sculptures of turuls, the mythological birds of the Hungarians. It was blown up in World War II by the Germans. It was rebuilt in 1946.
SZÉCHENYI CHAIN BRIDGE
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a chain bridge that spans the River Danube between the western and eastern sides of Budapest. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the modern world’s engineering wonders. It was opened in 1849. The lions at each of the abutments are similar in design to the bronze lions of Trafalgar Square. In World War II, the bridge was blown up by the Germans. It was rebuilt in 1949.
GRESHAM PALACE
The Gresham Palace is an outstanding example of Art Nouveau architecture. It is located along the River Danube, in the 5th district of Budapest, near the Chain Bridge. Originally, the palace served as an office building as well as a residence for senior staff of the Gresham company. During the occupation after World War II, the Red Army used the building as a barracks. Today it is the Four Seasons Hotel Budapest Gresham Palace, a luxury hotel managed by Four Seasons Hotels. The building was built in 1906 according to the plans of Zsigmond Quittner and the Vágó brothers.
GELLÉRT HOTEL AND THERMAL BATHS
Gellért Thermal Baths is a bath complex in Budapest in Hungary. It is part of the famous Hotel Gellért, which is under renovation right now and will be turned into a luxury hotel. The bath was built between 1912 and 1918 in the Art Nouveau style. It is famous for its main hall with a gallery and glass roof. The thermal baths are decorated beautifully with mosaic tiles. References to healing waters in this location are found from as early as the 13th century, a hospital was located on this site during the Middle Ages.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
The Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) is located on the Buda side of the Danube between Szabadság Bridge and Petőfi Bridge. It was founded in 1782 and it was the first institute in Europe to train engineers at university level. Nowadays more than 110 departments and institutes operate within the structure of eight faculties. The university campus is especially long and narrow: walking from one side of it to the other can take as much as 20 minutes.
MÜPA BUDAPEST
The Müpa Budapest (formerly known as Művészetek Palotája, the Palace of Arts) is the youngest multifunctional cultural facility in Budapest, fully adapted to the needs of the early 21st century. It is located next to the National Theatre near Rákóczi Bridge and was built in 2005. MÜPA is huge, it covers a ground area of 10,000 m² and the total floor space of the building is 70,000 m². The building is home to three different artistic disciplines at the same time: music, visual arts and theatre, all of them of a very high standard.
NATIONAL THEATRE
The National Theatre is located next to MÜPA Budapest. It was completed in record time – just 15 months – in 2002. It covers an area of over 20,000 square meters including the open-air stage. In its external appearance, the building resembles a boat on the Danube. Next to the building is a beautiful sculpture park with life-size bronze statues of legendary actors of the recent past, each in a memorable role.
GREAT MARKET HALL
The Great Market Hall is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. The size of the building is 10,000 square meters and is covered by a steel structure. A distinctive architectural feature is the roof which has colorful Zsolnay tiling. The market offers a large variety of stalls on three floors. Most of the stalls offer meats, pastries, candies, spices, and spirits. Many of them have items that are popular with tourists. There are also many eateries and souvenir shops. The building was designed and built by Samu Pecz in 1897.
INNER CITY PARISH CHURCH
Budapest’s Inner City Parish Church is the oldest church in Pest. It is located on the Pest side of the city, near the Elizabeth Bridge. Its foundations rest partly on Roman stones from the 2nd century. Here stood the Contra-Aquincum military fortress, whose command room was located under the present church. A valuable 14th century fresco of the Madonna in the sanctuary is the work of an Italian master. The church was used as a mosque in the 16th century during the Turkish occupation. The lookout tower of the church offers a fantastic view of the Danube and the Buda side, well worth a visit!
BUDAPEST BÁLNA
Bálna is a cultural, catering and commercial centre in the IX district of Budapest, halfway between the Szabadság Bridge and the Petőfi Bridge, directly on the Pest side of the Danube. It is one of the main landmarks of Pest’s Danube shore, with a unique view of the city from inside the building. It is made entirely of glass and is shaped like a whale’s head. It is particularly beautiful in summer when the glass reflects the sun’s rays. It was designed by Kas Oosterhuis and Ilona Lénárd in 2013.
CHECK OUT THESE SIGHTS FROM ABOARD OUR SHIP!
If you are looking for a way to see all of these amazing sights in just one hour, then look no further than our elegant sightseeing cruise ship! You can choose between daytime sightseeing cruises, evening sightseeing cruises and evening sightseeing cruises with live music, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you want to see the cityscape during the day, take in the stunning scenery of Budapest at night, or enjoy a lively atmosphere with fantastic music, our ship is the perfect choice!
RECENT POSTS
Savor the Season: Spring and Summer Cocktails on the Danube
Make your spring in Budapest memorable with a Danube sightseeing cruise! Enjoy seasonal drinks and stunning views from a truly special boat!
Welcome Spring: 7+1 Activities to Celebrate the New Season in Budapest
Explore seven vibrant program alternatives that embrace the spirit of spring, promising excitement, culture, and unique experiences. Plus, enjoy a serene sightseeing boat tour on the Danube, showcasing Budapest’s top attractions! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Ever: A Special Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day plan? Picture a delightful journey along the Danube in Budapest with beauty, elegance, delicious cold plates, and unlimited long drinks for added fun. This offer ensures a blend of romance and excitement, making this year’s celebration extraordinary for you.