Hungary’s fascinating capital, Budapest, is a city of history, culture and stunning architecture. Divided into Buda and Pest by the approximately 400-meter-wide Danube, the city offers an impressive variety of sights and attractions.

Here is a list of the top 10 sights for visitors to Budapest:

Buda Castle and Castle Hill
Situated on Castle Hill, Buda Castle is a historic royal palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle complex houses several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the History Museum. In addition to the cultural highlights, the panoramic view from Castle Hill over Pest and the Danube is also magnificent. The castle can be reached from the Danube below by cable car.

Parliament
One of Budapest’s landmarks, the Hungarian Parliament building is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. The colorful facade of the building, located on the banks of the Danube, is best admired from a river cruise. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the interior of the building and the crown jewels of Hungary. Book a tour in advance to avoid long queues.   >>> Tickets should be purchased online in advance using this link

Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion is located on Castle Hill near Buda Castle and offers one of the best views of the city, especially of the Parliament building across the river. The neo-Gothic terrace with its fairytale towers and corridors is a popular spot for photographers.

Buy tickets for the Great Synagogue in advance: Since a lot of tourists come to the synagogue, the queues at the ticket office can be very long. That’s why more and more visitors are buying the entrance tickets. Tickets and more information are available on this link

St. Stephen’s Basilica
Named after Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the great church in Budapest. The interior of the cathedral is impressive with magnificent frescoes. Don’t forget to climb the dome or take the elevator to enjoy a great view of the city. Visit a classical concert in the cathedral and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere.   >>> Tickets for organ concerts should be purchased online in advance using this link

Tickets for Budapest’s main church are available online with and without the dome. (around 8 euros or 19 euros if purchased online). There are also guided tours of St. Stephen’s Basilica for 15 euros including admission. You can buy such tickets on the well-known website Getyourguide: Link to Getyourguide

Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Budapest is famous for its thermal springs, and the Szechenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest and most popular public baths in Europe. The magnificent thermal complex in the City Park has 18 pools.   >>> Tickets for the pool should be purchased online in advance using this link

Heroes’ Square and City Park
Heroes’ Square, a symbol of national pride, is the largest and most important square in Budapest. It is home to the Millennium Monument, statues of Hungarian heads of state such as kings, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The City Park, also known as the City Forest, just behind the square, is a peaceful retreat with a lake, promenade, and attractions such as the Vaida Hunyad Castle, the Szechenyi Swimming Pool described above, and the Budapest Zoo.

Chain Bridge
Completed in 1849, the Szechenyi Chain Bridge is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks. The suspension bridge connects Budapest to Pest and is a breathtaking sight, especially when lit up at night. Crossing the bridge on foot is a must in Budapest. Stop at both ends of the bridge for beautiful views of the river and the city.

Market Hall
For a taste of local culture and cuisine, visit the Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok), Budapest’s largest and oldest market. Here you’ll find traditional Hungarian products such as paprika, sausages and Tokaji wine. Upstairs there are great and inexpensive restaurants as well as souvenir stalls. Try local delicacies such as goulash or langos (fried dough) at the food stalls.

Shoes on the Danube Memorial
The Shoes on the Danube is a moving memorial along the Danube commemorating the Jews executed in World War II. The simple but striking iron shoes placed along the river bank are a poignant reminder of the city’s dark past.

Matthias Church
The Matthias Church is the second oldest church in Budapest and stands in the middle of the Castle Hill. The colorful roof tiles are famous. The coronations of many Hungarian kings took place in the Matthias Church.

You can see many of Budapest’s sights very well from the Danube. It is a good idea to book a boat tour on the Danube at the beginning of your trip to get an overview. This only costs around 12 euros online on the great ticket website Getyourguide: Link to booking

Top 50 sights in Budapest

Here is a longer list of the 50 most important sights in the capital of Hungary. Every visitor to Budapest has different interests. Find out what you want to see.

Buda Castle
Fisherman’s Bastion
St. Matthias Church
Hungarian Parliament Building
St. Stephen’s Basilica
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Heroes’ Square
Vojdahunyad Castle
Chain Bridge
Gellert Hill
Statue of Liberty
Great Synagogue Dohany Street
Central Market Hall
Margaret Island
Rudas Thermal Bath
Gellert Thermal Bath
Hungarian National Museum
House of Terror
Andrassy Street
Opera House
Hungarian National Gallery
Budapest History Museum
Palace of Arts (MÜPA)
Ludwig Museum
Aquincum Museum
Margaret Bridge
Liberty Bridge
Castle Garden Bazaar
Art Hall
Ethnographic Museum
University of Fine Arts
Tram line 2 along the Danube
Sandor Palace
Budapest Eye (Ferris wheel)
Church of Mary Magdalene
Elizabeth Bridge
Museum of decorative art
New York Café
Batthyány Square
Lukács Thermal Baths
Labyrinth under Buda Castle
Millennium Park
Deák Ferenc Square
Margaret Square in Buda
Széll Kálmán Square
Orczy Garden
Palatine Beach (on Margaret Island)
Budapest Jazz Club
Aquaworld Budapest