Most of the times in our life, we get bored with our daily routine. We want to change our mind and our place to get the most out of our life. If we cannot achieve the goal of change, we cannot achieve anything in our life. Either to accomplish the goal of changing our daily routine, we can start learning about something, or we can improve our place to learn new things. However, we have to make sure that we choose the right topic or the right place to get the knowledge. Talking about the right places, Budapest is the one you can rely on. A Budapest sightseeing tour can bring a lot of positive change in your life.
From ancient times, Budapest has remained a famous city, and this has not changed in modern times. Being the capital of Hungary, Budapest is the most populated city of Hungary. Budapest is the 10th largest city of the European Union, considering the population within the city limits. Budapest is a city and a county and makes the center Budapest metropolitan area. Budapest has an area of 7,626 square kilometers and a population of more than 3 million, containing 33% of the number of inhabitants in Hungary. Going to Budapest sightseeing is one of the best decisions you can make.
The historical backdrop of Budapest started when an early Celtic settlement changed into the Roman town of Aquincum, the capital of Lower Pannonia. The Hungarians reached in the domain in the late ninth century. Budapest was looted by Mongols in 1241. Buda, the settlements on the west bank of the stream, became one of the focuses of Renaissance humanist culture by the fifteenth century.
The Battle of Mohács, in 1526, was trailed by almost 150 years of the rule of Ottoman. After retaking Buda, the city entered into another period of flourishing. Budapest turned into the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, an extraordinary power that broke up in 1918, after World War I. The city was famous during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, the Battle of Budapest in 1945, and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Taking the rich history of Budapest into account, you must go to the Budapest sightseeing to gain knowledge from the past.
However, the glorious past is not the only attractive point to embark a journey on Budapest sightseeing. The modern times also work like a magnet to attract you to a Budapest sightseeing. Budapest is a modern city, having a firm grip on finance, entertainment, business, and technology. Due to its superiority over other cities, Budapest is known as the Heart of Europe. There is no such thing, which you cannot find in the city of Budapest. Be it education, business, or entertainment, you can find everything in the magnificent city of Budapest. If you want to learn the history and the modern world at the same time, Budapest sightseeing can prove to be the best choice of yours.
All of the things mentioned above are so strong and attractive that everyone wants to see the glory of Budapest. If you plan to come on the Budapest sightseeing tour, here you can find what the best places are you can visit.
Castle district and the Danube panorama
On December 11, 1987, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee designated the scenery of the Danube embankments and the Buda Castle District – one of Budapest’s most beautiful and romantic locations – as a World Heritage Site. The latter is an old town district, home to some of Hungary’s most significant historical landmarks. Even though almost 800 years have gone since it was initially established, despite earthquakes, fires, sieges, and world wars, its beauty remains unparalleled. In Budapest, the constructions themselves display marks of contemporary and ancient history. Such beauty makes Budapest sightseeing important for everyone.
Both the Danube’s Pest and Buda embankments, from the Liberty Bridge to the Bridge of Margaret add to the beauty of the city of Budapest. The Castle District has a lot, far more than just an imperial palace or a castle. This is also the location of the historic ancient town district, with various places, which you can admire from the city of Budapest. No one can repel the attraction of Budapest sightseeing.
Visitors get a unique impression that they have moved back in time to a different, utterly tranquil place. The gates of the baroque residential houses conceal historic Roman stones and beautifully sculpted sediles from the knights ‘ times. An organic but different part of the Castle District is the historic Royal Palace and its supply houses. Some of today’s most important cultural institutions have shifted to the Royal Palace, such as the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Hungarian National Library, named after the founder Ferenc Széchenyi. All of these buildings attract visitors from all around the world to Budapest sightseeing.
The most visited place of Budapest sightseeing is the Trinity Square, dominated by the 700-year-old Mathias Church, one of Budapest’s most distinctive buildings. The church itself is nearly the same age as the Royal Palace, and many coronation ceremonies have taken place here. The church was transformed into a mosque, and its walls whitewashed even before the Turkish occupation. King Bela 3rd and his Queen lie inside their sarcophaguses; for their vast ecclesiastical collection, many tourists also visit the church. At the turn of the 19th century, when several smaller structures were annexed to it, the church’s current version was completed and renovated in the Neo-Gothic style. This area is one of the most critical places in Budapest sightseeing.
Trinity Square also features the former Town Hall (today it is the Budapest Collegium building, housing the Hungarian House of Wines among many things), the Neo-Gothic styled former Ministry of Finance, St. Stephen’s statue, and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Between 1895 and 1902, the latter was engineered and constructed to replace the former castle wall, offering fantastic views of Budapest. If you want to come to Budapest sightseeing, make sure to visit this arena.
The depths of Castle Hill hide the labyrinth of Buda Castle, while the cultural heritage worth on the ground for centuries’ remains. The enormous size of the cave labyrinth is best defined by the fact that 20,000 German forces fit in there during the Second World War. The Buda Castle Labyrinth can be very dangerous for those who do not understand this underworld town. However, you can safely visit this area with the help of a local guide. The region was populated by Celts and Romans before the arrival of the Magyars (Hungarians) in the 9th century AD. The haunting vibes of this place make it stand out in Budapest sightseeing.
The Castle and its lovely houses are in substantial architectural unity with the rows of residential homes on the Danube embankment and the ancient Rudas Baths, as well as the Gellert Hill rocks and bridges across the Danube. The Chain Bridge is oldest of these bridges, constructed in 1849. The sleekest bridge is Erzsébet (Elizabeth), this bridge is one of the world’s first suspension bridges. The youngest of them is the southern Lágymányosi Bridge, designed to provide relief to the town, which was almost paralyzed by its newly discovered heavy vehicle traffic. The bridges make a substantial deal of attraction to Budapest sightseeing.
The predominant House of Parliament, Imre Steindl’s Neo-gothic masterpiece, stands across the Danube in Pest. The largest church in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica, whose height is equivalent to that of the Parliament, is not far behind it. Not far away, the monumental Academy of Sciences stands at the Chain Bridge’s Pest bridgehead. This portion of the Pest side is covered with the Gresham Palace’s Secessionist construction, home to the most elegant hotel in Budapest, the Gresham Four Seasons. The monumental Academy of Sciences stands not far away at the Pest bridgehead of the Chain Bridge. This part of the Pest side is covered by the Secessionist building of the Gresham Palace, home to Budapest’s most elegant hotel, the Gresham Four Seasons. Budapest sightseeing is incomplete without visiting this area.
Andrássy Avenue and Heroes Square
The Buda Castle District and the view of the Danube banks on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002 were joined by Heroes ‘ Square and its surroundings, and Andrássy Avenue with the Millennium Underground Railway. The avenue, named after former Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy, is 2.5 km long and has three separate sections. Its downtown section, a 1-kilometer stretch from Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Avenue to Oktogon’s eight-sided square, is lined with tall rows of residential apartment buildings and costly stores on the front of the houses. No wonder why this area is among the most visited places of Budapest sightseeing.
Two tree-lined esplanades run parallel to the pavement in its mid-section from Oktogon to Kodály Körönd, which used to be paved with wooden cubes for the sake of the horseback nobility (today this section is a bicycle path and a walkway). The third part, between Kodály Körönd and Heroes ‘ Square, the houses are farther from the highway that is widening at this stage, giving room to the magnificent mansions and villas that offer the feeling of a vibrant country town with their luxurious, tranquil atmosphere.
The road track on Budapest’s most lovely avenue was chosen in 1872. Nearly all the structures have been prepared in about a century. Since then, this is where the eclectic architectural legacy of Budapest is discovered today. Many beautifully sculpted apartment buildings hide fountains, statues, and stunning courtyards and interior spaces. This place stays eminent in Budapest sightseeing.
Some say the most remarkable building in the downtown portion of the avenue is the State Opera House, others believe the former Ballet Institute deserves this name. The Old Academy of Music, the Old Art Hall, and the Budapest School of Performing Arts are also home to this portion of the road. Regardless of what people think, this place stays important in Budapest sightseeing.
Between Oktogon and Kodály Körönd there is a blue but dull building that used to be the house of the Nazis ‘ secret police in World War II, as well as the Communist regime’s state police, the dreaded AVH. Today it is a museum called the House of Terror, in a continuous exhibition to commemorate the victims of these brutal regimes. If you are in Budapest sightseeing, do not forget to visit this place.
The recently renovated 5-star Hotel Andrássy is located between Kodály Körönd and Heroes ‘ Square, designed by the swimmer Alfred Hajos, the 1896 Athens Olympic champion. Also in this portion of the street are the Neo-Renaissance building of the Budapest Art School and the apartment-museum depicting Zoltán Kodály’s life.
Under Andrássy Avenue was the first underground railway in mainland Europe, the Millennium Underground constructed. It has been used by the public since 1896 and remains a significant component of the transport scheme in Budapest. The line was later expanded beyond Heroes ‘ Square in 1973 to be able to transport individuals to new areas of the town. This place also stays important in Budapest sightseeing.
Heroes’ Square
Heroes ‘ Square is Budapest’s largest and most beautiful square, where Andrássy Avenue ends. The Millennium Monument stands in the center, with Archangel Gabriel on top, holding Christianity’s double-cross and the Holy Hungarian Crown. The holiness of this place makes it the most attractive area of Budapest sightseeing.
It was built to celebrate the Magyar tribes ‘ 1000th anniversary of arrival. The pedestal below is occupied by the seven Hungarian leaders ‘ ornate horseback sculptures that led the Hungarians into the Carpathian Basin in 896 AD. The middle of the square is dominated by the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb, covered by all heads of state when they visit Hungary formally. The official importance of this square makes it vital to Budapest sightseeing.
The left side is occupied by the Museum of Fine Arts, which holds the world’s second most significant collection of Spanish art, on the right side is the Art Hall, where temporary exhibitions take place in Budapest. Behind Heroes ‘ Square, Lake City Park is ideal for summer boating and winter ice-skating (the ice is artificial and of excellent quality). This icy place is counted as one of the most critical areas in Budapest sightseeing.
Among the most sought after tourist attractions in Budapest are the City Park’s entertainment and cultural facilities (Budapest Zoo, Funfair, Municipal Circus, Vajdahunyad Castle, Agriculture, and Transport Museum, Petőfi Cultural Hall and Széchenyi Thermal Bath).
Buda Castle Tunnel
Those who came from Pest end had to walk around the Buda side of Castle Hill to be able to go north. On February 10, 1853, four years after the completion of the Chain Bridge, Adam Clark’s plans started to build a tunnel leading through the mountain. The tunnel was opened for foot traffic on March 6, 1856, and for engine traffic on April 30, 1857, as well. It is 350 meters long and leads to the other side of the mountain under the Buda Castle. The genius structure of this tunnel makes it an essential place of Budapest sightseeing.
Its length is approximately the same as that of the Chain Bridge. It prompts anecdotes that the tunnel was only built so that the Chain Bridge can be protected from wet conditions in rainy weather. It was fittingly intended in the classicist style. If you ever plan to go on a Budapest sightseeing tour, or you are currently on this Budapest sightseeing tour, make sure to visit this tunnel.
Duna Arena
Duna Arena is much more than a competitive pool. This development will also establish Hungary’s largest aquatic center offering sports and entertainment services for thousands of individuals after the Championships. The facility will serve as a children’s training pool and will serve as headquarters for domestic swimming and water polo community practice. In addition, dozens of local and international events will be hosted by the facility.
It is essential to note that construction has been provided according to eco-conscious and sustainable factors. The bulk of temporary components will be used after the event at other locations. The primary purpose of designing the facility was to ensure that the facility would meet the requirements of the Hungarian Swimming, Water Polo, Synchronized Swimming, and Diving Federations in legacy mode.
The Budapest Flea Market
The Ecseri Piac (Piac means market) is Budapest’s primary second-hand market. It is an attractive, busy location, an old and new cava cade where every item on sale has its own tale. The atmosphere and size of the market can be likened to London’s Portobello Road or the Paris Flea Market. The most famous antique shop owners with stores in downtown Budapest also have small booths here besides the occasional vendors.
All in all, Budapest sightseeing is filled with fun, knowledge, and thrill. You must have a Budapest sightseeing tour in your life to know how Budapest lives with all of its wonders! Live your dreams in the reality by choosing a Budapest sightseeing tour as soon as possible!