Which of the sights of Budapest is in Buda. Budapest - the main attractions of the city (photo and description)
We will tell you what you must see in Budapest in 1, 2 or 3 days. Read before planning your own trip.
Budapest is a city of contrasts. It harmoniously intertwines the Middle Ages and the present. Here you will see the world's longest tram with a length of almost 54 meters, a sculpture of Steve Jobs and incredible architectural structures.
Main places on the map
The city will delight you with the most delicious pastries in Hungary, bakeries are its specialty. Children should definitely be taken to the oldest zoo in Europe. Here is a schematic representation of all the key locations on the map. It is clickable.
It's great when the vacation is planned for 2 weeks. There is time to relax and go sightseeing. And what to do when passing through the city, and there are only 1,2, or 3 days off. Let's consider how to spend this time.
There are so many interesting places in the capital of Hungary that even in 2 weeks it is impossible to get around everything. You have to choose, optimize your time. Stock up on maps and a clear plan of what you want to know when you first get to know the city. Let's go for a walk.
Hungarian Parliament
Located between the Chain and Margaret bridges. The largest and most beautiful building in the city. The locals are proud of him and call him the second Buckingham Palace... The Parliament was built in 1885. To this day, it has retained its original appearance.
The Parliament consists of two wings, they are connected by a passage. In appearance, it resembles a castle. Enchanting photographs are obtained against its background. The dome of the building is the most noticeable in the city, its height is 96 meters.
You can get inside with a guided tour; the interior is no less impressive. If you move from Parliament towards the chain bridge, you will see rows of iron shoes along the Danube, thus perpetuating the victims of the Holocaust. The exposition creates an interesting contrast with the architecture and the waterfront. The tragic events of World War II are associated with these shoes. The captured Jews were driven to the river bank, promising to send them home, but everyone was drowned.
Royal Palace
The location of the palace is the Buda Fortress. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The castle is called the favorite residence where the Hungarian kings stayed. For the first time, the construction of the fortification began in the 13th century. The estate did not survive to our time. The modern Royal Palace was built 142 years ago.
The territory of the castle is divided among themselves by the Museum of Urban History, National Gallery and a library. A visit to the territory of the palace and gallery is free.
It is convenient to get to the palace by funicular, sit near the Chain Bridge. Convenient that you do not need to waste time on walk.
It is interesting to see the monument to E. Savoisky (he defeated the Mongol-Tatars near Vienna, saved the Hungarian people), the Turul bird (according to legend, she showed the Hungarians where to build the city), and the marble gate.
After a walk, head to the Fisherman's Bastion, which is nearby.
Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Temple
Fisherman's Bastion - fortress walls surrounding the church. Inside the Bastion there is a square where Istvan, the first Hungarian king, stands. With his submission, the tribes turned into one state.
On the territory of the Bastion there are several cafes, points of sale of souvenirs, toilets. It is interesting to watch the sculptures, the appearance of the building, its towers. There are 7 of them in total, each of them symbolizes a certain Hungarian tribe.
The bastion was built in the Gothic and Neo-Romanesque style. You can get to the Bastion territory for free. Then follow to Matthias Church - the most beautiful of all the temples in the city.
The building style is Gothic. The interior is breathtaking. Even an atheist will be amazed at the sight that opens before him. The first church was built here in the 11th century. It did not live up to our time, it was destroyed by the Mongol-Tatars.
The Hungarians have rebuilt a new building, which you see now. The coronation of Franz Joseph I and subsequent rulers took place here. You have a chance to walk through the same halls where kings, their retinue and real princesses once walked.
Mount Gellert
Come here last.
The mountain offers a fantastic view of the Danube and the surrounding area. There is a monument to Freedom - the Citadel, and there is nothing more remarkable.
Basilica of St. Stephen
The first king of Hungary was added to the list of saints. The cathedral was named after him; it was built for 54 years, starting in 1851. The basilica combines 3 functions at once: a functioning Catholic church, a concert hall, an observation deck.
It offers a view of the entire old city. Such a sight simply cannot be missed. Local residents are proud of the temple no less than the Parliament itself.
Paid entrance. A standard ticket costs 500 forints, a concession ticket - 400 forints. Translated into rubles, it turns out to be up to 200 rubles per person. It's very cheap for such an excursion.
Buda fortress
One more interesting place where to look. The very heart of old Buda. The history of the fortress begins in 1255, when the Tatar-Mongols got tired of the Hungarians.
A fortress was built on the Castle Hill, and now the Tatars were defeated, because it was almost impossible to get to the city unnoticed. Throughout its history, the fortress fell more than once, and each time it was rebuilt. She saw the last clash in 1945, when the war with insolent Germany ended.
It is interesting to look at the surroundings from the Castle Hill, to see the interior of state institutions, to look into museums. There is no single ticket to museums, so queues at the box office are possible.
The excursion routes are designed for a period of up to 12 hours of walking. If you have time, take a walk along the streets, see the architecture, buy souvenirs, take a photo. The daily stay here is not enough, many come back here again.
If you are in the Hungarian capital, you have 3 days to explore the city. The first couple of days you can walk along the routes described above. When you have seen the main places, move deeper into the city. There are a dozen more amazing places here. Let's go and see.
Metro Budapest is the second oldest in Europe after London. The first line of the "underground tram" was built under Andriasi Avenue for the celebration of the millennium of Hungary in 1896 and connected the city center with Heroes' Square.
Varoshligert park
Here is the Vaidahunyad Castle, the oldest zoo and circus in Europe. Many legends are associated with this castle, but do not hang your ears too much, they were invented for tourists, and the castle itself was built in 1908.
At first, the castle was made of cardboard and took part in exhibitions. But the Hungarians liked it so much that they wanted a real room. It still stands in the park and is considered a symbol of romance.
There is an agricultural museum inside the castle. The park has sculptures, recreation areas, cafes and even hotels. If you have free time, you can stay here for a couple of hours and see everything.
House of Terror
Under one roof, the memorials of Hungarian Nazism and the Hungarian Security Directorate were united. Here you can see a huge instillation of what the country experienced during these regimes.
Documentation, prison premises, photos, punishment items. The museum is very difficult emotionally. If you are not a fan of war, realistic facts, terrorism and cruelty, it is better to spend time on other excursions.
The cost of visiting the museum is 7 euros per person. It's funny that the inscription "terror" on the house is visible both from the sky and from the ground when the sun is shining brightly.
Belvaros quarter
Set aside half a day and take a walk in the area. Belvaros is translated from Hungarian into Russian as “a city within a city”. Visit the souvenir street Vaci Transport does not travel here, it is convenient to take a leisurely stroll around the shops. If you take souvenirs, then only here.
An exception can be called the building of the New Town Hall. It doesn't fit into the big picture, but it boggles the mind. There are details of the Renaissance, the Iron Age, industry.
Take a closer look at the Church of St. Michael, walk along Vereshmarty Square. You can't get around Belvaros in 1-2 hours, it's worth the time. From here you will take away a lot of impressions and souvenirs.
Hungarian opera
The opera is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It is considered a symbol of Hungarian national classical music. opening date opera house 1884 year. For the first time in the world, hydraulic machines were used in the design of the building.
Asphaleia began producing them. Already from Hungary, the equipment has spread all over the world. Take an evening and go to one of the concerts, get a lot of impressions. There will be a performance of what is considered quality music in Hungary.
The opera is interesting both outside and inside. The rich design, colorful colors, architectural features attract attention and unobtrusively motivate to stay here a little longer.
Baths
There are 5 popular thermal baths in the city. Take time to visit one of them, improve your health, look at the Hungarian service. There are plenty to choose from:
- Kirai. Founding date XVI century, everything remained at the same level as in the past;
- Rudash. This bath is called the men's club. Women can visit it on Tuesdays and weekends. The rest of the time the visit is for men only;
- Veli Bey. One of the most boring baths. There are not many people here, the chances of picking up a fungus, an infection are practically zero;
- Gellert. Luxurious bath with stained glass decoration, indoor and outdoor pools. An artificial wave works in the summer;
- Széchenyi. Most crowded bathing place. There are so many visitors that they do not have time to clean up behind them, so it is often dirty here. On weekends there are discos for young people, a lot of entertainment.
The cost of bathing premises is easier to find out on the spot. Prices change from season to season.
Surprisingly, this is the only European capital that has the status of a resort. It's all about underground mineral springs.
You can get around the city in a few days if you plan your time well and choose the most interesting options for excursions. In addition to the listed locations, there are many museums here. They are advised to pay attention when they have at least 3-10 days at their disposal.
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Attractions of Budapest on the map. new card in Russian for tourists
Beautiful, bewitching, extraordinary, graceful ... these words of praise can be continued endlessly and they are all true. After all, they belong to the capital of Hungary, Budapest. It is even difficult to imagine that in one city there were so many beautiful places, where you can walk, sit and take vivid memorable photos. If you have not been to this city yet, we recommend that you look at the sights of Budapest on a map in Russian in order to understand where and what is. Thanks to the map, you can easily find any object in the city and do not waste your time. Although in such a city every minute is a hobby and new discoveries.
Budapest is famous for its bridges. There are many of them in the city and they are all good in their own way. But among them there is one that every tourist visits and this bridge is called - the Szechenyi chain bridge.
Everyone comes to it: locals, couples in love, families with children and people just walking around the city. After all, this is not just a bridge over the river, it is a bridge over the Danube, and it is the oldest in the city. They say that it was this bridge that connected the two banks and gave the city its name - Budapest. After all, earlier one coast was called Buda, and the other was called Pest. Thanks to the bridge, we got beautiful city that humanity should be proud of!
Human buildings are not the only landmarks in the city. The same Danube can be safely attributed to them. A beautiful river where boats, boats and yachts float. The Danube is a symbol not only of the city, but of the whole of Hungary.
The Danube embankment is a separate conversation. Cars do not drive on it, but only people walk. It is so long that you can spend the whole day walking along the river. In the evening, lanterns are lit along the entire embankment and it becomes even more beautiful. It is a favorite place for romantic get-togethers and dates.
There are a lot of ancient churches and castles in the city. All have their own history and their own unique look. For example, Vajdahunyad Castle was built in honor of the millennium of Hungary. And the Armenian Catholic Church is the official Armenian temple in Budapest.
But back to natural attractions. Let's pay attention to the Gellert mountain. Climbing to its very top, you will see the whole of Budapest. All corners of the city are visible from its height. People come here around the clock. After all, day and night, the views are completely different. If in the daytime in the light of the sun the city is simply beautiful, then at night it is all in lights and seems to be “on fire”!
The Eagle Mountain Nature Reserve is located in the city center. This is very surprising. After all, usually in big cities, the center is shops, offices, large buildings... And here the center is a reserve, and so it has been for many years.
The capital of Hungary, Budapest, was nicknamed the "Paris of the East" for a reason. The city is one of the most culturally important capitals of Eastern Europe and home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although people have lived here since the Stone Age, this beautiful city did not formally emerge until 1872 with the unification of 3 previously independent cities - old Buda, new Buda and Pest. The city immediately became the administrative, commercial and industrial center of Hungary. Located on both sides of the Danube, Budapest is known for its stunning architecture and thermal springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes since prehistoric times. Today Budapest annually attracts over 20 million visitors from all over the world. Tourists are attracted here by Budapest's many historical sights, museums and art galleries, as well as its sports facilities, including the Hungaroring Formula 1 circuit.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill rises high above the Danube. Here you will find numerous medieval monuments and important museums in Budapest. Undoubtedly the most spectacular of these impressive structures is the 18th century Buda Castle, or Buda Castle. The massive 200-room palace is effectively illuminated at night. Another important point castle hill - Fisherman's Bastion of the late 19th century. It was built on the site where in the Middle Ages there were defensive fortresses of local fishermen. The bastion is located behind the beautiful Matthias Church with neo-Romanesque towers, colonnades and embrasures. All this has been completely restored according to the original project. Castle Hill is also home to many excellent statues.
Gellert Hill
Another outstanding landmark of Budapest is the panoramic Gellert Hill, 235 meters high, with a steep slope descending to the Danube. It is here, due to a geological fault, that the most healing springs of the city are located, including the Gellert and Rudas Baths, which have received visitors since the 13th century. The hill was named after Saint Gellert, a Benedictine monk who died in 1046. There is a monument in his honor on the northeastern slope of the hill. A tribute to Hungary's most famous saint perched above a tall man-made waterfall, revealing a magnificent view of the city. The Austrian Citadel was built on top of Mount Gellert in 1851. It is also an interesting place to explore. Another landmark is the monument to the Liberators, erected in 1947 in honor of Soviet soldiers who died in World War II. Finally, if you still have some energy left, take a walk in Jubilee Park. It was created to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the October Revolution and will captivate you with its many charming paths, beautiful flower beds and sculptures.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is not only the most important art gallery and popular tourist attraction in Budapest. It also houses one of the largest collections of Old Masters in Europe. Here you will find many Italian, Spanish and Dutch paintings by the masters of the 19th century. All this is very carefully planned out in the halls, where long rooms are allocated for large paintings, offices for small ones, along with the impressive architectural entourage of the Renaissance hall. The museum was built in 1870 after Hungary inherited an excellent collection of paintings, drawings and prints. It is divided into 6 excellent sections: Egyptian Art, Antique Art, Gallery of Old Sculptures, Gallery of Old Painters, Contemporary Collection and Graphic Collection. The adjacent Art Palace is the city's premier contemporary art museum and hosts many temporary exhibitions. Museum opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission for adults costs 18 forints, for children - 6 forints.
Hungarian National Museum
Founded in 1802, the Hungarian National Museum moved to its current classical building in 1847. In addition to the massive portico and monument to the famous Hungarian poet Janos Aran, numerous busts stand out famous personalities in park gardens. Main exhibition national museum includes royal regalia with the magnificent crown of St. Stephen, adorned with precious stones and pearls. An interesting exhibition is also devoted to the history of Hungary from the Stone Age to Roman times and the early Middle Ages. Also noteworthy are the many exhibits dedicated to the struggle for the country's independence. The museum offers to explore historical Hungarian and Turkish weapons, and for music lovers, Beethoven's grand piano, which later belonged to Franz Liszt, will be of interest. Such monuments make Budapest one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Parliament building
The epicenter for walking through the beautiful pedestrianized streets of Budapest is the area around architectural complex The Hungarian Parliament; as well as the neighboring Museum of Ethnography and the Ministry of Agriculture. The third largest Parliament building in the world is located in a neo-Gothic building from 1886, erected in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the country. Hungary at the time was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Hungarian Parliament consists of 691 rooms and an impressive 19 km of corridors and stairs. A 45-minute guided tour of this Budapest landmark is available anytime the government is not in session. The tour covers the highlights of the building, including the main lobby, various lobbies, and the Hungarian royal regalia.
Danube embankment
The Danube River flows through Budapest from north to south and reaches a width of 640 meters within the city boundaries. There are many places from which to enjoy the view of this magnificent majestic river. But one of the best ways is to walk along the banks of the Danube, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the city's stunning architecture. On the northeast side of the Hungarian Parliament building, you will find a frightening monument. These are 60 pairs of steel boots installed on the banks of the Danube in memory of the Jews shot by the Nazis. It is interesting to explore the Danube during a boat excursion, which regularly starts from any of the marinas.
Heroes Square in Budapest
Andrássy Avenue
The central attraction of Budapest is the Andrássy Avenue, which is the busiest street for pedestrians and vehicles, stretching for two and a half kilometers. A wonderful boulevard, created in 1876, leads from Erzsebet Square to the Millennium Monument in Varoshliget. Magnificent palaces, the important cultural building of the State Opera and Conservatory, the Ferenc Hopp Museum and other landmarks are beautifully set along this avenue in honor of the great Hungarian composer. The statues of numerous Hungarian freedom fighters are also noteworthy. Andrássy Avenue is a popular shopping destination in Budapest with many fine high-end shops, excellent cafes, restaurants and theaters. You can find out more about this street in the list of things to visit in Budapest when traveling.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is barely 2.5 km long and 503 meters wide, while being a popular holiday destination among locals. Healing baths fed by thermal springs, carefully manicured gardens and trails, and the ruins of many of Budapest's historic landmarks attract many visitors. The main destination for any visit is the Palatinus Baths, a huge 17-acre spa complex. It includes a wave pool as well as various healing baths for children. The complex can simultaneously accommodate up to 20,000 bathers. Other highlights of the island include the pretty Rosary, the Union Monument, the Dominican ruins nunnery, where Princess Margaret once lived and a 50 meter water tower from 1911 with observation deck... There is also a large summer theater.
Inner ring of Budapest
The inner circle of Budapest surrounds the old city center of Pest, following the former city walls. In addition to the Hungarian National Museum, you will find an 18th century university church here - one of the finest Baroque churches in the city. Other attractions in Budapest include the Petofi Literary Museum, which features a collection of works by leading Hungarian poets and writers. The inner ring also includes the Pest synagogue and the Jewish Museum, created in 1859 according to the plans of the Viennese architect Ludwig Ferster. The romanticized Moorish-Byzantine style of this temple with three wings is very pleasing to the eye, as is its beautiful interior. Other important landmarks include the Reformed Church, with a single classical wing, built between 1816 and 1850. Also visit the Bible Museum with the first printed version of the Greek New Testament and the 19th century Central Market with a wide variety of products.
Outer Ring of Budapest
Budapest's 4 km outer ring begins at the East end of the Margaret Bridge and runs in a semicircle towards the inner ring, ending at the Petosi Bridge. Opened to traffic in 1896, the outer ring is home to many of Budapest's imposing landmarks dating back to the end of the last century. Highlights include the Western Train Station in the 1870s, built by the Parisian firm of the Eiffel. It also houses the largest shopping center in Central Europe called WestEnd with more than 400 stores.
University church
The most beautiful Baroque church in Budapest is somewhat hidden from the eyes of the mass tourist. It is located in the south of Pest, away from the main shopping streets. The central façade of the University Church faces a narrow alley. Built between 1725 and 42, the main façade includes a triangular tumbler depicting St Paul and Anthony. The only nave of the church with pilasters and side chapels is clad in artificial marble. Highlights include the frescoes on the vaulted ceilings, the choir box, and the famous Pauline monastery near the church.
Margaret bridge
The Margaret Bridge consists of two sections, the first of which connects the Buda Ring to the southern tip of Margaret Island, and the second joins it to the outer ring. Built in 1876, the bridge is the second oldest bridge across the Danube. Although it was destroyed during the Second World War, the bridge was built in 1948. Not far from this Budapest landmark you will find the superb Lukacs Baths, a spa complex dating back to the 12th century. Another famous spa complex is the Royal Bath, which is part of the Hungarian National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy. It is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges in the world with a unique history.
Aquincum
Our review of the sights of Budapest is completed by the archaeological park Aquincum. This unique place is the ruins of the eponymous ancient Roman city. The ruins of ancient amphitheaters, as well as a number of other buildings, have been perfectly preserved to this day. On the territory of the Aquincum complex, there is a museum with interesting expositions. Among them are a number of ancient Roman artifacts found during archaeological excavations.
The capital of Hungary, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, rich in stately architecture and thermal springs. In all seasons, it attracts a huge number of tourists from different parts of the world. The quarters and streets of the city themselves are attractions, not to mention the numerous historical and cultural monuments. The Danube River divides the city into two parts, called Buda and Pest, connected by the famous Szechenyi Chain Bridge. What to visit first?
Below are listed the sights of Budapest with photos and descriptions that you cannot but visit while in this city.
Hungary's main legislative body is housed in the third largest parliament building in the world. To find a suitable design for the building, a competition was held and it was won by Imre Steindl, who completed the construction in 1904. Its design was inspired by the English House of Parliament.
The building includes Gothic Revival elements (two strikingly beautiful towers), as well as Renaissance and Baroque elements, including a massive central dome. The Hungarian parliament has a lower and upper house.
The Lower Chamber is located in the north wing, while the Upper Chamber is located in the south wing. The northern wing also houses the Prime Minister's suite, while the southern wing houses the President of the Republic of Hungary.
The 112-year-old neoclassical building includes 690 rooms, an office and rooms, while reaching a height of 96 meters. The area of the building is 18,000 square meters, the length is 268 meters and the width is 123 meters. In total, there are 27 gates, 13 lifts and 29 stairs.
The interior of the building is rich: 40 kilograms of gold were used to decorate it, as well as half a million decorative stones. There are 152 statues inside the building. In Soviet times, a red star adorned the top of the dome, but was dismantled in 1990.
The Houses of Parliament have an impressive main staircase, lined on both sides by columns supporting elegant arches, while two beautiful statues proudly stand on the staircase itself. Allegorical frescoes by Karoli Lotz on the ceiling emphasize the elegance of the room. At the top of the stairs is a circular domed house, with impressive corridors leading from here in several directions.
The Hungarian Parliament building is not only one of the largest and oldest, but also, of course, one of the most beautiful. Hungarian royal jewels are located in the parliament building. The jewelry has a fascinating history that was hidden from the Soviet regime and was safely kept in the American Bullion Depository until 1978.
You can take great photos of the Houses of Parliament by taking a river cruise or an excursion across the river in Piazza Battjana. When the National Assembly is not in session, tours of the Parliament Building can be organized. The tour includes a visit to the Royal Apartments and tickets can be bought at the main gate or online. Learn more about the House of Parliament by visiting the famous Grand City of the Hungarian capital in person.
The building of the Hungarian Parliament is of the greatest interest and is the architectural symbol of the city. The building is framed by many magnificent sculptures and is an important part of any excursion.
Holocaust Memorial Center
The Holocaust Memorial Center is located in the former Pava Synagogue. The complex includes a research center, a memorial and a museum dedicated to the Hungarian Jews who died during World War II. The architecture of the converted synagogue is designed to reflect the emotions and horrors associated with the Holocaust. This is achieved using asymmetrical lines.
The permanent collection of the museum, titled "... due to genocide" traces the history of anti-Semitism in Hungary and, in particular, what happened in 1938, later leading to the deportation of Hungarian Jews to death camps in 1944-45. The exhibition is interactive and uses computer screens, newspapers, music, photographs, personal belongings, historical documents and artifacts to better tell the story of those events.
A temporary exhibition is displayed in the courtyard of the synagogue. Also in the courtyard is the Memorial Wall of Victims with the names of Hungarian Jews who died during the Holocaust. Another memorial is the Communist Tower, which bears the name settlements destroyed during the Holocaust.
Before World War II, there were about 200,000 Jews in Budapest; the city was even considered a safe haven for members of this people who sought refuge from the Nazis in other countries. Hungary cooperated with Germany during the war until March 1944, when the Nazis occupied the country.
As soon as the Nazis entered the city of Budapest, anti-Semitic laws were passed, and eventually the Budapest Jews were surrounded and placed in the Kistarch transit camp, 24 kilometers northeast of the city. From there they were taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau and killed.
The museum highlights the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who was instrumental in saving many Hungarian Jews through the massive replication of false documents. In November 1944, 70,000 Hungarian Jews were sent on a death march to Austria and from there to concentration camps. The Fascist Party pursued the brutal policies established by the Germans in November 1944.
In December of the same year, the remaining Jews were sent to the ghetto, where even more of them died. About 20,000 Jews were shot on the banks of the Danube, and their bodies were thrown into the river. Only a few months later, Budapest was liberated by the Soviet Union on February 13, 1945.
The Holocaust Memorial Center is part of the Budapest Walking Tour, a great way to experience the unique culture of Budapest.
Danube embankment shoes
This historical site is one of the most important in Budapest. The Monument "Shoes on the Danube Embankment" is located on the Pest side of the Danube and close to the Hungarian Parliament, about 300 meters from the hotel. It was conceived by filmmaker Kang Togei and built in 2005 by sculptor Gyula Power to commemorate the brutal massacre of Jews between 1944 and 1945 during World War II.
During World War II in Budapest, the Nazis used the most brutal methods of killing Jews, along with other death camps in other parts of Europe. The methodology was simple: unite Jewish citizens, collect all their belongings, including clothes and shoes, line up on the banks of the Danube River, and then shoot them. Since they were shot in the back of the head on the very bank of the Danube, the victims fell into the river and were washed away, which made it unnecessary for the killers to dispose of the bodies.
The sculpture is simple and yet powerful: at the edge of the Danube, you will find 60 pairs of shoes made of iron, facing the river. The shoes are available in various sizes, which opens up another aspect of murder: age did not matter to the murderers. There were shoes of businessmen, athletes, women, children, rabbis and others - no one was saved.
Not far behind the sculptures you can see a stone bench 40 meters long and 70 centimeters high with cast-iron tablets in Hebrew, English and Hungarian: “In honor of the victims killed in the Danube in 1944-45. The monument was erected on April 16, 2005 ”.
The two sides of the Danube, the two parts of the Hungarian capital - Buda and Pest, are connected by a unique suspension bridge from the 19th century. Before the Chain Bridge was built, a new structure was erected across the river every summer. Other options to get to the other side of the river, of course, were - those who wanted to use the ferry or went to the nearest bridge ... to Vienna!
The construction of the Chain Bridge was initiated by Count Szechenyi. The bridge was designed by William Tierney Clark, who was also responsible for the construction of the Hammersmith and Marlow bridges in the capital of England. The construction of the Chain Bridge was supervised by engineer Adams and was completed in 1849.
During the Second World War, retreating, the Germans completely destroyed the bridge, and after the war it was one of the first structures that needed to be rebuilt urgently. The bridge we see today is an exact copy of the original.
On the Buda side of the bridge is Clark Square, where you can see the sculpture by Miklos Borsos, which marks the starting point of all roads in Budapest. The square is also the end point of the funicular route from Buda Hill.
The chain bridge is 375 meters long and 16 meters wide, huge chains connect the two towers of the bridge, hence the name. The bridge towers are richly decorated with Hungarian coats of arms and statues of stone lions - the creation of Janos Marshalko.
During the protests against Soviet power in 1989, the bridge was a place of demonstrations - this added people's love to the bridge and made it a symbol of independence.
Memory Park
The communists ruled Hungary from 1949 to 1989, and during this period Budapest was adorned with many patriotic pro-Soviet statues. Statues of Soviet leaders, Soviet symbols and heroic busts could be seen throughout the city. When the communist regime fell, the statues were dismantled and they had to be disposed of. That is why they found "shelter" in this park.
Memory Park - a museum under open air dismantled Soviet statues. A total of 42 works of art are presented here. The statues include busts of Lenin, Dimitrov, Engels and Marx, as well as various sculptures depicting the Soviet dictatorship. The existence of such a park is a testament to the high level of democracy in Hungary.
One of the most famous statues, which ever stood in Budapest, is a monument to Stalin. The 8-meter bronze statue was almost completely destroyed during the dismantling, and all that was left was a huge Stalinist boot. This part of the original statue is also found in the park today.
The park has a small exhibition hall, a cinema where you can watch a film about the notorious "secret police". The permanent exhibition entitled Stalin's Boot traces the political history of Hungary from 1956 to 1989. For a small fee, you can use the special phones in the park to invite former dictators like Stalin, Che Guevara or Mao to chat with them.
There are several cars belonging to famous leaders in the park, and visitors can sit in the cars for a while.
Vajdahunyad Castle and Varoshliget Park
This fairytale castle located in the City Park, surrounded by green foliage, next to a picturesque artificial lake. The castle itself is part of historical complex... The building was designed based on the original Vajdahunyad Castle, which is located in Transylvania, which was once part of Hungary.
The structure was created by Ignak Alpar for the Millennium Festival in 1896 to showcase the richness of Hungary's architectural styles, although they differed significantly from time to time. Thus, the complex includes Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Renaissance, Neoclassical and other architectural styles.
Vaidahunyad Castle In total, there are 21 different buildings, each modeled after one of the famous buildings in Hungary. The complex was made of wood and cardboard and therefore has never been reconstructed.
The locals fell in love with the romantic castle, so a palace was built nearby, as well as a church complex. The foundation of the castle was modeled after the original designs and completed in 1904. Visitors to the castle enter through a wide staircase that leads to the first floor and to the Museum of Agriculture.
The park also houses a monument to Anonymous, the first Hungarian chronicler. Today, the castle is home to the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, which highlights agricultural life as well as the history of Hungary. The museum covers forestry, livestock, fishing and the Hungarian wine industry.
During the Christmas season, there is a wonderful Christmas market in the castle courtyard. During the summer, this place also hosts all kinds of events, including music festivals.
Varoshliget Park is a favorite place for tourists and city residents. In addition to amazing landscapes, it attracts attention with artificial lakes, baths and a zoo.
Basilica of St. Stephen
St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the main architectural landmarks of the city and is deservedly considered its hallmark, apart from the parliament building. It was built in 1905 by three architects: Jozsef Hild, who miscalculated and was responsible for the fact that the dome of the almost completed basilica collapsed.
The construction of the cathedral was continued by Miklos Ibl, who successfully restored the temple and invented a new dome, and József Kauser, who successfully completed the construction due to the death of the second architect. The Emperor of Austria-Hungary Joseph I was personally present at the consecration of the building of the cathedral.
The construction of the basilica took more than half a century - fifty-four years. According to legend, it all started with a great flood in 1838. The inexorable depths of the water forced the inhabitants of Pest to climb a hill that rose above the water, where they could wait out the invasion of water. As a token of gratitude to Heaven for their salvation, the inhabitants of the city decided to build a church on that very spot.
The basilica is located in the very center of Pest, due to its height of 96 meters, the building is a wonderful observation deck that offers a magnificent view of main city Hungary. The area of the cathedral is almost five thousand square meters, which makes it possible to accommodate more than 8000 believers. Two tall towers are symmetrically located on both sides of the dome. On one of the towers you can hear and also carefully consider the largest bell in the country.
Basilica of St. Stephen In front of the entrance to the cathedral, there is a small square, where tourists and all comers walk and take pictures. In the warm season, they offer to rent a segway on the square, on which you can quickly go around the nearest surroundings and take interesting photos.
The decoration of the basilica is truly impressive: everywhere there are marble columns, gilding, numerous patterns and painted ceilings depicting fragments of the lives of saints. At the altar there is a statue of St. Stephen himself.
Also inside the cathedral is the most important relic of the people of Hungary - a cancer with a gilded hand of St. Stephen, the ruler and great commander who created an integral and powerful kingdom - Hungary. Every year at the end of summer, a holiday is held dedicated to the saint, to which they bring out the ark with the relics for the procession, called the "Holy Hand". Towards evening, when it gets dark, the basil is effectively illuminated.
Another fact, no less significant for the history of the basilica itself, but little known to tourists, is the basement located directly under the church. It was dug during the Second World War to preserve the values of both the basilica itself and the city's art treasures.
Today the basilica appears in three forms:
- Famous temple;
- Concert venue, thanks to its amazing acoustics;
- Observation deck.
It hosts magnificent organ concerts, announcements and programs, tickets for which are handed out in popular tourist spots... Every last day of the week, a service is held in the basilica, accompanied by a beautiful choir.
The service starts at ten in the morning, but it is recommended to arrive early as seating is limited. The duration of the service is one hour.
Ethnographical museum
Initially, this ethnographic collection was created as part of the Hungarian National Museum, but in 1947 it became a separate historical unit, and in 1973 it moved to its current building on Kossuth Square.
The building is the former Supreme Court of Hungary and was designed by Alahos Hausmann. The magnificent neoclassical building has a stunning foyer ceiling fresco by Karoli Lotz, depicting the goddess of justice.
The collection of the museum includes about 140,000 Hungarian artifacts and works of art, as well as 53,000 items of folk crafts. The collection includes several hundred amazing historical photographs.
The exhibition of the folk culture of the Hungarian people is spread across 13 galleries and illustrates the daily life of the common Hungarian people from the late 18th century until the First World War. Exhibits include furniture, musical instruments, manuscripts, embroidery, ceramics, traditional clothing, textiles, traditional crafts and everyday items.
The peasant houses of the Orseg and Sarkoz regions have been recreated to show the tourist what traditional Hungarian rural life was like many years ago. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, mainly focusing on folk arts from other cultures.
The highlight of the museum are various traditional motifs, embroidered on national folk costumes, brought from different regions. Another interesting aspect of the museum is its focus on Hungary's ethnic minorities. The unique cultures of the regions of Hungary are presented to promote understanding and prevent prejudice.
Recently, three computer galleries have been added to the museum, where you can admire digital images, listen to sound recordings or watch a historical film.
Castle Mountain and Fisherman's Bastion
Castle Hill has many medieval monuments and museums. The most significant of these is Buda Castle, built in the 18th century. This 200-room palace, like most of the city, is fabulously lit at night. Another attraction of the castle mountain is the Fisherman's Bastion, a structure with towers and observation terraces.
Fisherman's Bastion 
Monument to King Istvan (Stephen) Museum of Printing
Amazing Print Museum in Budapest - small and pretty mysterious place but it can shed light on many aspects of Hungarian and European history. The museum is located in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest and has a collection of over 13 million stamps. It is one of the largest philatelic collections in the world and they claim to hold all the Hungarian stamps ever produced.
There are many rare brands, as well as a whole section of fake brands. Although the collection includes brands from all over the world, most of them are of Hungarian origin. The stamps are displayed in electronic scrapbooks (tablet-like) arranged on separate large racks, and you can virtually flip through the pages to get a closer look at the next stamp.
The stamps trace the history of the Hungarian people from the Austro-Hungarian era to the days of modern independent Hungary. The Museum of Postage Stamps is completely unique; a visit to it cannot leave indifferent a connoisseur of history.
Heroes square
Heroes' Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most important cultural heritage here is the Millennium Memorial, made in the Corinthian style and surrounded by sculptures of great masters. Also on the square you can see the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers and a large hourglass.
Heroes square Andrássy Avenue is considered one of the most interesting streets in Europe. Construction on it lasted about 40 years and is represented by buildings in a pseudo-historical style. The importance of the avenue is given by the location on it of the Museum of Terror, the Hungarian State Opera House and the Museum of East Asian Art.
Imre Varga Museum
Lovers of modern sculpture will be delighted with this museum dedicated to the Hungarian sculpture Imre Varge. Varga was the most prominent in the 70s of the last century, and his art was used to decorate many buildings in Budapest, including the Holocaust Memorial.
Not far from the museum is another example of Varga's work, a group of sculptures of women with umbrellas. The sculptures displayed here are located both indoors and in the garden of the museum.
Varga's human figures depict various human emotions, his figures are sometimes bizarre. The museum also displays drawings by the artist, some of his public works that can be seen throughout the city.
Baths
In addition to an overview of historical and cultural sites, Budapest can offer wellness treatments in balneological direction. There are more than 30 baths in the city, most of which are medicinal. Water thermal springs Lukasz, Rudasz and some others are also suitable for drinking for health purposes.
Széchenyi Bath Among the thermal springs, the following are especially popular:
- Széchenyi Bath, equipped with outdoor and indoor pools;
- Gellért Bath offers a wave pool;
- the Rudash bathhouse reveals all the beauty of the oriental style;
- Bath Lukac has waters with the strongest healing effect.
Also in Budapest, the number of thermal hotels and sanatoriums specializing in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular diseases, and the gastrointestinal tract is increasing.
Other sights of Budapest
01. Margaret Island on the Danube — beautiful place for relaxation, which is a picturesque park. The island itself is only 500 m wide and 2.5 km wide. This place is of value to tourists thanks to the ruins of a 13th century monastery, the chapel of St. Michael, the Singing Well of Bodor and many monuments to famous people of Hungary.
03. Mount Gellert- Another striking symbol of the city, is a 235-meter pile of dolonite, descending to the Danube. The famous healing baths Gellerg and Rudas are located here. It is also worth visiting the St. Gellert Memorial located here, the Citadel, the Freedom Monument. For an exciting walk, a picturesque park is ideal, the splendor of which is created by flower beds, alleys, statues.
05. Aquincum
Budapest is rich in history and beautiful sights to see with your own eyes!
Video - Budapest in one day
15 IDEAS TO DO IN BUDAPEST
Not so long ago ranked among the tourist capitals of Europe, Budapest is able to surprise and exceed expectations. It is called the "pearl of the Danube". The city does not evoke hatred of crowds of tourists, as some European cities, for example, or, and enchants guests with calm grandeur.
The Silver Danube divides the capital of Hungary into two halves - Budu and Pest. Buda is spread out on the right bank of the river, Pest - on the left. Less than a century and a half ago, they were considered separate cities.
General information about Budapest
Buda has historically played the role of the seat of the royal court, and Pest was the city of merchants. On the side of Buda is the small town of Obuda, the smallest, but the most ancient of all. It grew out of the ancient Roman settlement of Aquincum, and is older than the Celtic settlement of An-Ink, founded before our era.
In 1873, these cities, already closely related to each other, officially merged into a single conglomerate - Budapest, although for some time the city was called Pestbuda. Today 1 million 740 thousand people live here. To a certain extent, the division of the city has been preserved - the cultural heritage is concentrated on the Budai coast, and the Pest is the center of business activity and trade.
Budapest survived the Turkish yoke, the Austrians, the influence of the USSR. Baths were inherited from the first, elegant buildings in the secession style from the second, panel high-rise buildings from the third, and the modern era has added its own touches in the form of mega-markets like IKEA.
Discount tourist card: free museums, excursions!
Cardholders are provided with discounts from 10% to 50% in almost 100 different institutions (thermal baths, museums, attractions, various events, excursions, restaurants). Budapest map booklet contains detailed description available services and discounts on them.
How to get to Budapest
There are many options for getting to Budapest. The fastest and most convenient option is by plane. You can buy online by comparing the prices of airlines and choosing the best option. Flight prices fluctuate depending on the dates. Using the calendar of prices for flights - find out the cost of the flight to Budapest throughout the year.
In addition, you can get to Budapest through Ukraine - by the Kiev-Budapest train. A trip from the capital of Ukraine by train will take about a day, and the ticket price will be about 3950 rubles. The Lviv-Budapest train will cost a little less - 2868 rubles.
In addition, there are more cheap way- cross the border by train Chop-Zahony (a ticket for it costs about 175 rubles, and then change to a train to Budapest, the ticket price is 5160 - 5750 forints (1100 - 1300 rubles). The schedule and prices can be found here.
A direct bus to Budapest from Kiev costs 3200 rubles, from Lvov - 2800 rubles, from Chop - 1000 rubles.
If you have the patience to go to Budapest by car, or rather stand in line at one of the Transcarpathian border crossing points, keep in mind that a paid autobahn for 10 days will cost 2975 forints (620 rubles). In addition, to cross the border you need a green card insurance - it costs from 1100-1300 rubles. Keep in mind that fuel is more expensive in the EU.
Public transport in the city
Almost all types are available in Budapest public transport: buses, trams, trolleybuses, metro, commuter trains... A one-time trip on any of them costs 350 forints (72 rubles) if you buy a ticket in advance and 450 forints (93 rubles) if you buy a ticket in a vehicle. The ticket is valid for a non-stop trip within 80 minutes after composting. A pass for a whole week will cost 2450 forints (510 rubles). It is worth highlighting the bus number 100E, which connects the city center with the airport. The fare is higher - 900 forints (187 rubles).
Tram number 2 in Budapest - photo The colorful tram route No. 2 runs along the Danube embankment and past a number of sights. The optimal means of transportation to quickly get from the suburbs to the center will be one of 4 subway lines. In addition, it is the oldest metro in continental Europe.
Interesting sights of Budapest
It is advisable to start your acquaintance with the city from the banks of the Danube, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, between Buda and Pest, there is a picturesque Chain Bridge, which is guarded by alert stone lions. Ships with vacationers scurry along the river: a walk along the Danube is a popular tourist attraction. It costs an average of 15-20 euros, depending on the service you receive on board.
Attractions of Budapest: Chain Bridge - photo On the left side of the Pest coast, a magical panorama opens up to the monumental Buda Castle and the Gellert Mountains with the statue, which in the original is called "Motherland".
Attractions of Budapest: Buda Castle - photo You can get to the castle by cable car along small serpentines. It was built in the XIII century, and since then the fortress has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The last restoration work was carried out after the Second World War. Now in royal palace are located historical Museum, National Art Gallery and Library. From the castle courtyards, decorated with flower beds, sculptures and fountains, it is almost a stone's throw to the Church of St. Matthias. In the evening, its Gothic spiers are covered with gilded illumination, and during the day, the roof is shimmery with patterned multi-colored tiles.
Attractions in Budapest: Matthias Cathedral To the right of the church are the fabulous towers of the Fisherman's Bastion. They say that in the Middle Ages, the protection of this part of the fortress was assigned to an artel of fishermen. But the bastion itself is much younger - a little over a hundred years old. Filigree towers and aerial arcades are not intended for defense, but to decorate the city, and also to admire the breathtaking view of the opposite bank from here.
Attractions of Budapest: Fisherman's Bastion - photo The most grandiose structure Budapest is a neo-gothic parliament. With needle-shaped spiers aimed upward, dotted with rows of openwork parapets and lancet windows, it seems to float along the waves of the Danube, like a huge ship. Its architect drew inspiration from the Palace of Westminster. Within the walls of parliament, among the luxuriously decorated interiors, the crown of Hungary is kept. There are guided tours inside, and the entrance fee is 3500 forints (720 rubles).
Attractions: Parliament in Budapest - photos The height of the parliament building is 96 m. In the city, only one structure is equal to it - the Basilica of St. Stephen, the towers of which, when viewed from the Buda coast, can be seen far to the right of the parliament. The number 96 is symbolic: it is believed that the ancestors of the Hungarians came to Europe in 896, and the parliament and the basilica were erected in honor of the millennium of this event. If by the next millennium some stunning skyscraper appears in Budapest, one can already guess how high it will be.
Attractions of Budapest: St. Stephen's Basilica - photo Time is running out like water. To say - like thermal water. The Romans and Turks swam in the thermal waters of Budapest. They flow from hundreds of sources, pouring from street pump rooms. Budapest is a resort capital with more than 20 thermal baths. and the Gellert Baths are real palaces where both soul and body rest. There are tanks with water of different temperatures - from hot (40 ° C) to very cool (18 ° C) - a great opportunity to temper the body! The Rudash Bath at the foot of Gellert Mountain was founded by the Turks, and its schedule includes “male”, “female” and “common” days. Prices here are relatively affordable (3700 forints), and on weekends, the pools are open until four in the morning.
Gellert Baths - photo The capital of Hungary has its own legends and mysteries. On the parapet of the embankment, a bronze boy in a buffoonish hat dangles with his feet - he was nicknamed "the little princess." And the mystical statue is the chronicler Anonymous, who sits in Varoshliget Park in a monk's attire with a hood down on his face. They say that if you make a wish by touching the pen in your hand, it will come true. Another version is that the pen of Anonymous multiplies scientific and literary talents.
Where to eat and relax
For a hefty portion of goulash, try Drum Cafe (Dob u. 2) or Belvarosi Disznotoros fast food restaurant (Károlyi u. 17).
When you want to spend an evening in an informal atmosphere with driving music, go to one of the Budapest bars. An absolutely iconic place is the ruin-pub Szimpla Kert (Kazinczy u. 14).
DJs and drinks for all tastes await at the Fogasház bar-club (Akacfa u. 51). The signature sweets of the Hungarian confectionery house Szamos can be enjoyed at Szamos Gourmet Ház (address: Vaci u. 1).
For those looking for sophisticated classics, Costes should be recommended, Budapest's first Michelin-starred restaurant. The address of the establishment is Raday utca 4.
Where to stay in Budapest
Hotels and hostels in Budapest
Budapest hostels are in many ways superior to hotels due to creativity in design, not so inferior to them in convenience and will delight them with affordable prices. In the Shantee House designed as an Indian ashram (address: Takács Menyhért u. 33) you can spend the night for 750 rubles.
In the Baroque Hostel decorated with antique furniture (address: Dózsa György u. 80 / a) - accommodation will cost 690 rubles.
The Marco Polo Top Hostel is halfway between Keleti train station and historic center(address: Nyár u. 6) - 760 rubles.
If you are not satisfied with the prospect of sharing your space with strangers, a single room in a hotel like Hotel Eben near the M2 metro station (address: Nagy Lajos király útja 15-17) costs from 2,100 rubles per night. Previously, I have often stayed in it, although the last times I got the feeling that the hotel is aging very quickly
Although, Budapest is the only city where I was twice, in the middle of the night, settled in the wrong conditions, which were booked. And there is no point in arguing if you are standing at night with children in the middle of the street.
Map of Budapest with landmarks in Russian
Map of Budapest hotels in Russian- using the hotel card you can choose inexpensive hotel, find out about the location of public transport stops, find out sights of Budapest on the map.
Shopping in Budapest
World brand stores are constantly opening in Budapest. V mall WestEnd (address: Váci út 1-3) presents world-famous Zara, Bershka, Story Shop, Calzedonia, Adidas, GAP, etc. Actually, Váci pedestrian street is the most popular place for shopping. The first floors of the buildings are occupied by cheap shops like Benetton, C&A and H&M.
The most expensive brands in Budapest are lined up on the front Andrássy Avenue: Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Christian Dior.
Major sales start about a month before Christmas and New Years. Although a lot of Hungarians complain about high prices and go shopping in Austria.
Against the background of such giants, one should not bypass local brands, which cannot be found anywhere else. Noteworthy are the womenswear brand Nanushka (address: Bécsi u. 3) and showrooms of Hungarian designers such as Printa (address: Rumbach Sebestyén u. 10) and Monofashion Shop (address: Kossuth Lajos u. 20).
Budapest is proud of its amazing monuments and at the same time has a rich nightlife and resort life. With him will be on "you" and those who appreciate cultural recreation, and seekers of noisy entertainment and creativity. You may not understand each other on a verbal level, but absorbing this city with all your senses, it is impossible not to feel its hospitable atmosphere.