The capital of Hungary, Budapest is two cities in one: older Buda on the west and Pest on the east. They are separated by the Danube River, sometimes flowing gently and other times rushing violently. Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue, has been declared an internationally protected World Heritage Site, recognizing the city as one of the world’s outstanding urban landscapes.The city traces its history to Roman times. See this past on the Buda side at Aquincum, an excavated ancient Roman settlement in the Óbuda district, slightly north of the city center. Buda Castle Quarter lies at the heart of the city. Here you can see the Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom), with its colorful exterior. Buda Castle (Budai var), high on a western hill overlooking the city, lights up at night as the most recognizable part of Budapest’s skyline. Just a few minutes away on Gellért Hill is another towering structure, the Citadella, which has served as a fortress during several struggles within the city. The Liberty Statue (Szabadság-szobor), also on Gellért Hill, was installed as a celebration of Hungary’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II. Explore the interesting sights near City Park (Varosliget) on the eastern side of the city. Heroes’ Square (Hosok Tere) honors the city’s founders and defenders. Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum), while alongside a lake inside the park is the romantic looking Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyad vára). For other cultural attractions, visit the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum), the National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház) and the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) on the Pest side. Budapest has been the home of a number of famous sculptors, writers and composers.Budapest is easy to get around by car or on foot. The western Buda side is hilly, while eastern Pest is flat. The city also has many public transportation options. The subway system, one of Europe’s earliest, is still functional more than 100 years after its construction. There are also numerous bus tours, Danube boat tours, and even bicycle and Segway rentals or tours.
Budapest
Travel Guide
Visit Budapest
Where to stay in Budapest
Budapest City Centre
Known for its stunning cathedral, charming cafes, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Budapest City Centre. Top attractions like Ferenc Deak Square and Ferris Wheel of Budapest are major draws. Catch the metro at Deak Ferenc ter Station or Deák Ferenc tér M Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Inner City Budapest
Situated on the east bank of the Danube, this central area offers sightseeing at landmarks like Buda Castle and shopping on Váci Street. Easily accessible via Ferenc Deák Square, where three Budapest Metro lines converge.
Erzsebetvaros
Situated on the Pest side of the Danube, this densely populated district boasts the historic Jewish quarter and the largest functioning synagogue in Europe, Dohány Street Synagogue.
Lipotvaros
Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Lipotvaros. Check out top attractions like Danube Palace and Szechenyi Istvan Square, and jump on the metro at Széchenyi István tér Tram Stop or Arany Janos Street Station to see more of the city.
District VI
If you're spending time in District VI, check out sights like House of Terror Museum or Andrássy Út and hop on the metro to see more the city at Vorosmarty Street Station or Oktogon M Tram Stop.
Belváros - Lipótváros
Heart of Budapest, District V boasts political, financial, and touristic significance. Explore iconic sites like Hungarian Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica, and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Continental Hotel Budapest
"Excellent facilities, interesting architecture to the building. The staff were friendly, professional and extremely helpful."
Reviewed on 2026/5/29
Budapest Marriott Hotel
"Great location!"
Reviewed on 2026/5/26
Park Plaza Budapest
"The room was very spacious and clean. We had one of the rooms that over looked the river and it was well worth it! So lovely to sit with the window open at night and watch the boars going by. The breakfast had a very large selection of food to choose from and all was good ! The people at the Front ..."
Reviewed on 2026/5/29
Elisabeth Downtown Apartments by FirstHost
"Good location, clean room, nice staff"
Reviewed on 2026/5/28
K46 Residence
"The apartment was hotter than outside. It was very uncomfortable to sleep in. Very disappointed"
Reviewed on 2026/5/29
7seasons Apartments Budapest
"Self contained apartment with bedroom and a pull out sofa bed in main room. Washer and kitchenette. Best part tho is location. Hard to beat"
Reviewed on 2026/5/26
Popular places to visit
Margaret Island
Explore the great outdoors at Margaret Island, a popular spot to commune with nature in Budapest. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.
Gellért Thermal Bath
Soothe your aching joints in Budapest’s famous mineral hot springs housed in an impressive building where you can also enjoy a range of spa treatments.
Parliament Building
Gaze at the grand building of the democratic government of the people of Hungary and enjoy its reflection in the Danube River.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Relish the remarkable experience of a bath party and relax in one of the 18 pools of Budapest’s famous hot spring water.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.
Buda Castle
One of the highlights of the Budapest skyline, this palatial structure also offers interesting galleries and museums.
Other places like Budapest
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- House of Terror Museum
- Vajdahunyad Castle
- Parliament Building
- Vorosmarty Square
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Heroes' Square
- Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre
- Palvolgyi Cave
- Queen Elizabeth Statue
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Andrassy Avenue
- Castle Garden Bazaar
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Eotvos Lorand University
- Kerepesi Cemetery
- Visit Belváros - Lipótváros
- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Garden of Philosophy
- Buda Castle
- Liberty Statue
- Budapest Vacations
- Liberty Square
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Ferris Wheel of Budapest
- Kiraly Baths
- City Park
- Visit Inner City Budapest
- Szechenyi Istvan Square
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Budapest City Centre Vacations
- Matthias Church
- Balna Budapest
- Ferenc Hopp Museum of Far Eastern Arts
- Liberty Bridge
- Hungarian National Museum
- Hungarian National Gallery
- Gellért Thermal Bath
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Elisabeth Bridge
- Labyrinth of Buda Castle
- Citadella
- Aquincum Museum and Ruin Garden
- Margaret Island
- Lajos Kossuth Square
- Vaci Street
- Budapest Puppet Theatre
- Nagymezo Street
- Franz Liszt Academy of Music
- Ferenc Liszt Square
- Little Princess Statue
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Margaret Island
- Gellért Thermal Bath
- Parliament Building
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Buda Castle
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Vaci Street
- Rudas Baths
- Hungarian National Museum
- Heroes' Square
- Vorosmarty Square
- Andrassy Avenue
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Ferris Wheel of Budapest
- Matthias Church
- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Liberty Statue
- Liberty Bridge
