14 Reasons To Visit Budapest
Ready to visit Budapest, Hungary? With many reasons to visit, like the state opera house, UNESCO sites, and European history, Budapest is a great destination for curious travelers. There are so many things to see in Budapest.
Beauty, historic landmarks, friendliness of local residents, did I mention European history? Budapest is one of the largest cities in the EU, and rich in history. It has earned the nickname “Paris of the West”. How many more reasons to visit Budapest can I come up with?
Stick With Me And Find Out
Here is a teaser for you. I stayed a couple of extra days and the view from my hotel room was beyond incredible. Between the view and the hotel being built over an ancient monastery site, it was really pretty unbelievable.
Just the beginning of the many things to see in Budapest.
One Of My Favorite Reasons To Visit Budapest Is Its Rich History
Archeological digs have found remains of ancient peoples dating before 1 AD. Budapest was a Roman outpost, later invaded by Tatars, and more recently part of the Eastern bloc. With such a rich European history comes an enduring people who respect and protect their historic buildings. Does it get any better than that?
Budapest is located in the country of Hungary. Sandwiched between Romania and Austria, Hungarians have known conflict for much of their history. The most recent occupation behind the Iron Curtain is still evident in the city. That history is demonstrated by square block Communist-style buildings nestled beside both historic and new buildings. Visitors may see Soviet-era cars parked on city streets, or hear stories shared by Budapest’s residents.
This Iron Curtain, part of European history, may be in the past. But Hungary’s residents have not forgotten.
Hungary’s Parliament Building Is Absolutely One Of The Things To See In Budapest
It is incredible how the same building looks so beautiful, whether viewed in the daylight or at night. The cover photo for this story is Hungary’s Parliament Building at night. (See it again, below). It is more incredible than photos can capture. This really is a vision worth checking out.
I don’t often share the cover photo again in the story content, but I think the photo speaks for itself.
Details About The Hungarian Parliament Building
The interior includes 10 courtyards, 13 elevators, 27 gates, 29 staircases, and 691 rooms. With its height of 96m, it is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, along with Saint Stephen’s Basilica.
The number 96 refers to the nation’s millennium, 1896, and the conquest of the later Kingdom of Hungary in 896. Seeing this building both in the daylight and at night was just plain amazing.
More Reasons To Visit Budapest
I love that Budapest is divided into 2 separate “cities”, each with its own personality. Buda is known as the Castle Hill and Castle District side and as you may guess, it is very hilly. My recommendation to visitors is to make use of public transportation. Getting down the hills was ok, but climbing back up the hill was much more difficult.
The Pest side is across the Danube and has a more flat terrain. By the way, it’s not pronounced Booda-pest. It is Booda-Pescht.
There are countless things to see in Budapest. City landmarks are numerous and each is spectacular in its own right.
Saint Stephens Basilica
Saint Stephens Basilica is actually spelled Szent Istvan-bazlika in Hungarian. Now you know. The basilica is named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose right hand is reported to be housed in the reliquary. No lie.
Szechenyl Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Danube River between Buda and Pest, the west and east side of Budapest. The bridge opened in 1849 and became the first bridge in the Hungarian capital.
At the time it was one of the largest in the world. The pairs of lions at each of the abutments were added in 1852. It is popular in Hungary to point out that the lions, in fact, have no tongues.
You may ask… so what? The Chain Bridge has become a very popular tourist destination, with many tourists and locals alike walking across the bridge. The bridge isn’t much more than chains – so imagine walking on chains across a river the size of the Danube.
Andrassy Avenue
This is the main street on the Pest side, named as a UNESCO world heritage site. The street stretches from the Danube to Heros’ Square. Lined with trees and many examples of historic family homes, most with the exteriors restored.
Insider tip – Andrassy Avenue is home to the most amazing coffee shop with delectable sweets.
Famous sites related to Andrassy Avenue are Heros’ Square, Szechenyl Thermal Baths, the Budapest State Opera House, the city market… the list goes on and on. Take a tour down Andrassy Avenue if you get the opportunity, you will be amazed at how much Hungarian and European history you are standing in the middle of!
Szechenyl Thermal Bath
This is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. I forgot my bathing suit so I didn’t visit (and they wouldn’t let me skinny-dip,,, imagine that…), but the building was in a park-like setting and incredibly beautiful.
I learned a valuable lesson here… never travel without your bathing suit. While it may seem silly, I really regret not being able to get inside this building. It was (imagine musical notes here…) amazing!
Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House is incredibly beautiful inside, with natural woods and gilded walls and ceilings. I was privileged to have a private tour of the State Opera House and have a solo performance by the resident soprano.
The Hungarian State Opera House is rated as one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. I tried and tried to get photos that showed how magnificent the gold gilding contrasted with burgundy velvet draping was, but again, photos just don’t do the State Opera House justice.
This is one of those places you have to visit to fully appreciate. Like Andrassy Avenue, if you get an opportunity for a guided tour – do it. A tip for travelers – that coffee house with yummy snacks is across the street from the State Opera House and a few buildings down the street. You are welcome 🙂
Being an American, the most impactful thing to me was the obvious difference in how the “common people” and royalty were treated at the State Opera House. My tour included glimpses into the royal passageways.
St. Matthias Church
St. Matthias Church is not only beautiful, but it has also been a historical landmark for Buda for over 700 years. How is that for throwing in some relevant European history? For more information, I thought this website was helpful.
I was privileged to have a guided tour inside this amazing church. The most amazing part is how this building was used to save important Hungarian relics during Budapest’s many raids, and learning how closely the church’s history is tied to the Caves of Budapest.
The Caves
Budapest is the only capital that has natural caves in the middle of the city. The Hungarian capital is not just the city of spas but the city of caves too. Who knew?
History has it, that during its many periods of battle relics and items of importance were stored in these caves and preserved. For caving fans, a visit to this historical site is a must. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to do everything I wanted and was unable to visit the caves.
Getting Around Budapest Was Easy
I used public transportation, especially getting up and down the Buda hills. Paying for the tram or transport carts was relatively inexpensive, and it helped to tip my driver well early in the trip. Public transportation was well mapped out and easy to follow, even without speaking any Hungarian.
I am going to get on my soapbox here for a moment. One of my favorite recommendations for people is to use a Hop-on-Hop-off tour to orient themselves to a city, and determine from there which places to visit first. That is exactly what I did in Budapest. Not only was I able to get to places I normally may not have thought of, but I also used it for much of my transportation for a couple of my days in the city.
The Food In Budapest
Food – oh yeah, I have to talk about food. I always look for the local market and I was not disappointed. You may think it’s weird to include the city market as a reason to visit Budapest, but when you understand this place better, I think you’ll get it.
First, it’s located in a 3 story stately old building. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the building used to be some pre-soviet-era socialite’s home. Each floor had specialized areas. For example, in the basement area, I found dairy goods and honey. On the main, entrance level floor, I found liquor, chocolate, and the normal “market” items. On the top floor was a restaurant, and vendors with hand-embroidered traditional Hungarian items. A visit here is truly an insight into the current economy, social structure, and historical customs.
The city market was near the beginning of Andrassy Avenue and was near a bus stop, so it was easy to access. I left there with chocolate, Hungarian paprika, and palinka, after sampling meats, cheeses, and pickled items. I bought more of the Hungarian chocolate after I got home. It was THAT good.
Another word of advice to travelers – try the Hungarian Goulash – each area along the Danube made goulash different. Having Hungarian Goulash is like having German beer – something you just have to do.
The Locals
My experience with local residents led me to believe Hungarians are pretty open and friendly, but I stayed in the touristy areas. My early 20ish guide was happy to talk about how life during and after communism and provided an interesting insight into how the Hungarian people’s life has changed. Any time I get an opportunity to spend quality time with locals, hear about their life experiences, that becomes a “thing to see” or “reason to visit” for me. There is always a down-side to that practice though.
I didn’t have to travel far from the tourist area to see bullet-riddled walls and shells of houses. In reading about Hungary’s history, I can only imagine Hungarians as very resilient people. But it was very obvious from the number of “Western” commercial buildings that Hungary is ready to move into the 21st century full speed ahead.
Seeing the bullet-riddled walls was a side of European history that American’s don’t see often. Americans’ tourist experiences tend to gravitate toward the rose-colored-glasses view of any destination. I prefer to see the truth, and we all know European history isn’t always pretty.
Almost every city in Europe that I have visited has a memorial to hatred and the atrocities humans commit. The Holocaust Memorial to Jews killed during WWII has shoes lined up and memorialized along the Danube. Just another of those reminders that hate can be experienced anywhere. Love really does make the world go ’round people. Not hate.
Whew. Enough of that.
Hungary Music
Hungary has a rich and varied musical history, from old folk music to composers like Liszt, who has been well honored with Europe’s classical composers. Hungary has an honored place in European history, and they are proud to show it. Likely, that is one of the reasons the State Opera House is so revered.
What Are My Reasons For Visiting Budapest?
Did I say 14 reasons?
- Ancient history – let’s face it, this is a great place to experience pre-European history.
- Beautiful views of the Danube River
- Significance in European history
- Amazing architecture
- Saint Stephens Basilica
- Hungarian Parliament
- Szechenyl Chain Bridge
- Szechenyl Thermal Bath
- St. Matthias Church
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Caves of Budapest
- Budapest has good public transportation
- Food. Oh yeah, the food!
- The people – some of my best cultural experiences in Europe occurred in Budapest
I know historical significance and architecture could be tied into many of the amazing landmarks. The reason I listed them out separately, and the reason each of these is special to me, is likely to be a different reason for you. Each of us brings our own baggage, view of the world, and expectations for our visit with us. Based on those, each of these 14 reasons will impact you differently.
For example, you may want to visit the State Opera House for the music. I wanted to visit to explore the stately building.
Wrapping Up My Time In Budapest
This city was a no-brainer for me to write about. I expected to have a few extra days of vacation and just wander around the city. Instead, I found so many reasons to visit and things to see in Budapest, this story could have been “50 Reasons to visit Budapest”.
There were architectural wonders, a city full of life and beauty, incredible food, and Palinka. Oh, we haven’t talked about Palinka yet. Palinka is the traditional adult beverage, and while some may think it’s close to kerosene, I enjoyed the apricot flavor very much. Which probably added to my enjoyment of the city in general.
Lessons Learned
I didn’t take a translation book or use a translation app. If I had stayed longer or was out of the tourist area that would have been very necessary. English was not spoken as widely here as in other European cities.
I would have skipped some of the formal tours and just taken off to explore. I didn’t research Budapest or Hungary very much before I traveled here, and if I had, I would have balanced my personal exploration and formal tour time better.
Budapest was easy to get around in and I feel like I barely scratched the surface. Get on a Hop-on-Hop-off tour and get a feel for the city, then take off and explore! Check out this day tour! (affiliate link)
