An undisputed highlight of river cruises, Budapest definitely rewards repeat visits. The worst thing you can say about this remarkable city is that it’s impossible to see all of its attractions in a single visit, with both sides of the iconic chain bridge packed with historical marvel after historical marvel.
The Parliament Building might be instantly recognisable, standing proudly on the banks of the Danube, but there’s much more to the city than meets the eye. Budapest sits at the very centre of Europe, but it has a myriad of influences that have reshaped the city over the centuries.
Look up in one of the streets at the centre, and you’ll see Neoclassical, Historicist and Art Nouveau buildings clustered together in single districts. To make sense of this beautifully chaotic city, here’s your very own guide to the must-see sights in Budapest.
The Royal Palace
Palaces have stood on the towering Castle Hill since the 13th century, with every conqueror of Budapest adding more and more features to the slopes. Centuries of upheaval have revolved around this very spot, with the Royal Palace having been built and razed to the ground over seven centuries.
Now, the Royal Palace is home, not to royalty, but to some of the grandest artworks to be found anywhere – the Hungarian National Gallery has taken up residence, with an astounding collection of art from the 11th century to the present. From Gothic wooden sculptures to late-Renaissance artworks, there’s an incredible amount to see – and that’s all before you reach the Budapest History Museum, which is spread over three floors and even features restored palace rooms.
The Chain Bridge
Crossing the Danube and linking Buda and Pest, the Chain Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in the whole of Europe. Crafted meticulously during the 19th century, it remains to this day one of the greatest feats of engineering to exist. Particularly at night, the stunning design of the bridge remains a spell-binding attraction. Crossing the bridge itself is no less captivating either – it’s the finer details that bring the ornate history of the structure to life. For one, you’ll be walking beside stone lions carved by sculptor Janos Marschalko, adorned with magnificent coats of arms and dedications.
Memento Park
One of the best cult attractions in Budapest, Memento Park doesn’t receive as much acclaim as its historical peers, but it really is a landmark unlike any other. After the fall of communism, countless statues, relics and landmarks became fair game for collectors, and Memento Park just so happens to be the resting place for the vast majority.
The remains of a statue of Stalin which was torn down in a 1956 uprising, rows of soviet soldiers made of tin and amazing tableaus from the Second World War – there isn’t another park like it in Europe. Amidst all the intriguing oddities, you’ll find beautiful gardens as an amazing backdrop.
Thermae Maiores Baths Museum
Budapest has such a storied history that it’s unsurprising to find that fascinating remnants of the Roman Empire remain. The Thermae Baths Museum provides an amazing insight into the distant past of Budapest.
Especially built in the 2nd century for the Roman garrisons, the baths are still wonderfully preserved. As you wander through the magnificent gymnastic hall, which is filled with beautifully adorned pillars, you get a real sense of the thousands of years of history behind the city.
The Parliament Building
From nearly every riverside in Budapest, you can see the pointed spires of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Originally a copy of Westminster Palace, the Parliament Building turned out to be as unique as the city surrounding it, thanks in no small part to bold colouring and finer touches that dominate its exterior. The Gothic spires and the minute details decorating the windows make this much more than an imitation of an English icon.
The interior is no less impressive, showcasing a brilliant array of famous rooms and sights, including a magnificent staircase and elegant session rooms virtually untouched for hundreds of years. It’s an icon if Budapest that deserves to be visited time and time again.
