Budapest city break - tourist trail
Holiday travel guide to the main tourist attractions in Budapest
There's much to see in Budapest. The city's history has left its mark just about everywhere, from Roman ruins to Turkish baths, from Communist statues to magnificent bridges across the Danube - so much so that Unesco has created two World Heritage Sites in the city
Most Budapest attractions can be reached on foot or you can also hop on a tram. Relax in some of Europe's finest cafés, buy wonderful food from the Central Market or wander the rural oasis of Margaret Island, an extensive landscaped park sitting right in the middle of the Danube.
Most city break visitors to Budapest will find their way to Vorosmarty Square to see and take coffee at the famous Gerbeaud café. An ultra-modern neon-lit shopping complex now detracts from the atmosphere but the monument in the Square attracts musicians and artists and the café terraces get packed in summer.
The south side leads into Vaci utca, Budapest's main shopping street, also packed in summer with mime artists and musicians.
Built in the late 19th century in Art Nouveau style, and now fully restored, this is where to find good quality food. Paprika, salami and vegetable stalls line the ground floor. Others sell Hungary's celebrated liqueurs such as Apricot Brandy (Barackpalinka).
Shop carefully, however - the bag of saffron Travelsavvy bought in the Market was a great disappointment and far from genuine saffron.
Upstairs, it's Hungarian crafts and clothes plus a selection of bars.
The spacious market is found at the Pest end of Liberty bridge (Szabadság híd) and is also noted for its fine architecture.
The Magyar Nemzeti Galeria is near the top of the funicular in the massive Royal Palace that dominates the southern end of the Castle District of Buda. It's packed with Hungarian art and sculptures over four floors.
Margit hid, the Margaret Bridge, is the most northerly of the four central Budapest bridges across the Danube. Halfway across, there's a pedestrian link to Margaret Island.
With its curative thermal waters and landscaped parkland, this has long been a place of relaxation. The middle of the island is packed with trees and flowers while the Buda bank includes the huge Palatinus Baths complex. On the Pest bank there's a small zoo with deer and many species of birds.
The many thermal springs in Budapest have been popular for hundreds of years. The Turkish occupation saw bath-culture develop and Budapest still has baths built by the Turks.
Today, there are 28 spas and numerous spa hotels. The thermal waters treat arthritis and skin problems. The temperatures of the springs range from a cool 14°C to almost boiling.
The Szechenyi Bath and Spa on the Pest side of the Danube features three large outdoor pools and 12 thermal baths with a range of temperatures.
Over the river, the Gellert baths are a famous attraction. There's both outdoor and indoor baths. The Gellert recalls the age of grand hotels. The exterior is Art Nouveau and it's worth wandering over the fine Liberty Bridge towards the hotel to take in sweeping views of Buda and the Danube.
A short step up from the Gellert Hotel is a large cave that's divided into several chapels. It's well worth the short climb. St Gellert is said to have martyred by being thrown from the top of the hill, now crowned with the Citadella, in a barrel. His monument is half way up the hill.
One-hour cruises on the Danube are available at Pier No. 8 at Vigado Square, between the Chain and Elizabeth bridges on the Pest bank. There are departures from 10.15am with several evening cruises.
Nine bridges connect Buda and Pest over the River Danube
Copyright © SavvyNetworks 2006 - 2012, Cheshire, UK. All rights reserved.
Getting there
Nearby trips
Nightlife
Top sights