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
Budapest Travel Guide Video
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 Kossuth Lajos ter 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.
H2 Hotel Budapest
Hotel was very clean and staff very helpful , excellent location , breakfast was very good and great variety on offer . We would stay again
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026
InterContinental Budapest by IHG
Great hotel in a great location, all the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The breakfast was excellent. Great view from the river view room, well worth the room upgrade cost.
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026
Park Plaza Budapest
All good but shower turned the bathroom floor into a paddling pool!
Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026
Elisabeth Downtown Apartments by FirstHost
Super large room, we got the family room with the pull out sofa bed. Was all comfy enough, when we requested an extra sheet they were happy to provide and someone was at the desk 24/7. There was also a washing machine with a free pod so after swimming we did a small batch of washing. Also super great ...
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026
Adina Apartment Hotel Budapest
Perfect
Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026
Marriott Executive Apartments Millennium Court
We had breakfast included in our deal which worked out about £4.50 per person per day, plenty to have and served between 630am-11am. Room, no real view but we wasn't concerned about that, it was location for us and it was fantastic. Close by was hop on,hop off stop 13. Right by the bridge, 2-3 minute ...
Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026
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.
Buda Castle
One of the highlights of the Budapest skyline, this palatial structure also offers interesting galleries and museums.
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.
Things to do
Budapest: 1-Hour Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink
Budapest Danube Cruise with Drink, Audio Guide, Margaret Island
Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Budapest: Buda Castle District Vampires and Myths Night Tour
Budapest: Cruise Unlimited Aperol and Prosecco
Budapest: Nighttime or Daytime City Sightseeing Cruise
Other places like Budapest
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- Margaret Island
- Gellért Thermal Bath
- Buda Castle
- Parliament Building
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Danube River
- Heroes' Square
- Hungarian National Museum
- Rudas Baths
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Andrassy Avenue
- Matthias Church
- Ferenc Liszt Square
- Vajdahunyad Castle
