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 Buda Castle and Ferenc Deak Square 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.
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.
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.
H2 Hotel Budapest
Breakfast was decent but I wish they would change the menu (6 days of the same breakfast was not ideal) Staff was very helpful Room was clean and modern with all the basic things we needed
Reviewed on Apr 6, 2026
Continental Hotel Budapest
Staff were very helpful. Beautiful common areas with a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable room.
Reviewed on Apr 4, 2026
Corinthia Budapest
Staff was excellent and a special occasion very memorable
Reviewed on Apr 1, 2026
Elisabeth Downtown Apartments by FirstHost
Great location, walkable to the city and river. Plenty of food places around locally. Lovely apartment with good facilities, easy check-in. Very good for a break without the expense of eating out every night.
Reviewed on Apr 2, 2026
Adina Apartment Hotel Budapest
The hotel was great, very clean, attentive staff and great place
Reviewed on Apr 3, 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.
Buda Castle
One of the highlights of the Budapest skyline, this palatial structure also offers interesting galleries and museums.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Ride an elevator to the dome of this large church to admire the panoramic views across Budapest and the Danube.
Parliament Building
Gaze at the grand building of the democratic government of the people of Hungary and enjoy its reflection in the Danube River.
Hungarian State Opera House
Enjoy an opera or ballet or simply admire the beautiful interior and exterior of this pre-1900 neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece.
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.
Things to do
Budapest: 1-Hour Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink
Budapest Danube Cruise with Drink, Audio Guide, Margaret Island
Budapest: Buda Castle District Vampires and Myths Night Tour
Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music
Skip-the-Line Ticket Royal Sisi Tour from Budapest
Budapest by Night Danube Cruise with Audio Guide & Welcome Drink
Other places like Budapest
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Castles in Budapest
- Budapest City Centre Hotels
- Palaces in Budapest
- Inns in Deak Ferenc ter Station
- District XIV Hotels
- Adventure Hotels in Gellert Hill
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Budapest
- Hotels near Parliament Building
- Hotels near Great Market Hall
- Historic Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels near Buda Castle
- Family Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels near Vorosmarty Square
- Guest Houses in Budapest
- Aparthotels in Central Hungary
- Historic Hotels in District XII
- Apartments in Budapest-Nyugati Station
- Gay friendly Hotels in Budapest City Centre
- Luxury Hotels in Gellert Hill
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Budapest
- Hotel with a Concierge Hotels in Gellert Hill
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in District XIV
- Hotels near Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- Golf Hotels in Gellert Hill
- Adults Only Resorts & in District XIV
- Ski Hotels in Budapest
- Gay friendly Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels near Budapest Christmas Market
- Luxury Hotels in Budapest
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Gellert Hill
- Historic Hotels in District IX
- Boutique Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Cheap Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Gellert Hill
- Aparthotels in Budapest
- Pensions in Budapest-Deli Station
- Inner City Budapest Hotels
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in Castle Hill
- Gellert Hill Hotels
- Hotels with Early Check-in in District XIII
- Inns in Budapest
- Luxury Hotels in District XIV
- Hotels near Nepliget
- Hostels in Budapest
- Hotels near Andrassy Avenue
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Inner City Budapest
- Luxury Hotels in Central Hungary
- Cheap Hotels in District IX
- Shopping Hotels in Gellert Hill
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Inner City Budapest
- Condo Rentals in Budapest
- Hotels near Hungarian State Opera House
- Apartments in Budapest
- Adults Only Resorts & in Budapest
- Boutique Hotels in Gellert Hill
- Shopping Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Belváros - Lipótváros Hotels
- Budapest Hotels
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Budapest
- Business Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Cheap Hotels in Budapest
- District XIII Hotels
- Cruise Ships in Budapest
- Residences in Budapest-Kelenfold Station
- Aparthotels in Budapest-Nyugati Station
- Adventure Hotels in Belváros - Lipótváros
- Pensions in Budapest
- Hotels with Free Parking in Budapest
- Boutique Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels with a Pool in Budapest
- Family Hotels in Gellert Hill
- Shopping Hotels in Budavár
- Hotels near Rudas Baths
- All-Inclusive Hotel Hotels in District IX
- Hotels near St. Stephen's Basilica
- Hotels near Keleti Station
- Adults Only Resorts & in District IX
- Hotel with a Concierge Hotels in Inner City Budapest
- Hostels in Budapest-Nyugati Station
- Hotels near Budapest-Nyugati Station
- B&B in Budapest
- Romantic Hotels in Budapest
- Guest Houses in Kalvin ter Station
- Business Hotels in Budapest
- Hotels near Budapest-Deli Station
- Castle Hill Hotels
- Hotels near Kalvin ter Station
- Cheap Hotels in Central Hungary
- Hotels near Deak Ferenc ter Station
- Hotel with a Concierge Hotels in Erzsebetvaros
- Capsule Hotels in Budapest
- Cheap Hotels in Budapest City Centre
