Embark on a journey through Budapest

Budapest

Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital city, spans both sides of the Danube River—historic, hilly Buda on the west bank and cosmopolitan, flat Pest (pronounced “Pesht”) on the east. “Buda-Pest” was created in 1872 when Pest, Buda and the nearby village of Óbuda were united into a single capital city. Within a year, the hyphen disappeared from the name.

Once known as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest has long been a vital cultural, financial and political center. The city’s origins date to the Roman era, but Budapest truly blossomed during the 19th-century, under the Hapsburg empire of Austria-Hungary.

Budapest has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature ranges from around 30 °F (-1 °C) in January to 72 °F (22 °C) in July. During winter, snowfall is frequent but typically not abundant.

Present-day Buda served as the heart of the city during the Middle Ages, and many features of the castle town, such as the cobblestone streets and Gothic houses, have been preserved. Castle Hill lies at the center, rising 551 ft. (168 m) above sea level. Gellért Hill, which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city, lies to the south of Castle Hill, while Rózsa Hill, home to many of Hungary’s elite families, lies to the north.

On the Pest side of the Danube, facing Castle Hill, you will find the ornate Hungarian Parliament Building. The heart of Pest is known as Belváros (Inner Town). This area is home to the Váci utca, a narrow pedestrian street that has become one of the most fashionable shopping districts of Budapest. The most famous street in the city, Andrássy Avenue, runs from the center of Pest to Városliget (City Park). Today, Budapest boasts a lively arts scene and is also home to many notable landmarks. Here are some of the key cultural destinations you may see during your visit:

• Castle District (Vánegyed)—You can reach this charming, medieval neighborhood either by foot or by the Budavári Sikló, a funicular dating back to 1870. Full of cobblestone streets, quaint cafés and colorful architecture, it is a wonderful area to explore. It is also home to some of Budapest’s most famous sites, including Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. (You can read more on each of these below.)
• Buda Castle—With its distinctive dome, Buda Castle is one of the most iconic Hungarian landmarks. The palace has been rebuilt several times since the 13th century and has served not only as a royal residence but also as the site of many significant historical events. Today, it also houses the Budapest History Museum, the magnificently restored 19th-century St. Stephen’s Hall, the National Széchényi Library and the Hungarian National Gallery—which boasts an extensive Hungarian art collection.
• Matthias Church—This medieval Gothic church, more formally known as the Church of Our Blessed Lady, has played an important role in Hungarian history. The last two Kings of Hungary were crowned within its walls, and it also temporarily served as a mosque during the years of Ottoman rule.
• Fisherman’s Bastion—This striking monument’s unusual name can be traced to the Middle Ages, when the fishermen’s guild was entrusted with protecting this part of the Buda city walls. Today, Fisherman’s Bastion offers the best panoramic viewpoint over the Danube and the Pest skyline.
• Gellért Hill & Citadella—Towering 771 ft. (235 m) above the Danube, Gellért Hill offers some of the best views of the city. The Citadella, a vast fortress built by the Hapsburgs in 1854, perches on top of the hill.
• Széchenyi Chain Bridge—Of Budapest’s eight bridges, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest and best-known. Built in the 1840s, it was named for the 19th-century Hungarian reformer István Széchenyi. Walking the illuminated bridge at night is an unforgettable experience.
• St. Stephen’s Basilica—Located in Central Pest, this magnificent basilica is named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c. 975–1038), whose right hand is housed in the reliquary. A bustling Christmas market takes place in St. Stephen's Square during the winter.
• Hungarian Parliament Building—The impressive Parliament building is, arguably, Budapest’s signature landmark. Completed in 1902, it was designed by architect Imre Steindl in a grand neo-Gothic style, inspired by London’s Palace of Westminster. It is especially striking when seen from the Danube at night.