- Attractions in Budapest
- Religious buildings
- Gardens and parks of the capital of Hungary
- Baths of Budapest
- Islands on the Danube
- Shopping with pleasure
- Finding the perfect goulash
The Hungarian capital is often called one of the most beautiful in Europe. The city appeared in the 19th century. as a result of the merger of several settlements located along the banks of the Danube. Its most famous sights are the Hungarian Parliament building, Buda Castle and thermal baths. Gourmets say that the list should be supplemented with Hungarian goulash, the recipe for which is impossible to comprehend if you are not in love with paprika, family traditions and the music of Imre Kalman. When choosing where to try the Hungarian signature dish and where to go in Budapest to enjoy a glass of Tokaj, don't think too long. Almost any establishment in the Hungarian capital guarantees guests comfort and delicious food.
Attractions in Budapest
The old town stretches on both banks of the Danube. Bridges connect Budu and Pest, and the Szechenyi Bridge was the first to be opened. Its construction was completed in 1849, and at that time the crossing was a real miracle of engineering and was included in the list of the longest in the world. On the bridge you can cross the Danube, admire the opening panorama of the city and take photos of other sights of Budapest:
- Mount Gellert and the Citadel at its summit are an excellent vantage point for panoramic views. Near the walls of the Citadel, built in the 19th century, stands the sculpture of Freedom.
- At the beginning of the twentieth century. Vaidahunyad Castle appeared in the city, whose Gothic outline meets the visitors of Varoshliget Park. It was decided to build the castle in honor of the 1000th anniversary of Budapest and was richly decorated on this occasion. The walls of the palace are decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures.
- The Hungarian Parliament is the number one tourist attraction in Budapest. It is worth going on an excursion here to look at ancient rarities: the crown of King Istvan, a saber and a mace of the orb. In the architecture of the parliament, Gothic and Baroque features are bizarrely mixed, and the best view of the building opens from the opposite bank of the Danube.
- Historic district Buda Castle with the royal palace rises on a hill in the center of the city. The residence of the Hungarian monarchs in its current version appeared at the end of the 19th century. and now serves as the National Gallery. The museum displays the work of local painters and sculptors and hosts exhibitions with which foreign museums come to Budapest.
The main avenue of the Hungarian capital officially bears the name of the outstanding statesman Andrássy, but you can often hear how the street is called the Budapest Champs-Elysees. The most beautiful boulevard is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The avenue connects Deak Ferenc Square and the City Park. On Andrássy, you will see an opera house, many museums, a university, boutiques and restaurants.
Religious buildings
Among the huge number of churches in the Hungarian capital, Orthodox tourists are especially interested in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its construction began at the end of the 18th century, and later the temple was restored and rebuilt several times. The destruction was especially severe during the Second World War, but even then the services in the church continued.
The Holy Dormition Cathedral houses the relics of St. Stephen and old icons. The oldest of them, the Bezdinskaya Icon of the Mother of God, was painted almost 10 centuries ago.
Gardens and parks of the capital of Hungary
The most famous park in Budapest is called Varoshliget. It is located near pl. Heroes in the city center. Work on the creation of the park began at the end of the 18th century, and today Veroshliget is a favorite vacation spot for residents and tourists.
The park is famous for several interesting structures and entertainment facilities:
- Vaidahunyad Castle, built as a stage set for the play, was then immortalized in stone. On the territory of the castle, you will find elements of two dozen of the most famous architectural landmarks of the country.
- The largest bath complex in the Old World, the Széchenyi Bath is supplied with thermal water from the well of St. Stephen. The complex has three outdoor and 15 indoor pools.
- The Gundel Restaurant, which celebrated its centenary at the end of the last century, is famous for its luxurious style of serving dishes, perfect service and signature desserts.
The whole family should go to Varoshliget Park. Young tourists will love the local circus and zoo, while men will appreciate the exposition of the Transport Museum.
The Philosophical Garden on Gellert Hill will be of more interest to fans of the sculptural movement in art. It contains eight statues cast in bronze by Nandol Wagner. The master has worked on images of Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Lao Tzu and other prominent personalities for 15 years.
Baths of Budapest
In addition to the aforementioned Széchenyi, which the residents of the capital briefly call “sechka”, dozens of other baths are open in Budapest, where you can improve your mood, give your body vivacity and tune in to conquer new tourist peaks.
The Lukach Baths is the oldest in the city and is famous for the almost complete absence of tourists. If you want to go to an authentic place where Hungarians prefer to relax, the right address in Budapest is Frankel Leo ut, 25-29.
Turkish bath "Kirai" was built during the reign of the Ottomans. The bathhouse offers a jacuzzi and a sauna, and its four pools have different water temperatures.
The cost of services at Gellert may seem unreasonably high, but the luxurious interiors and equipment of this bathhouse are worthy of overpaying. The ticket price includes aqua aerobics classes.
In the baths "Rudash", in addition to the standard set of pools, jacuzzi and other water pleasures, the guest is offered a panoramic view of the city from the skylight.
If you are going to go to the bathhouse in Budapest, check the schedule of men's and women's days!
Islands on the Danube
Within the city limits of Budapest, the river forms seven islands. The most famous and worthy of tourists' attention is Margit. It is located in the historical part of the city between Pest and Buda and is connected to the banks of the river by the Margarita bridges in the south and Arpad bridges in the north. The island has a large park with recreation areas, children's playgrounds and several hotels. The hotels have their own sources of thermal waters.
The island is named after the heiress of King Bela IV, who gave his daughter a nun to a Dominican monastery located in the middle of the Danube. The king decided to take such a step in gratitude for getting rid of the Mongol invasion. Princess Margaret died in the monastery, and in honor of her, Hare Island was renamed Margit.
Shopping with pleasure
Delicious meat delicacies are most often brought from Budapest, which local chefs prepare according to old recipes. A special breed of pig is even raised in the country, whose meat is particularly juicy and is used to make the famous Hungarian salami.
It is most profitable to buy groceries in the Central Market of Budapest, where, by the way, you can go to taste goulash. It is offered by small cafes whose chefs are perfectly proportioned. A variety of souvenirs are also sold at the market, and the building itself, built at the end of the 19th century, is an architectural landmark of the Hungarian capital.
You will find boutiques with expensive European brands on Andrássy Boulevard and in the Fashion Street shopping area.
Near the pompous shops on Vaci Street, there are retail outlets offering antiques and goods at affordable prices. On Vaci there are many shops with porcelain trinkets and sets, books, souvenirs and quality shoes made of genuine leather. But handicrafts from local craftsmen will be offered to you by shops on Kirai Street.
If you like traditional urban shopping in its modern form, in Budapest you can go to the largest mall in the country - Westend City Center. After enjoying shopping at its 400 stores, grab a bite to eat at the food court or head up to the rooftop, where the ice rink is flooded in winter.
Finding the perfect goulash
Hungarian food is a real song for those who are not afraid of meaty, spicy, hot and hearty food. Goulash is prepared on every corner, and each establishment has its own recipe for a classic Magyar dish. The main rule is that there should be a spoon in the goulash, so that a person who decides to have supper after hard righteous work is satiated and falls asleep happy.
In addition to typical restaurants with Hungarian menus and gypsy ensembles, Budapest has many places where you can go to taste the cuisine of other nations. Among them are the owners of Michelin stars, and places less pretentious, but just as pleasant and popular.
"Tavern of Dionysus" will delight lovers of classic Greek salad. Mediterranean cuisine with numerous appetizers prepared from fresh vegetables, cheeses and wines, combined with reasonable prices, make this tavern a favorite vacation spot for tourists and locals alike.
Hungarian dishes dominate the menu at Borbirosag, a very democratic establishment not far from the Hungarian capital's Central Market. The prices in the cafe are very affordable, the service is unobtrusive, but all visitors feel comfortable and cozy.
For pasta or real Italian wine, head to Comme Chez Soi. Apennine hospitality in the heart of Budapest attracts many visitors to the city. Especially when it comes to a romantic date.
In Borkonyha WineKitchen, as the name suggests, visitors will be offered a huge list of wines, from which even a guest far from sommelier skills can choose a drink to their liking. The food here is quite decent, and the atmosphere is conducive to socializing with friends.
