TOP 12 Best Tourist Attractions of Budapest
1. Parliament
The Parliament was built between1885 and 1902, at the time the largest parliamentary building in the world. This building was constructed at a time when Hungary was three times the size it is now (it became smaller as a result of having been shared out after the First World War - when Hungary was on the losing side). One of Europe’s most splendid Parliament buildings has a length of 268 meters and is 118 meters wide. The parliament house contains more than 29 staircases (20 km), and 691 rooms, as well as 10 courtyards, and 27 gates. The elegant dome has a height of 69 meters. Eighty-eight statues decorate its main façade, which overlooks the Danube. The inspiration for this building is said to have been the Palace of Westminster in London. Like so much along the Pest bank of the Danube, the best view is actually from across the river.
Europe's first area heating system was put in service in this building. Seat of the Hungarian Parliament and government offices, it provides a place of safety for the 1000 years old, Europe’s oldest Holy Crown.
EU citizens can visit the Parliament Building free of charge upon proof of nationality.
Website: www.parlament.hu/angol/angol.htm
Europe's first area heating system was put in service in this building. Seat of the Hungarian Parliament and government offices, it provides a place of safety for the 1000 years old, Europe’s oldest Holy Crown.
EU citizens can visit the Parliament Building free of charge upon proof of nationality.
Website: www.parlament.hu/angol/angol.htm
2. Castle District, Royal Palace & National Gallery
Castle District
Castle Hill is a 1,5km long hill, rising 48 meters above the Danube with the Castle District.
The Castle Quarter has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda. It is the most famous and one of the most frequently visited tourist attractions in Budapest. The district has been UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 which has many places of interest, museums, streets and squares with a special atmosphere, restaurants and shops. Three churches, five museums, and many buildings, memorials, streets and squares of historical interest can be found here. The Castle District offers wonderful panoramas of the Danube, its bridges, and of the Pest side.
The Palace was built in the 13th century following the Mongol invasion, was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and being renewed from time to time symbolizes the country itself. For 700 years it was the residence of many Hungarian kings. At the end of W.W.II, the complex was damaged again by fire, but after the restoration started in the fifties, the Buda Castle can be seen in all its glory again. The castle has a mixture of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque and with its 203 rooms now houses several museums, among them the Budapest Historical Museum and the National Gallery.
The Hungarian National Gallery is located in the main wing of the castle facing the Danube, documenting and presenting the rise and development of the fine arts in Hungary. The Gallery offers a selection of the history of arts in Hungary from the 10th century to the present day. Exhibits include a collection of early medieval and Renaissance stone works, Gothic wood-carvings, panels and triptychs, Renaissance and Baroque art, 19th- and 20th-century painting, sculpture and collections of coins and medals.
Website: www.mng.hu/en
The funicular is the easiest and most interesting way to get up to the top of Castle Hill. Built in 1870, the two cars travel up and down every day from morning until night. The carriages are lovingly maintained, and although modern, have an antique look and design.
The Castle Quarter has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda. It is the most famous and one of the most frequently visited tourist attractions in Budapest. The district has been UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 which has many places of interest, museums, streets and squares with a special atmosphere, restaurants and shops. Three churches, five museums, and many buildings, memorials, streets and squares of historical interest can be found here. The Castle District offers wonderful panoramas of the Danube, its bridges, and of the Pest side.
The Palace was built in the 13th century following the Mongol invasion, was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and being renewed from time to time symbolizes the country itself. For 700 years it was the residence of many Hungarian kings. At the end of W.W.II, the complex was damaged again by fire, but after the restoration started in the fifties, the Buda Castle can be seen in all its glory again. The castle has a mixture of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque and with its 203 rooms now houses several museums, among them the Budapest Historical Museum and the National Gallery.
The Hungarian National Gallery is located in the main wing of the castle facing the Danube, documenting and presenting the rise and development of the fine arts in Hungary. The Gallery offers a selection of the history of arts in Hungary from the 10th century to the present day. Exhibits include a collection of early medieval and Renaissance stone works, Gothic wood-carvings, panels and triptychs, Renaissance and Baroque art, 19th- and 20th-century painting, sculpture and collections of coins and medals.
Website: www.mng.hu/en
The funicular is the easiest and most interesting way to get up to the top of Castle Hill. Built in 1870, the two cars travel up and down every day from morning until night. The carriages are lovingly maintained, and although modern, have an antique look and design.
3. Fishermen's Bastion & Matthias Church
Fishermen's Bastion
A panoramic view of Pest would be portrayed from the Fishermen’s Bastion. It is a viewing terrace, with many stairs and walking paths. As part of the expansive plans for the reconstruction of Castle Hill in the late 19th century was that segment of the city-wall that stands behind Matthias Church.
Built in 1905 on the medieval castle walls, the neo-Romanesque ramparts were so named after the city's fishermen whose duty was to defend this side of the hill during the Middle Ages, but the existing bastion never actually served a defensive purpose.
The best time to head to Fisherman’s Bastion is on a clear, sunny day. This kind of weather provides you with a clear view of Budapest’s many fantastic sites. It makes for some of the finest photo opportunities in all of Budapest.
Matthias Church which is located at the heart of Buda’s Castle District is believed to be built in 1015. This was the coronation church of Hungarian kings since King Matthias (1458-90).
The originally French building in early Gothic style has been consistently enlarged and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1526, when the Turks conquered Buda, the church was transformed into a mosque. After the reconquest of the city (1686) the church belonged to the Franciscans and later to the Jesuits. Between the years 1874 and 1896 it was completely reconstructed as Church of Our Lady in neo-Gothic style. The interior is richly decorated with gilded altars, statues, rose windows and frescoes.
Website: www.matyas-templom.hu
Built in 1905 on the medieval castle walls, the neo-Romanesque ramparts were so named after the city's fishermen whose duty was to defend this side of the hill during the Middle Ages, but the existing bastion never actually served a defensive purpose.
The best time to head to Fisherman’s Bastion is on a clear, sunny day. This kind of weather provides you with a clear view of Budapest’s many fantastic sites. It makes for some of the finest photo opportunities in all of Budapest.
Matthias Church which is located at the heart of Buda’s Castle District is believed to be built in 1015. This was the coronation church of Hungarian kings since King Matthias (1458-90).
The originally French building in early Gothic style has been consistently enlarged and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1526, when the Turks conquered Buda, the church was transformed into a mosque. After the reconquest of the city (1686) the church belonged to the Franciscans and later to the Jesuits. Between the years 1874 and 1896 it was completely reconstructed as Church of Our Lady in neo-Gothic style. The interior is richly decorated with gilded altars, statues, rose windows and frescoes.
Website: www.matyas-templom.hu
4. Heroes Square (Milennium Monument) & Andrassy Avenue
Heroes Square is one of the biggest and also the most spectacular square in Budapest situated at the end of a beautiful avenue. Already from afar, visitors arriving from Andrassy Avenue can see the 36m high middle column of the Millennium Memorial, on the top of which archangel Gabriel is holding the Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross. The monument consists of a two-part semi-circular colonnade, with statues of the historically most significant Hungarian kings and leaders standing between the columns.
The construction started in 1896 and took 33 years to finish. Especially in the night it is fabulous to watch the monument which is one of the most-visited attractions in Budapest, both by visitors and locals. The City Park, which is a favourite weekend destination for families, also starts from here and hosts other famous places of interest.
The architectural pieces surrounding Heroes’ Square are amazing: on the right we can find the Hall of Art, and on the left there is the Museum of Fine Arts – both buildings are compelling.
The construction started in 1896 and took 33 years to finish. Especially in the night it is fabulous to watch the monument which is one of the most-visited attractions in Budapest, both by visitors and locals. The City Park, which is a favourite weekend destination for families, also starts from here and hosts other famous places of interest.
The architectural pieces surrounding Heroes’ Square are amazing: on the right we can find the Hall of Art, and on the left there is the Museum of Fine Arts – both buildings are compelling.
Andrassy Avenue and its neighbourhood are the results of the unique architectural style of the end of the 19th century. The most beautiful buildings in the eclectic style can be seen here, for example the outstandingly beautiful Opera House and many old flats. Huge and beautiful buildings with intricate and ornate facades are separated from the main road by grassy traffic islands.
Construction was started in 1872 and took twelve years to complete. Since then, it has been renamed several times: first after Prime Minister Andrassy, then it changed to (believe it or not) Stalin and in 1990 it changed back to Andrassy ut again. One of the Avenue’s greatest attractions is the125 years old Millennium Underground Railway which is running all the way underneath the long avenue. This was the second underground rail to be built world-wide, and the first on the continent. Andrassy Avenue was placed on the World Heritage List in 2002.
5. Bridges and River Danube
Liberty Bridge
The Danube (Hungarian "Duna") flows through the centre of Budapest from north to south.
The city has taken full advantage of this and it now offers some of the finest panoramas to be found anywhere on the continent. Starting far away in Germany, the Danube runs some 2859 kilometres before spilling into the Black Sea. Within the city boundaries its widest part is 640m in the north of the city and the narrowest is 283m below Gellert Hill where it is about 9m deep.
Central Budapest has 7 bridges, most of them are uniquely individual with their own history. From the hills of Buda and from the popular tourist destinations like Fisherman’s Bastion there is a great view of the bridges which can be superbly composed on a photo.
Let’s see 3 of them in more details.
Liberty Bridge
Originally called Franz Joseph bridge, it was constructed in 1899 and following the destruction of all the Budapest bridges in 1945 it was the first on to be rebuilt (1946) since it has suffered the least damage. During rebuilding all its decorative motifs were retained like the mythical Turul birds and the royal coat of arms.
Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is one of Budapest's most famous landmarks and was the first stone bridge to be built over the Danube. In 1832, count István Széchenyi, “the greatest Hungarian” began to organize the construction of the bridge to build a permanent crossing after having to wait a week to cross the river to bury his father. While travelling in England, Széchenyi became personally acquainted with William Thierney Clark, who was commissioned to draft the plans of the bridge, and his namesake Adam Clark was asked to direct the construction , which was finished in 1849. William and Adam Clark also constructed London Bridge and William had already designed two suspension bridges over the Thames; the Hammersmith Bridge in London and the Marlow Bridge.
The capital’s first bridge, a historical monument, has attracted many tourists to Budapest. Photographs of it illuminated at night, with the imposing Buda Castle rising in the background, make for a breathtaking sight. The bridge didn’t escape the destruction of the Second World War, and it was rebuilt in 1949 on its 100th anniversary. At the foot of the bridge is Kilometre Zero, the point in Budapest from where all distances are measured.
Elizabeth Bridge
In the year of its construction (1903) it was the world’s longest suspension bridge, a record it held until 1926. The bridge was named after the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, Hungary’s beloved Queen Elizabeth. German troops blew up the original Bridge in 1945. The new bridge was designed and rebuilt between 1961 and 1964 on the supports of the previously blown-up bridge but utilising modern structural elements.
6. St Stephen's Basilica (Cathedral)
Fifty years in the making, the Basilica of St Stephen is Hungary’s largest church.
Construction of the basilica began in 1851. The first architect to work on the design was Jozsef Hild, whose ideas for the structure reflected the Classical style. When Hild passed away during the construction of St Stephen’s, architect Miklos Ybl took over, adding his own touch to the basilica, which leaned more towards neo-Renaissance.
A dome collapse in 1868 slowed the construction process significantly as did the death of the second architect, Miklos Ybl. The layout of the interior of the basilica and the completion of the building in 1905 was ultimately overseen by yet a third architect, Jozsef Krausz. Krausz called upon many of Hungary’s most well-known sculptors and painters to contribute to the decoration of the inside of St Stephen’s. The incredibly ornate interior features about 50 different types of marble, decorated chapels, and many sculptures. Special Papal permission had to be granted in order to place the statue of St Stephen, first Christian king of Hungary on the altar.
Besides enjoying the many works of art inside the church, visitors can travel by elevator to the left tower on the second floor where they can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Budapest. In the right tower, you’ll find the largest church bell in the country, weighing about 9 tons.
In 2003, the church was given its most recent facelift and has been restored to its original beauty.
Construction of the basilica began in 1851. The first architect to work on the design was Jozsef Hild, whose ideas for the structure reflected the Classical style. When Hild passed away during the construction of St Stephen’s, architect Miklos Ybl took over, adding his own touch to the basilica, which leaned more towards neo-Renaissance.
A dome collapse in 1868 slowed the construction process significantly as did the death of the second architect, Miklos Ybl. The layout of the interior of the basilica and the completion of the building in 1905 was ultimately overseen by yet a third architect, Jozsef Krausz. Krausz called upon many of Hungary’s most well-known sculptors and painters to contribute to the decoration of the inside of St Stephen’s. The incredibly ornate interior features about 50 different types of marble, decorated chapels, and many sculptures. Special Papal permission had to be granted in order to place the statue of St Stephen, first Christian king of Hungary on the altar.
Besides enjoying the many works of art inside the church, visitors can travel by elevator to the left tower on the second floor where they can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Budapest. In the right tower, you’ll find the largest church bell in the country, weighing about 9 tons.
In 2003, the church was given its most recent facelift and has been restored to its original beauty.
7. Gellért Hill and Citadel
Gellért Statue - The Cristian Martyr
Gellért Hill
Not many cities have a hill rising from the city centre and protected as a national park. Probably the most striking feature of the landscape of Budapest is the panoramic Gellért Hill (235m), a block of dolomite.
Named after a Christian martyr, Gellert Hill rises majestically above the Danube River, offering visitors an unrivalled panoramic view of the city of Budapest. A statue of the martyred Bishop stands at the base of the hill. The hot springs deep inside the hill supply three spas at the foot of the hill, Gellért Baths, Rudas Baths and Rác Baths. The best way to get up to Gellert Hill and to the Citadel is to walk up from Gellert Spa. On the way up you can admire the splendid view over Liberty Bridge.
Citadel
On the top of Gellért Hill stands a white-stoned fortress called Citadel, a structure built by the Austrian Habsburgs between 1850 and 1854 in order to better control the city after the suppression of the Hungarian War of Independence. The Citadel also played a role in World War II.
Exhibitions, covering a number of different themes, can be seen within the inner courtyard and outside the walls of the Citadel. Since the 1960’s, the Citadel has served as a tourist attraction, which, besides the exhibitions, also boasts a hotel and several restaurants. From here you can enjoy awonderful panorama of the whole city.
Statue of Liberty
Gellert hill and the Citadel are crowned by the 14 m tall Liberation Monument, a striking statue of a woman holding a palm leaf of victorydedicated to the memory of Soviet troops who died freeing Hungary in 1945. The Monument was raised by the Russians in 1947. Visitors will also find a statue of a Soviet soldier here as well as the names of the Soviets that died in battle at Budapest.
8. Margaret Island
Margaret Island, a pedestrianized recreational island in the middle of the Danube River has long been a welcoming green oasis in the heart of Budapest. Despite its central location, Margaret Island is extremely peaceful. In summer it is very popular with the locals who come here to relax especially during weekends.
The history of the thin island dates back to the 11th century. The capital’s most beautiful park can be found here with a special atmosphere. From the late 18th century it became a summer resort for aristocrats and later for the upper middle-class.
It is a scenic island of peace and quiet with some trees that are hundreds of years old. On the island you can find a 5300m long soft running tuck, some flower gardens, a thermal spring in a Japanese-style garden with a waterfall, small lakes with fishes, turtles and water lillies, a mini zoo with dears and pony-riding possiblility and of course lots of huge green places. To discover the island try the famous “bringohinto”, the four wheel cycle car. The ruins of a 700-year-old Dominican and a Franciscan church and monastery are the island's historical monuments. In the high season minibuses are in service, offering faster and easier access to the sights of the island.
It is a scenic island of peace and quiet with some trees that are hundreds of years old. On the island you can find a 5300m long soft running tuck, some flower gardens, a thermal spring in a Japanese-style garden with a waterfall, small lakes with fishes, turtles and water lillies, a mini zoo with dears and pony-riding possiblility and of course lots of huge green places. To discover the island try the famous “bringohinto”, the four wheel cycle car. The ruins of a 700-year-old Dominican and a Franciscan church and monastery are the island's historical monuments. In the high season minibuses are in service, offering faster and easier access to the sights of the island.
Entering the island from the Margaret Bridge will put the visitor face-to-face with the Centenary Monument, created in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the joining of Buda and Pest. Not far from the Monument is a large fountain, animated with background music. Visitors can find aswimming complex and the popular Palatinus Baths. The latter covers about 17 acres and features three therapeutic pools.
An open-air theatre and other stage presentations are also found on the southern part of Margaret Island. Right near the theatre is a 57m high octagonal water tower built in 1911. The elegant Art Nouveau tower, protected as a UNESCO monument.
An open-air theatre and other stage presentations are also found on the southern part of Margaret Island. Right near the theatre is a 57m high octagonal water tower built in 1911. The elegant Art Nouveau tower, protected as a UNESCO monument.
9. The Best Museums
- Hungarian National Gallery
The Art Gallery containing works dating from the 13th to the 15th C from all the major European schools of paintings. Most notably, the "Old Picture Gallery" holds masterpieces by Spanish painters like Murillo, El Greco and Goya. The museum also contains a special Egyptian exhibit. The neo-Classical building was raised in 1906 and is one of the last great structures in the Hungarian Historic style. Website: www.szepmuveszeti.hu |
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- Museum of Applied Arts
Styles of home décor are on display from Classicism to Biedermeier period to the end of the 19th C (c 1800 - 1900). Furniture, fine arts, carpets, craft-work, clothing, porcelain and silver, musical instruments and works of art are all displayed together in individual rooms each representing a period style or a certain fashion. You can also find here Glass and ceramics, textiles, wood, precious metal work, as well. There are detailed and very helpful explanations in English.
Website: www.imm.hu
Website: www.imm.hu
A room in the left wing of the ground floor houses the Coronation Regalia which was taken out of the country by Hungarian Fascists in 1945. American troops found it in Austria and took the priceless items to the USA where they were carefully guarded in Fort Knox before being returned to Hungary in 1978. The staircase of the Museum is adorned by the frescoes of famous Hungarian painters. Website: www.hnm.hu |
A view of the building in which this museum is housed makes a visit more than worthwhile, it is an architectural masterpiece - both inside and out. Formerly belonging to the Royal Court, the building is displaying elements of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture. The Grand Entrance Hall will take your breath away with its arches, columns and staircases. Website: www.neprajz.hu |
10. The Best Spas
Budapest is well known for its numerous medicinal baths, which constitute one of its main tourist attractions. Some of the thermal springs were already being used as early as the 2nd century by the Romans. A number of the medicinal baths built along the bank of theDanube by the Turks are still being used today. The city was officially declared an International Spa in 1934. The dissolved salts and minerals present in these waters make them suitable for treating a diversity of illnesses – ranging from circulatory problems to joint and muscle damage, and menstrual pain. Website: www.budapestgyogyfurdoi.hu
The Gellért Thermal Bath and Hotel, known world-wide and highly favoured by foreigners, built in a secession style, opened its gates in 1918 and was expanded in 1927 by the wave-bath and in 1934 by the effervescent bath. The Art-Nouveau main hall is topped by a vaulted glass roof. With its immaculately preserved Art Nouveau interior, including colourful mosaics, marble Roman-style columns, stained glass windows and statues, this is without doubt the most beautiful bathing complex in Budapest.
The 13 mineral springs with water at a temperature varying between 27°C and 48°C, is particularly effective in treating joint and muscle damage, metabolism related problems and neuritis.
Website: www.gellertbath.com
- Gellért
The Gellért Thermal Bath and Hotel, known world-wide and highly favoured by foreigners, built in a secession style, opened its gates in 1918 and was expanded in 1927 by the wave-bath and in 1934 by the effervescent bath. The Art-Nouveau main hall is topped by a vaulted glass roof. With its immaculately preserved Art Nouveau interior, including colourful mosaics, marble Roman-style columns, stained glass windows and statues, this is without doubt the most beautiful bathing complex in Budapest.
The 13 mineral springs with water at a temperature varying between 27°C and 48°C, is particularly effective in treating joint and muscle damage, metabolism related problems and neuritis.
Website: www.gellertbath.com
- Széchenyi
The three outdoor pools (one of which is a fun pool) are open all year, including winter. Indoors there are over ten separate pools, and a whole host of medical treatments are also available. The medicinal waters are particularly effective for the treatment of joint and muscle damage, arthritis and neuritis. The baths are visited by up to two million people a year.
Website: www.szechenyibath.com
Rudas Sap offers opportunity for ladies to use the thermal pool of a Turkish bath as a Women-only day every Tuesday for ladies wishing to enjoy the experience of bathing without a bathing suit. This service is not provided anywhere else in Europe in an original, functioning Turkish bath. |
The dome covered pool has been functioning continuously as a baths. Its water was supplied at that time, and is being supplied now, from the surroundings of the current Lukács Bath. In 1796 they were bought, renovated and extended by a family called König. König is the German word meaning “king,” and it is the Hungarian word Király with the same meaning that the Baths are known by today. In World War II, the Bath was damaged and its complete renovation was accomplished in 1950. |
11. City Park - Vajdahunyad Castle, Zoo, Circus, Fun Park
City Park - Great Place to Relax in the Central
- City Park
Completed in 1896, in time for a variety of celebrations marking 1000 years of Hungarian history, this 1.2-square-km (302 acre) park has everything you need for an enjoyable day, from a pretty pond to a number of interesting historical and entertaining sites, including the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, as well. See the most popular attractions of City Park in details below.
- Vajdahunyad Castle
It is said to be modelled from a castle of the same name in Transylvania, Romania. Because the castle became so popular with residents, the city decided to rebuild it in brick. What makes this castle so unusual is its combination of architectural styles, like Gothic, Renaissance/Baroque, and Romanesque.
- Museum of Agriculture
Website: www.mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu
Among the attractions are the birds of prey enclosure, the rock-garden, the polar bear and sea-lion pool, the children's zoo, the monkey-house, the caves for lions and bears, and the Africa house. Along the paths visitors can study the flora of temperate latitudes, while tropical plants can be found in the architecturally interesting palm house as well as in the aquariums and terrariums for creatures from hot countries. The hippopotamus "Dynasty" living in a thermal pond, is known throughout the world. Website: www.zoobudapest.com |
It is one of the most popular institutions of its kind in Europe, all the well-known circuses of the world have performed and still perform here. The Great Circus (Nagy Cirkusz) features an array of clowns, animals, jugglers and acrobats to keep children happily entertained. Website: www.maciva.hu |
- Amusement Park
Website: www.vidampark.hu
12. Vörösmarty Square and Váci Street
Vörösmarty Square with Gerbaud House
Vörösmarty Square
This square has been one of the central spots in downtown Budapest since the early 19th century making it an ideal location for shopping or just strolling. Since 1908 the square has been called Vörösmarty Square, after the great Hungarian poet of the 19th century. The monument of Vörösmarty, erected in 1908, sits on a pedestal of 23 limestone blocks in the centre of the square and is surrounded by figures representing various classes of society.
Vörösmarty Square is one of the busiest places in the downtown section of Budapest. This area is a hub of activity, boasting stores, airline offices, antique shops, several other retailing establishments and it is also the start of the city's most famous shopping street, Vaci street.
Another always-busy attraction on the square is the Eclectic-style palace which houses the famous confectionery house called Gerbaud. Thewonderful old-fashioned pastry shop is owned by a Swiss family. The cafe’s traditions go all the way back to 1858. It’s decorated with marble tables and beautiful wall coverings and the hall is large enough to hold about 300 customers at a time.
Website: www.gerbeaud.hu
This square has been one of the central spots in downtown Budapest since the early 19th century making it an ideal location for shopping or just strolling. Since 1908 the square has been called Vörösmarty Square, after the great Hungarian poet of the 19th century. The monument of Vörösmarty, erected in 1908, sits on a pedestal of 23 limestone blocks in the centre of the square and is surrounded by figures representing various classes of society.
Vörösmarty Square is one of the busiest places in the downtown section of Budapest. This area is a hub of activity, boasting stores, airline offices, antique shops, several other retailing establishments and it is also the start of the city's most famous shopping street, Vaci street.
Another always-busy attraction on the square is the Eclectic-style palace which houses the famous confectionery house called Gerbaud. Thewonderful old-fashioned pastry shop is owned by a Swiss family. The cafe’s traditions go all the way back to 1858. It’s decorated with marble tables and beautiful wall coverings and the hall is large enough to hold about 300 customers at a time.
Website: www.gerbeaud.hu
Vaci Street
The heart of Budapest is Váci Street, the famous pedestrian street between Vörösmarty Square and Elizabeth Bridge. The street gained its status in the mid 19th century when the original small buildings and shops were replaced by neo-Classical and Eclectic apartments, department-store, international trade-centre and hotels. Anyone who loves shopping will rank a visit to Vaci Utca as among their favourite Budapest experiences. The avenue has long been a place where the rich and famous of Budapest enjoyed spending their money.
While the first section is lively and popular, the new area has more charm and authenticity. Together, they are both truly European: dozens of cafes, fancy shops and boutiques and some truly stunning architecture. Don't forget to look up as you stroll down Vaci utca, some of the facades are truly amazing.
The heart of Budapest is Váci Street, the famous pedestrian street between Vörösmarty Square and Elizabeth Bridge. The street gained its status in the mid 19th century when the original small buildings and shops were replaced by neo-Classical and Eclectic apartments, department-store, international trade-centre and hotels. Anyone who loves shopping will rank a visit to Vaci Utca as among their favourite Budapest experiences. The avenue has long been a place where the rich and famous of Budapest enjoyed spending their money.
While the first section is lively and popular, the new area has more charm and authenticity. Together, they are both truly European: dozens of cafes, fancy shops and boutiques and some truly stunning architecture. Don't forget to look up as you stroll down Vaci utca, some of the facades are truly amazing.