More than 100 tourist sights in Budapest – a list made by locals

Hardly known, unprecedented sights in Budapest which are not included in any guide books. Explore what to see in this beautiful city!

Why was this list made?

As a person living in Budapest, I have always wondered that tourists focus only on certain parts of the city. Well, it is understandable, if we think of the most visited sights.

I often smile seeing that the tourists staring at the Parliament are fascinated by the sight of the building, or that they do not even know what to take a photo of when they are in the Buda Castle. These are really “must-see” attractions in Budapest. However, besides these, several exciting and mysterious sights can be found which are hardly known even by locals.

It is a sad fact, what is more, even boring, that a lot of blogs and articles recommend to see the same sights. Therefore, it is not surprising, if for example, at the Tomb of Gül Baba or at Aquincum hardly any tourists can be noticed, although both are worth watching.

That’s what I would like to change. Explore and get familiar with the less known sights of Budapest, which also provide an unforgettable experience!

Budapest is the most beautiful capital city of Central-Europe

Budapest is one of or even the most beautiful capital city of Central-Europe. It’s not nice to rank the capital cities of different countries, but it is an undeniable fact that Budapest offers a wide variety of beautiful and exciting sights to the tourists visiting the city.

Besides entertaining ourselves, we can take pleasure in historical and artistic masterpieces, whether walking in Buda or Pest. Apart from the architectural works, the geography of the city itself also provides several things to see.

Differences between Buda and Pest. Who do I recommend each side to?

The Danube, dividing the city into two parts, and the surrounding mountains also tempt the visitors of Budapest to take a walk. It’s a good idea to walk around the streets with your eyes open, because you’ll have a truly spectacular experience.

I collected 105 sights from the several most interesting ones, so let’s see the long-awaited list!

Table of Contents

(1-10) Top 10 sights in Budapest

(11-30) Best sights in Budapest

(31-75) Where else must be visited by all means in Budapest?

(76-105) Less-known, hidden sights in Budapest

Top 10 sights in Budapest

The sights are ranked, and the first five are a must-see. So, we can say that those who have not seen them have not been to Budapest yet.

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1. The House of the Country (Parliament) and the Holy Crown

It is a common misunderstanding that the rather big building which stands on the Danube-bank and was built in the style of Gothic Revival is called the Parliament. The word “parliament” means national assembly which has its sessions in the House of the Country on the Danube-bank.

The decision about building a permanent House in the Country was made in 1880, and it was not without reason that the decision-makers chose the Danube-bank as the site.

The purpose of this decision was to outweigh the Royal Palace, since, if the ruling power has a house in Buda, the people must also have a house in Pest, on the other side of the river.

Several applications were handed in for the building of the house,  but it was Imre Steindl who was finally granted the opportunity to realize it.

The construction was started based on his design, however, it was delayed because the idea was insisted on that each element of the building can be made only and exclusively from Hungarian materials, with Hungarian technique.

The building, which is 96 meters high and has a floor area of nearly 18 000 m², was completed in 19 years. The size of it is also illustrated by the fact that 50 five–storey residential houses could fit inside. 40 kilograms of gold were used for the ornamentation, and altogether 152 statues can be found inside and outside.

The building, which hosts the Holy Crown, has been a source of wonder to millions of people, including Freddie Mercury, the legendary singer of the Queen, who liked it so much that he wanted to buy it, but finally, after long consideration, we decided not to sell it to him.

2. The Fishermen’s Bastion

The Fishermen’s Bastion, which was built in Roman style, is one of the most beautiful sights of Budapest from where a wonderful view opens up to the city.

It was built based on the designs of Frigyes Schulek between 1895 and 1902, and its name originates from the fact that the wall standing here in the Middle Ages was guarded by the fishermen’s guild during the wars.

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Unfortunately, the structure was almost completely destroyed during the World War II, fishermen were not here anymore that time, but even if they had been, they couldn’t have done much against the bombardment. It is a curiosity that the renovation work carried out later was led by János Schulek, the son of Frigyes Schulek.

The pointy stone towers of the 140 meter-long attraction which look out on the Danube symbolize the seven Hungarian conquering leaders.

The statues of Álmos and Előd, the two leaders, stand at the main tower, where a lion and an open-mouthed mythological creature also guard, as if they were protecting the city. Still, the most spectacular sight among the several ones found here is the equestrian statue of King Stephen, the founder of the state.

Did you know that the conquering Hungarians are from Asia?

3. The Citadel

The Citadel, which means “acropolis” and stands on the Gellért mountain over the city, was built in 1854 by the dreaded General Jacob von Haynau Habsburg.

The purpose of the full-fledged military leader who also got the Arad Martyrs executed, was to get the fort built to deter the city residents instead of protecting the city. Looking at the Citadel, it is hardly imaginable.

The fort was designed by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Zitta Austrian military engineer, it is 220 meters long and 46-60 meters wide, with its walls being 12-16 meters high and 4 meters thick.

However, what is the most important is that 60 cannons stared at the city from these walls, and they could shoot even at the slightest disturbance. Fortunately, it didn’t happen so, and after the Reconciliation of 1867, the fort lost its military significance.

During World War II, it served as an air defense base, and in 1947 the Liberation Monument, the work of Zsigmond Strobl was inaugurated to the delight of “liberation”.

The female figure holding a palm tree branch, or the Statue of Liberty as it is called these days, soon became the symbol of the city.

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4. Matthias Church

The original name of the church built in Gothic style is the “Church Of Our Lady”, and the people call it Matthias Church because King Matthias had both weddings here. The church itself is the living past and the memory of the country.  

Many people think it was built by King Stephen I in 1015, but there is nothing to prove this. However, it is a fact that the town of Buda was established only after the Tatar invasion for defense purposes and in 1246, the church was also mentioned. 

During the Turkish rule, it was converted into a  mosque and many parts were demolished. Following the liberalization of the town, it got into the possession of the Jesuits, who rebuilt it in Baroque style.

In the 1700s, it was destroyed by fire, and the current building,  built in Gothic style, is due to Frigyes Schulek, who built it again between 1874 and 1896, modeling the original church. 

Franz Joseph and his wife, Queen Elizabeth were crowned in the church which was covered already with Zsolnay tiles, and here is the sarcophagus of King Bela III (1172-1196) and that of his wife guarded. 

5. The Buda Castle

The Buda Castle overlooking the city used to serve as a royal residence, and is now one of the most beautiful sights of Budapest.

It hosts two museums (the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Historical Museum) and the biggest library of the country, the National Széchenyi Library.

The best museums in Budapest, it would be a sin to miss them.

Its construction was started with defense purposes after the Tatar invasion. The first king moving his residence here was Louis the Great, followed by Sigismund of Luxembourg and King Matthias.

Later on, unfortunately, the castle got into the hands of the Turks, and during the battles it was almost completely destroyed. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt based on the designs of Miklós Ybl and Alajos Hauszmann, on a double floor area, combining Art Nouveau and Baroque elements.

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It is by all means worth walking here, and if we are lucky, we can come across a great program, since many programs are permanently organized on the Savoya terrace of the castle.

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6. The Chain-Bridge

The Chain-Bridge, besides being the first permanent stone bridge of Hungary and Budapest, is the first permanent bridge built on the Danube River under Regensburg.

At the initiative of Count István Széchenyi, it was built by William Tierney Clark és Adam Clark between 1839 and 1849. That time it was the biggest bridge in the world suspended on chains, and still today it is regarded as one of the most beautiful ones. The 4 lions built from stone decorating the bridge are the work of János Marschalkó. 

According to a legend, it was only after mounting the statues in 1852 that he realized the lions did not have tongues, therefore, he jumped into the Danube River to commit suicide. However, it is not true, if you look into the mouths of the lions, they do have tongues, although the sculptor did not make these tongues stick out.

The bridge was destroyed during the  World War II, but it was rebuilt, and it was inaugurated on 20^th  November 1949, on the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of the original bridge. 

7. The Heroes’ Square

The Heroes’ Square, one of the symbols of Budapest, was built to the Millennium festivity in 1896 so that it would commemorate the 1000 year-long history of the Hungarians.

In the middle of the square is the obelisk with Archangel Gabriel at the top who guards the Hungarians. The masterpiece won the Grand Prize at the World Expo in Paris in 1900.

At the bottom of the obelisk we can find the statues of the 7 conquering leaders, and a bit behind, in the Heroes’ Hall is where the statues of 14 great Hungarian kings were placed.

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Another curiosity is that the Unknown Soldier rests in his grave at the Heroes’ Square. It is not a Hungarian symbol, rather a symbol of patriotism. The funeral of the Unknown Soldier started in the Westminster Abbey, in England, in 1920, followed by the Arc de Triomphe in France, and these days we can pay our respect to the Unknown Soldier in several countries, among others in Hungary at the Heroes’ Square in Budapest.

The square is bordered by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Arts’ Hall. 

8. Castle Garden (Várkert Bazár)

The Renaissance style Castle Garden, which was built based on the designs of Miklós Ybl between 1875 and 1883, originally had commercial functions.

The building accommodated the legendary Buda Youth Park between 1961 and 1984, where several music bands, becoming famous by now, started their careers.

The Castle Garden has been admitted to the list of the World Heritage Sites by now, and it hosts mainly exhibitions and different cultural programs. Furthermore great cafés and restaurants also receive their guests here. It is absolutely a “must-see” place, if we go to the Buda Castle.

9. The Vajdahunyad Castle

The Vajdahunyad Castle, standing on the Széchenyi Island of the Lake in the City Park is one of the most romantic and exciting scenes of Budapest.

It was built based on the designs of Ignác Alpár architect for the Millennium festivity of 1896, partly as a replica of the castle which was in the ownership of the Hunyadi family and can be found in Vajdahunyad.

The castle consists of 3 buildings which were built in different styles. The most fascinating Roman-age style buildings are the Jáki chapel, the Auditorium, the Kínzó torony (Torture tower), the Tompa torony (Blunt tower) and the Lion stone bridge.

In the Gothic style building complex, you can see the authentic replica of the Nyebojsza tower, the Hunyadi Yard and the once existing Knights’ Hall.

Besides these, in the Renaissance-Baroque wing, you can see the French Tower and Catherine’s Towers.

The building hosts the Museum and Library of Hungarian Agriculture.

10. St. Stephen’s Basilica – The St. Right

One of the most spectacular churches of Budapest, where the St. Right is still guarded, was built for more than 50 years long based on the designs of Miklós Ybl.

King St. Stephen, our state founder, was buried on 15th August 1038. After his death, however, turbulent times occurred, therefore, fearing that the body may be desecrated, it was taken out of the sarcophagus.

While doing so, it was noticed that his right hand had been mummified, and because of its holy power, it was taken to the treasury of the basilica.

The foundation stone of the building built in Neoclassical style was laid in 1906. The event was attended even by Franz Joseph.

On its façade, Jesus’ words say, „Ego sum via, veritas et vita”, that is “I am the way, justice, and life”.  

The monumental interior of the Basilica, which has a capacity of 8000 people, receives its visitors with a wide range of monuments and fine art works, but the most precious treasure is obviously the relic of St. Stephen which, according to many people, has a holy power.

It is not only the basilica that is of huge size, but its six bells are also of gigantic size, among them the St. Stephen bell of 10 tons is the biggest bell in the country. It can be interesting for many people to know that Ferenc Puskás, the greatest footballer of all time, was also laid to rest here.

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11. The Margaret Island – the Japanese Garden – the Music Fountain

The Margaret Island, which is easily accessible from the downtown, is a wonderful area of 96 acres, in fact, a park, which provides a great opportunity for everyone to do sport or have a rest.

It was named after the daughter of King Bela IV, Princess Margaret of the House of Árpád in the 14^th century because she spent her years as a nun here. 

Those wishing to do sport can run on the running track of more than 5 kilometers or can visit the Hajós Alfréd National Sports Swimming Pool or the Palatinus Beach. 

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Walking on the island is also a kind of having a rest. In the Japanese Garden, beautiful fishing lakes await visitors, but there is a zoo as well.

Here, you can find the biggest music fountain in the country and the biggest water tower of 33 meters high, which gives a great view of the surroundings. Besides these, it is worth visiting the ruins of the Dominican and Ferencz Order monasteries remained here from the Middle Ages.

Those who are receptive to culture are welcomed by the Margaret Island Open-Air Stage. Last but not least, those who long for romantic moments in Budapest can also find the most suitable places. Where is the best place to have some romantic hours in Budapest? Read my next article about it: Top romantic places in Budapest

12. The City Park

The City Park, being a 100-acre-area, is the second biggest public park in Budapest. The park provides great entertainment facilities, and it was first mentioned in 1241, however, not on this name. On 17^th March of that year, the Tatar leader, Sejbán, defeated the army of the  Archbishop of Kalocsa. 

During the times, the park provided space for a lot of activities, among others grazing or even silkworm breeding, until finally, it got its current form.

Now the City Park is the home of such monuments as the Heroes’ Square, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Arts’ Hall, the City Park Ice Skating Rink, the Vajdahunyad Castle, the Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden and the famous Széchenyi Bath. If you visit this place, you will find great sights to entertain yourself for a whole day. It is by all means worth visiting.  

13. Gellért mountain

The 235 meters high Gellért Mountain standing next to the Danube River has been included in the list of World Heritage Sites since 1987, and at the same time, it is a nature reserve as well. 

According to archaeological findings, the area had been inhabited by Celts and Romans since the very beginnings. It may be due to the warm-water springs found in the mountain, such as St. Ivan Cave, where we can find the unique rock church of the Paul Order. According to the legend, once a hermit called Ivan used to heal the sick coming to him with thermal water.  

A further curiosity of the cave is that its temperature is 21 degrees Celsius both in winter and in summer. The name of the mountain is also connected to a legend, which says that Bishop Gellért was thrown into the Danube River from here in a barbed barrel in 1046 by the Hungarian Pagans against Christianity. Strange stories still do not end here, since according to rumor, it hosted witch meetings as well in the 17^th century. 

The 7 meter-high statue of St. Gellért Bishop can be found here besides the symbol of the capital city, the 14-meter high Statue of Liberty. 

14. Andrássy Avenue – a “World Heritage Site”

The widest road of Budapest is often nicknamed the Hungarian Champs-Élysées. The Andrássy Avenue was built for the Millennium of 1896, with the purpose of joining the newly-inaugurated Heroes’ Square and the City Park’s buildings to the downtown.

The underground runs under the Andrássy Avenue. It is the first underground line in Europe and the second one in the world, which was also inaugurated at the Millennium Festivity in 1896.

Andrássy Avenue provides a beautiful view for everyone walking along, and we can meet luxury world brand shops from Erzsébet square to Oktogon and the wonderful Opera House.   

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Walking from Oktogon to Kodály Circle between rows of trees, we can go past the House of Terror and going further to the Heroes’ Square, we can see several embassy buildings.  

15. The Funicular

If you can stand sharp ascents, you can get from the Chain Bridge to the Buda Castle with the funicular. The track of the funicular is only 95 meters long, but the level difference is 50 meters.

The construction of the funicular was initiated by Count Ödön Széchenyi in 1867, as he had traveled by a similar means of transport to France, so the Budapest funicular completed in 1870 was the second railway of this kind in Europe. While traveling, you can enjoy the wonderful view of the city.

16. Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House, which was built in Renaissance style based on the designs of Miklós Ybl, is worth watching even if you are not keen on opera.

Next to the main entrance the statues of Ferenc Liszt and Ferenc Erkel stand, “guarding” the Hungarian classical music. Arriving from the direction of Dalszínház street you can admire Band, Dionysos, Poseidon and Hermes, while on the Hajós Street side you will find Orpheus, a bacchaness, an ernizine and a satire playing on a whistle.

The stair railings are made of marble, and entering the building you will be captivated by a fascinating sight. The interior with its rich ornamentation, and the beautiful facade make the Opera House one of the finest buildings of Budapest.

17. The Budapest Quay – the Danube bank

The Danube River itself also fascinates people, however, walking along the Quay of Budapest, you can take pleasure in the sight of several impressive buildings on both sides of the river. The part of the quay stretching from the Margit bridge to the Liberty bridge is deservedly listed among the World Heritage Sites.

Strolling on the left side, you can admire such sights as the Gellért-mountain, the Statue of Liberty, the Citadel or the Gellért bath. Furthermore, we can walk past famous squares like Gellért, Clark Ádám and Bem Square.

The right side also provides several sights, like the House of the Country (Parliament), the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Gresham Palace or the building of Vígadó, just to mention a few.

18. The Zero Kilometer Stone – Clark Ádám Square

The Zero Kilometer Stone is the origo and origin the middle of the country, the symbol of main roads kilometer numbering, starting from Budapest.

The work of the Miklós Borsos sculptor was inaugurated on 4^th April 1975. However, the zero kilometer stone also has its own story, it was worked out by the ancient Romans for the numbering of roads, and that of the Clark Ádám Square is not the first one here either. 

The first one was inaugurated in front of the Royal Palace in 1686, emphasizing Buda over Vienna of the Habsburg House. The stone was relocated to the Clark Ádám Square when the Chain Bridge was built.

The original kilometer stone disappeared without traces at the beginning of the century. A new one was made in 1932, however, it was destroyed in the world war. Later, in 1953, another new stone was made modeling socialist realism, which was fortunately replaced by the current one in 1975. So this is what we can see now. 

19. The Synagogue of Dohány street

The synagogue found in the 7^th district is the biggest one in Europe and is the symbol of the Hungarian Jewish community. 

The construction was carried out in Moorish style based on the German architect, Ludwig Förster, in  5 years. The leader of the construction work was the Ignác Wechselmann architect. 

We are talking about the second biggest synagogue in the world, the interior is 1200 m², and there are 1497 seats for men and 1472 seats for women. The height of its towers is 44 meters. Its festive inauguration took place on 6^th September 1859. Currently, besides church services, the building hosts several cultural programs. 

20. The Tunnel

The officially called Budapest Castle Hill Tunnel links the Buda side of the Chain Bridge with Krisztinaváros.

The idea to build this Tunnel was brought up by István Széchenyi, with a good reason. It was necessary because of the Chain Bridge being built that time because without the Tunnel the Chain Bridge wouldn’t have made the Budapest traffic as easy as it is if it had been looking out from a mountain.

The 350-meter-long tunnel was built based on the designs by Ádám Clark, and it was inaugurated in 1853. Walking through is not worth much, because it is rather noisy due to its traffic, but since it is one of the symbols of Budapest, it is worth watching. 

21. Vörösmarty Square and Váci Street 

The square which has already had several names since 1926, among which is the name of Mihály Vörösmarty, the poet, whose statue also stands here.

It is probably one of the most visited squares of the capital city, found at the northern end of Váci street. Its architectural style is quite miscellaneous.

On its northern side, we can find the Art Nouveau style Gerbeaud House, which was made a world-wide known confectionery by the cognac cherry bonbon and chocolate cat tongues prepared here. Opposite this, you can see one of the masterpieces of modern architecture, a glass globe full of stores and luxury apartments.

Like Váci Street, the longest pedestrian precinct of Budapest, the square also serves the needs of tourists coming here. For this purpose, luxury restaurants and stores welcome the passers-by, and besides this, the Budapest Christmas Fair also takes place on the square every year.  

22. Vígadó Square 

Vígadó Square hosts Pesti Vígadó where once Budapest was literally born. This is the building where the unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda was declared in 1873,  thus creating the capital city as it is today.

Before that, the neoclassical style Redoute had been found here, designed by Mihály Pollack in 1813, and it was also the scene of balls and vivid cultural life. However, in 1849, it was destroyed with cannonballs by the Austrian defenders of the castle. 

In its place, the Pesti Vígadó was built in 1965 in romantic style, based on the designs by Frigyes Feszl, and it revived the balls and amusement suitably. Ferenc Liszt and Ferenc Erkel also had their concerts here, however, it was not only a good scene for entertainment but also for sciences.

In 1898, Fridtof Nansen made a presentation here about his exploration of the North Pole, and in 1909 the aircraft which had first flown over the English Channel was also exhibited here. 

23. Hungarian National Gallery 

The Buda Castle was built for nearly 100 years, from the middle of the 1300s to that of the 1400s. It was the residence of such kings as Louis the Great, Sigismund of Luxembourg or King Matthias.

The Castle was built and embellished all along with its adventurous history. Currently, besides the National Széchenyi Library, the Hungarian National Gallery can also be found here, having the biggest Hungarian fine art collection. 

If you are interested in fine art, you can see several permanent exhibitions here. The gallery provides great entertainment by displaying works from our state foundation up to the current contemporary fine art of our days. The paintings of Béla Czóbel, Dezső Czigány, Bertalan Pór or József Rippl-Rónai can be seen here, besides Mihály Munkácsy’s life work.  

Right at its opening in 1957, the collection found here contained 6000 paintings, 2100 statues, 3100 coins, 11000 drawings, and 5000 prints, and currently the whole collection is made up of  110000 artworks. 

24. Deák Square and the Budapest Eye 

The square which was once called Káposztás market (Cabbage market), Szén market (Coal market) or Zsidó market (Jewish market) got its current name from “the Sage of the Country”, Ferenc Deák, in 1874.

These days, it is one of the busiest and most visited squares in Budapest, both by the local residents and tourists. If the weather is favorable, its grassy park provides great relaxation for anybody.

The only Ferris wheel of Budapest can also be found here, welcoming its visitors all year round. The highest point of the wheel is 65 meters, from where exceptional views of the city can be enjoyed, ranging from the nearby Danube River to the more remote mountains.

By the way, the Ferris wheel of Deák Square is the biggest mobile Ferris wheel in Europe, so it is by all means worth trying if you don’t have vertigo. 

25. The Metropolitan Zoo 

The midday bells rang when the Zoo, being first in Hungary and one of the firsts in Europe, opened its gates to the public, exactly on 9^th August 1866.

Its founders were such scientists as János Xántus, zoologist, József Szabó, geologist, Ágoston Kubinyi, the director of the Hungarian National Museum, and József Gerenday, the director of the Botanical Garden.

Our stormy historical events didn’t avoid the Zoo either, and it was stricken by the biggest disaster in  World War II because, in the siege on Budapest, only 15 animals survived out of nearly 2000.

Currently, the territory of the zoo is 18 acres, making it possible for the visitors to see nearly 6700 animals of 970 species, which is hardly possible in a day.

We can get to know many things, ranging from the house of the elephants, through the big predators and the house of the monkeys to the former prehistoric sea. Our visit is made even more enjoyable with the help of interactive devices.

It needs to be emphasized that the animals live here in good circumstances, and it is understandable why the number of visitors is over 1 million a year. 

26. The lookout tower of János Mountain 

For more than 100 years since 1910, it has been possible to visit the lookout tower of János Mountain, which was officially named Erzsébet lookout tower after Queen Elizabeth.

The 528 meter-high János Mountain has always been a popular target for excursionists, and the 23,5 meter-high lookout tower built at the top offers a great view of the city, but if the weather is clear, you can see even 75-80 kilometers far, as far as the High Tatra.

In the socialist era, based on a strange idea, a huge red star was fastened to its highest floor, which almost completely destroyed the building. The renovated lookout tower has been opened for visitors since 2005, and it is accessible by way of a pleasant walk through the forest as well.  

27. Széchenyi Bath 

Széchenyi Bath is the biggest spa complex in Budapest, where medicinal water of 76 °C comes up from a depth of 1246 meters.

Besides the 3 open-air pools, 15 other pools are available in the beautiful building, where guests are provided medical-and wellness services as well.  The water of the bath is excellent for joint- and spine problems, for the treatment of nerve-related pains, as well as for rehabilitation after accidents. 

I recommend thermal baths, which provide solutions for many diseases. 

The adventure pool’s lazy river ride, underwater sparkling, neck-massaging shower, and back-massaging water-jet hidden in sitting benches make the experience more enjoyable. In addition to the light-and aroma sauna, a steam chamber and the chamomile steam cabin also welcome people who are longing to refresh themselves.

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The popularity of the bath and the water is evergreen. That is a legend that says the hippopotamus of the neighboring Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden gets its bath water from here because its chemical composition is really similar to that of the water of the River Nile.

The internal and external decorative elements of the building consist of aquatic monsters, shells, fish, mermaids, therefore, you can feel here as if you visited a marine empire, this is the reason why it is often called bathing palace.  

28. The Museum of the House of Terror 

The fact that the museum was named like this is well-justified because the building located at 60, Andrássy Avenue was really the house of terror.

The residential building, which was built based on the designs by Adolf Feszty in neo-Renaissance style, was first taken possession of by the Hungarian Nazis in 1944, later by ÁVO and ÁVH (State Security Service).

This is the reason why the building is the symbol of the Nazi and Communist dictatorship as well, and it was used for making people confess, for torturing and killing people.

If you are interested in the recent past happenings, the terror during the dictatorship and the tools used, you should visit the museum, by all means, your amazement is guaranteed. It is enhanced by interactive devices found in the building which is often called post-modern torture museum as well. 

29. Museum of Fine Arts 

The Museum of Fine Arts is also ranked among the bests of Europe due to its huge collection. The reason for it does not only lie in the fact that the number of artworks found here is well above 100000, but also because the collection is unique, thanks to the continuity it provides long history, and thanks to its manifold feature.

In the neoclassicism style building which was inaugurated by Francis Joseph in 1906, you can take your pleasure in several artworks, ranging from ancient Egypt to the Greek, Etruscan and Roman culture, the Spanish, Italian, German and Flemish masterpieces.

You can see the works of such world-wide known artists as Raffaello, Leonardo da Vinci, Dürer, Rembrandt and Goya. 

30. Normafa 

Normafa has always been one of the most beautiful excursion targets of Budapest, and at the top of the place at a height of 447 meters, a huge beech-tree used to stand. A series of legends are connected to the tree, it is said to have sprouted when King Matthias was born.

However, it got its name because the artists of the National Theatre in the middle of the 1800s came here with pleasure, and at one occasion it happened that the European-known singer, Mrs. Rozália Schódel Klein, sang an aria from the opera “Norma” by Bellini at the trunk of the tree.

According to rumors, the more-century old tree had survived several lightings until finally it was hit by one that was so much that it was blown down on 19^th June 1927.

Anyhow, the surrounding offers several amazing excursion places, such as Anna rét (Anna meadow) and the chapel found there, Béka-tó (Lake Frog) or Disznófő-forrás (Disznófő spring), just to mention a few. The site of the legendary tree is marked with a memorial plaque. 

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31. Hungarian National Museum 

In the classicist style, imposing building established at the initiative of Earl Ferenc Széchényi and built based on the designs by Mihály Pollack, we can see the past of the Hungarian nation from the very beginning up to the regime change of 1989.

The museum had an important role during the Revolution of 1848-49 because Sándor Petőfi recited the National Song here on 15^th March, so the building became the symbol of freedom as well.

The permanent exhibitions found here start speaking about the history of the territory from the prehistoric-ancient times, through the Hungarian conquest. They detail the stormy past of the country and the Hungarian nation.

Besides reading about history, it is worth visiting the building because of its beauty, and at the same time, you can see several temporary exhibitions as well. 

32. Gellért Square 

Gellért Square can be found in an imposing place in front of the Technical University. Next to it, you can see Gellért Bath, while in front of it is the waving Danube.

However, after a one-minute walk, you will be opposite the Liberty Bridge, at the Cave Church. The square, which was inaugurated in 1902 and has been renovated many times since then, was named after Bishop Gellért, who was thrown into the Danube River in a spiked barrel by the people rebelling against Christianity.  

33. Gellért Bath 

Although today’s Gellért Bath, the beautiful Art Nouveau style building, was finished only in 1918, the place has been long famous for its healing water.

Hungarian King Andreas II got a bath, built here already in the 13^th century, but the place, which has a healing effect was really popular during the Turkish times and later as well.

Currently, nearly all existing water-related medical services are available in the bath. In the bath complex containing 12 pools, there occurs alleviation of the symptoms of joint problems, degenerative disorders, spinal disorders, aortic stenosis, and circulatory disorders.

Wellness services are also available in the historical atmospheric surroundings. 

34. Metropolitan Grand Circus 

Opposite the Széchenyi Bath, you can find the Metropolitan Grand Circus of a capacity of 1450 people, which is worth visiting because it is the only stone circus in Middle-Europe.

Its history started in 1889, when Ede Wulff, German-Dutch circus director established his own circus here, which was built from tin.

Since its existence, different circus performances have been presented here with great success, and today, besides these different pop music- and classical music concerts, sports events, and fashion shows are also held here. 

35. Szentháromság (Holy Trinity) Square-Statue

The Szentháromság (Holy Trinity) statue, which stands in front of Matthias Church, was mounted under unusual circumstances.

During the plague epidemic spreading through in 1691, the residents took an oath according to which they would build a Holy Trinity Statue if they survived the lethal virus, which had already killed half of Europe by that time.

The residents kept their word and after the epidemic disappeared, they mounted the statue in 1706. The twist of the fate is that a new plague broke out the following year, however, the residents, instead of getting upset, took an oath to mount an even more beautiful statue on the site of the original one, if they survive this epidemic too.

They kept their promise again, and after the old work had been taken to Zsigmond Square, a new, 14,4 meter-high Baroque statue was built in 1713, based on the designs by Fülöp Ungleich and Antal Hörger sculptors.

Unfortunately, the statue was seriously destroyed in 1945, therefore, it was taken to its current place, Kiscelli Museum. At Szentháromság (Holy Trinity) Square, a reconstruction of the original work, made by Barna Búza, can be seen.  

36. Aquincum 

We can stroll among the ruins as old as 2000 years if we visit Aquincum in Óbuda. According to the archaeological findings, a settlement was built here in about 89 BC, consisting of 3 parts: a military town, a legionary camp, and a civil part.

The territory was the center of Lower-Pannonia until the end of the 4^th century and played an important military role from the perspective of border defense. The legion of 6000 people camping here defended the empire from the attacks of barbaric people, with which the River Danube was also a great help.

The exploration of Aquincum has been the biggest archaeological undertaking of Hungary, which lasted several decades during which a total of 742 excavations were carried out.

The excavations proved that the theatres and baths of the former Budapest known from films used to stand here and popular gladiator fights were also organized here. Besides the external ruins, it is worth visiting the Aquincum Museum, where exciting permanent and temporary exhibitions can be seen about the old times.  

37. Hospital in the Rock, Nuclear Bunker Museum 

The Hospital in the Rock and the Nuclear Bunker Museum found under the Buda Castle are real historical relics. It opened its gates to the public only in 2008.

The exhibition takes up a 2300 square meter area from the 10 kilometer-long cave system extending under the castle. The exhibition presents the happenings of  World War II, the Revolution of 1956 and the Cold War.

The cave system was already used from the Middle Age, and after the world war broke out it was used as a shelter and later as a hospital in the area protected by the rock walls.

During the siege on Budapest in 1944-45, the 94-bed “hospital built out of necessity” was filled, with patients, to capacity. After the war, the State Vaccine-Producing Institute rented the place, and later, during the time of the Revolution of 1956, it was turned into a hospital again.

In the most serious years of the Cold War (1958-1962), the establishment was strengthened and extended so that it can provide protection even in the case of a chemical or nuclear attack. The museum was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award in 2014 and 2018. 

38. The tomb of Gül Baba

The tomb of Gül Baba is a unique site for many reasons, especially for the reason that this is the only functioning Muslim pilgrim place in the Christian Europe.

Gül Baba, or as he is called, the Father of the Roses, was a fighter Muslim monk, who came to Buda in 1541 in order to establish a Muslim monastery. However, it couldn’t be realized because, according to the legend, he died on 2^nd September 1541 on a Holy Mass in the Nagyboldogasszony Church (Church of the Assumption) turned into a mosque. 

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At his funeral, his coffin is said to have been carried by Szulejmán sultan himself. The tomb itself was built a few years later here, above his resting place.

As many people say, Rózsadomb (Rose Hill) got its name from the rose garden established around the tomb. Here is besides the octagonal tomb memorial and the rose garden are currently the Gül Baba Cultural Centre and Exhibition Place.  

39. Liberty Bridge

It is the 4^th permanent bridge of Budapest, which was one of the buildings that were planned to be realized by the Millennium Anniversary.

The bridge originally named after Franz Joseph was considered to be very modern that time since it was equipped with tram rails as well as with electric- and gas-lighting.

Unfortunately, this bridge also fell victim to World War II, but one year after being blown up in 1945, it was rebuilt and got the name Liberty Bridge, thanks to the incoming Soviet troops.

Currently, the bridge is closed on Sundays during the summer season. This time, great programs are organized for the visitors coming here.  

40. War History Museum 

At the Northwestern corner of the Buda Castle, you can find the HM War History Institute and Museum, which presents mainly the Hungarian but also the universal war history with the help of its objects.

The museum was established in the 1800s in the Nádor Barack built in classicist style in 1918. The exhibition contains more than 50000 objects, mainly manual and machine guns and other war-technical tools from the beginning up to the modern age. 

41. Bécsi kapu square (Vienna Gate Square) 

Bécsi kapu square (Vienna Gate Square), which can be found in the Buda Castle District, was mentioned even in the Middle Ages on the name Szombathely. This name, however, doesn’t have anything to do with our well-known town, the word originated from the fact that on Saturdays a market was here, so this was the site of Saturday’s market fair. (Szombathely is a compound word: Szombat means Saturday, hely means place.)

Through the Bécsi kapu (Vienna Gate), which is in the square, it used to be possible to get on the road to Vienna. Therefore, the square always played an outstanding role in the life of the city.

The internal side of the gate, according to folk-speech, used to be decorated with the weapons of the legendary Hungarian hero, Miklós Toldi.

Unfortunately, nothing can be known for sure, because the gate was destroyed several times in the stormy historical events, and it got its current form only in 1936 when it was rebuilt to the 250^th year anniversary of the liberation of Buda.

The neo-roman style Hungarian National Archives, which can be found at the square, have stored scripts,  which are 73 kilometers long, more than 63,5 million microfilm records and several stamps, maps, photos, certificates, etc., since the 12^th century.

Furthermore, the Buda Castle Lutheran Church, the oldest Lutheran church of Buda, which was built in 1895, is also located in the square, besides this we can see the Kazinczy Memorial Fountain also here in the middle of the square. 

42. Sándor Palace and the Change of Guards 

The building was designed by Mihály Pollack and was constructed based on his designs in 1806 in classicism style. At the Compromise of 1867, Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy arranged a government residence here, and the palace served this faithfully up to the bombarding of World War II when it was almost completely destroyed.

For some unknown reasons, it was rebuilt only after the turn of the millennium, in 2002, when the palace was returned to its former glory which is by all means worth watching.

Besides its exquisite exterior, its interior arrangement is also wonderful, but it is only once a year that the public is allowed to enter the building which hosts the Office of the President of the Republic.

However, the musical change of guard in front of the palace, which is free to see, can compensate everyone. 

43. The Jewish Quarter of Pest 

The historical Jewish Quarter can be found in what we call today Belső-Erzsébetváros (Inner Erzsébet city), which is at the same time one of the most exciting parts of the city.

The quarter was formed at the turn of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, with Király Street as its center. Besides the Synagogue of Dohány Street, we can find such attractions here as the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Cemetery of the Martyrs or the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Garden.

The most sorrowful period of the history of the Jewish Quarter – as a “well-known secret” – is linked to World War II  because in 1944 here was the ghetto where 70000 people were crammed.

If you long for more than just taking your pleasure in the beauty of the building, and you are more interested in the history of the Jewish Quarter, you had better visit the Hungarian Jewish Archives located at 7, Wesselényi Street.

Here you can find several memories about the local people once living here, ranging from different petitions and permissions to diaries and love letters. 

44. Batthyány Square 

The square was named after Lajos Batthyány, the first Hungarian Prime Minister,  whose statue can also be seen here, in Víziváros (Water town), on the Danube bank.

The square got its name in 1905, and it hasn’t been changed since then, which is very rare in Budapest, because the two dictatorships often gave new names to public squares.

Earlier it was called Bomba Square (Bomb Square), because the square, which was always a centrally located area, was regularly bombed during the Turkish rule.

It is bordered by such imposing buildings as the Franciscan Church, the Baroque Saint Francis Sebei Church or the Copf Four Seasons House. 

45. Liszt Ferenc Square 

No matter how small the square is, it offers a lot of gastronomical experience. The square, extending 200 meters, can be found next to Oktogon.

Café Vian, Rézangyal Mediterranean Bistro or Seasons Bistro is guaranteed to provide great entertainment and delicious tastes to anyone.

After the fine foods, it is worth seeing the Music Academy, which was built in Eclectic-Art Nouveau style and was named after the world-wide known musician. However, if somebody is keen on poetry, they can find here a statue of Endre Ady to see. 

46. Kiscelli Museum and Castle 

The Kiscell Museum and Castle was originally a church established by the Zichy family, and it was built in the 18^th century in baroque style. Later it was converted into a castle by Miksa Schmidt furniture manufacturer in 1910, and it has been operating as a museum since 1941.

It may not be by chance that this building with its adventurous fate presents the history of Budapest from the 18^th century onward.

We can boldly say that the collection found here is not manifold, but occurs in its completeness. Besides the photo collection of 200000 pieces, we can trace back thematically, with the help of memorial objects, the technical and ethnographic history of the city.

At the same time, we can find here billboards, ceramics, toys, furniture, lifestyle exhibitions as well, so, all in all, everything that used to be Budapest once. 

47. Rudas Bath 

The center of today’s bath was built during the Turkish conquest in the 15^th century, this is the octagonal pool which can be found below the dome of 10 meters in diameter and which is bordered by 8 columns.

The history of Rudas, however, looks back to an even older time, since it was first mentioned in 1292, when the beneficial effects of its medicinal water were written about.

After the Turkish rule the bath was gifted to Buda by Emperor Leopold I in 1703, however, unfortunately, it didn’t survive the world war.

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It was rebuilt in 1951-52 based on the designs by György Tőkés in a way to preserve its original Turkish form.

Currently, 6 thermal baths, 5 wellness pools, swimming pools and of course, saunas, can be found in the building which is equipped with the most cutting-edge technology.

Besides the aquatic medical services, brave visitors can take part in a night bathing as well. 

48. Castle-Labyrinth 

The Buda Castle Labyrinth, which can be found in the Castle District, is 12 meters under the ground and extends to 3300 meters.

It is a unique sight of Budapest, which is worth visiting by all means. During the course of our history, it was a shelter, a prison, a kind of hospital, and during the world war even a refuge.

The most known and most feared guest of the damp walls was Vlad Tepes, or as he is commonly known, Count Dracula, caught by King Matthias.

Currently, such permanent exhibitions can be seen here in the Statue Hall of the Hungarian Kings, the Opera Panopticon or the Medieval Stone Repository.

If you are not frightened by your own shadow, and you are not afraid of feeling the freezing breath of Count Dracula, you can stroll along the gloomy corridors from 6 p.m., with a flickering oil lamp in your hand. 

49. Buda Mountains 

It undoubtedly enhances the natural value of the capital city that more of its districts are bordered by the Buda Mountains.

This way, it is easy to access such great tour routes as Normafa or the highest-located Nagy-Kopasz Mountain (which is 559 meters high), and such sights can be seen as the Erzsébet lookout tower on the János Mountain, where, by the way, a beautiful panorama opens up to the city.

Certainly, several other beautiful lookout towers can also be found during our excursions, like the Kaán Károly-, Makovecz- or Csergezán Pál-lookout towers.

The surrounding mountains provide great relaxation opportunities both in summer and winter to everyone who would like to get out of the bustling cosmopolitan life of the capital city. 

50. Ferenciek Square and the Franciscan Church 

In the direct proximity of Váci street you can find Ferenciek Square, and here is one of the most visited churches of Budapest, the Downtown Franciscan Church as well.

Its popularity, as well as, its past history is great, the predecessor of today’s baroque-style building was built at the instance of King Béla IV after the Tatar Invasion so that it could serve as a shelter and emotional comfort to the people living here.

Unfortunately, the church suffered from the Turkish times, just like the monks living here, the building was set on fire, while the monks were executed.

However, since 1743 the church has regained its former glory and it survived the bombarding of World War II. The square provides more attractions besides the church, and they are also worth visiting, such as Klotild Palace, Párizsi udvar (Parisian Court) and Nerediák Fountain. 

51. The Hűvösvölgy Children Railway 

Only a few people know that the Hűvösvölgy Children Railway was included in the Guinness World Records in 2015, as it is the longest railway where the work is done by children.

To avoid all misunderstandings, children are not forced to do this work, they do it voluntarily. The railway itself connects the excursion targets of the Buda Mountain, and this is a great way of entertainment for adults as well.

The two end stations of the railway line are Széchenyi-hegy (Széchenyi-Mountain) and Hűvösvölgy, and its length is 11,2 kilometers, with a level difference of 235 meters.

During this distance the railway line goes along and stops at several exciting excursion places, like Normafa, Csillebérc or János Mountain, but the popular Wildlife Park is also accessible by the children’s railway. 

52. Market Hall 

The biggest market of Budapest can be found at the Pest, end of the Liberty Bridge. This is the Central Market Hall.

Its location was not by chance chosen to be here: in the old times the customs clearance of the goods transported on the river Danube was done at the Pest end of the Liberty Bridge, therefore, the need for a  marketplace was soon born.

The building itself was constructed based on the designs of Samu Pecz architect in 1897, and it was declared a monument in 1977, in 2013 it was chosen as the most beautiful market of Europe by CNN Travel.

It is well justified since we talk about one of the most beautiful brick architectural work of the Hungarian history, complemented by the Neo-Gothic features as well, and its roof is made of the ceramics of the world-wide famous Zsolnay factory. If you long for Hungarian tastes and Hungaricums, you are guaranteed to find them here. 

53. New York Palace – Café 

It is by all means necessary to drop in on the New York Palace for a coffee since the beginning of the century is brought to life here with its perfect elegance.

It is so much true that the building which is older than 120 years won the title of “The most beautiful café of the World” in 2011, and it has been preserving this title since then.

The palace was built based on the designs of Alajos Hauszmann, Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, on 23rd October 1894. 

The cultural-historical building of eclectic style is decorated on its exterior with statues, the 14 bronze devil fauns are the works of Károly Senyey.

The best word to describe the interior of the building is “sumptuous”:  the richly decorated large interiors were separated from each other by twisted marble pillars.

Such writer and poet geniuses wrote and drank here as Endre Ady, Gyula Krúdy, Zsigmond Móricz, Dezső Kosztolányi or Frigyes Karinthy.

In the end, we’re telling you an anecdote as well: in the morning, coffee was sold here in bulk, as Unicum was served in the early hours only for that. 

54. Erzsébet Square and the Danubius Fountain 

The Danubius Fountain is the oldest fountain of the capital city and at the same time one of the most beautiful public art creations in Budapest.

Based on the designs of Miklós Ybl and with the implementation of Leó Fessler it was mounted on the Kálvin Square in 1855, and it was removed from here to Erzsébet Square 60 years later.

Its amazing lower statues portray the three rivers of Hungary, the river Tisza, Száva and Dráva. Neptunus, the God of waters, was placed on the top, symbolizing the Danube. The name Danubius is, by the way, the Latin equivalent of the Danube.  

55. Aquaworld Aquapark Budapest 

If you want to splash into water in a beautiful place, then head for the Aquaworld Aquapark, which is one of the biggest indoor water complexes in Europe.

Just to make you feel how big it is, we can tell you that its dome is 5 meters high and is 75 meters in diameter, providing a beautiful view day and night as well.

The tropical atmosphere Angkor Ruins Church also enhances the experience of bathing here, since it borders the pools with suspension bridges and towers.

The emphasis is certainly on the pools, from which you can find 17 inside and outside the building, there are adventures and swimming pools, but the Aquaworld provides opportunity to surfing, diving as well, and last but not least, you can choose among 11 slides. Bars and restaurants can also be found in the building. 

56. Kopaszi Dam 

Sport, walk, spritzer and gastronomy – this is what Kopaszi Dam provides in all quantities, mainly if the weather is good.

The dam found in the 11^th district extends almost a kilometer long to the river, separating Lágymányos-Bay from the Danube.

It used to be unused for long, then from 2006 restaurants and cafés started to appear and spread on the “island”, but a playground and big, well-cared green areas can also be found here.

Luckily it is allowed to step on the grass. The dam is accessible by BKK ship as well, which enhances the experience of being near the Danube even more. 

57. Hungarian Museum of Natural History 

The history of the museum started with the offer of Earl Ferenc Széchenyi in 1802, and today’s collection is due to his wife, Julianna Festetics, starting with her mineral collection.

Currently, we can see here the biggest natural collection of the country, divided into the topics of mineralogy, petrology, geology, paleontology, botany, zoology and anthropology.

Unfortunately, during the Revolution of 1956 the majority of the collection was destroyed, just to mention a few striking examples, among others 200000 flies, 22000 eggs and 13000 fish fell victim to the battles.

The replacement of the unbelievable worth of damage was started by Zsigmond Széchenyi and his friends, and by now the museum has regained its former glory. 

58. Tabán 

The old Tabán is the most exciting and most legendary place in Budapest. The hilly area between the Gellért-Mountain and the Castle-Mountain was the place for entertainment in the capital city at the end of the last century and at the beginning of the 1900s, just like Soho in London.

The curiosity of this part of the city is that it used to be a slam at the end of the 1800s, lacking the attention of the city leaders, so to say, the people living here were let down, however, they were resourceful enough to survive.

They started opening their bars, small restaurants and wine shops, cellars noisy due to gypsy music, and they attracted the intellectual people of the capital, mainly the players of the Artist World.

Unfortunately, after 1945 the communist regime, only God knows why, but demolished the romantic quarter and it hasn’t been rebuilt since then. However, it is worth walking there and watching what it looks like today. 

59. The Museum of Agriculture  

The Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, which can be found in the Vajdahunyad Castle, is the biggest thematic museum of this kind in Europe.

Just like so many other things, it was also established to the Millennium Festivity in 1896, based on the idea that Hungary had been the most significant agricultural area of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy states, and it is worth the merit to show it to the future generations.

However, the permanent exhibition was opened to the public only on 9^th June 1907, the building served mainly as a training center for a long time.

Currently a collection of more hundred thousand objects can be seen here, which presents the history of the Hungarian agriculture in a unique way, from the beginnings to the modern times, ranging from the hunting of the old times  to keeping horses and fishing, to grape-growing and wine-producing, we can see several exciting exhibitions if we visit the museum.

Last but not least, Vajdahunyad Castle also provides an unforgettable experience. 

60. Vasarely Museum 

This is the museum commemorating the life and art of Victor Vasarely, an artist of Hungarian origins, and everybody who likes modern arts needs to see it.

The exhibition opened its gates to the public on 8^th May 1987, with the attendance of Victor Vasarely, and the collection contains more than 500 items donated by the artist.

The works of art were created in the spirit of op-art, kinetic and international geometric abstract. Besides the permanent exhibition, the museum offers thematic temporary exhibitions as well, also in the spirit of modern arts. 

61. Batthyány Eternal Flame Monument 

On the site of the Batthyány Eternal Flame Monument, there used to be a military establishment, built at the order of Joseph II at the end of the 18^th century.

The establishment, which was used as a fortress and later as a prison, was called Újépület (New Building), Neugebäude, by the residents of Pest.

Here was standing Earl Lajos Batthyány, the first Prime Minister of Hungary, waiting for his execution on 6^th October 1849. He was sentenced and executed based on fake accusations. The Eternal Flame Monument was mounted to commemorate him.

Although it was decided much earlier to mount this monument, due to the troubled political situation and World War I, it could not be realized until 1926 and it was built based on the designs by the Móric Pogány architect.

A purple lighted candle rests on a three-stepped pedestal in bronze holder, commemorating the first Hungarian Prime Minister.  

62. Erzsébet Boulevard 

Erzsébet Boulevard, which is 764 meters long, is the main traffic line of Erzsébetváros (Erzsébet city), extending from Blaha Lujza Square to Király street.

Just like so many other things in Budapest, it was also built and shaped at the end of the 1800s, serving the needs of the rapidly developing city.

It was named after Erzsébet, the Hungarian Queen, whom the residents of Budapest were always keen on. The residential houses mushroomed on both sides of the road in the 1880s, almost without exception in an eclectic style, based on the designs by Zsigmond Quittner.

The New York Palace, which determines the image and atmosphere of the boulevard, was also completed in the first half of the 1890s, and since 2011 it has boasted of the title of “The most beautiful café of the world”. 

63. Underground railway (M1) 

The first underground railway line of Europe became ready for the Millennium Festivity of 1896.

To tell the truth, underground traffic already existed in the center of London, between Paddington and Farringdon Street in 1863, however, it didn’t run on electricity, therefore we have the honor to boast of the first of its kind.

It happened here first that a railcar replaced the locomotive. A further curiosity of this is that it was completed unbelievably fast, altogether in 21 months, and on top of that, the underground stops were covered with Zsolnay tiles.

The underground was inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph on 3^rd May 1896, and the carriages ran every 3 minutes, even that time (later every 2 minutes), furthermore, the highest daily passenger traffic was 34 526 people.

Its line extends from Vörösmarty Square to Mexikói Road, including 11 stops. If you are interested in its history in details, you can read about it in the Underground Railway Museum at Deák Square. 

Metro schedule, tickets, map of metro lines, everything you need to know about the metro in Budapest.

64. Shoes at the Danube 

Many people regard the Danube-bank shoes, which can be found near Steindl Imre street, as a kind of post-modern artwork, however, unfortunately, the reality is much more sorrowful than that. 

It is definitely a real Holocaust memorial, commemorating the Jewish people who were shot into the Danube.

Something is drifted by water: Shoes on the Danube bank – recalling the horror

Another sad fact is that the memorial could have been mounted at so many other places as well, because, during the war, Jewish and several other undesirable nations’ people were shot into the Danube on both sides of the river after they had taken off their shoes.

The truth is that not only one, but three plaques proclaim the reality: “Mounted on 16^th April 2005, to commemorate the victims shot into the Danube by the Arrow Cross Armed Forces”.

The artists who made the memorial were Can Togay film director and Gyula Pauer, Kossuth Prize-winning sculptor, and the Danube-bank shoe memorial was chosen the second-best public statue of the world in 2016. 

65. Museum of Applied Arts 

The Museum of Applied Arts is one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest. It is one of the most marvelous pieces of the Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture, designed by Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos, established in 1872.

The concept of the collection and the purpose of the museum have always been uniform: to collect the Hungarian and world-wide, old and contemporary applied artworks.

In the frame of the comprehensive exhibitions, presenting 100,000  artworks, we can see furniture, ceramics and glass, textile and other objects.

They include such unique pieces as the goldsmith objects collected for centuries by the Esterházy family, Renaissance and Baroque church equipment or the Damaszkusz-statue bought at the World Exhibition in Amsterdam in 1885. Unfortunately, the building is currently under renovation; therefore,  you cannot visit it at the moment. 

66. Budatower Kapisztrán Square 

We can find Budatower, or as it is also called, Mária Magdolna Tower, at Kapisztrán Square. It is the only memorial found Buda, which has remained in its original form from the Middle Ages.

It was built in the 13^th century in Gothic style, and for a long time it served as a chapel. However, by now, only the tower remained from the whole building complex.

It played an important role in the life of Buda because during the Turkish rule it was the only Christian church.

Francis I was crowned to be a king here in 1792, and Ignac Martinovich, who became Jacobin, was also deprived of his priestly dignity here. 

You can climb narrow spiral stairs to the top of the building, from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the zigzag streets of the neighborhood, while at the bottom you can see temporary exhibitions. Next to the tower, you can see the bronze replica of the Coronation Mantle. 

67. Óbuda Main Square 

The square, which is also regarded as the center of Óbuda, used to be a central place already in the ancient Roman times, and today also regularly hosts different events.

Also, it used to the center of the military town of Aquincum, and later it became the possession of the Hungarian queen in power. In the Middle Age, the square hosted a cathedral, a seminary, a synagogue, or even a university.

Its current form was given during the time of the Zichy family, in the 17^th-18^th century, and the Baroque style buildings which can be seen today were also built that time.

Today, we can find here the Town Hall of Óbuda, museums, and restaurants. The most remarkable attraction of the square is Imre Varga’s group of statues (The Umbrellas), which commemorates the courtesans waiting in the rain.

The city leaders of that time did not want to allow  the mounting of this artwork, which was completed in 1986, saying that “we don’t state a monument to prostitutes”, however, the artist was tricky and persuaded the fathers of the city that the group of  statues would not commemorate the ladies, but Gyula Krúdy,  who regularly visited them. Fortunately, this way, the mounting of the artwork was allowed.  

68. Oktogon 

The reason, why Oktogon is the name of the octagonal square found in the crossing of the Big Boulevard and Andrássy Road, is easy to figure out.

Until 1920, it was called Octagonal Square, later, during the Mussolini and communist dictatorship, it was called 7^th November Square.

The formation of the square was recommended by Lajos Kossuth in 1841, but its implementation happened only after the Compromise of 1867, with the purpose that it connects the downtown of the rapidly developing city to the City Park.

It was the time when the eclectic style buildings which can be seen today were built, mostly based on the designs by Antal Szkalniztky. 

69. Gerbeaud Confectionery 

The building under 7-9 Vörösmarty Square was built in 1858 in Art Nouveau and late eclectic style by Antal Gottgeb architect and József Hild.

It got its name after Emil Gerbeaud, who was a famous Swiss confectioner moving into the city in 1884 at the invitation of Henrik Kugler, with the purpose of being a co-partner in his confectionery.

He was the one who gifted the French mignon to the people of Pest which was mentioned by the locals only as “kugler”, and which the sad fate-poet, Attila József, was longing for.

But the kugler wasn’t the only successful creation of the confectioner. The chocolate cat tongue and the cognac cherry bonbon were also so much loved by the people of Pest, that soon the Gerbeaud name became well-known in whole Europe. The confectionery welcomes its guests still today, with its many, similarly tempting delicacies. 

70. Parisian Court 

The historical style building dotted with Moorish and Gothic elements that stands at Ferenciek Square hosts Parisian Court at its bottom, which was the oldest shopping center of Budapest, visited by shopping people already at the beginning of the 20^th century. 

The hexagonal space of the passage applied artworks with squeezed glass, known as luxurious prism, and its ceramics-covered façade is mainly made up of Zsolnay tiles.

The building, which is decorated on its exterior with more hundred-thousands of ceramics and ornaments, is among the most unique and beautiful sights in Budapest. Its renovation has just been completed in 2019.

The place where Jégbüfé (Ice-Buffet) also used to be, currently provides services under the name of Hotel Hyatt. 

71. Gresham Palace 

The building on the Danube bank is part of the World Heritage Sites and was constructed based on the designs of Zsigmond Quittner and the Vágó brothers. It was built at the instance of London Gresham Insurance Company in 1907.

Many people contributed with their work to the beauty of the building, among others, Miksa Róth, who prepared the glass windows and mosaics, Ede Telcs, Géza Maróti, and Miklós Ligeti prepared the statues, while the ceramic tiles were produced in the famous Zsolnay factory.

The legendary Gresham Café operated on the ground floor, and it was the favorite meeting place of the artists of Budapest in the 1920s, furthermore, the first cabaret of the city also opened here, on the name of Pódium Cabaret, in autumn 1921.

However, communism did not save the Gresham Palace either, in 1948 it was nationalized and small flats were arranged inside.

The building was almost completely destroyed, only 30% of the Zsolnay ceramics remained unharmed. Fortunately, the building was completely renovated in 2004, and a luxury hotel with 179 rooms opened inside under the name of Four Seasons Gresham Palace, where currently the most expensive royal suite of Budapest can be found. 

72. The Bath of Veli Bej 

The Bath of Veli Bej, which gets its water from the springs of Felhévíz, can be found between Lukács Bath and Komjádi Swimming Pool.

Despite the fact that it got its name after Veli Bej, it was Szokollu Musztafa who got the bath built in 1574, which became so beautiful that everyone admired that.

Rather few people know that, although it stands out from the other baths because this is the only bath in Europe, which preserved its original form from the Turkish reign.

During the time of its construction, a marsh was here, therefore, its foundations are held by 60-80-centimeter diameter pillars, and its walls were carved from stone and built richly.

Edward Brown, a famous English doctor from the 17^th century, called it the most beautiful bath. Later in 1806 the building got into the hands of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, and the first European standard-size swimming pool was also established here, where, by the way, in 1927 the first European Championship took place.

The big central pool of 36 degrees Celsius is the biggest Turkish bath pool of Middle-Europe, and in the renovated bath today we can enjoy different services, such as sauna, infra-sauna, steam cabin, adventure shower and so on. 

73. Pálvölgyi Cave 

Who would think that the longest cave of Hungary can be found in the capital city, more exactly, under the capital city, still, it is the mere truth. 

The Pálvölgyi Cave, which is under the maintenance of Duna-Ipoly National Park, is 31 kilometers long if we take its length discovered so far, however, only 500 meters of this length can be visited.

The cave system which hides beautiful stalactites and special rock formations were discovered only in 1904, due to quarrying.

Although the 0,5 kilometers long path which can be visited by people doesn’t seem to be long, we can see beautiful balloon-shaped, thermal water solution forms, shiny calcite crystals, and ancient shell prints. It is 11 degrees Celsius in the cave both in summer and winter. 

74. Tropicarium 

You don’t need to travel to tropical areas to take pleasure in exotic animals,  nor do you need to go diving to meet a living shark, since all of these can be seen in the Tropicarium of Budapest.

The zoo found in Campona has been welcoming its visitors for more than a decade, and it presents several thousands of colorful species of fish, besides this, other special animals such as alligators, reptiles, amphibians, small monkeys and exotic birds.

A spectacular tunnel was also accommodated here, to make it possible for the visitors to see the unique tiger-and brown sharks from an armlength, furthermore, this is the place in Europe where the only rhina ancylostoma can be seen.

The braver ones can dive every Thursday in a shark aquarium of 1 million liters, where they can participate in feeding six hungry sharks, accompanied by two divers. Those who feel like and are not disgusted can also participate in petting skates here in the Tropicarium. 

75. Astoria

Astoria is an important downtown traffic hub, with the beautiful and popular Hotel Astoria in the center.

The place itself played an important role in the life of the city from traffic perspectives already in the 1800s, but the hotel was opened only in 1914, which was and has ever since been really beloved by tourists.

During the revolution of 1956 this part of the city was the scene of serious battles and fights, and due to this Hotel Astoria was damaged, but the building was later restored to its original condition.

At the time of its construction, it was regarded as unique even at European level, as since its opening it has had central heating, besides this, its marvelous elevators also amazed the visitors. The hotel, which has 138 rooms, is operated currently by the Danubius Hotel Group. 

Less-known, hidden sights in Budapest 

76. The Arboretum of Buda 

Budapest provides a lot of exciting things to see and do, among others the Arboretum of Buda, which can be found in the very middle of the capital city.

Although the institution already existed earlier, it moved to its current site, to the southern side of Gellért Mountain, in 1876.

The planting work was started in the so-called Felsőkert (Upper Garden) in 1893, managed by the German gardener-dendrology expert, Károly Räde.

The majority of the nut-, plane- and other trees planted in the beginnings can be still seen today, and they are more than 120 years old.

Unfortunately, the garden wasn’t saved by World War II., and at the siege of Budapest serious battles were fought here, the traces of bullets are still visible on the woody plants.

The current collection of the arboretum presents to the visitors more than 2000 species of woody ornamental plants, more hundreds of bedding plants and nearly 250 kinds of perennial ornamental plants. 

77. The Castle of Nagytétény 

The Castle Museum of Nagytétény, or as it was called earlier, the Rudnyánszky-Castle, is one of the most known Hungarian Baroque monuments.

The castle, which was built on Roman Age foundations, was made to be built by Baron József Rudnyánszky between 1743 and 1751, based on the designs of András Mayerhoffer.

The building that includes Gothic elements as well is an outstanding piece of the so-called Grassalkovich-type castles. It was seriously damaged on several points during World War II., however, later it was renovated, and as a result of this, today we can see it in its old grace.

The building was delivered to the public by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1948 to work as a museum, and currently, the furniture museum of the Museum of Applied Arts can be seen here. Besides domestic items the collection contains foreign furniture, carpets, fireplaces, and ceramics. 

78. Art Hall 

At the Heroes’ Square, opposite the Museum of Fine Art, we can find the biggest exhibition hall of Budapest, called Art Hall.

Just like so many other significant buildings, it was also built for the Millennium Festivity commemorating the 1000 year-long history of the country, based on the designs of Albert Schickedanz.

Its entrance welcomes the visitors with six Corinthian columns, while on its back wall a fresco by Lajos Deák Ébner can be seen, portraying the sources of arts, that is, the figure of Vulkan and Athene.

The purpose of the Art Hall is to present and promote contemporary applied art, therefore, it doesn’t have a permanent collection, instead it continuously displays temporary exhibitions as well as cultural programs.

Besides the exhibition room which is illuminated from above and is bigger than 2000 m², it accommodates more theatre rooms for performances and technical libraries. 

79. Christina Church 

The church, which was originally called Havas Boldogasszony Church, can be found at Krisztina Square in the 1^st district.

The beginning of its history is interesting: at the end of the 17^th century the plague epidemic of Budapest took its victims, and Péter Pál Franczin, who was an Italian chimney-sweeper living here, swore that if his family survived the epidemic, he would go to the northern-Italian Maria holy place.

He did so, and from there, he came back with a copy of the picture of the Vérehulló Szűzanya (Virgin). On the site of the current church, he got a chapel built from wood and he placed the picture here.

In the fire of Buda in 1723, the chapel burnt down, but the picture miraculously survived the fire and it was relocated to the church built from stone on the site of the chapel.

The church became a holy place for pilgrims due to the picture, and Maria Theresia, as well as Pope Benedek XIV also visited it, furthermore, István Széchenyi and Crescence Seilern also had their wedding ceremonies here on 4^th February 1836. The building luckily survived World War II as well. 

80. The Chair-lift 

If you like taking pleasure in the panorama, and you are not scared of the feeling of floating, you must try the Budapest Chair-lift!

The cable railway line is 1040 meters long and ascends to a height of 262 meters, or even descends from that height if you leave the top of the mountain, but its speed is only 4 km/hour, so you will have plenty of time to watch the scenery.

Its upper part goes over the János Mountain, while its lower part “floats” over the streets and gardens of the Zugliget Villa Quarter. 

81. Papp László Sport Hall 

Earlier a sports arena, designed by István Kiss and built in 1982, was on the site of today’s Papp László Sports Hall, however, this old building was completely burnt down on 15th December 1999 during the Christmas Fair.

The causes and circumstances of the fire are still unclear. 2 years later, the construction of the current sports hall was started based on Hungarian designs and with American-British cooperation.

The building complex needed 50,000 tons of concrete and 2,300 tons of metal structure. It is heavier than Erzsébet Bridge and Liberty Bridge together.

The sports hall was inaugurated by György Jánosi, minister of sport and arts, on 13th March 2013. Since then, several great events and performances of world-wide known stars have been organized here.   

82. Király Bath 

Király Bath, which can be found in the 2nd district, can also boast of great past history. It was Arszlán, pasha of Buda, who started to get it built in 1565, however, only his successor, Szokoli Musztafa could finish hit.

It got its name from the fact that the area and the bath on it got into the possession of the König family in 1796, and as it is known, the German word „König” means „Király” in Hungarian (king in English). 

Unfortunately, the battles and fights of World War II caused severe damage to this building as well, but it was completely renovated already by 1950.

Besides its three medicinal pools, we can find a tub and a jacuzzi as well, furthermore, guests can choose from different medicinal services.

The medicinal water, which is rich in beneficial components,  can cure joint disorders, inflammations, and  deformation of the spine very well.  

83. Fűvészkert Botanical Garden 

The Fűvészkert Botanical Garden, which is in the hands of Eötwös Lóránd University of Sciences, is the first botanical garden in Hungary.

It was moved to its current place in 1847, but its history started in Nagyszombat in 1771, where the special garden was established by medical students. After being moved several times, it got to its current location.

The „content” of the Fűvészkert Botanical Garden has certainly grown since then, currently, several curiosities can be seen here, including tropical, sub-tropical plants and herbs as well. Its scare „residents” are 85,000 domestic endangered species, and 250 species called „Red Book species”, which means the most endangered ones from the flora of the world.

The Fűvészkert Botanical Garden is not so well-known among foreigners. In Hungary, more people know it than we would think at first, which is due to the world-wide famous novel of Ferenc Molnár, titled Pál utcai fiúk (The boys of Pál street).

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In the novel, two groups of children fight for a playground. The old palm treehouse of the garden provided shelter for Ernő Nemecsek and his friends in wintertime against the opponents.

Sadly, Nemecsek fell into the pond of the palm tree house by accident, he got pneumonia and died. A statue of Ernő Nemecsek commemorates this, and it can be found in that certain pond.    

The Botanical Garden, which has a European reputation from professional perspectives, has been under Cultural Heritage Protection since 2006. 

 84. Water City (Víziváros)

This part of the city, which can be found in the 1st and 2nd districts, used to be an important area already in the Roman Times: it was the starting point of the northern-southern direction military roads heading for Aquincum.

The traces of the ancient civilization were destroyed by Sarmatians in the 3rd century, but newer settlements were established in the area in the Middle Ages.

The first city walls were mounted during the reign of King Sigismound, and the traces of these can be seen still today under 66 Margit Boulevard and under 25-27 Horvát street.

A significant harbor also operated here, but it was completely destroyed during the siege of Buda ending the Turkish rule, just like the whole part of the city, except for Király Bath, which remained unharmed for the future generations.

Later tradesmen were settled here, and they rebuilt this part of the city, in Baroque style. 

85. The cave of Szemlő Mountain 

The Cave of Szemlő Mountain, which enjoys special protection, is an important nature reserve area, still, despite the special regulations, it can be visited by the public.

Nearly 300 meters can be strolled out of the 2200 meter-long discovered area. During this visit, we can take pleasure in an amazing view, so it is really worth visiting.

Due to the thermal water found here, the wall of the cave is covered with rich formations, such as pisolites and forms looking like a cauliflower, but plaster crystals can also be seen here, which are unique in Europe.

The cave serves medicinal purposes as well, people suffering from asthma or respiratory disorders can find alleviation among the walls in the clean air. Over the cave, an artificially-built geological study pathway and the Cave Research Memorial Garden can be found. 

86. MŰPA (The Palace of Arts) 

MÜPA is one of the most modern cultural institutions of Hungary, which was established with the purpose of collecting different art branches.

Different concerts are organized here, ranging from light pop-music programs to classical music and world music. Besides this, theatre performances, opera, literature sessions, and even circus performances welcome the audience.

The main aim of the institution, which was established in 2005, was to promote contemporary arts and to make it understood for everyone. The complex, which is unique in Central-Europe, was constructed in 28 months, and, in 2006 it won the „FIABCI Prix d’Excellence 2006” Prize which is regarded as an Oscar Prize in architecture.

The building, which is illuminated in different colors at night, is one of the most beautiful sights of the capital city. 

87. Festetics Palace 

Festetics Palace, which can be found behind the National Museum, welcomes its visitors with four special staterooms representing faithfully its past. It is also a scene for concerts and different events, what is more, even for a wedding ceremony.

The legendary architect, Miklós Ybl, was the one who designed the palace with its rich ornamentation, due to which it can faithfully represent the life of the aristocracy of those past times.

The building was bought by the Hungarian state in 1933, after the death of Tasziló Festetics. Among others, it accommodated the Teleki Pál Historical Science Institute and its successor, the Eastern-European Science Institute, but the National Széchényi Library also operated in the building for several decades.  

88. Buda Landscape Protection Area 

The Buda Landscape Protection Area, meaning that the majority of the Buda Mountain is a legally protected area of 10528 acres, was established in 1978 because of the continuously growing capital city.

The reason for deciding to make this area protected was to preserve the unique botanical, zoological, geological and landscape values.

The main body of the mountain is made up of the dolomites and limestones similar to those of the East-Alps, while in the forest area several special and scare plant- and animal species can be found.

Just to mention a few, Pilis flax, petal, snowdrop, pannonian lizard, coluber jugularis are examples of these rare species. Besides the interesting and beautiful creatures living on and above the surface, we can take pleasure in underground specialties as well, since 160 registered caves can found here out of which some of them can be visited by excursionists. 

89. Endre Ady Memorial Museum 

However small it is, the Endre Ady Memorial Museum, which can be found at 4-6 Veres Pálné street, is very interesting.

It was established at the 100th anniversary of the poet’s birthday in 1977 by colleagues of the Petőfi Literary Museum. If you like poetry and the work of the legendary Hungarian poet, you must visit this place, since the flat was reconstructed in a way to present faithfully the everyday life of the poet and his last sweatheart, Berta Boncza, nicknamed Csinszka.

Such famous people also visited the flat as Gyula Krúdy, Lajos Hatvany, Lajos Tihanyi, and József Rippl-Rónai. These meetings and reunions are commemorated by the old photos hanging on the wall.

In the three rooms, we can see the original personal objects, and the documents report about the wartime years of Ady. 

90. (Francia Intézet Galéria) French Institute Gallery 

The French Institute was established under the supervision of the University of Paris in 1947, with the purpose of promoting the French culture and science as well as to convey the values of the country, in Hungary.

As the years were passing, the institute was getting more and more popular, so in 1992 it had to be moved from its original location to its current site, which is in Buda, on the Danube-bank.

With the participation of Hungarian and French artists, art exhibitions are continuously organized here, furthermore, the building hosts film broadcasts and literary sessions as well.

Due to its activity, the French Institute was awarded the Budapest Capital Prize in 2001. Currently, it is a place for language teaching and scientific activity.  

91. Hungarian National Archive 

In the Neo-Roman style Hungarian National Archive, a collection of archives of 73 kilometers length and more than 63,5 million microfilm records, several stamps, maps, photos, certificates, etc have been stored since the 12th century.

The purpose of the institute is that the collection stored here documents the written heritage of the nation, besides this, it contributes to the maintenance of democracy as well as to the transparency of the operation of the state.

The Archive is obviously open to the public, for example at the Night of Museums people can gain insight into the written records of magia, secret societies, and witch trials. 

92. Óbuda-island 

The Óbuda-island, or as it is more commonly known, the Hajógyári-island, has been providing home and scene for many years to one of the high-ranked music festival of Europe, called Sziget Festival (Island Festival), which has become so popular over the years that visitors, as well as worldwide known music bands,  come here from every corner of the world.

At the same time, besides the one-week-long event, we must highlight that the island is also an important place for relaxation, where we can take long walks along the Danube bank and, in other, woody areas.

The place boasts significant bird species, since kingfishers, red-footed greyhounds, green spits, shrikes, hooded crows, and mallard ducks live here, furthermore, this part of the Danube is an important stop during the yearly bird migration. 

93. Millenáris Park 

The Millenáris Park of Budapest is regarded as a significant cultural center even at European level.

On the current site of the park, Ganz Electricity Works used to operate, and the founders of the park transformed the industrially significant factory halls, which was so successful that in 2002, the year following the opening, the Millenáris Park was awarded the Europa Nostra Prize.

Since its opening, up to the summer of 2019, altogether nearly 10 million people visited the park and it was a scene of 1500 events, among others, the Budapest International Book Festival is also organized here every year.

Around the buildings huge grassy areas and ponds were created, which welcome the visitors all year round, besides this, Péter Zöld Folktale Playground can also be found here. 

94. Csúcs Mountain (Peak Mountain) 

The so-called Csúcs Mountain (Peak Mountain) is on the border of the 2nd and 3rd districts, and it was probably given this name due to its height of 452 meters.

Under the longish mountain, which extends in a north-western – south-eastern direction, we can find the Csúcshegy city part (Peak Mountain city part).

Its popularity is also proved by the fact that the remains of two Roman-Age villas have been discovered here, so it means that the area has been populated for a long time, but according to a legend even the conquering Hungarians stopped here to have a bit of rest.

It was first mentioned in a written record in 1212. Currently, it is a popular excursion target, the Passage no.14 of the National Blue Tour also runs here. 

95. The Gallery of Fészek Art Club (Nest Art Club) 

Its name is really an acronym, standing for Painters (Festők), Architects (Építőművészek), Sculptors (Szobrászok), Musicians (Zenészek), Singers (Énekesek), and Comedians (Komédiások).

It looks back to a significant past since it was established in 1901 by the artists of that time.

In its deed of foundation, the following can be read: „the purpose is to facilitate the social interaction of artists, in order that scattered groups could meet in a common, warm „nest” where they can serve art by way of social interaction and productive exchange of ideas.”

The place still works in that spirit: you can participate in literary, music and theatre events, besides this, film- and applied art events are also organized in the club. 

96. Memento Park 

It is undoubtedly one of the most exciting museums in Budapest. The open-air exhibition commemorates the victims of the communist dictatorship.

In the park, we can see 42 statues, memorials, and  artworks which were mounted between 1945 and 1989 at public squares and streets, to the “pleasure” of people.

Such well-known people’s statues can be found among others as that of Lenin, Marx and Engels, Dimitrov, Captain Osztapenko or Béla Kun and certainly the soldiers of the heroic Red Army.

Besides these, we can find here the allegorical memorials of the detested Hungarian-Soviet „Friendship” and the Liberation.

Opposite the main entrance a huge tribune can be seen. At the top of the Memorial of ’56, which was prepared in 2006, we can see the life-size replica of the boots of the Stalin statue which was pulled down during the revolution.

Just to enhance the atmosphere, next to the cash desk workers’ movement songs are played in contemporary radio. Next to the cash desk a Trabant is displayed and visitors can sit into it. If you haven’t sat in a Trabant, you must try it! 

97. Feneketlen (Bottomless) Lake 

Feneketlen Lake can be found at one of the busiest and central places of the 11th district, at Kosztolányi Dezső Square. The Lake, as opposed to its name, does have a bottom, what is more, even hidden treasures were found once at its bottom.

Once a muddy area was found here due to the proximity of the Danube, but at the end of the 18th century a brick factory was built and the material necessary to it was mined in the clay pit found on the site of the current lake.

During the work water gushed and so, actually, by itself, Feneketlen (Bottomless) Lake was formed. In the beginnings it was poisonous due to its hydrogen sulfide content.

The brick factory was soon closed down, but it was only after 1912 that the lake building-work was started when the Cistercian monks moved here. 

98. Cog-wheel railway 

The only cog-wheel railway of Budapest runs along the stops of the Children Railway, between Városmajor and Széchenyi Mountain.

The cog-wheel railway, which is regarded as the first of its kind in Europe, started its operation in 1894, the construction of the railway was carried out and managed by the Swiss man, Ferenc Szaléz Cathry, and it was completed within a year.

It is remarkable because the level difference between the valley- and mountain stops was 264 meters, which is currently 315 meters due to the extended length of the railway line.

Since the line goes through Diósárok and the villa quarter of Sváb Mountain, the panorama is one more reason to try the cogwheel railway. With a short walk from the terminus we can get to the popular excursion place, Normafa.  

99. Budafok wine city 

Even King St. Stephen, our state founder, could get tipsy here because grape-growing has been operating here since people started to drink wine, or at least records and memories were left behind from the Roman Times proving this.

By the end of the 1800s more than 300 wine cellars operated in the area, however, it was not only wine that people produced here, but the champagne- and cognac production also made Budafok famous.

As a recognition of the wine traditions, Budafok was awarded the title of „the International City of Grapes and Wine” in 1987.

In 2011 a „Wine street” was formed, presenting the 10 wine regions of Hungary, where, in small cellars, we can taste the wines of Badacsony, Eger, Sopron, Szekszárd, Tokaj, Villány and several other wine regions.

The Pestis (Plague) Chapel found above the Záborszky Cellar is also an exciting sight for everybody. 

100. (Nemzeti Pantheon) National Pantheon 

The Graveyard of Fiumei Road was opened in 1849 and was declared as an Ornamental Cemetery in 1870. Just like Père-Lachaise in Paris, it also provides a final resting place for the artists, scientists, and statesmen who died in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Mihály Vörösmarty was the first to be placed here, in 1855. The mausoleum of Lajos Batthyány, Ferenc Deák, and Lajos Kossuth can also be found here, as well as the grave of Mihály Munkácsy, painter.

In the graveyard, which is in an area of 56 acres, the heroes of the revolution of 1848 and 1956 got a separate parcel.  Thanks to the rich wildlife of the cemetery it would also be suitable for an arboretum.

The graveyard can be visited by anybody, and it has been managed by the National Heritage Institute since 2016. In one of the buildings of the cemetery a museum is arranged where the visitors can see an installation about luxurious funerals. 

101. The Museum of Pesterzsébet 

The Museum of Pesterzsébet, which can be found in the 20th district and was established in 1951, was the first museum in the outskirt. It offers local historical- and temporary exhibitions to visitors.

Currently, Bocsák-Villa, built in Neo-Gothic style, accommodates the exhibition, which was moved to 53. Baross street at the beginning of the 1980s.

The permanent local historical exhibition covers the history of this part of the city, displaying several objects and documents as memories. 

102. (Csokoládé múzeum) Chocolate Museum 

On the upper storey of Café Szamos at Kossuth Square, we can find Szamos Chocolate Museum, which provides insight into the secrets of the most beloved sweets of the world.

The permanent exhibition taken 6 rooms provides information to the visitors about several things, among others, the history of chocolate, the consumption culture of hot chocolate as well as the secrets of chocolate ornamentation, but we can find here a sweets shop of the 1930s and also an operating chocolate workshop. 

103. Római Danube bank 

The Római Danube bank, which is almost 10 kilometers long, was a great place to relax for the city residents already in the 1800s, along with its boathouses and bistros.

One of its curiosities is that the first domestic rowing competition was organized on the Római Danube bank, in 1842, which was won by Ádám Clark, the builder of the Chain Bridge.

Until the 1970s, a sports paradise was operating here, but currently, it is rather a scene for entertainment and relaxation. On the promenade, which has an atmosphere similar to Lake Balaton, buffets, bars and places of entertainment welcome the visitors. In summers the sandy volleyball- and petanque pitches also provide great entertainment. 

104. Pünkösdfürdő Beach 

Our first Olympic champion, Alfréd Hajós, planned the beach on the Danube bank, and its construction was completed in 1935.

A children pool, adventure pool, and beach pool can also be found in the pleasantly arranged, woody green area.

The bath was renovated at the beginning of the 2000s, and during this renovation, every pool was supplied with water-circulating equipment, what is more, the visitors can enjoy a Finn sauna with a capacity of 25 people.  

105. Kincsem Park 

The park was named after Kincsem (“My Treasure”), the unbeatable Hungarian miraculous horse, which was also the subject of a film. It is the biggest horse race track of Budapest, which welcomes the fans of horse sport and the people interested all year round.

We can spend here even a whole day, enjoying a pleasant atmosphere, taking bets on a horse which we expect to be the winner.

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Besides the trotting- and gallop racing greyhound races are also organized here, what is more, even concerts are held. Madonna is one of the musicians who has had a concert here. The first international-standard rugby pitch of Hungary was opened in the area in 2019.