Budapest is one of the most visually stunning European cities and a showcase of almost all the major architectural styles dating back to different historical periods. From the Gothic Church of Matthias to St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian capital is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine architecture.
History and Architecture
Neoclassical architecture prevails in the banking district of Budapest, where graceful bourgeois palaces are the heart of the commercial life of what was once the second largest capital in Europe. The structure and layout of the buildings make the city welcoming, a place suitable for anyone who wants to visit.
A little advice: as you stroll through the streets of the center, look up and admire the upper floors of the artistically decorated palaces, with mosaic-colored windows and fascinating relief sculptures adorning the fashionable apartments of the capital. A spectacle not to be missed!
The Parliament Building
It is the third largest parliamentary building in the world and the largest in Hungary. The Parliament, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an imposing work of art built at the end of the 19th century. An unmissable place to see at least once during your stay in Budapest. We recommend admiring it in the evening from Margaret Bridge, illuminated by street lamps, and then visiting it up close, both inside and out.
The building incorporates a variety of architectural styles: the base of the structure is Baroque, the facade reflects the Neo-Gothic style, while the ceilings draw inspiration from the Renaissance style. The architects spared no expense; in fact, the palace is adorned with 40 kilograms of 22-23 carat gold. However, this is not the only reason to visit the Parliament. It is also the place where the Holy Crown, dating back to the 12th century (some sources consider it even older), is exhibited. It is a symbol of the state and one of the oldest relics associated with European coronations.
The Buda Castle District
It is not just a simple monument but a lively and thriving neighborhood characterized by medieval buildings, which includes Buda Castle. Home to many Hungarian kings, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Get captivated by the cobblestone streets and the typical houses of the era, not to be missed among the many things to see in Budapest!
Fisherman’s Bastion
One thing to do in Budapest is definitely to climb the neo-Romanesque terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion, which overlook the Buda Castle District, the Danube, and the Parliament. The view from up there is spectacular and literally takes your breath away.
The fortress is named as such because, in the past, Budapest’s fishermen used to live in the area that extended beneath the castle. Additionally, right next to Matthias Church, the city’s fish market was located.
Matthias Church
Located in Trinity Square is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Buda Castle Hill, commonly known as Matthias Church. Founded in 1015, it received its Neo-Gothic form in the late 1800s during a large-scale renovation.
Within its walls, two reigning couples were crowned: Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth of Bavaria (the famous Empress Sissi), as well as Charles IV and Zita, the last monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
The monumental St. Stephen’s Basilica is the second tallest building in the country. It can accommodate up to eight thousand people, making it perfect for hosting a large-scale wedding! Here, the mummified right hand of St. Stephen is preserved, found over nine hundred years ago during an exhumation.
During the visit, it’s definitely worth climbing to the top of the dome, which houses the largest bell in the country and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
The Dohány Street Synagogue
In the center of Budapest, you can visit the largest synagogue in Europe, located in the old Jewish quarter, which today is one of the liveliest parts of the city. It is not only an important symbol for the Hungarian Jewish community but also plays an active role in the cultural life of the capital, hosting exceptional concerts and festivals.
The building was constructed in Moorish style, with a special stone lattice adorning the outer facade, while its dome is covered with fabulous ornamental decoration. Its beautiful architecture and magnificent dimensions attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.z
Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue is an elegant boulevard stretching over two kilometers. At one end lies the Opera House and a series of famous brand stores, while on the opposite side, towards Heroes’ Square, we can find the iconic House of Terror Museum and some of the most beautiful Art Nouveau villas and palaces in the city.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the avenue is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the underlying oldest functioning metro line on the continent, the Millennium Underground Railway (M1).
City Park (Parco Városliget)
Just as Central Park is to New York and Hyde Park is to London, City Park is to Budapest. Older than the former two, it has been frequented since the Middle Ages and took its current form in the early 1800s.
The park is dominated by the Széchenyi Thermal Baths on one side and Vajdahunyad Castle on the other, which stands on the shores of a large lake where boating is possible in summer and ice skating in winter. Vajdahunyad Castle encapsulates the millennium-long history of Hungarian architecture in one building, featuring different styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
The Zoo, erected over 150 years ago and located at the edge of the park, holds great architectural value as it was partly built in the Art Nouveau style. In fact, its animal species are housed in a historic building, richly decorated and unique in the world!
Heroes’ Square
The square is visible from afar along Andrássy Avenue and essentially serves as the entrance to City Park (Parco Városliget). It is one of the most well-known places to visit in Budapest, beloved by tourists who enjoy coming here to relax and take some selfies! Heroes’ Square is the largest in the city, adorned with statues of important figures from Hungarian history.
At the center of it stands a representation of the Archangel Gabriel, which won the Grand Prize at the Paris Universal Exposition, while the two sides are bordered by the Museum of Fine Arts on one side, where internationally prestigious works are exhibited, and the Art Hall on the other, which displays contemporary artworks.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, of culture, art, and good taste! An unmissable destination for those who love sophistication, but not only! Now that you know what you absolutely can’t miss, why wait to book your trip to Hungary?
You won’t regret it! Suitable for everyone, it’s a welcoming city that will leave its mark!
