The stylish capital of Hungary is a New City of Lights. Along the hills of Buda, gleaming castles and churches hold stories of the many empires who swept through. On the flat Pest side, the residents are taking care of business and keeping the lights on in commercial centers. As you cruise along the Danube, the illuminated Parliament strikes an imposing figure. Its grand architecture is a blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, Gothic, and Art Nouveau treasures.

MUST SEES

Heroes’ Square

Millennium Monument in Heroes’ Square commemorates the conquest of the Carpathian Basin in 896. Árpád led the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars on horseback. Behind the column are 2 arcades with 7 kings on each side.

Mátyás Church

After Matthias Corvinus built the Gothic bell tower, they renamed the church for him. Over the centuries, Mongols and Ottomans destroyed the church. The church is a hodgepodge of spires, towers, and stonework.

Fisherman’s Bastion

At Buda’s medieval square, they once sold fish. Its seven cone-shaped stone towers resemble Magyar tribal tents. The hilltop has a remarkable view of Buda’s landmarks and Pest’s skyline across the river.

Parliament

The exquisite Hungarian Parliament dominates the Danube shore with its Neo-Gothic spires, buttresses, and corner towers. The 315-foot dome once had a red star, but now Parliament is an enduring symbol of Hungary’s independence.

Gödöllő Palace

Elizabeth (Sisi) loved staying at Gödöllő. Her chambers included a secret room where musicians performed. She also had a secret staircase for discreet getaways. Franz Joseph’s spartan chambers are a striking contrast with Sisi’s white and gold rococo style.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

The Neo-Classical church has a 315 feet tall dome – the same as Parliament’s dome. The ceiling has golden mosaics and a chapel reliquary contains St. István’s forearm. István was the first Christian king of Hungary.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge was the first bridge to connect hilly Buda with flat Pest. In 1849, William Clark designed the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Adam Clark built this chain suspension bridge stone and cast iron with two lions on each end.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

In 2005, Can Togay created this memorial on the Pest side. During WWII, the fascist Hungarian militia executed hundreds of Jews by the river. They ordered them to remove their shoes before falling into the Danube.

Danube Cruise

Embark on a Danube dinner cruise at night. Marvel at magnificently lit and colorful buildings – glowing jewels on a Danubian crown. Listen to Strauss’s “The Blue Danube” while observing the Castle District, Gellert Hill, and Parliament.

Szentendre

Skanzen is an open-air museum that shows what village life was like. There are workshops showing different trades. At a communal oven, a baker offers warm bread with garlic and cheese. Millers demonstrate how grindstones work.

FOOD

Paprika

Paprika is a spice from a variety of red chili peppers. The Ottoman Empire spread paprika to Hungary in the 16th century. Paprika is essential to Hungarian cuisine. It comes in many varieties, but the spicy and sweet types are the most common.