Discover Budapest
The Queen of the Danube
The Hungarian capital is one of the most popular cities along the Danube river. Known as the Queen of the Danube, Budapest attracts millions of visitors every year, eager to enjoy the various cultural and entertainment attractions the city has to offer.
We have selected a couple of key places that are not to be missed. Read along and pick up some tips and ideas for your visit.
Chain Bridge
Chain Bridge is perhaps the most popular site to see in Budapest. And the most photographed one. There is hardly a postcard or a city picture that does not include this spectacular bridge. This is the first bridge built in the Hungarian capital and before that the river could be crossed only via a temporary pontoon bridge, by boat, or over the ice in winter.
Heroes’ Square
A visit to Budapest cannot go without seeing Heroes’ Square. It is an architectural masterpiece and an example of impeccable city planning. When approached from the avenue, the 36-metre column topped by the Archangel Gabriel can be seen from afar. The column and the group of statues placed near its base constitute a unified visual image with the monuments arranged in two semicircles. Under their arcades stand effigies of the great figures of Hungarian history, created by sculptor György Zala.
Andrassy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue is a 2,310-metre boulevard lined with buildings in varied architecture, constantly widening from the city center towards the City Park. The area was long occupied by small cottages and gardens, but in the second half of the 19th century, Prime Minister Count Gyula Andrássy decided to have a new boulevard built here. After the 1848-1849 revolution, the statesman fled to Paris, where he was dubbed “le beau pendu” (the handsome hanged man) by the ladies.
The Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament, richly decorated both inside and out, was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, thus it was designed in Neo-Gothic style, although it also bears Renaissance and Baroque stylistic flourishes. The third largest parliament in the world, it was built on the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Hungary.
Budapest offers infinite options for art and cultural activities. The city abounds with museums, galleries, exhibitions, libraries and churches. Make sure you check out the Bath Museum ; Budapest Gallery ; Dorottya Gallery and many more!
