The Pearl of the Danube

Budapest architecture

Budapest was formed in 1873 by the unification of three cities: Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the Danube River. The city is renowned for its thermal bath culture, with over 80 geothermal springs beneath the city feeding a network of historic bathhouses. The Hungarian Parliament Building, completed in 1904, is the third largest parliament building in the world.

6Landmarks
1265Oldest · Buda Castle
96 mTallest · Hungarian Parliament Building
6Architects

Hungarian Parliament Building
Fisherman's Bastion
Buda Castle

Before you go

Fly intoBudapest Ferenc Liszt International (BUD)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is named after Hungary's most celebrated composer. Its Skycourt terminal, opened in 2011, features a distinctive wave-shaped roof and serves as one of Central Europe's busiest aviation hubs. The airport offers direct connections to over 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
CurrencyHungarian Forint (Ft)
LanguageHungarian
Hungarian (Magyar) is a Finno-Ugric language unrelated to any of its European neighbors, making it famously difficult for outsiders to learn. Despite this, English is widely spoken by younger Budapestians and throughout the tourism industry. Locals appreciate any attempt to say a few words in Magyar.
Getting aroundBKK Metro & Trams
Budapest's metro Line 1 (the Millennium Underground) is the oldest electric underground railway in continental Europe, dating to 1896 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's extensive tram network includes Line 4-6, one of the busiest tram lines in the world. A single BKK transit card covers all buses, trams, metro lines, and suburban HÉV trains.

6 landmarks in Budapest

Photo: Kilyann Le Hen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hungarian Parliament Building

Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, Budapest 1055, Hungary

One of Europe's oldest legislative buildings and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, dominating the Danube riverbank.

Built
1904
Architect
Imre Steindl
Style
Gothic Revival
Height
96 m (315 ft)
Stories
4
Today
Parliament / museum
Photo: Brian Adamson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fisherman's Bastion

Szentháromság tér, Budapest 1014, Hungary

A neo-Romanesque terrace with seven towers offering one of the best panoramic views of the Danube, Pest, and the Parliament.

Built
1905
Architect
Frigyes Schulek
Style
Neo-Romanesque
Height
20 m (66 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Tourist attraction
Photo: Varius, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Buda Castle

Szent György tér 2, Budapest 1014, Hungary

Historic palace complex of the Hungarian kings on the southern tip of Castle Hill, now housing the Hungarian National Gallery.

Built
1265
Architect
Miklós Ybl, Alajos Hauszmann
Style
Baroque
Height
23 m (75 ft)
Stories
4
Today
National gallery / museum
Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Állatkerti körút 9-11, Budapest 1146, Hungary

One of the largest bath complexes in Europe, fed by two thermal springs reaching temperatures of up to 77°C.

Built
1913
Architect
Győző Czigler, Ede Dvorak
Style
Neo-Baroque / Eclectic
Height
12 m (39 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Thermal baths (still active)
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chain Bridge (Budapest)

Széchenyi István tér, Budapest 1051, Hungary

The first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest, an iconic symbol of the city with stone lions guarding each end.

Built
1849
Architect
William Tierney Clark, Adam Clark
Style
Neoclassical suspension bridge
Height
6 m (20 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Road bridge / landmark
Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

St. Stephen's Basilica

Szent István tér 1, Budapest 1051, Hungary

The largest church in Budapest, housing the mummified right hand of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen.

Built
1905
Architect
József Hild, Miklós Ybl
Style
Neoclassical
Height
96 m (315 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Cathedral (active)