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Budapest: Discover the Charm of Hungary's Capital!
Updated: Jun 17
Welcome to Budapest, the enchanting capital of Hungary that effortlessly marries centuries of history with a vibrant contemporary spirit. Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Danube River, this city of two halves, Buda and Pest, beckons with architectural wonders that showcase a diverse array of styles from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau.
The iconic landmarks, including Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament Building, tell the tale of Budapest's storied past and its journey to becoming the "Paris of the East." Beyond its splendid architecture, Budapest is renowned for its thermal baths, earning it the title of the "City of Spas." Discover the relaxing waters of Széchenyi Baths or Gellért Baths, a testament to the city's unique geological position atop natural thermal springs.
There is far more to explore than just this list, but we do hope this post will give you a little slice of what to expect. Whether you're looking for hearty Hungarian cuisine, enjoying a Danube River cruise with breathtaking views, or partaking in the city's dynamic events, Budapest promises an unforgettable blend of the old and the new. We absolutely loved it and it deserved far more time than the day we had here!
We believe that no cross-European road trip could be complete without a stop over in the beautiful city of Budapest and we have been 'hungry' to return ever since! Come along with us as we take a day tour of the city, and put together 5 key places to see, including our hotel accommodation, and a very special restaurant!
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The Szénchenyi Bridge
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, an iconic symbol of Budapest, elegantly spans the Danube River, connecting the historic districts of Buda and Pest. Constructed between 1839 and 1849, this architectural marvel was the first permanent bridge to link the two sides of the city, contributing significantly to the eventual unification of Budapest in 1873. Designed by William Tierney Clark and built by Adam Clark, the bridge's 375-meter length is adorned with a pair of majestic lion statues at each end, sculpted by János Marschalkó, adding a regal touch to its aesthetic.
Not just a vital transportation artery, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge holds historical significance, having weathered the trials of World War II and subsequent reconstructions. By night, the bridge transforms into a luminous spectacle, casting a radiant glow across the Danube and the cityscape. As pedestrians traverse its expanse, they are treated to unparalleled views of Budapest's landmarks, including Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building. A symbol of unity and resilience, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is not merely a feat of engineering but a living testament to the city's rich history and enduring spirit.
Right from the start of the drive over the Szénchenyi bridge, to entering the neighbourhood and lobby of our hotel, we were completely enchanted by this old darling city.
The Prestige Hotel
The Prestige Hotel is located in the heart of Budapest with an optimal location, just a short walk from the river, close to local cafes and restaurants and the Hungarian Parliament Building. This was an attraction that was on our must-see list; it was in our searches for accommodations in the area surrounding it that we happened upon this stunning hotel.
The Prestige has a fantastic blend of elegant and traditional architecture with a modern feel. This multi award winning 4-star hotel was truly memorable and we most certainly recommend a stay when and if you are in the area.
Prestige Hotel Contact Information
Address: Budapest, Vigyázó Ferenc u. 5, 1051 Hungary
Email: prestigebudapest@zeinahotels.com
Contact no: +36 1920 1000
Website: prestigehotelbudapest.com
Instagram: @prestigehotelbudapest | Facebook: @prestigehotelbudapest
The history of Budapest
The origins of this city can be traced back to the Celts who occupied the plains of Hungary in the 4th century BC. The area was later conquered by the Roman Empire, which established the fortress and town of Aquincum on the site of present-day Óbuda around AD 100.
The Romans were expelled in the 5th century by the Huns, who were challenged by various tribes during the next several centuries. The Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin started at the end of the 9th century and the Kingdom of Hungary was established at the end of the 11th century.
The Ottoman Turks occupied the city of Buda in 1541, marking the beginning of a period of Ottoman rule that lasted for over 150 years. Pest, on the opposite side of the Danube, remained under Habsburg control.
The Habsburgs retook Buda from the Ottomans in 1686, leading to a period of reconstruction and development. In 1849, during the Hungarian Revolution, it was suggested that Buda, Óbuda and Pest should be united into a single city. The city of Budapest was officially established on November 17th 1873.
Budapest played a significant role in World War I, and the aftermath led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Following World War II, Hungary came under Soviet influence, and Budapest suffered heavy damage during the Siege of Budapest in 1944-45.
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a failed uprising against Soviet rule, left its mark on Budapest.
The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 marked the end of communist rule in Hungary, and the country transitioned to democracy. Budapest has since become a vibrant European capital, attracting tourists with its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions.
Hungary joined the European Union in 2004.
Throughout its history, Budapest has endured periods of conflict, occupation, and reconstruction, shaping it into the dynamic and culturally rich city it is today. The blend of Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences is evident in its architecture, making it a captivating destination for those interested in history and culture.
The Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a piece of pure architectural excellence. We were so keen to see it, and in person it was even more impressive than any of the photos we had gazed at prior. It took 19 years to build and was completed in 1904. Its grandeur and intricate architecture is unparalleled amongst fellow buildings of this style... in the world in our opinion!
The building is reflected in the adjacent Danube River and consists of a central dome between two tall spires. It is the third largest parliament building in the world and houses 691 rooms. It is said that a huge amount of gold has also been used in the interior decoration. For those of you that love to capture that ultimate 'instagramable' photograph this is indeed a perfect place for that... as you can see above and below!
Known as the 'House of the country', it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still the largest building in Hungary to date. It is also possible to visit and take a tour inside, with prices at around $10 per adult at time of writing.
Directly across from the Parliament you will find the Museum of Ethnography (a branch of anthropology) in all its glory. The museum was founded in 1872. It is such a great area for a stroll around and a real treat for the eyes! Our time in the city was limited so we did not have the opportunity to visit the inside of either locations; this is yet another reason we are longing to return.
Elysée Bistro & Kávéház
After the sun started to set we went on an enchanting evening stroll and eventually stopped to savour the flavour of Budapest at the lovely Elysée Bistro & Kávéház. It had an absolutely stunning night view of the Parliament and seemed like the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the Parliament Building at night.
Elysée Bistro & Kávéház has a wonderful blend of classic French and Hungarian cuisine. The food was tasty and beautifully presented. Accompanied by a lovely glass of wine and a fresh brandy it made for a perfect end to the evening, with chatter and admiring the views.
Alongside the epic view the Elysée boasts a creative and bright interior décor and excellent service. It is also steeped in history; the roots of the restaurant date back to 1931 with a well told drama of bankruptcy, surviving the war, nationalisation and changes of ownership. It was a lovely touch to have the history of the building and restaurant included on the place setting. It made for good reading entertainment and conversation for sure! Be sure to stop in for a visit when in the area.
How to find Elysée Bistro & Kávéház
Address: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 13-15, 1055 Hungary
Email: info@elysee.hu
Contact no: +36 1786 4306
Website: elysee.hu/en
Instagram: @elyseebistro | Facebook: @elyseebistro
Make the most of your time in Budapest and take a Klook Dinner Cruise Tour with Live Music and a Folk Dance Show!
● Explore Budapest's nightlife on a vibrant Danube River cruise, filled with entertainment and lively experiences beneath the city lights
● Experience live Hungarian folklore dance and music showcased on board, adding cultural charm to your journey
● Indulge in the flavors of a classic Hungarian dinner at the endless buffet
Our Budapest experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
After slow travelling the world now we realize how important it is to us to have heaps of time to spend in one location, although at the time of visiting Budapest we were happy to see what we could in the time that we had. We encourage a visit to this city regardless of the time you have available, there is plenty to see in close proximity! Have we made you hungry for a visit to Hungary now too? Sorry not sorry!
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In April 2021 we quit our jobs, packed up our stuff and made the bold move to TRAVEL FULL TIME. We believe travel fosters understanding, compassion and reflection in ways nothing else truly can. We love meeting new people and learning about the local cultures in all of the countries we visit. Join over 11k on YouTube and see our latest series of travel from 13 countries in Asia in 2023!
Explore Budapest with Klook
Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Budapest. Whether you're looking for a dinner cruise or a spa, Klook can offer some great options. In addition to their wide selection of tours, Klook also offers deals on transportation, accommodation, and activities. Tap a link below to find out more.
All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of England. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!
Discover more from Europe
Our first real travel adventures together started with 2 road trips across Europe! We began in Scotland, touring the likes of Edinburgh and Inverness, before heading to England. Our legacy became forever intertwined with Europe after we went to Cyprus in June 2019, getting engaged at Aphrodite's Rock, and we have since visited 14 countries across this amazing continent!
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