Budapest is a historical city that combines the cities of Buda and Pest and is often called the “Paris of the East” for its amazing culture. Buda is known for its castles and historic sites, while modern Pest is filled with shops and cafes. You will want to spend time in both sides of the river to get a full picture of all the city has to offer. Situated over the Danube is Castle Hill, which contains some of the city’s most important medieval structures. Buda Castle is an impressive 200 room castle that is illuminated at night and can be seen throughout the city. You will also want to check out Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion on the hill.
The city has several major museums highlighting art and the country’s history. At the Museum of Fine Arts, you will find one of the largest collections of art by the Old Masters. Next door, the Palace of Art houses rotating exhibits showcasing some of the city’s best works of contemporary art. For an overview of Hungarian history starting with the Stone Age, head to the Hungarian National Museum to see artifacts such as Hungarian weapons, the Royal Regalia, and Beethoven’s grand piano.
The Museum of Fine Arts is located at City Woodland Park, which offers pleasant strolls among 302 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding a lake. While here, you can explore the Municipal Zoological and Botanical Garden, Vajdahunyad Castle, and kid-friendly Tivoli Pleasure Park. The Danube Promenade provides wonderful views of the river and is the site of the moving Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, commemorating Hungarian Jews killed in WWII.
No trip to Budapest is complete without spending some time in its thermal baths. Two popular locations are Gellert Spa and Rudas Thermal Baths, both which get their water from the medicinal springs flowing from Gellert Hill. Visitors also enjoy the Palatinus Baths of Margaret Island, which can accommodate up to 20,000 people.