Top 5: Things to See in Budapest

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Budapest, Hungary’s capital and largest city. From taking a dip in one of the city’s famous baths to browsing the eclectic local shops, chowing down on homegrown cuisine and people watching at a café, you can never be bored in Budapest.

If you are considering taking a short trip to Budapest, here are the top five must-see points of interest in the city.

Castle Hill (Várhegy)

Located on the west side of the Danube, Castle Hill is a must-see district for any visitor to Budapest. The castle walls and cobbled streets take visitors back to medieval times, as does the lack of cars — with the exception of residents and workers in the area, cars are not allowed, leaving everyone else to get around by walking or taking a taxi or public transportation. There are myriad cafés and shops in the area, as well as the Buda Castle, on the southern tip of the neighborhood.

Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria)

The Hungarian National Gallery focuses on Hungarian art dating from the Middle Ages through current times. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A ticket for the permanent exhibitions costs 1,200 HUF (about $5.50) and a combined ticket for all exhibitions is 2,800 HUF (about $13). A lot of the art is not labeled in English, but visitors can pick up an audio guide for 800 HUF (about $4).

Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace that looks as though it were ripped from the pages of a fairytale. Designed between 1895 and 1902 by Frigyes Schulek, Fisherman’s Bastion is named after the medieval guild of fishermen who protected Budapest from invasion. Soak in some prime panoramic views of the city from here — the Danube, Margaret Island and Pest can all be photographed from the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera first opened its doors in 1884, and has been a central landmark in Budapest ever since. The Opera House holds more than 1,200 seats and is renowned for its acoustics. Opulent and dazzling, it’s worth the visit even if you do not have time or are not interested in viewing an actual opera performance. Guided tours are available, but travelers can also explore at their own leisure.

Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is another must-see landmark in Budapest. While visiting, stop by this spot and grab a picture of the Millennium Monument, which was dubbed such after being built in 1896, Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary. The archangel Gabriel looks out onto the city from the top of the square’s famous column, and there are statues representing the founders of Hungary. Behind the column are 14 statues of royalty and other important figures in Hungarian history.