Budapest preserves the distinct structural features of the former cities of Pest, Buda and Óbuda. This is also evident in the Buda Castle District, where medieval and distinctive Baroque styles meet, differing from the architecture of Pest. The view of the banks of the Danube is part of Budapest’s historic urban landscape and represents the harmonious interplay between human society and the natural environment. The city’s urban structure, architecture and river landscape offer different historical perspectives.
Urban Planning and Architecture
Andrássy Avenue was laid out between 1872 and 1885 and is a prominent example of urban planning incorporating the latest technical facilities of the time. The Millennium Underground Railway, built between 1893 and 1896, is also an example of implementing urban planning solutions using the technological innovations of the time. The Parliament Building, in turn, is an outstanding example of a large official building with 19th-century eclectic architecture. Together, these buildings show different aspects of the city’s development: from a grand avenue to a technological innovation and a monumental public building.
Thermal Baths and Roman History
Széchenyi Thermal Bath was built at the beginning of the 20th century and was the first thermal bath in Pest. It is the largest bathing complex in Budapest and Europe. On Margaret Island, Palatinus Thermal Bath lies at the heart of the island; its distinctive features include striking swimming pools. Those interested in the city’s earlier history can get a glimpse of everyday life for the ancient Romans in Budapest at the Aquincum Museum. The thermal bath, island and museum thus lead to very different chapters of the city’s history.
Margaret Island: Views and Activities
Margaret Island is an important recreational area in Budapest. Visitors can explore it on foot, by bicycle or by pedicab; a jogging track also runs around the island. The water tower, built in 1911, offers a 360-degree panorama of Budapest. The island brings together different perspectives: a lap along the jogging track, exploring by bicycle or views across the city from the water tower.
Hungarian Products at the Great Market Hall
Hungarikum Street in the Great Market Hall showcases Hungarian products with regional connections. These include paprika from Kalocsa and Szeged, sausages from Gyula and Csaba, Herz and Pick salami, acacia honey, lavender products from Tihany, Tokaj Aszú and goose liver. At the end of the street, visitors can use a three-dimensional map to learn about Hungary’s 22 wine regions and some typically Hungarian grape varieties.
The Great Market Hall also offers a private tasting tour with six stops. It is recommended for groups of 10 to 25 people and introduces typical Hungarian flavours as well as the market. This complements the product displays on Hungarikum Street with an option that includes tastings as part of the visit.
By Express Bus, Bicycle and Tram
The 100E Airport Express connects the airport with Budapest city centre around the clock. Check the latest service details before travelling. MOL Bubi, Budapest’s public bike-sharing system, is also available around the clock; check availability and coverage before setting off.
For views along the Danube, historic tram line N2 runs along the riverbank. Along the way, visitors can see, among other things, the Parliament Building, Budapest’s bridges, Buda Castle and panoramic views of Gellért Hill. According to BKK, the line is one of the ten most beautiful tram routes in the world. Historic line N19 offers panoramic views of the Buda bank of the Danube. The descriptions therefore highlight different sights; check the latest timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Budapest, Budaörs, Budakalasz, Somogy, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hajdú-Bihar, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Neuburg.
See the main travel overview: Hungary.
