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Budapest: One of Europe's most culturally rich capitals


Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. Considered a city of contrasts, it is frequently referred to as the place where East Europe meets West Europe.

This city became one of the centers of humanist Renaissance culture during the Middle Ages, in the 15th century, and thanks to this, Budapest developed a unique architecture and atmosphere. It has several World Heritage Sites, which has made it one of the most popular destinations for tourists. These include, on the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle district, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Metropolitan, the second oldest in the world.

In this post we will show you the best tourist places to visit in Budapest, so, if you are planning a trip to this Central European city and do not know where to go, here we will help you. 

Get to know the best that Budapest has for you!

Credit: Unsplash.

Best places to visit in Budapest 

Budapest Parliament

One of the first things to do in Budapest is to go early in the morning to the Parliament, located on the banks of the Danube, which is one of the city icons.

This huge building impresses with its neo-Gothic facade and an interior, decorated with marble and gold, which highlights its main staircase, the Old Upper Chamber and the Dome Hall, which holds its most precious treasure, the crown of St. Stephen.

Chain Bridge

Strolling along the banks of the Danube you will reach the Chain Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and another of the places to visit in Budapest.

Presided by two lions, this beautiful bridge is an identical reconstruction of the one destroyed by the Germans during the Second World War, when they were retreating from the city, and the oldest bridge linking the districts of Buda and Pest.

Budapest Opera House

Near the St. Stephen Cathedral is the emblematic Opera House, located in the great Andrassy Avenue. This building is another of the most beautiful places to visit in Budapest. It has a neo-Renaissance style and its extraordinary acoustics stands out for its beautiful facade with 16 sculptures of the most important musicians and composers of Hungary. 

Very close to the Budapest Opera House is the Barceló Budapest hotel, one of the most recommended hotels in the city. Throughout the year, the Barceló Budapest offers promotions and discounts on accommodation. If you want to know more, click on the following link: https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/offers/black-friday/

Váci Utca

From the Chain Bridge you can continue along the banks of the Danube until you reach the Liberty Bridge, although we recommend you to leave this walk for the sunset, and in this case, walk along the inner street Váci Utca.

This pedestrian street is the most commercial and popular place to see in Budapest, and starts at the beautiful Vorosmarty Square. There a beautiful Christmas market is located, always full of good atmosphere and places to enjoy a drink. You can buy a pastry in the historic Gerbeaud Bakery and walk along Váci Utca street stopping at one of its beautiful stores like Philantia, to the Central Market, the largest indoor market in the country with numerous stalls selling fresh local produce.

Gellert Spa

Crossing the Liberty Bridge, you will reach the Gellert Hotel and its famous spa.

It's considered one of the best spas in Budapest as well as one of the most beautiful in the world. The Gellert spa impresses with its spectacular central pool surrounded by columns and marble statues of classical style, which will give you unforgettable moments of relaxation after visiting the city.

In addition to the central pool, you can enjoy its massage services, saunas and all kinds of thermal baths, which are a perfect addition to your visit to the spa.

St. Stephen's Basilica

The Basilica of St. Stephen is a place of catholic cult and it can host 8.500 people.

This huge neoclassical temple is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, and inside, in addition to numerous works of art, is kept as a relic the right hand of the king and the largest bell in the country.

Hungarian gastronomy: a cuisine worth knowing and tasting

If you visit Budapest, you should not miss the opportunity to eat its traditional dishes anywhere. 

Hungarian cuisine is curiously characterized by the use of paprika in their meals. An example of this is Goulash, Hungary's national dish; it is a dense soup with chunks of veal, vegetables and a kind of dumplings, served with bread and extra paprika.

Csirkepaprikás is another well-known dish made of chicken stewed with paprika and sour cream, plus recurring vegetables such as onions, green peppers and tomatoes. 

The Töltött káposzta is another typical gastronomic specialty throughout Eastern Europe, consisting of cabbage leaves stuffed with minced pork and beef, rice, tomatoes and sauerkraut. The result is quite hearty rolls, perfect for the winter season, and they are usually garnished with paprika and sour cream.

 



Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.