Top Attractions in Hungary

First visit: February 2016
My Country #56

Trip to Budapest and Berlin in February


A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Budapest and stayed there for three nights. I stayed at both Hilton properties and then on my way back to Stockholm, I spent one night in Berlin. I flew with Lufthansa via Munich in economy class so I did not include any flight reviews but I was able to visit a few lounges along the way. From Berlin, I flew on SAS in economy class but with my Star Alliance gold card, I was able to visit the Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Berlin.


Photo Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge G24, Munich Airport (MUC)
Review: Hilton Budapest City
Review: Hilton Budapest
Top Attractions in Hungary
Review: Platinum Lounge, Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport (BUD)
Photo Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge G28, Munich Airport (MUC)
Review: Lufthansa Senator Café, Munich Airport (MUC)
Review: Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West
A Day in Berlin
Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)

Selfie with the Parliament Building

Last week, I was able to visit Hungary for the first time where I spent three nights in the capital Budapest. I've seen a lot of pictures of the Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge on the internet but to be able to see them personally specially at night was just so fulfilling. At first, I had a bit of difficulty reaching my destinations as Budapest is quite a big city but with the help of the friendly locals willing to give directions despite of the language barrier matched with my constant use of the public transportation, I eventually found my way to the sights I'd planned to visit. I was not able to taste the famous "Hungarian goulash" but hopefully I would be able to enjoy it on my next visit. In case you are traveling to Budapest, here are some of my traveltips.

Parliament Building: With its Neo-Gothic architecture, this building is the third largest parliament building in the world. I was also able to watch the guards do their routine although it was not quite as good as the ones I saw in Athens.

Chain Bridge: It is the most famous bridge in the city connecting Buda and Pest. I took this picture from the Buda Castle to be able to capture the beautiful Parliament building in the background.

Fisherman's Bastion is a terrace located near Matthias Church in the Castle District. I actually stayed at the Hilton Budapest where I had a fantastic view of the Fisherman's Bastion, the Danube River and the Parliament Building.

Shoes on the Danube Bank: This is a memorial to honor the Jews who died during World War II.

The Great Synagogue: This is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Entrance fee is 3,700 Forint. Closed on Saturdays.

Trinity Square is a square in the Castle District surrounded by the Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion.

Hungarian State Opera House: They have guided tours at 3pm and 4pm followed by a mini-concert although unfortunately, I was not able to do it myself.

Terror Haza Museum: This museum used to be the party headquarters of the Hungarian Nazis in 1944 and the residence of notorious communist terror organizations between 1945 and 1956. Entrance fee is 2000 Forint.

St. Stephens Basilica: It is the largest church in Budapest and named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary.

St. Stephens Square

Heroes Square: As the largest and most beautiful square in Budapest, this is simply not to be missed.

Museum of Fine Arts located on the left of Heroes Square.

Kunsthalle (Hall of Art) located on the right side of Heroes Square

Matthias Church: This church located in the Castle District hosted several coronation ceremonies and royal weddings. Entrance fee is 1500 Forint.

Buda Castle: Located in the Castle District, here you can visit the Hungarian National Gallery among others. Entrance fee is 1800 Forint.

The Kossuth Ter Massacre Memorial

Museum of Ethnography

Andrasy Avenue: This is the "Champs-Élysées" of Budapest which is about 2.5 km long.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and the first thermal bath in Pest.

Vajda Hunyad Castle: Built in 1896, this is one of the most romantic castles in Budapest.

City Park Ice Rink: Opened in 1870, this ice rink offers great view of the Vajda Hunyad Castle.

Citadella is a fortress located upon the top of Gellert Hill.

Elizabeth Bridge: It is the third newest bridge in Budapest connecting Buda and Pest accross the Danube River.

Castle Hill Funicular: Taking the funicular is definitely a much easier way to reach the Castle Hill.

Gozsdu Udvar is definitely worth a visit with lots of shops and restaurants

Vorosmarty Square: Located at the northern end of Vaci Street, this is where the Christmas Market is held every year.

Vaci Street is the most famous street in Budapest with lots of shops and restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe.

Great Market Hall: It is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. I didn't know that it is closed on Sundays so I had to be contented with its beautiful architecture.

Gresham Palace: Completed in 1906, the Gresham Palace used to be an office and apartment building before it was converted into the present Four Seasons Hotel Budapest Gresham Palace.

Taking the public transportation: Upon arrival at the airport, I bought the 3 day ticket valid for 72 hours for the price of 4150 Forint and which I was able to fully utilize taking the tram, metro and buses during my entire stay in Budapest.

Enjoying the local food like the  "Kürtőskalács" or Chimney Cake. It actually reminded me of the "trdelnik" I had in Prague last month.


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