Budapest, the capital of Hungry, is a fascinating city. This landlocked country in Central Europe brings millions of visitors every year. Budapest is the result of a merger of two cities, Buda and Pest in 1873 which are on either side of the Danube River. The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe and flows from Germany to the Black Sea. Budapest is known for its architecture, thermal springs, and history. The official language is in Hungry is Hungarian but most tourist areas you can converse in English. Read the article below to learn a little bit more and discover some must-visit destinations for your next vacation..
Historical landmarks
On the Pest side of the city, you can find The Parliament Building. It is home to the National Assembly of Hungry, which is the legislative branch of Hungry. Visit the shoe memorial here. The bronze shoes serve as a reminder to the Jewish and others killed by Arrow Cross at the end of World War II. The Parliament Building was faces the Dunube River one on side and the Buda Castle on the other. The Parliament Building is the largest building in Hungry. This neo-gothic style building was designed by Imre Steindle. To see its true beauty, make second visit here at night.
On the Buda side of the city is Buda Castle. Buda Castle is located on Castle Hill which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle was home to the Hungarian Kings and Queens. Today it is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum (which showcases the city's history from the Middle Ages to today), and the National Széchényi Library. Fun fact: the Buda Castle is connected to the Szechenyi Chain Bridge.
Budapest is also home to the largest synagogue in Europe, Dohany Street Synagogue. It can seat almost 3000 congregants. The Hero’s Temple is a smaller synagogue that was build to honors Jewish soldiers who died during World War I. The graveyard is the final resting place to over 2000 people who died in the Budapest Ghetto during World War II. The weeping willow sculpture has the names of Hungarian Jews who were murdered during World War II.
Szechenyi Chain Bridge is an iconic symbol of Budapest. It connects Buda and Pest and was built in 1849. William Clark designed this famous bridge. Pro tip: take a picture with the lions engravings on the bridge. The lions on either end of the bridge guard the city
Aquincum Awueduct was created by the Romans and provided water to the town. Today you can see remains of the pillars. Click here to learn more about its history from the Aquincum Museumor take a virtual tour here:
Thermal Springs
There are 123 thermal water springs in Budapest. Thermal springs are natural sources of hotwater that are warmed by geothermal energy. The city of Budapest is located on a geological fault line. Hungry calls Budapest the Queen of bathing cities. Each thermal water spring has its own distinctive properties (temperature, mineral composition, etc.) As a result of having so many thermal springs, the wellness and spa culture are engrained into the Hungarian lifestyle. Szechenyi Bath and Pool is Budapest’s most popular thermal bath complex. Bonus: It is opened year-round.
Food
Food tours are a great way to explore what is offered in Budapest. Langos are very popular. It is a flat dough that has sour cream, garlic, and cheese. Langos are a popular street food and snack. For something more filling, try goulash. Goulash is a stew of beef, carrots, onions, peppers, potatoes and is cooked in a spicy sauce. They can be eaten as an appetizer or main meal. If you prefer dumplings, try Nokedi. They are are often served along side goulash.
When to visit
The best time to visit here for warm and sunny weather is between May and September. However if you prefer a more festive atmosphere, then wait until mid-November to enjoy the Christmas Markets. April is part of the Spring Festival which showcases Hungarian art, music, and gastronomy.
You can easily spend a week here as there is so much to explore. Many travelers will opt for a river cruise, as many of the river cruises either start or end in Budapest, which give your ample opportunity to extend your stay pre or post cruise.
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