Budapest, Hungary
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
This is a port guide about Budapest.
So, let’s explore together and learn about this wonderful city.
Overview
Perhaps the most stunning city on any river cruise, Budapest is actually 2 cities rolled into one. By far the most impressive city on the Danube, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a town we love to visit.
Hungary is a landlocked country with no access to an ocean or sea, so the Danube River is a vital part of the country, and many important cities grew up along this key waterway along with Budapest.
It is really two towns that were separate but later became united—the high town of Buda that overlooks the banks of the Danube and Pest on the flat land. They are united by several bridges, but the Chain Bridge is the most important and is a symbol of the city. Both sides have some awesome structures—among them Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion (Buda side) and the Parliament building (Pest side).
Once you visit, you will want to come back. We have led tours here, but the most important sights are around the Danube River area—anything that requires a longer distance than the river area is difficult to see on your own without transportation.
Some History of Budapest and Hungary
Perhaps the best place to start is with the Magyars who started settling the area around Budapest in 896. The Magyars were nomadic tribes constantly on the move around the Caucasus and Káma River areas. In 1000 the first king of Hungary, Stephen I began consolidating power. Then came a series of conquests of this area—first the Mongols in 1241 who sacked and almost completely destroyed the city.
The next invaders were the Ottomans who took Pest in 1526 and 15 years later conquered Buda. The Ottomans were driven out by the Hapsburgs around 1780. Hungary and Budapest then became part of the Austria-Hungary Empire who ruled the country until 1918. After a short attempt at democracy, in 1919 Hungary had a revolution which brought a communist regime to power and the country became known as Hungarian Soviet Republic.
WW II first resulted in German control of the city, then the Soviets after WW II until 1989.
What are Some of the Key Sights to See in Budapest?
I have tried to organize the sights into the way river cruise companies typically visit them on their tours in Budapest. There are two common tours—a bus ride up to the Castle District and then a walking tour and a panoramic bus tour of the sights on Andrassy Avenue. There are often onsite visits to St, Stephen’s Cathedral, perhaps the opera house, or the Central Market.
The Castle District
Buda Castle Hill--Elevated 168 meters (551 feet) above sea level, this striking area of Buda--the historic area of Buda--offers visitors the medieval Buda Castle, the Vienna Gate, the Magdalen Tower, and visits to two good museums.
The two best museums in the Buda Castle complex are the Hungarian National Gallery Museum and the Castle Museum.
If you are not on a river cruise tour, the easiest and most scenic way to the Buda Castle is to ride the Buda hill funicular to the top.
Fisherman’s Bastion--the cobblestone streets of the Fisherman's Bastion (the name of the bastion comes from Guild of Fishermen, who were responsible for defending that stretch of the city walls during the Middle Ages) on the Buda side, lead to a series of seven neo-Gothic towers. The seven towers of the Bastion represent the seven Magyar tribes that helped to settle the Magyar people in the Carpathian Basin. The structure provides an awesome panorama of the Danube River, the Parliament building and the Pest side of Budapest. Take bus 16 or 16A to Castle Hill if you are not on a river cruise tour.
Matthias Church—was founded in the 13th century. It is an impressive structure and was rebuilt several times during the tumultuous history of battles for control of this area.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the roof that is covered with the famous Zsolnay ceramic tiles, manufactured in the Hungarian town of Pecs.
Gellert Hill and the Citadel--For the best panorama of Budapest, Gellért Hill definitely is worth a visit. The old fortress and the statue of Liberty can be seen from a great distance. They are an important part of the cityscape. It is on the Buda side. Take bus #27 to get to this location.
Typical Driving Tour Sights Offered by River Cruise Companies
Most river cruise companies like to drive on Andrassy Avenue to get a good overview of sights not near the Danube River. Andrassy Avenue is a broad promenade of breathtaking neo-Renaissance architecture and home to many of Budapest’s must-see sites. Most pass by Heroes’ Square, the Franz Liszt Memorial House, the House of Terror, the Szechenyi Baths, and the City Park.
Heroes Square--The monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue sums up the history of Hungary by displaying statues that honor Hungary’s heroes. This iconic monument features depictions of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who are believed to have led the Hungarian people from central Asia to the Carpathian basin. The millennium memorial commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin.
The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Fine Arts are also located on this square. It is the entrance to the City Park. It is on the Pest side. To get there take Metro to Hosok tere (yellow line)
City Park--The largest green area of Budapest conceals the Castle of Vajdahunyad (www.mmgu.hu) (a castle with 21 types of architecture, it was created for an exhibition), the Széchenyi thermal bath (one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in the world), and the Zoo and the Amusement park. It is a beloved corner of the city for walking and relaxing. It is on the Pest side. Metro Széchenyi furdo (yellow line)
House of Terror—you need a strong stomach to visit this museum. This is the former headquarters of the ÁVH secret police. This building is witness to some of the darkest days of 20th-century Hungary. Exhibits have English signs. Metro stop Okyogon (Yellow line). (www.houseofterror.hu)
Dohány Synagogue Built in 1859, this is the second-largest working synagogue in the world (the largest is in New York City), and the second-oldest large building of those still standing. The synagogue has a rich, but tragic history; it was one of many detention areas for Jews during the Holocaust. A Jewish Museum next door traces the origins of Hungarian Judaism and features exhibits of ceremonial Judaica throughout the centuries. The museum periodically puts on excellent temporary exhibitions. The Holocaust Memorial and Heroes' Temple in the courtyard are well worth visiting.
Walking Tours and Sight Visits in Pest
St. Stephen’s Basilica--The largest Catholic Church in Budapest, where the most important relic of the Hungarian Catholicism, the Holy Right Hand of King St. Steven is kept. The panorama terrace offers a great view of the city if you are willing to climb the 142 steps to the top. It is on the Pest side.
The interior of the cathedral is a masterpiece of dramatic arches, marble and liberally applied gilding. Inside is one of Hungary’s most sacred artifacts, the Szent Jobb—meaning “Holy Right Hand—is the mummified right hand of St. Stephen.
Central Market Hall--the Central Market Hall is like a large treasure trove of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and culinary delicacies. The spacious market at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd) however is famous for its architecture too. Built at the turn of the 19-20. Centuries, it was one of the most modern indoor markets not only in Budapest but in the whole world. It is on the Pest side.
Hungarian Parliament--the monumental building of the Parliament is one of the biggest attractions of Budapest. The parliament building is the largest building in Budapest and the third largest parliament building in the world. Here are some facts about the size of this building—it has 691 rooms, 10 courtyards, and 12.5miles worth of stairs.
It hosts the diet and the crown jewels. Guided tours are organized 4 times a day. It is on the Pest side. Here are 3 pictures Anne took inside the parliament building on a tour:
Vaci Street and Danube Promenade--The bustling walking areas of the downtown offer famous cafés, terraces, elegant shops, boutiques, and theatres. There are great views of the Castle from the Danube Promenade. It is on the Pest side.
Chain Bridge--This was the first permanent bridge built across the Danube in Budapest. It was built between 1840 to 1849. It is 375m long and 16m wide. This bridge connected the towns of Buda and Pest and was a major reason the two towns became Budapest. In 1989, it was a site of protest for freedom and independence from communist rule. Today, the bridge is a symbol of Hungarian liberty.
Opera House--the Opera House has a fantastically ornate interior featuring frescoes by two of the best-known Hungarian artists of the day, Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. Outside of the building, you can see statues to Ferenc Erkel (composer of the Hungarian National Anthem) and Ferenc Liszt (Hungarian composer).
Guided tours are given daily at 3pm and 4pm (these can be arranged in English) are the only way to see the interiors unless you buy a ticket to a performance. Metro stop Opera (Yellow line). (www.opera.hu)
Have a dessert in Gerbeaud Cafe—famous for their handmade deserts. It opened in 1858 and has been a favorite of Budapest ever since then. (www.gerbeaud.hu/en)
Try Strudel at the First Strudel House of Budapest—located in an old building, this establishment is part theater and great strudel. The chefs make the strudel behind a display kitchen area. The strudel is excellent—we try to stop by each time we visit Budapest.
Eat in Karpatia restaurant—the motto here is “the only king here is you”—great Hungarian food. A city landmark since 1877, you will experience traditional and contemporary Hungarian food, with a spirited gypsy band playing amidst historic walls. (www.karpatia.hu/en/)
Shopping--Just off exclusive Váci Utca Boulevard there are courtyards studded with boutiques and shops selling handmade leather gloves, intricate Halas lace and Herend porcelain. Pricey antique shops and galleries cluster along Falk Miksa Utica near the neo-Gothic Parliament and just steps from Katti Zoób, Hungary's leading design diva. Taste Hungary's finest wines at laid-back Bortarsaság near the Castle District.
Our Final Thoughts
Wow—what a great port stop. We have been to Budapest several times and it is always interesting, vibrant, and fun. We hope you get a chance to visit—it is our guess you will want to come back just like we do!
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ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
