Buda Castle is a must-visit location in Budapest. The castle which was built in the 13th century comprises of the Royal Palace, the National Gallery and the Matthias Church. Roaming the streets in the castle hill is a cultural immersive experience, especially with the view of the Chain Bridge from the top. You can also have a look into the exhibitions at the National Gallery, which contains over 100,000 artworks including sculptures and paintings by famous Hungarian artists.
Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic terrace in the Buda Castle district that offers a fantastic view of both the Danube and Pest. The seven-pointed castle contains statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who founded Hungary in 895. Exploring the terrace and the various towers you can immerse yourself in the history of Hungary.
The Hungarian Parliament Building is an essential location for cultural experiences in Budapest. Standing at 96m tall, it is one of Europe's largest legislative buildings. The building contains over 10 courtyards and 691 rooms with the Hungarian Crown Jewels on display. Access to the building is free for EU citizens, from which visitors can view the stunning architecture and artwork on display.
The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of Budapest's most visited attractions. Alongside its size and beauty, there exists turbulent past, such as the Holocaust Memorial Room and the Jewish Museum telling the stories of Hungarian Jews in the 20th century. The synagogue offers guided tours, and you can listen to live organ music on Sunday morning.
St. Stephen's Basilica is another stunning piece of architecture and one of the main Catholic churches in Budapest. It contains various elements of the Romanesque and Baroque style, and visitors can see its immense size by the building's iconic dome. You can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Budapest from the top of the dome.
Heroes' square is dedicated to the millennium celebration of the Magyar conquest in 1896. The square features statues of Hungary's most famous kings and its famous landmark, the Millennium Monument. On either side of the square sit two museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art, both of which are essential places to visit in Budapest. The Museum of Fine Arts showcases works by artists such as Monet, Durer, and El Greco, while the Hall of Art often displays various exhibitions throughout the year.
If you have more time, visit Margaret Island on Day 2. It has a relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling city and features beautiful gardens, a musical fountain, a Japanese garden, and a medieval Franciscan church ruin. However, if you have less time, you can skip Fisherman's Bastion and spend more time exploring Buda Castle. Be aware of opening times and always check their websites or social media pages for updates. Lastly, don't forget to take a dip in the city's thermal baths for a relaxing experience.