Historic Monuments in Budapest

Budapest Baths

Budapest is a city of baths. Four baths from the Ottoman Empire times are in service (Rudas, Rácz, Király a Császár), all of which exceed in architecture. In case you forget to bring your swimming suit, do not despair. You can borrow one at the bath for a small fee.

The Gellért Baths

The Gellért Baths are located at the hotel of the same name, at the address Kelenhegyi út 4, where you can get by the tram number 7. Because of the good state of the Art Nouveau garniture, they are the most visited baths ever. The baths do not only include a swimming pool, but also pools and whirlpool baths with statues, mosaics and coloured windows.

The Király Baths (Royal baths)

For the forgetful, who left their swimming suits at home, the Király Baths are the perfect choice. Indeed, one can swim without one here. The baths are open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for ladies; on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for gentlemen.

The Király Baths can be found at Fö utca 82.

The Rudas Baths

The Rudas Baths were reconstructed and opened for public in 2005, thus they are still nicely renovated, and the ravages of time are not so visible. It is said that the most proud impression gives the ten meters high Turkish cupola, under which lies an octagon-shaped swimming pool.

The Rudas Baths are located at the Square Döbrentei tér 9.

The Lukács Baths

The imperial thermal baths (Császár fürdö) built in the 16th century are part of the Lukács Baths. They are seated at Frenkel Leó utca 25.

Bridges in Budapest

The Chain Bridge (Lán híd)

The Chain Bridge is Budapest’s most famous bridge. It is the first bridge built in Budapest. It was built between 1839 and 1849, and then damaged during the Second World War. It was not rebuilt until 1949. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its building, it was reopened in its today’s shape.

The Erzsébet (Elisabeth) Bridge

The Erzsébet Bridge is a modern-looking structure, named after Franz Joseph’s wife. It was finished in 1903. It was the world’s longest cable bridge at that time.

In 1945, it was blasted away by the Germans and the bridge was therefore totally destroyed. It was then repaired in 1964.

The Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge, formerly known as the Franz Joseph Bridge, was built in 1899. In 1946 it was renewed. The reconstruction kept all the statues, falcon motifs, Coats of Arms… It is, therefore, the only one of Budapest famous bridges to be preserved in its original shape.

The Castle and the castle complex

If you visit Budapest, you will surely not miss the castle. There is a beautiful perspective on it from the Danube banks. The castle complex is located in the First town district, in Buda. The Royal palace, three churches, some museums, historic buildings, squares and restaurants can be found here.

You can get to the castle by bus, or by funicular which can be seen from a distance.

The Royal palace

The Budapest Royal palace is one of the symbols of Hungary, and it was constantly at siege since the 13th century. It was occupied alternatively by the Turks and the Habsburgs; three times it was almost destroyed and then immediately rebuilt, though not into the same shape as before. Today’s shape of the palace it was given after the Second World War.

Today, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Historical Museum and the State Library can be found in the palace.

The Mathias Church

The castle complex includes the Mathias Church, a catholic church, which can be viewed from the other side of the river Danube.

The entrance ticket, which costs something between 450 and 650 forints, allows you to see the stone collection, the shrine, the liturgical treasure, sacred relics and the crown jewels.

The Fisherman’s Bastion

Another historical monument that can be found at the Budapest castle is the Fisherman’s Bastion. It stands not very far from the Mathias Church, and is remarkable above all for its white sandstone colour. Here, a fish market was located in the Middle Ages. Certainly do not forget to visit it. From the top of the Bastion you can enjoy a beautiful view of Pest.

The Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament is an unforgettable part of Budapest. It is located right at the Danube river bank, and the main gate opens to the Kossuth Square.

The Parliament was built at the turn of the 19th century, and it is the largest building in Hungary. It has about 691 rooms, measures 264 meters at length and the height of the cupola alone is of 96 meters.

It is allowed to visit the Parliament, even though it may seem at the first glance that the guards will not let you any closer to the building. After paying 2400 forints (though it is said that it is free for tourists from EU member states) you can have a look inside the building and see even the Hungarian crown jewels (the Crown of Saint Stephen, the sceptre, the globus cruciger and the sword).

The Andrássy Avenue and the Heroes’ Square

PIf there is a street in Budapest that you must walk along, then it surely is the Andrássy Avenue. You can get there from the subway or tramway station Oktogon. Many theatres, restaurants, cafes and even the Hungarian State Opera House can be found on the Andrássy Avenue. You can easily hide away from the passing cars on a pathway flanked by trees. That is actually the most interesting thing about the Andrássy Avenue: along the busy street go two footpaths flanked by trees. During the long walk you can sit for a while on a bench, and refresh yourself in the shade of trees.

At the end of the Andrássy Avenue is the entrance into the city park and, above all, the Heroes’ Square (Hösök tere). A 36 meters tall column with the Archangel Gabriel carrying the Crown of Saint Stephen and an Apostle cross stands in the middle of the square. The square is flanked by a colonnade with statues of important figures from Hungarian history. At the square you will also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Exhibition Hall (Mücsarnok) and the Museum of Fine Arts.

The Saint Gellért statue on the Gellért hill

On the Gellért hill, which is located right across the Erzsébet Bridge, raises the statue of St. Gellért, a bishop who died as a martyr in the 11th century. The legend has it that the bishop was locked in a nailed cask and then thrown down from the hill into the Danube River. Behind the statue is a colonnade, and a small waterfall springs below. A romantic place, inviting for a rest. If you are lucky, you will meet a lady on the steps leading to the St. Gellért statue, embroidering and selling little cloths even in the hottest weather. Buying one should be considered. The cloths are very precious indeed.