Attractions: Sights

The Parliament Building located on the eastern bank of Danube between Lanchíd (Chain Bridge) and Margit híd (Margaret Bridge) was constructed between 1884 and 1902 and it was modeled on the Houses of Parliament in London.

It is easy to find Gellért Hill because it is a hill with a hefty woman on its top seen from almost any point of the city. Actually, Gellért Hill is a huge and not very well groomed park, representing the whole variety of local flora (including even fig trees). Climbing up the hill, you will (a) know your actual physical condition; (b) get a bird's-eye view of the city and (c) sooner or later, one way or another, reach the Citadella, 1944 Waxworks Museum and a restaurant.

The Citadella fortress was erected in 1851 by the Habsburgs to control the city and prevent a repeat of 1848-49 Hungarian revolution. During the 1944-45 siege the German troops used the Citadella as an air-raid bunker. Today the Citadel serves as a look-out terrace. 14-meter tall Liberation Monument, which can be seen from almost any point of the city, honors those who laid down their lives for Hungary's prosperity.
There is a hotel, restaurant and museum in the Citadella.

Europe's largest synagogue, the Dohány Synagogue, seating about 3000 persons, was built in the middle of the 19th century. Jewish Museum displaying objects that have been used by the community throughout its history in Hungary is located in the adjacent building.

We strongly recommend that you see the interior of the Opera House designed by Miklós Ybl and completed in 1884. Inside decorations are superb and lavish, they strike. The ceiling in the main auditorium where hangs a three ton bronze chandelier was frescoed by Károly Lotz.

If you want to see just the building, and not an opera, you can take a tour. Tours are conducted in English, German, French, Hungarian and some other European languages and take about an hour, beginning at 15:00 and 16:00.

It took about 60 years and two architectural époques to build the largest church of Budapest. 65 meters cupola offers great view of the city (mostly Pest, though some Buda landmarks also can be seen).

The zoo having over 2000 animals is open all year round, but longer hours operate during the summer months. Not only animals and plants are the attractions of Budapest Zoo, but also art noveau and folk style buildings built by the best Hungarian architects.

XIV. Állatkerti körút 6-12

It is surely more than just a market. Built by architect Samu Petz in 1897, Központi Vásárcsarnok was restored in 1994. Today the market teems with all kinds of fresh produce, meat, cheese, grocery, flowers and Hungarian specialities, so it is not only a tourist attraction, but also a place where those who live nearby buy food. The mezzanine level houses folk-art booths and snack bars. In the basement level there are fishmongers, pickles, a grocery store and a shop selling colonial produce.

IX. Vámház körút, 1-3

Here, in the 13th century after Mongol tribes had invaded Hungary, the residence was built for Hungarian kings. The Royal Palace was destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout its rich life. The "Red Heat" movie (1988) featuring today's California governor was filmed in Royal Castle: its stone paving resembles the Red Square paving.

Funicular was built in 1870, but destroyed later, during WWII, and rebuilt only in 1986 according to the original plans.
The Funicular is not only fun, it also takes you to the Castle Hill, the most popular attraction of Budapest.

Operating hours: 7.30 - 22.00

Closed every odd week Monday