Things to do in Budapest
Although many visitors to Budapest may be content to simply wander along the side of the majestic River Danube and soak up the ambience of Hungary's capital, a wide variety of attractions are on offer to visitors all the year round.
Rich in both natural and architectural beauty, the embankments of the River Danube and the whole of the Andrassy Ut have been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide awesome surroundings for visitors to explore the city.
Known as the City of Spas, Budapest has a number of thermal water spas dating back hundreds of years. Enriched with medicinal properties, the waters prove popular with both visitors and residents. Perhaps the most famous of the spas, which are many in number throughout the city, is the Gellert Bath. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the site is as popular for its opulent interior as it is for its waters. Tourists keen to get a glimpse of what life must have been like for the wealthier members of society under the Ottomans can do so at the Kiraly Bath, which was begun in 1565 and is arguably one of the finest buildings of the Turkish period.
As well as being known worldwide for its thermal waters, the city is also famed for its vast array of caves. With over 200 documented caves under the city, just four of the largest and most spectacular are open to the public. Providing welcome respite from the hot weather during the summer months, the caves form a labyrinth to explore under the ancient castle district of Buda. Unusual spherical shapes formed by mineral waters can found in the caves as well as rock formations that are thousands of years old.
Above ground visitors can visit a wealth of churches and ecclesiastical collections. Saint Stephen's Basilica, Budapest's largest church, can be seen from all over the city and contains Hungary's most revered relic - the mummified hand of the country's first monarch, King Saint Stephen. Special works of art are also housed in the church and the 360-degree circular lookout from the cupola provides a fantastic view of the city. Other churches throughout the city provide an insight into the historical roots of Hungary, with architecture influenced by Turkish occupation, the baroque style and classical elements. Budapest is also home to Europe's largest synagogue, the Dohany utca Synagogue, whose adjacent museum contains Jewish artefacts spanning the last 2,000 years.
Those keen to learn more about the country's past should head to Aquincum Museum and Roman Ruins, the Budapest History Museum and the Military History Museum, which are just a number of the variety of museums throughout the city.
With so much to do, visitors are advised by the Budapest Tourism Office to consider exploring the city thematically, from cultural activities to historical and architectural tours.
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Things to Do
