City walks in Budapest

In Budapest, there are many historical and cultural sights waiting to be discovered. You can find numerous traces of the city's turbulent history, dating back to Roman and Ottoman times. Be sure to explore Budapest's Gothic and Romanesque architecture and art, or stroll through the lively Jewish quarter. The National Museum was built in neo-classical style and the Museum of Decorative Arts, like many other buildings in the city, in Art Nouveau. The Parliament, situated on the banks of the Danube, is a magnificent neo-Gothic building that forms a fascinating contrast to the medieval Castle Hill and the Fishermen's Bastion. The unique Buda Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is not to be missed on any guided tour of the city.

The large State Opera House, which is also worth seeing from the inside, is centrally located in Pest. On Andrássy út Street you can reach the magnificent St. Stephen's Basilica in a few minutes. A lift takes you up to the dome of the largest Hungarian church. Up there is the best place to view the beautiful city from above. Within easy reach of the basilica is the impressive chain bridge across the Danube, not far from the shoes on the bank, which are an impressive memorial to the murder of Hungarian Jews. The Parliament building and the Ethnographic Museum are not far from here. You should also visit Gellért Hill with the Citadel, the Freedom Monument and the Gellért Hill Cave, as well as the world-famous Gellért Baths. Last but not least, the Castle District with the Castle Palace, the Vienna Gate, the Old Town Hall, the Mary Magdalene Tower and the Matthias Church in Buda are all part of a city visit.

Budapest is perfect for a walk on your own. If you have several days to spare, you can just let yourself drift. You will discover something new on every corner, whether planned or spontaneous. Budapest lives from its contrasts. In every quarter, you are immersed in a different world. The casual way of life of the people of Budapest is also infectious in a pleasant way. People are sociable and enjoy going out to restaurants and the theatre. THe locals meet in the city squares and play games in the open air. Of course, you shouldn't miss out on the culinary specialities of Budapest and Hungary during your city trip. These include paprika chicken, goulash with dumplings and sweet pancakes.