Budapest has many sights and attractions that are visited by hundreds of tourists and students every day. Some of them, like Heroes’ Square with Andrássy Avenue, belong to the World Heritage.
It would be an impossible task to list all of the marvellous sights within Budapest with images and proper descriptions. So we decided to pick the 16 best of them all, which act as the most “basic” Budapest sights. These are the sights that you can visit right away when you arrive in Budapest to start your Erasmus here!
We put these sights in an order that can geographically follow one another, thus making a sort of written “map” for you. By using this guide you can practically visit all of these places (well except the last one) in this very same sequence.
16 awesome sights & attractions in Budapest students must visit
The 16 awesome attractions & sights in Budapest that Erasmus students must visit are the following.
- Városliget (City Park)
- Heroes’ Square
- House of Terror Museum
- Ride Metro Line 1
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Ride Tram 2
- Parliament
- Shoes on the Danube bank
- Margaret Island (Margit-sziget)
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Buda Castle walk
- Citadel
- Gellért Thermal Bath
- Great Market Hall
- Jewish Quarter
- Memento park (Szoborpark)
We put these locations in an order that geographically can be visited in this exact sequence. Of course, a full day won’t suffice for visiting all these amazing sights.
Városliget (City Park)
Városliget, or City Park, is much more than a green retreat in the heart of Budapest. It houses many amazing sights within itself. For example the Magyar Zene Háza (House of Music Hungary), the amazing building of Museum of Ethnography (that looks like a long building that has been bent), and also the newly renovated park around Zsolnay-fountain.
Apart from these sights, you can also find Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Budapest Zoo there, making it a truly cultural and leisure hub.
Did you know? There is also a City Park Ice Rink that is available during winter. During warmer seasons it’s either empty or functions as a little lake that can be ridden on a boat.
Students can also do sports there. There is a running course at the eastern part of the park, plus basketball and football courses, street workout places, and many open fields.
For students, it’s a place to relax, study, do sports, and to explore diverse attractions. The park’s history as a communal gathering space since the city’s foundation adds layers of historical interest, ideal for those looking to unwind or delve into local culture.
Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is one of the most significant and majestic public squares in Budapest. It’s located next to Városliget, our next stop.
The centrepiece of the square is the Millennium Monument with Gabriel Archangel on the top. This pillar commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin.
There are 14 statues (7 on the left and 7 on the right) of the most famous Hungarian historical figures.
Heroes’ Square is part of the World Heritage (together with Andrássy Avenue), a true hub of national pride.
Fyi it’s an awesome place for shooting pictures for Instagram, too!
House of Terror Museum
Moving on on Andrássy Avenue we get to the House of Terror.
The House of Terror isn’t just a museum; it’s a poignant reminder of the brutalities faced under fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary. Located on Andrássy Avenue, this site once housed both the Arrow Cross Party (Nyilaskeresztes párt) and the ÁVH (Államvédelmi Hatóság, the Hungarian secret police during the communist-socialist era).
Students can gain a deeper understanding of Hungary’s contemporary history and the resilience of its people. The museum’s gripping exhibits provide a dark, depressing, but at the same time eye-opening experience in an immersive way, essential for those interested in political history and human rights.
The Museum is open 10:00-18:00 every day, but closed on Mondays.
Ticket costs around 4000 HUF (10 EUR / 10.6 USD), 2000 HUF (5 EUR / 5.3 USD) if you are not older than 25. Entry is free on Sundays for visitors not older than 25.
Ride Metro Line 1
Metro line 1, as in Budapest we call it the ‘Földalatti’, that literally translates to ‘underground’. It’s the first underground railway in continental Europe, however, it’s sometimes challenged by the French.
Metro line 1 offers more than just transit; it’s a journey through time. Running beneath Andrássy Avenue, it stops at key historical sites, including the State Opera House. The stops are in excellent condition and still look like they’re from the 19th century.
Metro line 1 is the most convenient public transport vehicle to travel along Andrássy Avenue.
It’s popular among students for its convenience and historic charm. Riding this old-time metro is like moving through a living museum, perfect for those looking to explore the city uniquely and historically.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica, or Bazilika, is not only a religious centre but also a key architectural landmark. With its neoclassical grandeur, it holds historical significance as it’s dedicated to Hungary’s king, St. Stephen, who introduced christianity to Hungary in the 11th century.
Students are drawn to its cultural and spiritual value, including the opportunity to see St. Stephen’s mummified right hand, or in Hungarian ‘Szent Jobb’.
Visitors can also walk up to the upper parts of the building. The panoramic views from its dome provide a stunning perspective of Budapest, ideal for those looking to combine spirituality with spectacular city views.
Ride Tram 2
St. Stephen’s Basilica is quite close to Danube and the Chain Bridge, where you can travel in a northbound-southbound direction with Tram 2.
Tram 2 is rated as one of the most scenic public transport lines in the world, Tram 2 operates along the Danube’s edge, offering picturesque views of Budapest’s famed riverside architecture.
It’s a budget-friendly way for students to see major landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, and actually all the quayside of Budapest. This tram ride combines sightseeing with practicality, making it an ideal choice for students wanting to explore the city’s beauty while on the go.
Parliament
By taking tram 2 at the Danube and travelling northbound, we get to the Parliament.
Budapest’s Parliament Building is not only one of the largest buildings in Hungary but also one of the oldest legislative buildings in Europe. Its Gothic Revival architecture is breathtaking, attracting students of history and architecture alike. It’s home to the Holy Crown of Hungary, a key national symbol.
Tours of this iconic structure provide insight into Hungary’s legislative processes and historical lore, making it a fundamental visit for those looking to understand Hungary’s political heritage.
It gives an amazing sight even without a guided tour inside. However, it’s recommended to visit it inside once, too.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Whilst we are still at the Parliament, it’s recommended to visit the Shoes on the Danube Bank, which is next to the Parliament’s building towards the south along the Danube.
The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a powerful memorial to the Jews murdered by fascist Arrow Cross Party militiamen during World War II. This is a haunting memorial consisting of iron footwear that offers a moment of reflection for students on the atrocities of war and the importance of peace.
It’s an important site in Budapest that connects visitors with the personal stories and historical impacts of the Holocaust, emphasising the value of remembrance and human rights.
Margaret-island (Margitsziget)
If we travel northbound with tram 2 to its final stop, Jászai Mari tér, we just have to either change to tram 4 or 6 for a stop, or walk to Margaret Island’s entrance.
Margaret Island, located in the middle of the Danube, is a peaceful refuge from the urban hustle. Ideal for leisure activities like jogging, workout, and picnicking, it also features historical ruins, a musical fountain, a Japanese garden, and a small zoo.
The island’s history as a royal and later religious retreat adds to its charm, making it a perfect getaway for students to relax or study in a peaceful environment.
Fisherman’s Bastion
From Margaret Island we can either walk to the Buda side of the city or take tram 4 or 6 for a stop. There we hop on tram 41 or 19 that will take us to the proximity of the Fisherman’s Bastion – and also provide a similarly excellent view of the Danube like tram 2.
Fisherman’s Bastion is located atop Castle Hill. It offers stunning panoramas of the Danube, the Parliament, and beyond. It’s a top favourite among students for its fairytale architecture and Instagram-worthy spots.
Historically, this site served as a lookout post for the fisherman’s guild, which is reflected in its name. Its seven towers represent the seven Hungarian (magyar) tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin in 895-896 we call Honfoglalás (home occupation).
Visiting here inspires a connection to Hungary’s mediaeval past and provides an escape from the bustling city below.
Buda Castle Walk
As the Fisherman’s Bastion is in the Castle, why not visit it on foot at the same time?
A walk around Buda Castle District is like stepping back into the heart of Hungarian royalty. The castle itself hosts the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, drawing students interested in art and history.
Furthermore, the area is huge with lots of interesting spots, museums, galleries, cafés, and restaurants (albeit very expensive), so we recommend you to take your time and dedicate even a full day to explore the Castle!
Cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and breathtaking views of the Danube enhance any visit. This area is a rich historical tapestry that offers a deep dive into Budapest’s mediaeval and baroque periods, perfect for history buffs. And for those who have an unquenchable thirst for stunning Instagram-worthy locations.
Citadel
By walking back to the Buda quayside and taking tram 41 or 19 again, we can jump and walk up to Citadel.
The Citadel, a fortress on top of Gellért Hill, offers some of the best views of Budapest. Constructed in the mid-19th century by the Habsburgs as a symbol of their control over Hungary, it now symbolises freedom and resistance.
It’s an ideal spot for students to enjoy some leisure time with spectacular cityscapes and while drinking a beer.
Gellért Thermal Bath
After walking down from Citadel, you can immediately hop into Gellért Thermal Bath for a nice spa.
Known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, Gellért Thermal Bath offers a therapeutic escape with its thermal springs and wave pools. Popular among students for its relaxing and medicinal properties, it provides a quintessential Budapest thermal bath experience.
Why not Széchenyi Thermal Bath? Because Gellért Thermal Bath is equally beautiful, yet less expensive.
The site’s history as a bathing place since Ottoman times adds an intriguing historical layer to the soaking experience, appealing to those interested in both wellness and history.
Great Market Hall
After a nice bathing experience, you must be hungry. Fortunately, the Great Market Hall is nearby at Fővám tér.
The Great Market Hall, built in the late 19th century, is not only an architectural wonder but also the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. Students and Budapest residents flock here for the vibrant atmosphere, fresh fruit & vegetable selection, traditional Hungarian foods, and unique crafts.
You can also get lángos and other Hungarian dishes on the upper floor!
The Great Market Hall offers a lively, colourful way to experience Hungarian culture and gastronomy firsthand, making it perfect for those wanting to taste and see local life in action.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is the heart of Budapest nightlife, famed for its historical synagogues, including the largest in Europe, the Dohány Street Synagogue. This part of Budapest is right in the heart of Budapest, a couple of tram stops away from the Great Market Hall.
It’s a vibrant area filled with boutiques, bars, and the famous ruin pubs. Students are attracted to its dynamic atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and the poignant history of the Jewish community in Budapest.
This district offers a mix of solemn history and lively modern culture, making it a must-visit for an authentic urban experience.
Memento Park
Memento Park, or Szoborpark (‘statue park’) showcases statues from Hungary’s communist-socialist period, including figures like Lenin and Marx.
Did you know? Dune: Part 2 was filmed here! The scene, in which the emperor reads the message of Atreides, was filmed in Memento Park.
The statues here were all over Budapest during the second half of the 20th century. But after the change of system, every one of them were brought here, thus making a museum out of them.
This open-air museum offers students a unique look at the art and propaganda of a bygone era. It serves as a critical reminder of the impacts of totalitarian regimes, making it a significant educational spot for those interested in political history and the dynamics of public memory.
Memento Park is quite far away from the city centre at the edge of Budapest, so you’re gonna have to travel a lot to reach it. But the experience is definitely worth it!
