The Cultural Treasures of Budapest
The cultural treasures Budapest has to offer could take years to truly discover, but not everyone has that much time. If you have a week or less to spend exploring, here are some attractions you won’t want to miss…
Central Market Hall
Located at the end of Vaci, the tourist street, this three-floor indoor market is where tourism meets the daily life of the average resident. Whether you’re looking for colourful Kalosca embroidery, Hungarian strudel, or just fresh, locally grown vegetables, this is the place to come. On the ground floor, vendors’ booths overflow with fresh produce, baked goods, and meat products like the famous winter salami. Upstairs, browse through displays of hand-made embroidery, wood and leatherwork, ceramics, and other folk art. Hidden in the underground level and largely overlooked by visitors are stands stocked with household goods, a seafood shop, and two shops offering international cuisine.
Széchenyi Bathhouse
For a day of pampering, the Széchenyi Bathhouse is a favourite with locals and in-the-know visitors alike. Swim in one of the two open-air pools, lounge in the Swedish or Turkish sauna or even sunbathe on the rooftop areas at Europe’s largest complex of medicinal baths. Guests can also indulge in special services like massages, mud packs, and carbonated baths.
Parliament
This is not just any parliament hall – it’s the largest on the continent, with 700 rooms, ten courts, 29 staircases, and 12.5 miles of corridors, all richly adorned in gold leaf and statues of Hungarian kings. The neo-Gothic building stretches for 300 yards along the Danube bank and the main dome, surrounded by intricately designed spires, rises 315 feet. When Parliament is not in session, tours are led through the Congress Hall, Assembly Hall and Delegation Hall.
Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
For sports enthusiasts, picnic-goers, and those who like going for a stroll, this 1.4-mile-long island of well-tended gardens provides the kind of old-world ambience that makes a perfect escape. Those looking for a cultural experience can tour the island to see the Dominican Convent, the 13th to 14th century Franciscan church and the 12th century chapel. You can even watch a production at the Open-Air Theatre. Swimmers have their choice of the Palatinus Strand open-air baths, filled with thermal spring water, or the Alfréd Hajós Sport Pool.
City Park (Varosliget)
Although the 200 plus acres of landscaped grounds alone make this park worth a visit, there are enough other diversions here to keep anyone busy for days. Since 1889, Budapest’s Grand Circus has been entertaining its guests with acrobats and animal acts, and nowadays stages specialty programs. At the Budapest Zoo, 500 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects await visitors. In the centre of the City Park, the eclectic Vajdahunyad Castle dominates the lake and surrounding buildings.
The Libegõ and the Sikló
The Libego, a small cable car, takes passengers on a fifteen-minute ride 859 feet over the woods from Zugliget to János hegy. The Siklo may lack the thrill factor, but it makes up for it in charm. The replica antique carriages of the funicular railway, which runs between Clark Adam Square and the Royal Castle of Buda, offer an excellent view of the Chain Bridge and the Gresham Palace across the river.
Andrassy Ut
Lined with richly ornamented buildings and famous landmarks, the section of Andrassy Ut that runs from bustling Deak Square to Heroes’ Square is worth walking end to end. On the southern end, the 315-foot-high dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica rises over a stately public square. The interior of this 8,500-seat neo-Renaissance cathedral holds a spectacular display of murals, mosaics, gold leaf, and marble columns. Those who’d rather not walk the entire length can take the Foldalatti. This 125-year-old underground railway, the oldest on the continent, makes stops near the most important sites along the way.
Castle District
Stretching across a large part of the Buda hills, this atmospheric pedestrian-only historic district really deserves a full day or more of exploring. On the north end of the district, Matthias Church overlooks Trinity Square. The mix of Baroque, neo-Gothic, and elaborate designs makes it one of the most stunning sites in the Castle District. Inside is the Church Museum, which houses underground crypts, a chapel, and historic jewels.
Remember your cheap holiday insurance!
So that you can really enjoy your city break in Budapest, don’t forget to take out your cheap holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your cheap holiday insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your break before you buy it.