Historic places in Budapest

Historic places in Budapest

1. DoBudavár

   3D Past – Saint Michael Chapel

   Szent Mihály-kápolna

   15 min 3D movie about the history of Hungary in a 700 years old Gothic chapel.

   10:00–17:00·HUF 1500

2. SeeVíziváros

   Andrássy Palace

   Andrássy-palota

   Built in 1878–1880 for Count Gyula Andrássy prime minister. Designer: Stephen Linzbauer. Franz Liszt held a charity concert with the participation of Franz Joseph in 1879 (in the time of construction!). During the Second World War used as a hospital. Since 1966 was a secret weapons factory. Frank Zappa (1991) and Jethro Tull (1994) held a music rehearsal.

3. SeeAngyalföld

   Angyalföldi Local History Collection

   Angyalföldi Helytörténeti Gyűjtemény

   The nearly 20,000-piece collection of objects contents mainly furniture, everyday use items, pieces of clothing, home textiles, tools, memorabilia. Archival Material (7,000 items) consists of certificates, passports, official documents, letters, working papers. Data Archives (600 archival units) are historical descriptions, manuscript entries, paper, studies. There are about 13,000 pieces tiny print. Mainly printed invitations, ads, flyers, handouts are there from various institutions of the district. Postcard collection consists of about 4,000 pieces, but among these very few has district relevance. The Photo Gallery contains nearly 22,000 pieces in these B & W and color prints, photocopies, slides, negatives and reproductions from other Photo Archives. Significant the history of technology collection, especially the old radios. The numismatic collection includes about 1,400 pieces of badges, medals. In the 2,300-volume library collected books related to the district, historiography, Budapest's history manuals, bibliographies. Here collecting 14 kinds of newspaper, magazine (district newspapers, utility boards, as well as local history, museology, protected city-related magazines).

   Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 15:00-19:00, on the 13th day of each month: 10:00-22:00

4. SeeBelváros

   Batthyány candle

   Batthyány-örökmécses

   A historical monument. At this point on 6 October 1849, Count Lajos Batthyány was executed. He was the first prime minister of Hungary (between 1807 and 1849).

5. SeeBudavár

   Big Rondella

   Nagy rondella

   It's a circular bastion on the southern slope of the Castle Hill. It was restored in the 1950s by excavating, conserving and partially supplementing its medieval walls. The Rondella was the southernmost tip of the outer belt of the medieval castle and one of the largest fortifications, its internal diameter is larger than 33 m.

   Free to visit

6. SeeAngyalföld

   Bringo Castle

   Bringóhintó, Bringóvár

   Built in 1991. A storage for rentable 'bringo' chariots, bicycles, electric toys, roller skates. Also there is a panorama snack bar, ice cream parlor, gift shop and information unit. Electric car and electric scooter renting also possible at Centennial Memorial or Thermal Hotel.

   08:00-sunset·Rentals See in above the special transport chapter

7. SeeVíziváros

   Buda Castle Tunnel

   Budai Váralagút

   350 m meter long tunnel connecting Clark Ádám tér and Krisztinaváros. It was built between 1853–1857. The entrance was built in late Classicist style.

8. SeeÓbuda

   Budapest Gallery

   Medieval Market, Budapest Galéria, Középkori piactér

   The market emerged in the XII–XIII. century, the Danubian harbor and anchorage with Esztergom highway connecting streets. The line of houses on the south side led to the Clarissans convent. Lajos utca 158 was one of the buildings of the former marketplace, at the beginning of the 18th century it was a beer house. In the 1790s, it was converted into an apartment house. In 19th century, it was extended with additional extensions. At this time, the restoration of the building preserved the most important medieval details. The house is now a contemporary art gallery.

   Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00·Adult: HUF 800; senior, student: HUF 400

9. DrinkSouth Buda

   Budapest Wine Tasting in Budafok

   Visit one of the largest wine cellar labyrinth of the world and taste quality Hungarian wines from several Hungarian wine regions. Take a walk around the amazing 30 km long wine labyrinth, carved deep into a limestone hill with many historic attractions. it has been a constantly working wine cellar for more than 300 years, aging wines from different Hungarian wine regions.

10. SeeBudavár

    Carmelite Monastery, Castle Theatre

    Karmelita kolostor, Várszínház

    The Baroque monastery was built in 1736 by the Carmelite order on the former site of a mosque that was destroyed in 1686 during the siege that liberated Buda from Ottoman occupation. The order received the real estate in 1693 and completed the new monastery and church by 1736, but it was consecrated only in 1763. Two decades later, Emperor Joseph II disbanded the order and converted the property into a theatre by imperial order in 1786, "for the delectation of high-ranking court officials". Some notable performances included Beethoven and the premiere of Bánk Bán. It is the current seat of the Prime Minister of Hungary.

    Only from outside

11. SeeBudavár

    Castle Chapel

    Várkápolna, Alamizsnás Szent János-kápolna

    The chapel was built by Sigismund of Luxembourg in the 15th century as the lower chapel of the former castle church. The Gothic chapel, which survived the destruction of the siege of 1686, was buried under a Baroque terrace for centuries. After its reconstruction in 1963, it became part of the exhibition of the Castle Museum.

    Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00

12. SeeVíziváros

    Castle Garden Bazaar

    Várkert Bazár

    The building complex was built according to the plans of Miklós Ybl between 1875 and 1883 in the Neo-Renaissance style, as the closing of the Castle Garden from the Danube. It was built for a commercial function, with its arcades full of shops. In 1884, Alajos Strobl was the first sculptor to have his own studio in the arcade of the bazaar. He was followed by about eighty of his fellow artists over the next hundred year.

13. SeeVíziváros

    Castle Garden Kiosk – Ybl Buda Creative House

    Várkert-kioszk - Ybl Budai Kreatív Ház

    Exhibition space. The building was designed by Miklós Ybl. The construction was completed in 1882. It was built as the engine room of the Royal Palace’s water supply system. The Eclectic building is a decorative blend of Renaissance and Baroque style features. The Schröffl brothers (György and Ármin) were entrusted with the fine sculptural works, the grotesque murals made with the sgraffito technique were the works of Róbert Scholtz. The northern part of the building included the cafe (today's reception), the southern part included the mechanical equipment of the waterworks (large hall, arched hall), while the part above the engine room housed the engineer's apartment (gallery). Between the two parts rises the tower structure that hid the chimney of the steam boilers. Ybl thus masterfully hid the structure.

    Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00, Sat Sun 09:30–19:00·Free entrance

14. SeeBudavár

    Castle Museum

    Vármúzeum

    It's the Medieval Department of the Budapest History Museum. Permanent exhibitions, over four floors: ancient people, antique cultures and temporary exhibitions. The restored part of the medieval castle, including the Royal Chapel and the rib-vaulted Gothic Hall, belongs to the exhibition. The highlights of the exhibition are the Gothic statues of Buda Castle and a 14th-century silk tapestry decorated with the Angevin coats of arms. Small gardens were recreated in the medieval zwingers around the oldest parts of the building.

    Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00·Adult: HUF 2400; senior, student: HUF 1200

15. SeeÓbuda

    Cella Trichora

    Ruins of an early Christian chapel, Ókeresztény kápolna romjai

    North side of the Raktár street once been one late-Roman Christian cemetery. There was the outskirts of the ancient Christian chapel. A typical cloverleaf-shaped building raised in around 360 CE, in memory of the martyrs and saints.

    Free to visit

16. SeeSouth Buda

    Citadella

    the former fortress on top of Gellerthegy, offers a superb panorama over Central Budapest including bank of the Danube River, Buda Castle and Pest city. To get good views up and down the Danube, take the steps going down in front of the Liberty Statue in front of the Citadella. There are several outposts offering good photo opportunities.

    Open now · open 24 hours

17. SeeJózsefváros

    Classical Music Collection

    Pálffy Palace, Fővárosi Szabó Ervin Könyvtár Zenei Gyűjteménye

    Former Pálffy Palace. - Hungary's largest public music library.

18. SeeBelváros

    Clotilde Palace

    Klotild Palota

    This is a typical eclectic building. It ts look like the Gate of Elisabeth Bridge from the Rákóczi road. Built in 1899–1902. The twin towers are steel structure buildings. They were covered in carved stone cladding. The towers are 48 m high, and the tops of them adorned with a replica of the crown of the prince. On the ground floor were or are cafes, shops, galleries, above these are offices and apartments. Now there is the five star Buddha Bar Hotel and a casino. The south tower nickname is Mathilde, the northern is Klotild.

19. DoErzsébetváros

    Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal Spa

    A symbol of history, culture, architecture and the tradition of hospitality opens its doors in all its original splendour. The Royal Spa has been beautifully restored to its original splendour and now offers the latest state-of-the-art spa facilities and treatments. The Royal Spa is one of the most expensive in Budapest. It is a spectacle of opulence and luxury in the amazing art deco setting. Included in the price is bath robe, towels, lockers, hydromassage, fruit juices and water. Although expensive it is a truly unforgettable experience.

    day pass €35

20. SeeFerencváros

    Corvinus University of Budapest

    Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem, formerly Budapest University of Economic Sciences

    Established in 1920. This is the university's main building — now part of the [UNESCO] Heritage Site, It was finished in 1874, planned by Miklós Ybl in Neo-Renaissance style. The building originally was called "Vámház" (Customs House) and "Fővámpalota" (Chief Customs Palace). The building was connected to ports of the Danube by four tunnels. It had a railroad connection. During World War II the Hungarian, German and Soviet troops used the building as a military base. The Customs House suffered serious damage during the war. In 1948 it became the main building of the University of Economical Sciences, colloquially known as 'Közgáz'. It underwent major renovations in 1950 and later in 1989-1990. Much of the education of the business faculties (Faculty of Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences) takes place in the main building. This is the location of the rector's offices as well.- See more at Budapest chapter. Formerly Budapest University of Economic Sciences)

    Welcome Office Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00

21. SeeFerencváros

    Cultural Center of Ferencváros

    Ferencvárosi Művelődési Központ, formerly Hámán Kató úti Úttörőház

    institutions: Desi Culture House, Community House, Local History Collection, Attila József Memorial place (temporarily located on the second floor of the Cultural Center), Ferencvaros Basement Gallery - Architect: Istvan Szabo, 1962.

22. SeeBudavár

    De la Motte–Beer Palace

    De la Motte–Beer-palota

    One-storey Baroque building. An arcaded corridor runs along the courtyard side, and the upstairs rooms are decorated with frescoes in good condition. In 1760 it became the property of the de la Motte family, who expanded it and made it a Baroque palace. At that time, the arcaded corridor of the courtyard side also be made. The de la Motte family could not enjoy the ornate little palace for long because they sold it. In 1773, the new owner became József Kajetán, a pharmacist. After World War II, complete renovation began in 1962. It was then that the original, mostly Baroque-Rococo wall paintings of the interlocking upstairs rooms emerged from later layers of paint. The decorative painting, which has survived in good condition, is believed to have been made in the 1760s or shortly thereafter, and its creator is unknown. The figural parts mostly depict biblical scenes and landscapes, the ornamental parts are characterized by a variety of floral motifs and a rich world of colors. Today a lifestyle history museum can be found here.

    Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00·Adult: HUF 900; senior, student: HUF 450

23. SeeVíziváros

    Dwelling Houses along Main Street

    Lakóházak a Fő utca mentén

    Fő utca 1: the Lánchíd Palace, two-storey Neo-Renaissance house, built between 1869–1869 according to plans of Miklós Ybl. Fő utca 2: two-storey Romantic house, built between 1861–1866 according to plans of Hugó Máltás. Fő utca 3: three-storey Neo-Renaissance house, built in 1871 according to plans of Imre Steindl. Fő utca 5: two-storey Romantic house, built between 1860–1862. Jégverem utca 2: three-storey Romantic house, built between 1860–1861 according to plans of Hugó Máltás. Jégverem utca 1: three-storey Romantic house, built in 1855 according to plans of József Pan. Fő utca 15: two-storey Eclectic house, built between 1885–1886 according to plans of Artúr Meinig. Fő utca 20: one-storey early Classicist house, built in 1811 according to plans of András Dankó.

24. SeeBudavár

    Dwelling Houses on Parade Square

    Lakóházak a Dísz téren

    Parade Square is a north to south elongated area, bordered by one- and two-storey hundred years old houses. Major houses of the square: Dísz tér 3: The two-storey building which the back facade oriented towards the Danube, the main facade facing on the square. In 1748, builder Marton Siegl erected a new two-story Baroque palace for Palatine Batthyány Lajos. After the World War II it was restored in its 18th century shape with a Baroque facade Above the balcony the Batthyány family coat of arms can be seen. Dísz tér 4-5: since 1686 Baroque buildings were erected. From this period have survived only in the downstairs rooms. In 1908 it was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. In 1930s, the Papal Nunciature home. After the World War II damage, it was restored with a new, uncharacteristic facade. Dísz tér 9: two-storey Romantic house built in 1869. Ferenc Móra lived here, who was a Hungarian novelist, journalist, and museologist. Dísz tér 10: one-storey Baroque house built around 1760. Dísz tér 11: one-storey building with Classicist facade and Neo Baroque door with decorated window framing. Dísz tér 12: medieval house. In 1688 the mayor rebuilt, in 1850s again remodeled as a two-storey classicist building. At the beginning of the 20th century it was completely rebuilt, this time in Neo-Baroque style. Dísz tér 13: this one-storey house is probably the most beautiful building on the square. It gained its present shape during the 1815 reconstruction. The main ornament of its Classicist style facade is three small reliefs above the top row of windows depicting Greek and Roman mythological scenes. There is a beautiful wrought iron door in the doorway in front of the stairwell on the right.

25. SeeBelváros

    Eötvös Lorand University

    Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem, abbr.:ELTE

    Here is the center of the Eötvös Lorand University which is the oldest university with the biggest history in Budapest and the whole country. It was founded in 1635 in Trnava, and it was moved to Budapest only in 1777.

26. SeeJózsefváros

    Eötvös Loránd University

    Hungarian: Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem

    It was founded in 1635 by Péter Pázmány, Cardinal Archbishop of Esztergom. The university is one of Hungary's most widely recognized institutions of higher education. The campus of the Faculty of Humanities is situated among historic walls, and is attended by nearly 8,000 students and a vibrant international student community from all over the world. The former library and study of Loránd Eötvös, the famous Hungarian physicist and eponymous founder the university, had his library and study in Building "D", but several other hidden treasures can be found at the Faculty. It is worth dropping by for a short visit. Visitors can rest in the lush Trefort Garden or have a refreshment in the popular Bölcsész Terasz, an open-air cultural garden that has musical performances as well as food.

27. SeeBudavár

    Fisherman's Bastion

    Halászbástya

    One of the best known monuments in Budapest. This is the large white tower and lookout terrace complex. It is one of the most important tourist attractions due to the unique panorama of Budapest from the Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces. It’s named after both the medieval fishmarket once nearby and the Guild of Fishermen who defended this section of the wall during past wars. The story is that different trades were responsible for defending different parts of the castle walls and that this section of the defenses was raised by the fishermen’s guild. In fact, the structure is a late 19th century fantasy built to add class to the area. That this is an invention does not detract at all from the attractiveness of the structure, nor from the impressive views of the river and Pest on the opposite side.

    Free to visit

28. SeeHegyvidék

    Former Post Palace

    Protected Monument Building. A landmark of Szell Kalman square hilly side.

29. SeeSouth Buda

    Former Torley Palace

    Törley-kastély, Országos Frédéric Joliot-Curie Sugárbiológiai és Sugáregészségügyi Kutató Intézet

    Built in 1890-1904. Now this is the "Frédéric Joliot-Curie" Radiobiology Research Institute

30. SeeJózsefváros

    Gas Museum

    Gázmúzeum

    Industrial history museum about the Hungarian natural gas industry's past and development.

    Mon 09:00-11:00, Tue-Sat on prior notice·Free

31. SeeSouth Buda

    Gellért Hotel and Bath

    Gellért Szálloda és Fűrdő

    is a very popular spa among tourists. Worth seeing even if you don't intend to swim (in summer, the outdoor part is open to visitors; entrance to indoor part is paid). See the Baths section in Budapest for details. Hotel Gellért is a famous, first class four star hotel in Budapest, Hungary. The hotel was erected on the right bank of the river Danube between 1916 and 1918 in the (Secession) Art Nouveau style with some biomorphic elements, at the foot of Gellért Hill, next to Szabadság Bridge. The four star Danubius Hotel Gellért, onetime Saint Gellért Hotel and Spa, was renovated in 1962 and in 1973. The spa, swimming pool and plaza built to the hotel is one of the most beautiful spas in Budapest. Hotel Gellért has been called "the first lady of Hungarian tourism". Gellért is one of the most famous historical hotels in Europe, which is well-known by businessmen and tourists. The inside of the hotel is built in Art Nouveau style with high glass cupola and wrought iron decoration. The characteristic oriental cone-shaped towers of the hotel and eventful frontage attract the look from long distances. Inside the hotel less, but more in the spa the original Art Nouveau furnishing stayed with artistic mosaics, colourful windows and statues. The ornament of the stairs starting from the reception in the hotel is the glass window, made on the basis of layouts of Bozó Stanisits, representing the Chase of the Miraculous Deer from the famous old Hungarian legend. At the beginning of the 20th century the apartments of the nobles were characteristically magnificent, while the other rooms were simply furnished with carefully designed pieces. The stylish furnishing of the rooms does credit to the work carried out by artists under the direction of Ferenc Szabja. The domed hall opened to a formal courtyard which was used as a conservatory with its sliding glass roof. The semi-circular lawned courtyard was surrounded by an alcove for the orchestra and a colonnade of the pump-room. The I

32. SeeAquincum

    Graphisoft Park

    Industrial park with office buildings next to the Danube. It was built since 1998, and mainly used by information technology companies. Here was the Óbuda Gas Works, a few historic industrial buildings remained here. Here you can find a statue about Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, as well as "Chess Players", "Rubik's Cube".

33. SeeBelváros

    Gresham Palace

    Gresham-palota Four Seasons Hotel

    The site was once occupied by Nákó House, a neo-classical palace built in 1827. In 1880, the London-based Gresham Life Assurance Company bought the property. The palace served as an office building and a home for wealthy British aristocrats associated with the Gresham company. Original details restored by the Irish Investment company Quinlan Private include a large staircase, stained glass, mosaics, ironwork and wintergardens.

34. SeeBudavár

    Habsburg Gate

    Habsburg-kapu

    The ornate Neo-Baroque gate separating the Royal Palace and the Castle Quarter. It was built between 1903 and 1905 according to plans of Alajos Hauszmann. The iron lattice of the gate was made by Gyula Jungfer. It was seriously damaged during the siege of Buda, but it was restored in 1981, together with the broken coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of Hungary on the plinth. On the eastern side of the ornamental gate, overlooking the Danube, a statue of Gyula Donáth depicting the Mythical Turul of the Ancient Hungarians. It is not, as you might think, an eagle, but the mythical turul bird (which is believed to be a kind of falcon). This bird is a part of the story of how the Magyars settled the Hungarian homeland. This bird appeared in a dream to the wife of the Magyar leader and told her that she would be the founding mother of a new nation.

35. SeeVíziváros

    Hauszmann House

    Hauszmann-ház

    Former residential house of Alajos Hauszmann, who was a Hungarian architect, professor. He was one of the most active and characteristic representatives of Historicism in Hungarian architecture. The three-storey house was built by his own designs in 1892 in Eclectic style.

36. SeeCsepel

    History of School and Factory (exhibition space)

    Iskola- és gyártörténet (kiállítóhely)

    Exhibitions: The Alma Mater of Csepel, In Front of the Factory.

    Mon 08:00–18:00, Tue Thu 09:00–17:00, Wed 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–13:00, Sat 09:00–12:00·Free entrance

37. SeeBudavár

    Homeland Defence Headquarter

    Honvéd Főparancsnokság

    Built between 1895 and 1897 based on the plans of Mór Kallina. The Neo-Renaissance style, four-story, large-domed building suffered severe damage during World War II. After the war, the damaged dome and upper floors were demolished because, according to the professional position at the time, tall, damaged buildings that did not fit the castle complex had to be demolished to two floors. Renovated in 2012–2014.

38. SeeBudavár

    Horse Brainer Statue

    Csikós-szobor

    The statue of the Hortobágy horseherd taming a wild horse used to stand in front of the Royal Riding Hall. It is the work of György Vastagh from 1901. The statue was displayed in the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1900). The damaged statue was removed during the 1960s, but it was later restored and erected in the western forecourt of the palace in 1983.

39. SeeBudavár

    Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

    Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum

    It's a hospital created in the caverns under Buda Castle in the 1930s, in preparation for the World War II. Dr. Károly Szendy, the mayor of the Hungarian capital, ordered the construction of an emergency hospital and reinforced bomb shelter under Buda Castle. Construction began in 1939 and the emergency surgical centre was completed in 1944. Its primary role was to provide general emergency care for injured civilians, later on they treated soldiers as well. The hospital was staffed by approximately 40 doctors, nurses, and assistants together. The hospital tunnel system was connected to an existing tunnel network by manual labor. In recent times, the hospital has been made into a museum, complete with waxwork recreations of hospital treatments and day-to-day scenarios during the siege. Access to the museum is limited to guided tours. Old equipment that was left over from its operational days is available for sale, including stretchers, gas masks and civil protection uniforms.

    10:00–20:00·Adult: HUF 5080; senior, student: HUF 3810

40. SeeBelváros

    Hungarian Academy of Sciences

    Magyar Tudományos Akadémia, MTA

    This is the most important and prestigious learned society of Hungary. Its seat is at the bank of the Danube in Budapest. Visit MTA's Collection of Art (Művészeti Gyűjtemény) In the exhibition rooms of the former Esterházy Gallery on the third floor of the Academy, contains portraits, landscapes, historical genre paintings, archaeological drawings, as well as the noted 19th-century gynaecologist Gyula Elischer's Goethe Collection, and the fine art objects of the Széchenyi Museum. The richest donation to this collection was made by Count István Széchenyi.

    Mon & Fri 11:00-16:00

Browse all 1,184 places in Budapest

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Budapest (CC BY-SA 4.0).