The Fisherman’s Bastion
Visited by tourists and locals, this historic castle built in 1902 provides unbeatable views of the city against a fairy-tale backdrop. Most of the balconies and towers are free to visit. Our tip: Visit when the sun is going down and take a bottle of wine.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Walk on the Pest-side of the river up towards the impressive Parliament buildings and you’ll come across this memorial sculpture which gives remembrance to the 3,500 people, 800 of them Jews, who were shot into the Danube river during WW2. The 60 pairs of iron shoes in a wide range of sizes and styles represent how nobody was spared. Worth a visit for a quiet moment of reflection.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
The largest medicinal baths in Europe, Széchenyi’s water is provided by two thermal springs. It has a wide range of indoor and outdoor pools with temperatures between 18 – 38 degrees. It’s worth setting aside a good few hours to properly relax and enjoy these baths. Take the opportunity to enjoy a very reasonably priced massage which can be booked along with your bath ticket. Prices vary throughout the year so visit the website for details and to book in advance.
St Stephen’s Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and is renowned for its impressive dome which towers above the Pest skyline. It’s worth climbing to the top of the dome for fantastic views across the city. If you get the chance, go to one of the Basilica’s organ concerts which are regular and very impressive.
