Buda Royal Castle

This was the residence of Hungarian kings. The fortification system and palace, built in the 13th century following the Mongol invasion, was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and being renewed from time to time symbolizes the country itself. Built on medieval foundations, the Renaissance structures were destroyed by the Turks. Later, the Baroque Palace burned down, then its reconstructed buildings were damaged during the War of Independence (1848). In the late 19 th century Miklós Ybl oversaw the reconstruction and enlargement of the Palace which was completed in the neo-Baroque style by Alajos Hauszmann.

Matthias Church

This was the coronation church of Hungarian kings since King Matthias. The records of 1247 first mention this church as the main church of Buda Castle. The originally French building in early Gothic style has been consistently enlarged and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1526, when the Turks conquered Buda, the church was transformed into a mosque. After the reconquest of the city (1686) the church belonged to the Franciscans and later to the Jesuits. Between the years 1874 and 1896, Frigyes Schulek completely reconstructed the Church of Our Lady in the neo-Gothic style. www.matyas-templom.hu

Halasz (Fishermen's) Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion was built in 1905 and named after the guild of fishermen responsible for defending this stretch of wall from enemy attack during the Middle Ages. An almost Disney-like tower dominates this stone wall with seven turrets representing the Magyar tribes who once populated the country. Excellent views can be had from the top of the tower across the River Danube to Margaret Island, Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge

In 1832, count István Széchenyi, "the greatest Hungarian" began to organize the construction of the bridge. While travelling in England, Széchenyi became personally acquainted with William Thierney Clark, who was commissioned to draft the plans for the bridge, and his namesake Adam Clark was asked to direct the construction , which was finished in 1849. The retreating German troops blew up the Chain Bridge in January 1945. This vital element of Budapest's cityscape was restored on the 100 th anniversary of its inauguration.

The Parliament

After long discussion the construction of Parliament began in 1885 according to plans by Imre Steindl. Completed in 1904 it is one of Europe's most splendid Parliament buildings, reflecting its designer's taste and the nation's demands for representation. At the same time it is one of the landmarks of the capital. The neo-Gothic palace is 268 m long and its dome is 96 m high. The outer walls are decorated with statues of Hungarian monarchs and military commanders. www.parlament.hu

St. Stephen Basilica

Though Budapest's biggest cathedral is not a basilica in the architectural sense tradition and the authority bestowed by the Pope have earned it this denotation. Its construction was begun in the neo-Classic style but later modified by Miklós Ibl according to architectural models from the Italian Renaissance. Dedicated in 1905, with a dome 96 m high Basilica holds up to 8500 persons. St. Stephen's statue of Carrara marble by Alajos Stróbl stands in the Sanctuary.

Great Synagogue

Budapest Central Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world after the Emanuel Synagogue in New York. Completed in 1859, it was built in a Moorish-Byzantine style by the Austrian architect Ludwig Förster. The building was partly destroyed by bombing campaigns during World War II, but has been the subject of much renovation to restore its two shining Moorish domes to their former brilliance. The Jewish Museum next door recounts the horrors of the Holocaust and displays exhibits dating as far back as the Middle Ages. The museum, which was built between 1931 and 1936, stands on the former home of Theodor Herzl, who was the founding father of Zionism and responsible for developing the idea of a modern Jewish state.

Váci street

The heart of Budapest is Váci Street between Vörösmarty Square and Elizabeth Bridge. The street gained its status in the mid-19 th century when the original small buildings and shops were replaced by neo-Classical and Eclectic apartments, department-store, international trade-centre and hotel located here, making Váci Street another Symbol of Budapest.

Heroe's Square

At the end of Andrássy Avenue is Hősök tere, or Heroes Square, next to City Park. It contains the Millennium Monument, begun at the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Hungary in 1896 (although it was not completed for 33 years), which depicts the leaders of the seven original Magyar tribles along with numerous other famous historical Hungarians.

Széchenyi Bath

The largest thermal bath of Budapest. The neo-baroque baths were built in 1913. Its thermal springs were discovered in 1879 - they are the deepest and warmest thermal wells in Budapest. It is a vast complex of indoor and outdoor pools, the premier medicinal bath of Pest, situated in the middle of City Park. www.szechenyibath.com

Gellert Bath

The best-known and most prestigious thermal bath and swimming-pool of Budapest with its famous sparkling bath, open-air pool with artificial wawes and full medical services. It was built in 1918, near Gellért Hill and the Szabadság Bridge. The Art-Nouveau main hall is topped by a vaulted glass roof. The gallery surrounding the pool is supported by monumental Roman-style columns. The spa is decorated with a wealth of original Art-Nouveau furnishings, artistic mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass windows. www.gellertbath.com

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts Budapest is regarded as one of Europe's most significant institutions. The versatility of its permanent exhibitions, its historical continuity, and the wide array of masterpieces has made it a truly unique establishment. The museum is home to universal artifacts from ancient times to today. They also offer a number of unique programs, guided tours, and a jazz salon.
The Museum of Fine Arts Budapest is located in the 14. district near Hosök Tere (Heroes Square), across from the Gallery (Mucsarnok). It is easily accessible via public transport by taking the millennium underground (M1, yellow metro line), the trolley busses 72, 75, 79, or by buses 4, 20, or 30.
www.szepmuveszeti.hu