The Best of Hungary

Buda Castle, Budapest

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

Buda Castle is a historic castle and palace complex located in Budapest, that dates back to its initial completion in 1265
The castle is situated atop Castle Hill and provides panoramic views of the Danube River and the city below
The current structure is primarily Baroque in style, reflecting renovations and expansions that occurred over the centuries
The castle houses several important institutions, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and Széchenyi National Library

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

Fisherman's Bastion (Halaszbastya) is a prominent architectural landmark located in the Buda Castle District of Budapest
It was constructed between 1895 and 1902 as part of the celebrations for the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian state
The structure is designed in a Romanesque style and features a series of terraces and seven towers, each symbolizing one of the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary
The bastion showcases a fairytale-like design with turrets and walkways
It serves as a lookout point, offering views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

The Hungarian Parliament Building is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, located in Budapest
It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary and a significant symbol of the country's independence
The building is designed in a Gothic Revival style, featuring a symmetric façade and a prominent central dome
The building houses the Holy Crown of Hungary and serves as a workplace for members of parliament along with their support staff

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial located in Budapest, inaugurated on April 16, 2005
It consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes placed along the banks of the Danube River, directly in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building
This memorial serves as a tribute to the Hungarian Jews who were executed by the Arrow Cross militia during the winter of 1944-1945, a tragic chapter in the Holocaust
The shoes are made of iron and are positioned facing the river, symbolizing the victims who were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and falling into the water
The memorial not only honors those who lost their lives but also serves as a call for reflection on human rights

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is a prominent Roman Catholic basilica located in Budapest
The basilica is named in honor of King Stephen, the first king of Hungary, who is also the patron saint of the country
It showcases a blend of Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles
The basilica houses the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, which is displayed in the Holy Right Chapel

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, following the Volga, and flows through Central and Southeastern Europe, beginning in the Black Forest of Germany and emptying into the Black Sea
The river serves as a historic trade route, and vital waterway for freight transport, as well as, playing a significant role in hydroelectric power generation
The Danube flows through 10 countries, and is the only major river in Europe that flows from west to east