Budapest, Hungary’s capital is bisected by the River Danube, and the 19th-century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces life from Roman times onwards. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.
Top places to visit
Memento Park: Home to some 40 statues, busts and plaques of Lenin, Marx, Béla Kun and others whose likenesses have ended up on trash heaps elsewhere in the former-socialist world, Memento Park, 10km southwest of the city centre, is a mind-blowing place to visit. Ogle the socialist realism and try to imagine that at least four of these relics were erected as recently as the late 1980s.
Great Synagogue: Budapest's stunning Great Synagogue is the largest Jewish house of worship in the world outside New York City. Built in 1859, the synagogue has both Romantic and Moorish architectural elements. Inside, the Hungarian Jewish Museum contains objects relating to religious and everyday life, as well as the Holocaust Memorial Room, which relates the events of 1944–45. On the synagogue’s north side, the Holocaust Memorial presides over the mass graves of those murdered by the Nazis.
Weather
Like most Central and Western European cities, Budapest weather in winter (December to February) is accompanied with heavy snow and very cold temperatures. The city is blanketed with snow across several weeks each year, so caution is advised when driving. Summer months (June to August) can bring about mild to high temperatures of around 27°C; however, it is not all that uncommon for summer days to edge over 30°C.
For up to date weather in Budapest visit our partner site World Weather Online.
Culture
The culture of Budapest is reflected by Budapest's size and variety. Most Hungarian cultural movements first emerged in the city. Budapest is an important centre for music, film, theatre, dance and visual art. Artists have been drawn into the city by opportunity, as the city government funds the arts with adequate financial resources.
Ideal for…?
Budapest is one of the most historical cities on the planet. People who are looking to dive into the culture and history of the world would thrive from a visit to Budapest.
The greatest sights to see in Budapest are free. So if you’re on a tight budget, this could be the place for you.
You foodies out there would love the vast variety farmers markets Budapest has to offer. From fruit and veg, to pastries they have them all.