10 of the most mind-blowing architectural spots in Budapest

Photo: IgorSaveliev

If you haven’t heard of Budapest’s famous architecture, put it on your list. The city is essentially one giant open air museum: Neo-Gothic, Turkish, Baroque, Art Nouveau… you name it. You can easily cruise this city and be impressed at every turn.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

Hungarian Parliament Building

 Hungarian Parliament BuildingBudapest, HungaryAs arguably the most majestic building in Budapest, the Parliament tops the list of must-sees. The Neo-Gothic architecture steals the show, but the ornate red-carpeted interior is just as jaw dropping. Scope it out during the day but don’t miss it at night, when it truly glows.
#budapest #europe #museums #history #gallery #architecture

Fisherman’s Bastion

 Fisherman’s BastionBudapest, HungaryFisherman’s Bastion sits atop the already adored Castle Hill, but it deserves attention of its own. Its seven dominate turrets pay homage to the original tribes that founded the city over a millennium ago, and it offers some of the best views of Budapest. It’s the top spot to catch the sunset, and to witness how the city comes alive at night.
#budapest #europe #viewpoint #views #centraleurope #free #statue #history

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

 Széchenyi Thermal BathBudapest, HungaryIf you’re on the fence about indulging in one of Budapest’s thermal baths, forget your hesitations and, literally, take the plunge. A great place to start is the grandiose and relaxing Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Budapest + thermal pool is already a dream, but this place used to be a palace, so it takes your experience to a new level. There are numerous pools, indoors and outdoors, where you can choose to soothe or shock (brave the ice bucket!). Morning, day, or even night, this is one cultural experience you will not regret.
#culture #history #relax #relaxing #spa #vacation #travel #travelstoke #budapest #hungary #europe #centraleurope #easterneurope

Heroes’ Square

 Heroes’ SquareBudapest, HungaryHeroes’ Square is located at the end of Budapest’s famous Andrassy Avenue. It features a grandiose colonnade introducing you to Hungary’s most beloved: kings, chieftains, national heroes. It’s impressive in stature, but even more so in meaning. Plus, it acts as a gateway to the beautiful and culturally rich City Park.
#budapest #europe #culture #free #statue #history

Vajdahunyad Castle

 Vajdahunyad CastleBudapest, HungaryIn 1896 Budapest celebrated its millennial with the construction and adornment of several buildings throughout the city, Vajdahunyad Castle being one of them. It uniquely features four different architecture styles while paying homage to several famous buildings in Hungary. Pair it with a stroll through the sightseeing hub of City Park and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.
#budapest #free #budgetfriendly #architecture #europe #centraleurope #history #castle #travel

Castle Hill

 Castle HillBudapest, HungaryBudapest’s Castle Hill is a traveler’s dream, an architectural mecca, a cultural hub. It’s truly a one-stop-shop that perfectly bundles up the city’s historical essence into one lovely stroll. Start at the Buda Castle and enter from its less-visited southern side. Walk its historical grounds and soak in the city views before sauntering towards Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, where the ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ won’t stop. Polish your promenade off with a loop around the residential area for even more expansive views into the Buda side of the city.
#budapest #europe #travel #history #architecture #churches #viewpoints #free

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

 Széchenyi Chain BridgeBudapest, HungaryNo visit to Budapest is complete without at least two strolls across one of its bridges, the most famous being the Chain Bridge. I say two because you don’t want to miss the view upstream (of the Hungarian Parliament building) nor the one downstream (of both Castle and Gellért hills). And, the architecture itself is worth the walk.
Tip: Make it four times and go at night when the Pearl of the Danube truly sparkles. You may even find some locals sitting up on the bridge drinking beer or wine. Feel free to partake as cars whiz by and boats churn below. #casual #statue #free #history

Bazilika

 BazilikaBudapest, HungarySt. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most beloved structures, named for the nation’s first king. (It even houses the king’s right hand – no joke.) Its impressive stature cannot be beat, as it looms over all other buildings (except the Parliament, its symbolic vertical equal) at 96 meters tall. Admire its facade, wander through the sanctuary, and don’t forget to look up.
Tip: Brave the 364 stairs for a 360 degree view of the grandiose city.
#budapest #basilica #europe #centraleurope #viewpoint #free #gallery #statue #history

Dohány Street Synagogue

 Dohány Street SynagogueBudapest, HungaryBudapest’s Dohány Street Synagogue (Europe’s largest and the second largest in the world) is impressive inside and out. If you think the exterior with its dominating onion domes does the trick, wait until you step inside. Jaw = dropped.
#museum #europe #budapest #history #gallery

Museum of Applied Arts

 Museum of Applied ArtsBudapest, HungaryIf you’re heading to Budapest to experience art nouveau, this place will impress. The outside is massive, complete with the city’s signature patterned rooftop. The inside boasts white tiered levels with arched ornate design and (don’t forget to look up) an atrium style glass roof.
#art #museum #artnouveau #budpaset #europe #history #gallery