Spectacles in Budapest
Facts
highest point of the city is János hill, 527m high. The population of Budapest is around 2 million. In the capital there are 23 districts, and there are 194 officially named parts. Not only the main Hungarian roads but also the railways start from Budapest in radial direction. The first underground line of the European Continent was completed in 1896 in Budapest (Millennium Underground, M1) between Vörösmarty and Heroes’ square, and more stops were added later. Budapest has received official recognition for its thermal waters and baths since 1934. Several hot and mineral springs come from the sides of the Buda hills. Besides the Turkish baths there are the Széchenyi, the Gellért, the Lukács and the Rác Baths, which were built on the hot springs in the 19th century.
Buda Castle
Today the Buda Castle is one of the most visited tourism sites. The builings of the Castle district can be found at the Buda side, of which the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the Fishermen's Bastion became the symbols of the city. It can be reached on foot on the serpentine steps at the side of the Castle, by incline railway from Clark Ádám square, or by bus from Moszkva square. Today the building houses the largest library and museum of Hungary.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
One of the largest and nicest church of Budapes, which has a cupola that can be seen from any point of the city. The construction started in 1851 and took 54 years, and was named after St. Stephen, the founder of state. It was built in Neo-Classical style. Inside there is Hungary's most revered relic: the „Holy Right Hand”. The Basilica can be visited for free, but visitors have to pay an allowance for the cupola.
The Houses of Parliament
The construction of the spectacular building of the Parliament began in 1885 and lasted for more than 20 years. The best artists of the time worked on the details of the 17.000m2 large building. From January 2000, the Holy Crown and the Crown Jewellery are protected in the Parliament. The entrance to the building is free for Hungarians and the citizens of the EU. Guided visits from gate X. starts in every half hour and lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Margaret Island
The Margaret Island is the nicest green spot of the capital, located in the middle of the Danube. Its symbol, the water tower can be found in this wonderful area. In the summer there are opera and ballet performances on the open-air stage. Intimate walks can be taken under the age-old trees. While talking a walk you can have a rest in the Japanese garden, in the Rose Garden, next to the nice flowerbed, or in the small safari park. The island can be visited by bus, by bicycle or on foot.
World Heritage
Besides Buda Castle and the riverside of the Danube, Andrássy Avenue with is historical neighbourhood was also officially recognized as World Heritage Site in 2002 by the UNESCO. Castle district is one of the outstanding national monuments in Budapest. It constitutes a unified view with the buildings at the Duna side, the bridges, the Parliament, the Basilica and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Dohány street Synagogue
The Synagogue, which is the largest in Europe, was built in the 19th century based on the plans of Ludwig Förster, Viennese architect, in Byzantine-Morrish style. In its museum one can find a unique Jewish collection from Roman times until the 20th century. It stands at the corner of the old Jewish quarter.
Gellért Bath
The Gellért Hotel and Bath is used not only for medical reasons but entertainment as well. In this bath complex one can find swimming pols pools both indoors and outdoors. It opened in 1918 and since then it was reconstructed and renovated sereval times. Nowadays the modern technology are mixed with historical traditions.
Best Western Hotel Art offers you several types of sightseeing programs, which can be booked at the Hotel’s reception.
|
Location