Budapest’s Most Famous Buildings

“One of the most fascinating aspects of Budapest is its architecture. You’ll find stunning and famous landmarks throughout the city that boast unique history, opulent details and national treasures. Here are some of Budapest’s most famous buildings.

Buda Castle
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Buda Castle is a historic castle and palace complex that was once home to Hungarian kings. The baroque castle sits on top of Castle Hill and dates back to the 13th century. Over the years, the castle has been robbed and bombed, then restored. The castle is home to a number of museums and galleries showcasing Hungarian antiquities, art and treasures. Outside, the grounds have statues, sculptures and fountains to explore.

St. Stephen’s Basilica
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St. Stephen’s Basilica is not only a famous building in Budapest, but it’s also one of the treasures of Hungarian architecture. The basilica is one of the largest churches in the country and was home to many unique events and artefacts of Hungarian history, such as the mummified hand of St Stephen, the first King of Hungary who was responsible for the conversion to Catholicism. The basilica is also home to the remains of Ferenc Puskas, a Hungarian football player, and hosts a variety of concerts and a vibrant Christmas market.

Matthias Church
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The Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, or the Matthias Church, is a stunning Roman Catholic church in Holy Trinity Square. Constructed in 1015, the church is one of the finest in the city and was once used as a coronation church for Hungarian kings. Outside, the church is adorned with neo-Gothic features, while the interior is filled with vibrant colours and historic touches from both the orientalist and romantic periods.

Museum of Applied Arts
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The Museum of Applied Arts is not only one of the oldest applied arts museums in the world, but it’s one of Budapest’s best-known landmarks. Constructed in an art nouveau style in the late 19th century, the museum has a stunning green roof and an interior boasting Hindu, Islamic and Mogul designs. It’s home to a vast collection of relics such as glasswork, textiles, furnishings and metalworks from Hungarian, European, Secessionist and Islamic cultures.

Fisherman’s Bastion
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The Fisherman’s Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque building with spectacular turrets and architectural details. It earned its name from the fishermen who once lived by the river, and it was constructed in the place of the former castle walls. The 7 towers of the bastion are designed to represent the 7 Hungarian tribes who settled the country in 895. The building is known for its beautiful views of the Danube riverbank and Margaret Island.

House of Terror
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The House of Terror museum is a famous building in Budapest and an important part of the country’s history. The museum contains exhibits about 20th-century Hungary’s communist and fascist regimes and a memorial to the victims of the regimes who were detained, tortured or executed within its walls. With its striking blade walls, granite sidewalk and black decoration entablature, the museum stands in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings.

Great Market Hall
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The Great Market Hall in Budapest is one of the oldest and biggest indoor markets in the city. Spanning 10,000 square metres and 3 storeys, the market is home to stalls and vendors selling goods like spices, meats and cheeses, Hungarian specialities, fresh-caught seafood, handicrafts and novelties. Inside, the market is practical for vendors, but the exterior boasts a mosaic roof of Zsolnay tiles that have to be seen. In addition to buying items within the market, you can take a guided tour with historical facts and events like a cooking class or sampling.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Hungary. The bridge took years to construct and connects both parts of Budapest. Couples snap locks onto the bridge as a symbol of their love, and there are massive lion statues that are believed to guard the bridge entrance. Though spectacular during the day, the bridge looks especially beautiful at night with its lights against the dark sky.

Budapest Parliament Building
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Finished in 1904, the Budapest Parliament Building is a popular landmark in the city and boasts an impressive Gothic revival architecture style with elements of baroque and neo-Byzantine style. One of its most notable features is its symmetrical façade and interior, complete with identical parliament halls. The exterior has an array of sculptures and turrets that add to its elegance, and the interior is filled with marvellous frescoes, mosaics and stained-glass windows. You can explore the building with a guided tour, which includes a visit to the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Plan your holiday
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Budapest is home to many wonders for travellers, including its famous buildings, landmarks and museums. If you’re planning a trip to Budapest, take a look at Budapest holidays on Expedia to check out options for your trip and make the most of the experience!”