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Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Budapest is the illustrious capital of Hungary. Formed from the medieval settlements of Buda and Pest, the city only came into existence during the early 1870s. Yet, the heritage of this majestic European metropolis is both extensive and glorious. Once the dominion for the Hungarian kings of old, the communities that would later constitute Budapest have functioned as a major thoroughfare through the continent since antiquity. Their pristine geographic location along the banks of the mighty Danube have also inspired several powerful societies to seize them, including the Romans, the Ottomans, and the Habsburg Monarchy. More recently, the city has emerged as a leading cultural center in Europe. Budapest is now considered an international innovator in such areas like fashion, entertainment, and art. Come delve deeply into this stunning history with a stay at the Hotel Nemzeti Budapest!
Budai vár (Buda Castle)
Once the royal residence for the Hungarian kings of old, Budai vár is now one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. While Budai vár now consists of a beautiful, 18th-century Baroque palace, the first structure to occupy the location was actually an imposing stone fortress from the 1200s. The castle complex today houses several museums, and is part of Budapest’s spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mátyás-templom (Matthias Church)
Nestled within the city’s historic Castle Hill district, the Mátyás-templom has been holding Catholic Mass since the early 11th century. Yet, much of the current cathedral dates to the 1400s, when King Matthias Corvinus remodeled the structure with Gothic-style architecture. The Mátyás-templom also resides inside the boundaries of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Andrássy út (Andrássay Avenue)
The Andrássay út cuts through the heart of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of avid shoppers descend upon the boulevard each year, as the Andrássay út is highly regarded for its wonderful array of storefronts. Guests can also access a number of cultural attractions from the Andrássay út, such as the Hősök tere (Hero’s Square), the Magyar Állami Operaház (Hungarian State Opera House), and the Zoltán Kodály Emlékmúzeum és Archívum (Zoltán Kodály Memorial Museum and Archives).
Vajdahunyad vára (Vajdahunyad Castle)
Located at the end of the Andrássy út in Budapest’s Városliget (City Park) is the Vajdahunyad vára, a gorgeous, 19th-century castle. Constructed in the 1890s to celebrate Hungary’s millennial anniversary, the estate is now the site of numerous festivals, concerts, and social gatherings. This marvelous historical structure is even the home to the prestigious Magyar Mezőgazdasági Múzeum (Museum of Hungarian Agriculture).
Műcsarnok Kunsthalle (Hall of Art)
Also situated along the Andrássy út is one of Budapest’s most distinguished art museums, the Műcsarnok Kunsthalle. Established on the Hősök tere (Hero’s Square), the museum has a changing series of thrilling exhibitions that showcase the finest contemporary artwork from both Hungary and around the world.
Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts)
The fabulous Szépművészeti Múzeum also resides at the Hősök tere (Hero’s Square), enthralling countless visitors for more than a century. Recently renovated, the museum provides for hours of mentally-stimulating entertainment. This outstanding institution is admired throughout Europe for its fantastic art and history exhibitions, including its display of ancient Egyptian artifacts!
