Budapest is the capital of Hungary and has a population of about 1.8 million people! To be honest, Budapest was never at the top of my travel bucket list, but as I look more into what the city has to offer, it is truly captivating. Interesting fact! Budapest was actually the result of a merger of three separate cities: Buda, Pest, and Obuda.

The first thing that really attracts me is the architecture. The stunning mixture of Roman and Gothic architecture dating as far back as the 13th century really draws me in and even just through pictures, feels like a dream. But there is so much more in the city that will definitely keep you occupied and excited!

Castle Hill

This attraction is described with cobblestone streets and encompasses the Buda Castle (hence the name Castle Hill). As I’ve stated many times in previous posts, I’m a sucker for castles because they’re just so elegant and mesmerizing. There are also many other attractions within such as Trinity Square and Matthias Church. Overall, a day to just explore and visit the area and all the sites is definitely a dream and a great opportunity to experience and understand a whole different history and culture than what we have at home!

Great Market Hall

I absolutely love going to markets because it really lets you understand the people and culture of the city. In the United States, Chelsea Market in New York City, and Pike Place Market in Seattle are a few of my favorites! The environment is just so exciting and upbeat, plus you can get a glimpse into and taste new foods or buy goods that are especially unique to the area! This one particularly, is the largest in Budapest, composed of three floors to shop for fresh foods and other goods. Even people-watching (one of my favorite things to do and really appreciate new areas) should be especially interesting to further get a sense of the culture.

City Park

Another place that seems to be filled with excitement and also relaxation. City Park is the largest public park in Budapest! Probably another great place for people watching (haha)! However, rather than just sitting around, there are many attractions around that are sure to keep you occupied. This includes a zoo, museums, and even another castle! I love just being outdoors and exploring new places (as you can probably tell) so spending an afternoon here seems perfect!

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Wow. Just look how beautiful the structure is. I am currently in an Art History class that examines architecture and this basilica is absolutely stunning and something I can appreciate. The classical look of the bell towers, dome, lantern, and columns just never get old to me. Having already visited a few churches and basilicas in Europe, it will always be something that will truly amaze me. All of the plans and construction of the buildings are incredible, especially because of how long ago most of these buildings were made without all of the technology and innovations we know today. This basilica radiates significance, wealth, and beauty.

There’s many more attractions that would be amazing to visit in Budapest, but I can only name so many. Would you ever want to travel here?