Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the largest city in Hungary. The city has a rich history reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage.

Budapest lies on the banks of the river Danube, and its two main sections are known as Buda and Pest. Buda is home to many of the city’s historic landmarks, including the Buda Castle, while Pest is the centre of the city’s commercial activity.

With a population of over 1.7 million, Budapest is one of the largest cities in the European Union.

The city is also a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re interested in history and culture or simply want to enjoy a beautiful city, Budapest has something to offer everyone.

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, great architecture and Danube River cruises. 

Budapest - big city in central and eastern Europe
What is Budapest famous for ?

Read on and check out these fun facts about Budapest now!

If you want to learn more facts about Hungary or the Hungarian language, check out our other post.

A brief history of Budapest

Budapest has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years.

Budapest was created when three cities joined together

The Hungarian capital of Budapest was created in 1873 when the three cities of Buda, Obuda (Old Buda)and Pest, were merged. Prior to this, the three settlements had developed independently over a period of centuries. Buda and Obuda, located on the west bank of the River Danube, was the historic seat of the Hungarian kings. And Pest, located on the east bank, was a prosperous trading centre.

The merger of these three distinct cities created a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture.

Today, Budapest is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and its unique blend of East and West continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world.

UNESCO sites in Budapest

Budapest is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and the Millennium Underground Railway.

The Banks of the Danube river

The Banks of the Danube are UNESCO for the world’s outstanding urban landscapes because of their outstanding natural beauty. The mighty Danube winds through Budapest and lush parks, gardens, and promenades are along its banks. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the cityscape from here and numerous opportunities for boat tours and water sports.

The Buda Castle District

The Buda Castle Quater is home to Hungary’s royal palace and many other historic buildings and landmarks. The quarter dates back to the 13th century and has been amazingly well-preserved over the centuries. Visitors can explore the quarter’s winding streets, visit the palace, and view beautiful architecture from different eras.

Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue is one of Budapest’s most famous streets, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance. The avenue was built in the 19th century, and it stretches for almost 2 kilometres through the city center. Along the avenue are numerous landmarks and important buildings, including the Hungarian State Opera House and the House of Terror Museum.

Oldest metro  in continental Europe

Budapest is famous for many things, but one of its most iconic attractions is the metro. The Budapest Subway System is the second oldest metro in Europe, after the London Underground, and the third oldest in the world – the oldest is Chicago Metro.

The Budapest Millennium Underground line opened in 1896 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. It is an extensive underground labyrinth located more than 100 feet below the city streets.

The Budapest metro is not only an essential part of the city’s transportation infrastructure but also a significant historical and cultural landmark. The metro system comprises three main lines, with a total of 37 stations. It is used by more than 1.2 million people every day.

budapest metro

Budapest’s hidden subterranean world

Budapest is home to the world’s largest known thermal cave system, with more than 200 miles of caves beneath the city.

One of the most fascinating of these is Church Cave (Rock Church), located underneath Gellert Hill. If you want to see the Rock Church

The caves are also home to several species of bats, which use the caves as a roosting site. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the caves are also used for research purposes. 

Budapest has the second largest synagogue in the world

Budapest is home to the second largest synagogue in the world. Located in the Jewish quarter, the Dohány Street Synagogue was built in 1859 and can accommodate over 3,000 people.

The synagogue is renowned for its grandiose architecture, and it features a number of unique elements, such as a Moorish Revival Style exterior and an elaborately decorated interior.

The Dohány Street Synagogue is also home to the Hungarian Jewish Museum, which chronicles the history of Hungarian Jews from the Middle Ages to the present day. With its rich cultural heritage and the vibrant Jewish community, Budapest is truly a city like no other.

Budapest Zoo

The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Founded in 1866, the zoo originally occupied just a few acres of land near the city center. Today, it covers nearly 35 acres and houses over 1,000 animals. The zoo is home to a wide variety of species, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and penguins.

budapest zoo

In addition to its impressive collection of animals, the zoo also features a beautiful botanical garden. The garden is home to over 5,000 different plants, many of which are rare or endangered.

Visitors can stroll through the garden, admiring the flowers and trees as they learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts. The Budapest Zoo is more than just a place to see animals; it is a living testament to the importance of conservation.

Facts About Budapest’s Attractions and Landmarks

Budapest has some of the most stunning architecture and attractions in all of Europe. Here are some facts about some of the city’s most popular landmarks:

The Hungarian Parliament Building is the largest building in Hungary and is located on the bank of the Danube River. It was completed in 1904 and is home to the National Assembly, the country’s legislative body. It is one of the European landmarks.

The Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Danube and connects Buda and Pest. It was originally built in 1849, making it one of the oldest bridges in Hungary.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a Neo-Classical cathedral that was completed in 1905. It is named after Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary. The building is 96 meters tall and can hold up to 8,500 people.

The Budapest Opera House is one of Europe’s most famous opera houses. It was built in 1884 and has been home to many famous operas and ballets over the years.

Lastly, Heroes’ Square is a public square commemorating those who have fought for Hungary’s freedom throughout history. It is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Arts. Heroes Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe

These are just a few of Budapest’s many wonderful attractions.

No building can be taller than 96 meters.

Hungary has a law that restricts the height of buildings. No building in Hungary can rise more than 96 m, making the skyline relatively uniform. This law was enacted in the early 20th century when Budapest was undergoing a period of rapid growth. Many of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Parliament Building and the Basilica of St. Stephen, were constructed during this time. The height restriction law has helped preserve Budapest’s character, and it remains an important part of Hungarian culture today.

The world-famous composers of Budapest

The city of Budapest has a long and rich musical history. Some of the world’s most famous composers, including Franz Liszt and Gustav Mahler, lived and worked in Budapest.

The city’s music scene flourished in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with many of the world’s most renowned orchestras calling Budapest home.

A world-renowned music festival

Today, the city continues to honour its musical heritage with a number of festivals and concert series dedicated to classical music. Budapest is also home to a number of prestigious music schools, making it an ideal place for aspiring musicians to study. With its rich musical history and vibrant music scene, Budapest is truly a city for music lovers.

Budapest Castle hill

If you’re looking for an interesting place to explore in Budapest, be sure to check out Castle Hill. This historic district is home to a number of interesting landmarks, including the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Matthias Church.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go underground and explore the labyrinth of caves and tunnels that are located beneath the hill. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique experience, Castle Hill is definitely worth a visit.

Budapest is famous for its beautiful bridges

The bridges of Budapest are some of the most iconic sights in the city. Spanning the Danube River, they connect Buda and Pest and have become symbols of the city’s history and culture. There are eight bridges in total, each with its own unique design.

Some of the most beautiful ones are

The Széchenyi chain bridge in Budapest

The most famous is the Chain Bridge, which was built in 1849 and is adorned with lions at either end.

The Chain Bridge in Budapest is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the two halves of the Hungarian capital.

This magnificent bridge, which English engineer William Tierney Clark designed, opened in 1849 and was the first permanent bridge crossing of the Danube in Hungary. It quickly became a symbol of the city and is now one of its most popular tourist attractions. The bridge is over 200 metres long and has two towers that are each almost 50 metres high.

At the time of design, it was the longest bridge in the world and the first permanent bridge in Budapest.

The bridge is named for the chains that support its deck, and these were originally made from wrought iron from England. The Chain Bridge has been carefully restored on several occasions, most recently in 2005, and it remains an iconic structure in Budapest.

The Elizabeth Bridge

The Elizabeth Bridge is another popular tourist attraction known for its Art Nouveau style. These are just two of the many bridges that make Budapest one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Elizabeth Bridge spans the Danube between Buda and Pest, the two sides of Budapest. It is a stunning bridge with sweeping curves and graceful arches. The bridge is named for Queen Elizabeth, who was the wife of Franz Josef, the Austro-Hungarian emperor.

The original bridge was built in 1873, but it was destroyed during World War II. The current bridge was completed in 1964.

The Parliament Building is the Third Largest Parliament building in the world

The Budapest Parliament Building is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, one of Europe’s oldest legislative buildings. The building is located in Kossuth Square on the banks of the Danube River.

It was built in 1904 in Neo-Gothic style, and it is one of the largest buildings in Hungary. The parliament building has a symmetrical façade with a central dome. The interior of the building is decorated with Byzantine and Gothic elements. The parliament building is open to visitors, and it is also a popular venue for events and concerts.

Budapest has more thermal water springs than any other capital city in the world

Did you know that Budapest is sometimes referred to as the thermal bath capital of the world? This is because the city is home to more than 100 thermal springs, and there are a number of popular baths that have been in operation for centuries.

The waters of the springs are rich in minerals, and they are said to have healing properties. In fact, many people come to Budapest specifically to enjoy the benefits of thermal baths.

There are a number of different baths to choose from, each with its own unique features. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing experience or a bit of adventure, you’re sure to find the perfect thermal bath in Budapest.

Budapest has the largest medicinal bath in Europe.

The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. It is located in the City Park and was built in 1913. The bath has several different pools, including a hot water pool, a cold water pool, and an outdoor pool. The bath also has a sauna and a steam room.

The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath is open all year round, and its healing waters have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The bath is especially popular in winter when the warm waters can be a welcome respite from the cold weather.

Ruin pubs in Budapest

In the heart of Budapest, there are a series of so-called Ruin Pubs, which are abandoned buildings that have been taken over and turned into hip bars and clubs.

The most famous of these is Szimpla Kert, which is located in an old factory building. These quirky venues are popular with locals and tourists alike and offer a unique way to experience Budapest nightlife.

Interesting facts about Budapest -Summary

Budapest is the city is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Budapest is home to many famous landmarks. The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs located in the downtown area. Visitors to Budapest can enjoy a variety of activities, including sightseeing, shopping, and dining. With so much to see and do, Budapest is a must-visit for any traveler.