View of Buda Castle entrance and grounds

Photo Credit: Waldo Miguez

Sitting atop Castle Hill, the original Buda Castle was primarily built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries for Hungarian royalty. Many conflicts in the following centuries laid waste to this castle and its successive restorations, the latest iteration restored after battles waged between the Germans and Soviets in World War II. Nevertheless, this Baroque-style palace has persisted, and today’s Buda Castle is one of the most important monuments which give Budapest its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of the original castle still remain in the city’s Castle District, while the monolithic Buda Castle continues to be a popular stop for guided educational tours.

View of Chain Bridge, lion statues, and Danube at night

Photo Credit: hince

Closing the divide between the Buda and Pest embankments flanking the Danube River, Budapest's Chain Bridge is the city's original and most recognizable bridge. Two regal lion statues welcome those who traverse the bridge, which offers a spectacular view of Buda Castle and provides easy access to many popular tourist attractions throughout the city center.

View of parliament building, city, and Danube

Photo Credit: Mircea Iancu

Hues of gold and red paint the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building, adorned with intricate Gothic-style spires and a prominent central dome. Constructed in the late nineteenth-century, the Parliament building exemplifies the superb architectural and ornate beauty that can be found throughout Budapest. While the Parliament building hosts active sessions of the National Assembly, it is accessible to the public for guided tours during select hours.

View of St. Stephens Basilica at night

Photo Credit: Immortal Shots

The eminent St. Stephen’s Basilica sits in the center of bustling Budapest and is the city’s largest basilica. The namesake of King Stephen, the first ruler of Hungary, St. Stephen’s Basilica showcases a variety of architectural and cultural treasures, including a relic of St. Stephen himself. Be sure to explore the basilica’s dome for an impressive and expansive view of the city below. Visit the Hall of Knights for a chance to see new art exhibitions and listen to a melodic organ performance.

The best ways of navigating Budapest are walking and public transit. Taxis and rideshare services also operate here.

Upon walking around Budapest, visitors will find that they can easily walk between the city's must-see sights.

The mass transit system, BKK, runs trains, buses, trams and more. Purchase tickets at newspaper stands or a metro station and validate them immediately upon boarding.

View of Christmas Market near St. Stephen's Basilica

Photo Credit: Krisztian Tabori

Budapest’s annual Advent Christmas Fair takes place steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica every winter season. A canopy of twinkling lights hovers over the marketplace, which offers authentic cuisine and holiday goods for sale. The lighting of traditional Advent candles occurs each Sunday during the Fair.

The event features a film that explores the life and art of the famous Venetian landscape painter Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto. It showcases over 200 paintings, drawings, and graphics, providing a unique insight into Canaletto's art and the city he immortalized. The film also offers a glimpse into two official royal residences, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the artist and his inspirations.

The documentary chronicles the restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which reopened after five years of restoration work. It features over 350 hours of previously unseen footage and nearly thirty interviews with workers, company leaders, and architects involved in the project. The film highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication of artisans who are the heirs to the medieval builders' legacy.

The film explores the life and work of the famous sculptor, painter, architect, and poet Michelangelo. It takes viewers on a special journey through Florence, Rome, and the Vatican, showcasing his tumultuous life and artistic legacy. The documentary features insights from art critics and contemporary artists, providing a deep understanding of Michelangelo's art and creative process.

The event features a documentary film that explores the rich culture of Tokyo over 400 years, showcasing various art forms from traditional woodblock prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige to contemporary street art. It highlights the unique perspective of Japanese art and its integration into daily life. The film is directed by David Bickerstaff and is part of the Exhibition on Screen series.