Budapest

Have you ever heard about Budapest?

Actually, 3 months ago I had a little idea about Hungary and his capital, and sometimes I confused, thinking that probably Budapest is located in India and people profess Buddhism. Now, I realize how wrong I was.

I am an erasmus student from Kazakhstan, and now I study journalism in Budapest, in one of the most stunning city in Europe. I would like to show you 10 reasons, why this city attracts more and more people from all the world.

Top Budapest Attractions and interesting places.

1. Parliament Building

The House of the Nation, or Hungarian Parliament building, is the third largest parliament building in the world. Finished in 1902 after nearly 20 years of construction, it was built almost exclusively with Hungarian materials and contains 691 rooms. It also houses the Hungarian Crown Jewels.

2. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in Europe, and the first permanent bridge to connect the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest, when it was built in the mid-1800s. Today, it is widely regarded as the most beautiful bridge in the city.

3. Buda Castle

Also known as the Royal Palace, Buda Castle sits atop Castle Hill on the Buda side of the city. The site of lavish ceremonies during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now home to the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the National Széchényi Library.

4. Heroes Square

Located at the end of Budapest’s main shopping street, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes Square is a Unesco World Heritage site. Home to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art, its most prominent feature is the Millenium Memorial, built in 1900 to commemorate the 1000-year anniversary of the arrival of the Magyar tribes to the region that is now Hungary.

5. Fisherman's Bastion

One of several landmarks that were built in the late 1800s to celebrate the 1000-year anniversary of the founding of Hungary, the Fisherman’s Bastion is made up of 7 towers, representing the 7 Magyar tribes that founded the nation. Sitting atop Castle Hill, the Bastion provides some of the most spectacular views of the Danube and city.

6. St. Stephen's Basilica

The largest church in Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica was built over the course of 50 years in the 1800s. Originally the design of architect József Hild, it’s construction was mostly overseen by the renowned Miklós Ybl, one of the leading architects of the time who also designed the Budapest Opera House. At 96 meters high, its center dome is as tall as that of the Hungarian Parliament.

7.Margaret Island

Perched in the middle of the Danube River, Margaret Island has been, at various times in history, home to several churches and cloisters, a harem under the Ottoman Empire, and a resort for royal dignitaries. It was eventually declared a public park in 1908, and features several swimming pools, a Japanese Garden, and an Art Nouveau style water tower.

8. The Danube

The Danube River is the longest river in the EU and the second longest river on the continent of Europe. It winds through Budapest, separating the two sides of the city—Buda, on the West, and Pest, on the East.

9. Liberty Statue

The Liberty Statue is one of the few remaining relics of the Communist era in Hungary that has not been removed. Sitting atop Budapest’s Gellért Hill, it is a soaring symbol of the city.

10. Szechenyi Bath and SPA

The Széchenyi Bath & Spa is the largest medicinal bath, and one of the largest public baths, in Europe. 15 of its 18 pools contain spring-fed water.

(Photos were taken from www.google.hu)