11 Budapest Sightseeing Must Do’s for My Holiday!

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All the triathletes have signed up paid for their fees and uniform now. We are on the list for Triathlon World Champs in Budapest. No backing out now!

I just took another look at what’s in Budapest and it looks pretty damn amazing. Especially considering I’ve never been further than a 3 hours flight from New Zealand. I decided to do a bit of research into the things to do in Budapest while on holiday. If I don’t get to see these during the race I’m going to have to go visit them after!

Budapest is lucky enough to have two world heritage sites – the Castle District and the Danube Embankment. A baroque town with several medieval Roman ruins, Gothic and Art Nouveau architectural masterpieces. Budapest has many famous beautiful bridges and fantastic buildings. It looks like you’ve stepped back in time! Budapest also has a labyinth of caves underneath which held 20,000 soldiers during World War 11.

It looks like there are so many amazing buildings and sights to see in Budapest! I was going to do a list of 5 things, but it just kept growing. I’ll add to it if I find more things I’d like to see and do.

1. Liberty Bridge – Hungarian Mythology

We get to see this bridge early in the triathlon. Built in 1983, it was blown up in 1945 during World War 11 and rebuilt in 1946. It is the shortest bridge in Budapest. It’s a green Art Nouveau style bridge and is decorated with the coat of arms of Hungary and large bronze statues of the Turil (a falcon bird) which is prominent in ancient Hungarian mythology.

2. Gellért Hill – Spectacular Views

We get to see this during the run on the race too, but will have to wait until after to enjoy the spectacular views overlooking Danube! It’s a 235m hill and apparently a very popular tourist destination. I can definitely see why, the view from there would be spectacular. I’ll have to go here and check out the wonderful views of the city! From the top all the Danube bridges are visible (Liberty, Elizabeth, Petofi, Lagymanyosi, Margaret, Megyeri and Arpad) and the dome of Parliament building. There is a 14m tall bronze Statue of Liberty on top erected in 1947 after World War 11. It is a woman holding an olive branch – the symbol of peace.

3. Elizabeth Bridge – Charming & Elegant

I’m pretty sure we run past and swim under this bridge during the triathlon. This bridge is the most elegant in Budapest. It gets a lot of attention because of it’s charming shape and it’s snow white colour. Back in 1903, for 23 years, this bridge had the largest span in the world. Named after Queen Elizabeth, it was bombed in World War 11 and completely rebuilt in 1964. This bridge is at the foot of Gellért Hill.

4. Buda Castle for the Hungarian Kings

From the finishing section of the race we should have a pretty good view of this! Buda Castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions. Built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, next to the district with loads of medieval and Baroque 19th century buildings. This was originally the castle complex for the Hungarian kings, first completed in 1925.

5. Chain Bridge – Race Finish Line

During the triathlon we run over this bridge to the finish line. It will be beautiful but I’m not sure I’ll be thinking that at the time. I’m planning on be too tired and focused to appreciate any of the beauty! This is one of the most photographed bridges in Budapest. It’s become a symbol of Budapest with the bridges guarding lions.

I just thought this looked cool, it’s a tunnel under the bridge to cross the street under the bridge.

6. St. Stephen’s Basilica & the Mummified Right Hand

This will be one of the nicest buildings we get to see while racing. It is named after Hungary’s first King. It is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest and the largest Roman Catholic church in Budapest. The dome can be seen from all points in the city. It took 54 years to construct. Finally completed in 1905. The building holds the kings mummified right hand. Hmmm gotta see that. The dome offers a 360deg view of the city – Can’t wait to be up there!

7. Hungarian Parliament

Situated on the bank of Danube this is the largest building in Budapest. Built between 1884 and 1904 it has 691 rooms. This is an amazing building and definitely one I’ll need to go see.

8. Fisherman’s Bastion – Fairy Castle

This looks like something out of a fairy tale. It looks like a giant sand castle and would have great views of the city. I will definitely have to go see this.

9. Mattias Church

Another beautiful church in Budapest in the center of the castle district. It is the coronation church of the Hungarian Kings.

10. Budapest Spas

Budapest has almost one hundred thermal springs and twelve spas. The Széchenyi Baths, are the largest in Europe with an atmosphere of grandeur and prestige. It holds 15 pools and is surrounded by beautiful the building.

The Gellért baths is a beautiful Art Nouveau style building with mosaics, statues, marble columns and colourful stained-glass windows. Built in 1918 apparently this is the most popular one for tourists.

11. Rosevelt Square

This is where we have the finish of our race. In Roosevelt square there are two masterpieces, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace and the Hungarian  Academy of Sciences. The Four Seasons Palace looks absolutely amazing. A 5 star hotel which is a beautiful Art Nouveau building. The photos look amazing in daylight and evening with it’s snow white colour. It apparently has a stunning view out over the city.

Well there we have it, a wonderful trip planned for Budapest!

• Find out more about the Gellert Baths.
• If you are in Budapest for only 24 hours here is a great list of more things to do.
• Find out about the trains and transport in Budapest.

Photo credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannyfowler/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilsingapore/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beckmann/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40351463@N00/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/klearchos/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mejymejy/