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Matthias Church
I, Szentháromság tér G12
The church, almost as old as the Royal Palace, bears the name of King Matthias, who got married here twice. The venue of several coronations, it was used as a mosque after the Turks occupied Buda in 1541, then revamped in the late C19th, when it was given its present neo-Gothic look. Due to its excellent acoustics, concerts are held here regularly. www.matyas-templom.hu
Castle bus from Moszkva tér
Opening hours for tourists: weekdays 9 am–5 pm, Sat 9 am–12 noon, Sun 1–5 pm. Entrance: adults HUF 650, concessions HUF 450, children are free up to the age of 6. Family ticket (1 or 2 adults and children) HUF 1,100. Audio guides HUF 300. For Budapest Card holders entrance is free
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The Zoo
XIV, Állatkerti körút 6 J10
A great place for a relaxed day – with or without kids. The Zoo and Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest in the world, has 4,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are housed in historic monuments, such as the eastern style Art Nouveau elephant house. A decade of constant development has improved living conditions for the animals and facilities for people no end. www.zoobudapest.com
Metro 1, Heroes’ Square (Hôsök tere)
Open: in December Mon–Sun 9 am–4 pm. Tickets sold until 1 hour before closing. Animal houses open at 10 am and close 1/2 hour before closing time. Entrance: adults HUF 1,690, children HUF 1,190, concessions HUF 1,400, family (2 adults with up to 3 children) HUF 4,800
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The Opera House
VI, Andrássy út 22 I12
One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world, the first performance here was held in 1884. The stairway and the auditorium were designed by a leading architect of the period, Miklós Ybl, and its frescoes were painted by the best Hungarian painters. Gustav Mahler was for many years its director and Puccini staged premiers of two of his operas here. Major guest conductors include Otto Klemperer and Sergio Failoni. www.opera.hu
Metro 1, Opera
Opera visit: daily 3 pm and 4 pm Tickets available on the right hand side of the Opera House next to the Sphinx. Guided tours in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Entrance: adults HUF 2,500, concessions HUF 1,300
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The Citadella
XI, Gellért Hill H14
Next to the statue on top of Gellért Hill, an eye-catching feature on the Buda skyline, is the Citadella, a stronghold built by the Habsburgs to keep an eye on the city after the 1848-49 War of Independence had been crushed. Inside there’s a waxworks and exhibition on the 1944 siege of Budapest in a WW2 air-raid bunker. Along the wall outside large posters show views of the capital from 1850 to 1945. And the hill itself offers spectacular views and a patch of green to explore.
Bus no. 27 from Móricz Zsigmond körtér
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Great Market Hall
IX, Fővám körút 1–3 I14
The largest and richest indoor market in Budapest was built at the end of the 19th century when open-air markets could no longer supply the growing city’s needs. It was restored to its original neo-Gothic splendour in 1994. A good place to stroll round to see everyday Hungarian life. Besides the colourful fruit and veg, there are plenty of potential souvenirs from packets of paprika to embroidered tablecloths. See Directory. www.piaconline.hu
Tram nos. 2, 47, 49
Open: Mon 6 am–5 pm, Tues–Fri 6 am–6 pm, Sat 6 am–2 pm
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Buda Castle
District I G12
The imposing baroque Royal Palace, today housing museums, is surrounded by the meandering mediaeval, gaslit streets of the historic Castle District. With their Gothic ornaments and colourful houses, they are full of baroque buildings erected after the Turks were expelled. While the Fishermen’s Bastion has a magnificent view of the busy city below, the old world charm of the district makes it ideal for a romantic stroll.
Funicular from the Chain Bridge (see Directory) or Castle Bus from Moszkva tér or bus no. 16 from Deák tér
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St Stephen's Basilica
V, Szent István tér H12
Named after St Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian state and Church, the Basilica is Budapest’s largest church. Before it was consecrated in 1905, its construction spanned almost 60 years, embracing the neoclassical and eclectic styles. The circular look-out from around the dome offers the only 360° panorama of the city. www.basilica.hu
Tram nos. 47, 49 or metro 3, Arany János utca
Opening hours for tourists: weekdays 9 am–5 pm, Sat 9 am–1 pm, Sun 1–5 pm. Look-out: closed until 1 April. Treasury: daily 10 am–4 pm. Entrance: visiting the church is free. Look-out: adults HUF 500, concessions HUF 400. Treasury: adults HUF 300, concessions HUF 250
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Parliament Building
V, Kossuth Lajos tér 1–3 H11
Built at the turn of the century, the Parliament building with its spires and dome soon became a distinctive feature on the city’s skyline and a symbol of Budapest. One of the biggest houses of parliament in the world, it’s worth going inside to look at the richly decorated interior – the holy crown of Hungary is also on display there. www.parlament.hu
Tram no. 2 or metro 2 to Kossuth tér
Visits by guided tour only in English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Hebrew and Spanish. For up-to-date details of times see the English pages of www.parlament.hu Entrance at Gate X: Free for Hungarian and EU citizens with proof of ID. Adults HUF 2,520, concessions HUF 1,260.
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Cemetery on Fiumei út
(Kerepesi temetô)
VIII, Fiumei út 16 J13
This is the last resting place of the great men of the nation, writers, artists and alike. One of the largest cemeteries of its kind in Europe, it was established in 1847. In the 1950s it was reserved mainly for top-ranking party members and Hungary’s first elected prime minister after the fall of communism is also buried here. The trees, statues, graves and melancholy are a peaceful retreat from the hustle of the city.
Tram nos. 24, 28, 37 or metro 2, Baross tér
Opening hours: in December 7 am–5 pm.
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Millennium Monument
XIV, Hôsök tere J11
Built in 1896 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the seven Magyar tribes settling here, Heroes’ Square is a must. In its centre stands a column with equestrian statues of the tribal chieftains at its base and topped by the archangel Gabriel, who legend has it appeared to the future King Stephen in a dream bearing a crown. Behind it there is a colonnade of great figures from Hungarian history.
Metro 1, Heroes’ Square (Hôsök tere)
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