Budapest's central market is one of the mandatory places to visit for those newcomers to the Hungarian capital. The largest and oldest marketplace in the city, it was built in the late 19th century courtesy of the first mayor, Karl Kamermayer, who subsidized its construction out of his own pocket and under whose tenure Budapest turned into the country's political, economic and commercial hub, much as one of Europe's cultural centers.

Clad in steel, with an elegant entrance gate featuring neo-Gothic design, the market is spread over three floors, covering the total area of 10,000 square meters. A particularly distinctive feature of this building is the roof recently restored and adorned with colorful tiling. Badly damaged during two world wars in the 20th century, the market remained closed for several years. The restoration works undertaken in the 1990s brought it back to the original splendor.

If you're a foodie with the taste for regional specialties, the stalls of Hungarian goodies such as lángos (deep-fried discs of dough smothered in sour cream and cheese), paprika, Tokaji wines, túró rudi curd snack, and caviar, as well farm-made sausages, sauerkraut, stuffed peppers and other delights sold at very reasonable prices, are not likely to leave anyone indifferent. Most stalls on the ground floor offer meats, pastries, candies, spices, and spirits, while the floor above accommodates eateries and souvenir stands. The lángos stand, widely regarded to be the best one on this market, sits here serving this delicious snack with regional beer. At the basement there's a supermarket, a fish market, and pickle stalls offering traditional cucumber, cauliflower, cabbage, beet, tomato, and garlic pickles, to mention but a few.

Other than quality food, the market offers a wide choice of moderately priced non-edible items as well, such as handicrafts, folk art, porcelain, crystal and souvenirs of various sort. Take your time to search for the best value for money, since many vendors here sell identical items. So if you're looking for handcrafts, be sure to get all the way around the back. Note that the market is largely a cash-only operation, except for the souvenir section. But the good news is that some businesses equally accept both the European Euro and the Hungarian Forint.

Set in the historic Vigadó Square and fronted by a well-manicured park, the Vigadó Concert Hall is a mid-19th-century building that is actually replacing the original one destroyed by fire during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49.

Reputedly one of the finest architectural creations in all Hungary, it features Romantic style with the classic outward projections joined by arcades and the main facade overlooking the River Danube.

Just like its predecessor, the new Vigadó palace was also damaged, and quite severely so, during the Second World War. Its post-war reconstruction took 36 years and remained faithful to the original design, owing to which this musical facility still continues to attract leading conductors and performers from all over the world. Perhaps the most notable regular at the Vigadó Concert Hall is the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, established in 1951, with a mission to preserve the Hungarian music tradition.

The vicinity of the palace abounds in pretty buildings and cute statues, among which are those of the Girl With Her Dog, William Shakespeare, and the famous Hungarian painter Ignác Roskovics. But the main draw here, undoubtedly, are the views opening out and across the magnificent Danube River towards the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge, all of which are equally splendid in daylight, twilight or midnight, rendering the square most picturesque and photographically appealing.

The nearby little park, although fenced off, is free to walk in. There are some seats there to be found, so you can take a pleasant break prior to or after completing your evening promenade.

Café Gerbeaud, situated in Budapest, is a classic coffeehouse that was established in 1858. It was constructed in the Gründerzeit architectural style.

The café was established by Henrik Kugler in 1858. Coming from a family of confectioners, Henrik gained expertise through apprenticeships in eleven European capitals, including Paris. He opened a confectionery at József nádor Square, known for its outstanding Chinese and Russian teas and exceptional ice creations, earning a reputation as "the best ice in Pest."

In 1870, Kugler moved the store to Vörösmarty Square for convenience. Patrons loved Kugler's coffees, liqueurs, and candies. Kugler Pies and Mignons were highly esteemed as the first pastries to take home. Notable visitors included Ferenc Deák, Franz Liszt, and Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of Hungary.

In 1910, Gerbeaud consulted Henrik Darilek for the interior design of his confectionery. It included marble, exotic woods, and bronze elements. The stucco ceiling reflected the Rococo style of Louis XIV, and the chandeliers drew inspiration from Maria Theresa of Austria. The café showcased French and secessionist tables acquired from the Paris World Fair.

Today, the renowned Gerbeaud Cafe has become quite popular among tourists and tends to be crowded. While it may be slightly expensive, it’s worth a visit. Gerbeaud Cafe is known for its signature cakes, including the Esterházy and Dobos cakes, as well as a variety of cream cakes and baked goods. Additionally, their assortment of handmade bonbons, presented in charming wooden boxes, makes for delightful gifts for those who enjoy sweet treats. The cakes available at Gerbeaud Cafe are meticulously crafted using top-notch, natural ingredients.

Overlooking the eponymous square in Budapest, the Saint Stephen's Basilica is dedicated to King István, the first monarch of Hungary, who brought Christianity to the country. The mummified fist of the king, now aged over 1,000 years, is kept right here in the church, as a relic encased in a glass box, and is an object of regular pilgrimage from all over Hungary (although one can easily miss it, if not aware). Also interred in the church is Hungary's legendary soccer player, Ferenc Puskás, considered to be one of the best footballers of all time.

For many Hungarians this is the most important religious site, much as it is a key local attraction for tourists, not the least because of its size – the building can hold up to 8,500 people at a time and stands 96 meters high, being the 3rd tallest structure in the country, at par with the Hungarian Parliament, holding the legally allowed height record for Budapest.

To create this Neo-Classical basilica took three architects, including Hungary's finest, Miklós Ybl. Adorned with a bust of Saint István, right above the doorway, the facade of the building features a huge arched portal with Ionian columns, flanked on both sides with huge belfries. Topping the right tower is the heaviest and largest bell in the country, weighing nine tonnes!

Except for certain parts of the building, such as the treasury and the dome, the basilica is free to enter. Access to the dome, either by stairs or elevator, costs a small fee but allows visitors one of the best panoramas of Budapest. The interior of the church represents a mass of marble and gold plating with elaborately decorated chapels, mosaics, ceiling and wall frescoes, stained glass windows, plus a multitude of statues (including that of Saint István himself adorning the ornate main altar) and paintings by renowned Hungarian artists.

Apart from the altar, another distinctive feature of the church is a massive pipe organ to hear which play is a truly awe-inspiring experience. So, if you're a music fan, whenever you get a chance, try to attend an organ concert here – highly recommended.

Tip:
The basilica's facade overlooks the grand Saint Stephen's Square, a great place to enjoy coffee at open-air cafes.

The New York Palace is a famous luxury hotel that is located in the 7th district of Budapest, Hungary. It was built by the New York Life Insurance Company, which gave the place its rather famous American name. There is also a café located on the first floor of the building which also carries the name of the company. For many years, this place was a center for Hungarian literature and poetry, as many famous people performed here from its opening in 1894, till its closure in 2001.

The café reopened its doors on May 5, 2006 showing the original ambiance, along with the entire building.

The architect assigned to this project was Alajos Hauszmann. The many statues and other ornamental features of the building's front are the work of Karoly Senvey. The devilish fauns are very famous.

The hotel currently has 107 luxury rooms. The original café is also back in business, and is still on the ground floor. Much of the renovation that was necessary was caused by the structure being taken over by the Communists during that era. The local Communist regime used the building for national offices and functions. It was in February 2001 that the Boscolo Hotels of Italy purchased the property, and restored it to its original beauty.

Heroes' Square is easy to get to, and unforgettable once you've seen it. Located in front of the City Park, at the end of Andrassy Avenue, the monument was built in 1896 to commemorate the millennial anniversary of the arrival of the people of Hungary to the Carpathian Basin. By design, it consists of two semi-circles, which have the symbols for War and Peace, Knowledge and Glory, and Wealth and Labor affixed. The place is decorated with the statues of famous kings, governors, and celebrated characters from Hungarian history, as well as little reliefs depicting the most pinnacle moment of their lives.

The centerpiece of the memorial is the 36-meter high statue of the Archangel Gabriel holding a crown in his right hand and the double cross of Christianity in the other. The base of the column is surrounded by seven equestrian statues of ferocious-looking warriors, which depict the Magyar chieftains of the Hungarian tribes, the most notable being Árpád, whose descendants started the Hungarian royal line.

In front of the Millennium, Column stands the Monument of National Heroes, a cenotaph also referred to as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in tribute to Hungary's nameless heroes of war.

The sheer size of everything means one cannot fail to be impressed! Flanked by two important buildings – the Museum of Fine Arts on the left and the Palace of Art (Kunsthalle) on the right – this is, in fact, one of Budapest's most visited sights.

Tip:
You can easily combine your visit with a stroll to Vajdahunyad Castle, the peaceful park across the road, and the Széchenyi bath building.

The biggest thermal bath in Budapest, Szechenyi Baths is one of the largest spas in Europe as well. There is a vast open-air section with 3 pools – one hot (40°), one cold and one for fun. The Spa is well known not only for its size and different facilities but also for its interior and decorations, made by some of the best Hungarian artists. The neo-Gothic style Baths are located in the City Park, some 15 minutes away from the Zoo.

Why You Should Visit:
The most over the top and one of the funniest/busiest bathhouses you're likely to visit.
Great experience for tourists who have never done baths.

Tip:
You may choose from a range of different massage options and facial/cosmetics services.
There is even (for an extra fee) a beer spa where you soak in beer ingredients while pouring yourself unlimited beer from the tap next to you!