The seat of the Hungarian Parliament is a massive Neo-Gothic edifice resting on the eastern bank of the river Danube. This stately piece of architecture is by far the most recognizable landmark of Budapest, being the largest building in Hungary and one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

Symbolizing the country’s newly-found political unity, it was built in 1896, just in time for the celebration of Hungary's millennial anniversary. The construction involved around 100,000 people and took 40 million bricks, 40 kilos of gold, and half a million precious stones and jewels used for decoration. The enormous structure contains about 700 rooms and a staggering 19 km of stairs and corridors, with overall 242 sculptures, both inside and outside, and 27 entrance gates!!!

One of the most prominent parts of the building is, undoubtedly, the central hall featuring the Hungarian Coronation Regalia, the precious artifacts including the Holy Crown of Hungary, the orb, the scepter, and a Renaissance-style sword.

Visitors are free to explore the interior on the short (45-minute) tours passing through the impressive ornamental staircases, the dome cupola where the Holy Crown is kept, and the House of Representatives. These tours are well worth taking and get filled rather quickly, so those willing to take one are advised to book online, at least two days in advance, as well as to bring along a valid ID.

Apart from its architecture, the parliament building also attracts visitors with the change of the guards ceremony that takes place there every afternoon. Also, when the sun sets and the illumination gets on, it becomes the highlight of the Budapest nightscape, largely resembling a colossal Christmas tree!

The Shoes on the Danube Bank (Cipők a Duna-Parton) is a memorial that was established on April 16, 2005, in Budapest. It was created by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer to honor the Jewish victims who were tragically massacred by the fascist Hungarian militia associated with the Arrow Cross Party during the Second World War in Budapest.

During this dark period, the victims were forced to remove their shoes, which held value and could be stolen and sold by the militia after the massacre. They were then shot at the water's edge, causing their bodies to fall into the Danube River and be carried away. The memorial symbolizes the shoes left behind by these victims and serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy they endured.

The memorial is situated on the Pest side of the Danube Promenade, aligning with the hypothetical intersection of Zoltan Street and the Danube if the street extended that far. It is approximately 300 meters (980 feet) south of the Hungarian Parliament, close to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and positioned between Roosevelt Square and Kossuth Square.

The composition of the memorial consists of sixty pairs of iron shoes that reflect the period in which the tragedy occurred. These shoes are affixed to the stone embankment, and behind them lies a 40-meter-long stone bench, 70 cm high. Three cast iron signs are placed at different points, displaying the text in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew. The inscription reads, "To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. Erected 16 April 2005."

The Castle Hill in Buda is a magnificent mix of historic fortifications, architectural landmarks and cultural venues of various sort, fit to arouse interest even in the most discerning visitors. Among them are some famous locations like the Matthias Church or Fisherman's Bastion, and the lesser-known ones like the Faust Wine Cellar, offering a choice of excellent wine tours to the cellars of Buda Castle, or the Ruszwurm сonfectionery renowned for their cream cake. The Hospital in the Rock Museum – a former hospital and bunker built under the rocks of the Castle Hill in the 1940s-60s – is open daily from 10am to 8pm. If you have plenty of time, much as strength in your feet, you may also wish to check out the Museum of Hungarian Telephony, the Hungarian Military Museum, and the small but fascinating Pharmacy Museum. Otherwise, head to the ancient Church of Saint Mary Magdalene with its reconstructed tower which affords visitors an extraordinary panorama of Budapest.

The Castle Hill streets are not typically narrow and dark medieval ones, but are pretty wide and civic, lined with beautiful flowers growing on the side and souvenir shops. The old buildings are well maintained and nicely renovated, with plenty of photo opportunities waiting practically around every corner.

Otherwise known as Royal, the Buda Castle of Budapest is named after the Buda Hill that it stands on. Once home to the Hungarian royalty, this spacious – over 300 meters long – complex totally dominates the city skyline and is a grand sight to behold, particularly at night, yet it is just as good in daylight a place to walk around, too.

From an architectural standpoint, the castle represents a mixture of styles – Gothic, Romantic, and Baroque. In large part, this is due to its having been destroyed and rebuilt, at least six times, over the course of the past seven centuries. Unlike similar former royal properties, the interior of the Buda Castle does not convey the idea of what life here was like centuries ago, when kings were still around. Instead, it accommodates several public institutions, such as the Budapest History Museum – recounting history of Budapest from the outset to the modern era; the Hungarian National Gallery – housing a collection of Hungary's most precious artifacts and works of art; and the Hungarian National Library holding, among other books, some rare and antique ones printed in Hungary and abroad.

The castle is always open – even at night – and, as such, deserves a visit. Other than the historic buildings, it treats visitors to the outstanding views of the lower part of Buda and Pest across the Danube. There is no shortage of courtyards, quiet nooks and corners here to wander in, whilst walking around. The fountain in the main courtyard is quite impressive and unique in its own right, depicting hunting party of King Matthias. The sculpted figures are so lifelike that one can almost hear the dogs panting and barking whilst chasing the prey. The military guards here are also of interest, especially when doing their routine, marching and shouldering rifles as an exercise between long stints of standing guard.

If lucky, your visit may coincide with a festival featuring medieval displays, concerts and parades of old weaponry and military uniforms. But if you're simply looking for a quiet spot to stretch out on a hot sunny afternoon, then head to the Várkért Bazár with its beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for a picnic. Just make sure to fetch a blanket and a bottle of your favorite wine... Tokaji maybe?

Directly adjacent to the Matthias Church, the massive neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque structure, known as Fisherman’s Bastion, is an extension of the ancient city wall which, back in the Middle Ages, was defended by the guild of local fishermen assigned by king. The bastion itself was built between 1895 and 1902 to mark the millennial anniversary of Hungarian statehood. The seven towers of the bastion symbolize seven Hungarian chieftains who led their tribes to the land of contemporary Hungary back in the 9th century AD. The turrets on top of them are quite popular spots with photography lovers for the great shots they provide over the mighty river Danube down below and the Pest side of the city on the opposite bank. Perhaps for this reason, access to these turrets comes at a small fee. The remainder of the bastion's terrace is open free of charge.

The centerpiece of the bastion is the statue of Saint Stephen, the first Hungarian king who ruled the country between 1000 and 1038. The wide ceremonial staircase leading to it is also lined with several statues including that of John Hunyadi – military commander and statesman, the statue of Saint George Piercing the Dragon, as well as those of the 10th-century soldiers guarding the gate, sitting at the top of the stairs, under the arch.

The surrounding benches and arcades invite for quiet contemplation or, perhaps, a little romance too, in a secluded setting. And if you feel thirsty, check out the beverage restaurant at the top of one of the turrets, to make your senses more acute to more beauties of Budapest lying ahead.

The Chain Bridge was the first stone bridge that connected the regions of Buda and Pest. It is the second of two permanent bridges that cross the entire length of the Danube River. It is also architecturally beautiful and the city's most recognizable symbol.

The bridge officially carries the name of the person who first proposed the project, namely Count Istvan Szechenyi. The construction started in 1839, under the control of William Tierney Clark. Financing for the project was done by Baron Gyorgy Sina, of Vienna.

Eventually, the project came under the supervision of Adam Clark of Scotland. Clark went on to marry a Hungarian girl, while he was still working on the bridge. If you look at the Buda end, you will find a square named after him. The official inauguration took place on November 20, 1949.

From an architectural standpoint, this is a chain suspension bridge. On the Pest side, it adjoins Szechenyi Square, in the vicinity of Gresham Palace. On the Buda side, it is connected to Adam Clark Square. The bridge spans 202 meters, which made it one of the largest of its kind back in the 1840s. You will also want to check out the lions that adorn the abutments. They are a reproduction of the Trafalgar Square Lions.

Why You Should Visit:
A very pleasant and enjoyable walk between Buda and Pest on the Danube.

Tip:
Abandon yourself in this marvelous body of water, lose your cares in its endless momentum...
The bridge offers stunning views in the evening and has a really nice walkway to gaze at the attractions on both sides of the river.

The Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden holds the title of being the oldest zoo in Hungary and one of the oldest worldwide. It is located in Budapest's City Park, making it easily accessible and distinct from other zoos.

Opening its doors on August 9, 1866, the zoo attracts approximately 1 million visitors annually. Its expansive grounds include a nature reserve and showcase beautiful art nouveau buildings designed by Kornél Neuschloss and Károly Kós. Notable residents of the zoo include the Komodo dragon and, since December 2011, the wombat.

Initially, the zoo highlighted Hungarian species and some unique animals like monkeys, parrots, camels, and kangaroos. Emperor Franz Joseph and Queen Elizabeth donated a giraffe and other creatures. In 1876, a lion house was constructed for lions and tigers. Eventually, an elephant, hippopotamus, and rhinoceros joined the collection.

Over time, the zoo's enthusiasm waned, popularity declined, and financial challenges arose. To attract visitors, the management transformed the institution into an entertainment-oriented company, incorporating entertainers and comedians alongside animals and plants.

The zoo's latest attraction, the Magical Hill, presents diverse flora and fauna, the evolution of biodiversity, and the relationship between humans and nature. It features more than 100 species, interactive games, and illustrative models. Additionally, the America Tropicana showcases the plant and animal life of the tropical climate in the Americas.

Other notable areas in the zoo include the Savannah Zone, exhibiting giraffes, gazelles, white rhinoceros, birds, small mammals, and insects. The Australia Zone, located near the Great Lake, highlights the unique birds, reptiles, and amphibians of Australia. The India Zone, housed in the historic India House, showcases Asiatic lions, striped hyenas, and more.