✌️Budapest is a city that can not be disliked. It delights with its architecture, is friendly and at the same time perfect for a weekend trip. What more could you want?

All my friends who visited this city were delighted. They urged me to go and see for myself with my own eyes. They were right - Budapest is a city that I can recommend to everyone! You will not be disappointed.

When is the best time to go to Budapest?

Regarding this part of Europe - if you want to go sightseeing in less comfortable conditions - out of season, at the end or the beginning of the year. However, you can expect rain or frost. The city does not make such an impression at that time. The best are spring and summer months, also autumn has its advantages - beautiful colorful leaves on the trees.

I went here in August - the number of tourists was felt, but probably not so tiring. Everyone should be aware that he is coming to the European capital.

How much time do you need?

Budapest has a lot to offer, so the minimum is the weekend. If you are organized and holding a tour plan, it should be enough. Just why hurry? I was in Budapest for 2 days, in fact I saw most attractions, I walked, but one more full day I would not have despised, especially if you want to enjoy the attractions.

What do you need to see for yourself?

Budapest has many places to see. I present to you a list of those that I can recommend with a clear conscience:

1. Parliament

Standing on the Danube, it is impossible not to notice the spectacular building located on the banks - the Parliament building - one of the symbols of Budapest and the whole of Hungary. Out of curiosities: 1,000 people worked on the construction site, 40 kilos of gold, half a million precious stones and 40 million bricks were used. Built in the neo-Gothic style, with baroque elements. Inside, the most valuable relic of the Hungarian family is kept and the symbol of statehood - the crown of St. Stephen.

Parliament is available for visitors, but only in groups, after buying tickets. I could not get inside, so I will have to come back here!

Across the street is the Ethnographic Museum.

The parliament building at night is beautifully illuminated.

2. Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful (if not the most beautiful) place in Budapest.

On the one hand, Matthias Church - a 13th century temple, a witness to royal coronations in Hungary. Its towering, 78-meter-high tower is visible in most places in the city.

On the other, the Fishermen's Bastion - an age-old building from which the magic panorama is parting. Starting from Margaret Island, through Parliament to Gellert Hill.

Particularly phenomenal after dark. Budapest is one of the most beautifully lit cities in Europe.

3. Basilica of St. Stephen

The largest church in the Hungarian capital, which can accommodate 8,500 (!) Believers. Dedicated to the first Hungarian king, Stefan I. Basilica is the second Budapest and the third highest Hungarian building. Inside, there is another national treasure - The Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen. I recommend to visit!

Inside there are beautiful decorations and a huge dome.

4. Heroes' Square

The square is one of the most important places in Budapest - especially for political reasons. Numerous demonstrations that took place here have left its mark on the inhabitants' consciousness. Here the symbol of communism collapsed - Stalin's monument - after the uprising in 1956 - bloodily suppressed, by the Soviet Army.

5. Vajdahunyad Castle and Széchenyi gyógyfürdő

The castle is located behind the Heroes' Square, in the Városliget Park. The building is a patchwork of copies of historical buildings (stylistically it is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque). It took its name from the most characteristic copy of the Vajdahunyad castle in Transylvania, now in Romania.

The areas around the castle are full of greenery. There is a small pond nearby, which enhances the beautiful impressions.

Every day, out of 123 Budapest's thermal springs, there are 70 million liters of hot water with a temperature of between 21 and 78 degrees Celsius. This is how the Széchenyi gyógyfürdő was founded - the largest swimming pool complex in Europe. The oldest building was built in 1881. It is a typically tourist place, attracting crowds. But one of the obligatory travel points to Budapest.

6. Gellert Mountain

It owes its name to Bishop Gellert, who was to be murdered here by the Gentiles (according to legend, he was let down from the top in a wooden barrel).

The mountain has always enjoyed a bad reputation among the residents - it was thought that witches gather on it and celebrate the Sabbath. Such opinions were popular especially during the Counter-Reformation period. Later, due to high crime, the area was considered dangerous.

Today, it is one of the best viewpoints of the city. At the top there is the Freedom Monument, commemorating all those who fell for Hungary.

7. Margaret Island

The island is 2.5 km long, it is full of greenery with bicycle paths. This is a place of recreation, there are also hotels and sports facilities here - in July last year the World Swimming Championships took place here, the island was full of life. In addition to such events is rather quiet and peaceful, you can relax here.

8. Bridges

The bridges in Budapest constitute one of the most beautiful elements of the city landscape. All of them were destroyed during the war, but they were dynamically rebuilt, thanks to which we can admire them today. The biggest impression on me was made by two - The Chain Bridge and the Freedom Bridge.

The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd, Lánchid) was built in 1839-1849. Its name comes from the Hungarian politician, István Széchenyi, who was the originator of the construction of the crossing. The bridge was the first permanent connection of Buda and Pest on the opposite sides of the Danube. At both ends of the bridge there are large lions lying on pedestals.

The Freedom Bridge was built together with the Elizabeth Bridge, in the years 1894-1896. After the Second World War, it was rebuilt as the first of the destroyed bridges in 1946. For this reason, it was also called the Freedom Bridge. Turul birds are a characteristic decoration at its top.

Look at the sunset and a short video from the Chain Bridge. The view is spectacular.

I hope you liked the idea of a weekend trip to Budapest. Let me know what you think in the commentary. Have you been there? Or maybe you're going to be going soon? If you have any additional questions I will be happy to answer them.

@lashotta