THE LANDMARKS
The Castle District and its cobblestone streets lined with medieval buildings is the city's main tourist zone. You can get the best city view from here, especially from the landmark FISHERMEN'S BASTION, with the iconic PARLIAMENT standing on the other side of the river. It can be reached by crossing the CHAIN BRIDGE which was the first link between Buda and Pest when it opened in 1849.

MODERN ART
The Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art overlooks the Danube in the Palace of the Arts. It displays the best collection of contemporary Hungarian art together with international names such as Picasso and Andy Warhol. The temporary exhibitions of contemporary European artists also attract the crowds.

CLASSIC ART
The National Gallery presents the history of fine arts in Hungary. It's housed in the former Royal Palace of Buda and showcases dramatic medieval and Renaissance stone carvings, late Renaissance and baroque art, 19th century paintings, and modern art by the country's greatest artists.
For international art head to the Museum of Fine Arts which includes Egyptian, Greek, and Roman works together with old master paintings (Rembrandt, El Greco, and Goya among others).
The Hungarian National Museum presents a good archaeological collection and also holds the country's historical photographic collection.

STRIKING ARCHITECTURE
The 19th century ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA is one of Budapest's main landmarks. It's the city's tallest building, with a large dome from where you can get 360-degree views.
Dating from around the same time, the State Opera House is a neo-Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece known for having one of the best acoustics in Europe. If you can't make it to one of the opera or ballet performances, you may choose to go on a guided tour.

ANCIENT SITE
Mátyás Church is located in the heart of the Castle District, and was originally built in the 11th century although much of what you see today dates from the late 14th century. As arguably Budapest's most beautiful church, it was the site of several coronations over the years.

CITY LIFE
The leafy ANDRÁSSY UT is Budapest's main avenue, home to some of its finest shops. You must go for a stroll there before also passing by VÁCI UTCA, a pedestrianized street lined with cafes and shops. Finally, no Budapest visit is complete without experiencing its baths, with the classic GELLÉRT BATHS being the best and most famous option. It is said to do wonders for rheumatism and osteoarthritis sufferers, but you don't need to have anything wrong with you to enjoy the beautiful architecture making you feel like you're in a Roman temple.

TOURS & DAYTRIPS
Go on a tour of Budapest and see the best of the city in a short period of time.