An Architecture Lover’s Guide to Budapest
Join Culture Trip on a tour of Budapest’s most striking architecture, from the Gothic Revival Hungarian Parliament Building to the Neoclassical St Stephen’s Basilica.
Budapest is bursting with buildings of various styles, with some dating back to the 13th century.“People who are interested in architecture should visit Budapest for the mix of old and new architecture,” says Viktor Fikó of Hungarian firm NAPUR Architect. “The inner city’s buildings are mostly old, with some newly designed buildings; the outer city is the exact opposite.”
From old to new, here are the buildings and landmarks you should check out when in the Hungarian capital.
1. Müpa Budapest
Concert Hall, Music Venue
Once known as the Palace of Arts, Müpa Budapest is one of the city’s most modern cultural institutions. Visitors can experience classical, contemporary, popular and world music, along with contemporary circus, dance, literature and film. However, it’s not just the range of events that attract visitors – the building itself is well worth seeing. Designed by architects Zoboki-Demeter & Associates, it represents more than a century of Hungarian cultural history and houses several cultural venues. The massive limestone building with its gigantic windows on the Danube waterfront is an impressive sight. Inside, warm wood decorates the huge concert halls.
3. Hungarian State Opera House
Opera House
Designed by Miklós Ybl, who also contributed to the creation of St Stephen’s Basilica, and built between 1875 and 1884, the Neo-Renaissance Hungarian State Opera House lies on the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Avenue. The symmetrical limestone facade is decorated with musical references, with sculptures of 16 composers on the upper terrace and statues of Hungarian composers Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt – built by Alajos Stróbl – on either side of the entrance. The interior features marble and gold accents, while a fresco by Károly Lotz adorns the ceiling. Its horseshoe-shaped auditorium can seat around 1,300 spectators; however, those not wishing to attend a performance can book a place on a guided tour of the building.
4. Hungarian Parliament Building
Architectural Landmark, Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building stands on the banks of the Danube on the Pest side of the city and is notable for its size – it’s the third-largest parliament building in the world. Built primarily in the Gothic Revival style, with a symmetrical facade, the building also features a Renaissance Revival-style central dome and comprises bricks, precious stones and gold, adding to its opulent feel. Its architect was Imre Steindl, who won a competition to design the structure. Construction began in 1885, though the building didn’t open until 1904, by which time Steindl had passed away.
5. St Stephen’s Basilica
Church, Architectural Landmark
This Roman Catholic basilica in downtown Budapest was completed in 1905 and is one of the city’s tallest buildings – 96 metres (315 feet) – with a height equal to that of the Hungarian Parliament Building. Architects József Hild, Miklós Ybl and József Kauser oversaw the construction of the basilica, which is Neoclassical in style. Its interior is rich in marble and gold, while the facade is made from stone. There are two bell towers and a central dome that collapsed during construction in 1868, thereby contributing to the 54 years it took to build the basilica. Today, visitors can explore inside the building and ascend a tower for panoramic views of the city.
6. Dohány Street Synagogue
Building, Church, Memorial, Museum, Park, Synagogue
The largest synagogue in Europe, the Dohány Street Synagogue (also known as the Great Synagogue), was designed by Viennese architect Ludwig Förster, who drew architectural influence from Islamic structures in North Africa and Medieval Spain. Built in the Moorish Revival style, the synagogue also features Byzantine, Romantic and Gothic elements. Frescoes by Hungarian architect Frigyes Feszl adorn the interior, while the outside of the building features two towers with onion-shaped domes and ornate decoration. While badly damaged during World War II, the synagogue resumed its original function as a place of worship for Hungary’s Jewish community during the Communist era. However, it wasn’t restored to its former glory until the 1990s.
7. Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
Bridge
8. Fisherman’s Bastion
Historical Landmark, Building
Built between 1895 and 1902 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the Hungarian state, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a viewing terrace – hence its decorative appearance – designed by architect Frigyes Schulek. Inspired by the Neo-Romanesque architecture of early Hungary, seven stone lookout towers each feature one of the seven Hungarian chieftains who were instrumental in the creation of Hungary and settled here in AD 895. Urban air pollution during the late 20th century saw the walls of the bastion turn grey. However, they – along with a number of the statues – were restored, making the site one of Budapest’s most popular attractions.
9. Duna Aréna
Swimming Pool
The Duna Aréna is a new addition to Budapest, constructed for the 2017 FINA World Championships. The aquatics complex hosted the swimming and diving competitions, but today, its pools are open to the public. Designed by NAPUR Architect, the facade of this gigantic metallic building resembles rippling waves, echoing and reacting to the movement of the Danube. Since being built, the Duna has become a model for future Olympic aquatics centres in both Tokyo and Paris.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
- Post ID: 1088014
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload