City Center, Budapest

About Budapest City Center

As the ninth-largest city in the European Union, Budapest is not a small place. The city stretches on for miles on either side of the Danube River, and the metropolitan area is home to over three million people – one-third of the population of the entire country of Hungary.

But as large as the city may be, you'll find that most of its attractions are within the center of the city. In fact, Budapest is really two cities. There's Buda, on the west side of the river, built on the hills overlooking the Danube. Then there's Pest, on the other side of the water, built on flatter land. It was only in 1873 that the cities combined to become Budapest. The center of the city is in Pest, close to the river and home to many of the city's top attractions. But the striking hills of Buda also have plenty to offer visitors. Luckily, it's easy to get around the city, and you have the opportunity to explore both sides of this fascinating town.

With thousands of years of history, beautiful buildings, a unique culture, and internationally renowned nightlife, Budapest has something to offer just about anyone. It's no wonder the city receives around 12 million international visitors each year. Whether you're visiting for the first time or are already familiar with the Hungarian capital, Budapest always has something new to offer.

Things to do in Budapest City Center

The heart of Budapest, known as Belvaros in Hungarian, sits right on the eastern bank of the Danube. Bordered by the Grand Boulevard and the river, it's home to much of what makes Budapest so fascinating to visit. You could spend days in the city center alone and still not see all it has to offer.

• See the world's third-largest parliament building —and possibly its most beautiful — at the Hungarian parliament. This magnificent government building sits along the bank of the Danube in the heart of the city, looks more like a fairytale castle than a center of legislation. Guided tours will take you inside to see more of the stunning architecture.

• Take a stroll along the Danube Promenade. This walkway offers views over the wide river that separates the two sides of the city. A pleasant stroll at any time of day, it's best enjoyed close to sunset, when the bridges begin to light up.

• Learn about a dark chapter of Hungarian history at the House of Terror. Once the headquarters of the fascist party, this building now houses a museum devoted to the fascist and communist regimes that ruled the country in the 20th century. Though not for the faint of heart, this unique museum serves as a warning against the dangers of totalitarianism.

• Experience the grandeur of a vanished Empire at the Hungarian State Opera House. Built in 1884 on the orders of Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph,  this opera house is still considered one of the best in the world. If you can't manage to get tickets to a show, you can take a tour that will explain the history of this grand building and its importance in the cultural life of Hungary.

• Pick up unique souvenirs at Budapest Central Market Hall. This is where locals come to buy meat and vegetables, but it's also a great place to shop for gifts and mementos on the upper floors. Mix with Hungarians and experience the modern side of Budapest.

Transit options in Budapest City Center

• A shuttle bus runs from Deak Ferenc Square in the city center to Franz Liszt International Airport, the largest in the country. The airport connects to most of Europe's major population centers.

• Budapest’s Metro system is practically a tourist attraction in its own right. The early 20th century stations are remarkably well preserved in their orginal glory. The M1 line is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Metro currently has four lines, with a fifth potentially on the way. Lines M1, M2, and M3 all stop at Deak Ferenc Ter in Budapest city center.

• Tram line 1 serves the city center, along with many bus routes, making it easy to reach just about anywhere in Budapest.
  

Luggage storage in Budapest City Center

Much of Budapest city center is very walkable. Combine that with the extensive public transit network, and you'll find it's no challenge to see everything that Budapest has to offer. But whether you're strolling around on foot or hopping on-and-off Metro and streetcar lines, you don't want to be carrying more than you need to.

Drop off your heavy bags at a Bounce location in Budapest city center. Your items will be safely stored until you return, and no matter how many bags you have, Bounce can help you find a place to leave them.

Activities and attractions near Budapest City Center

• Castle Hill: Take the second oldest funicular railway in the world up to Castle Hill. Located on the west side of the Danube in Buda, this hill is home to some of the city's most popular attractions. The sandcastle-like architecture of Fishermen's Bastion is the perfect place to take panoramic photos of the city, and Buda Castle lets you learn more about the history of the rulers of Hungary from medieval times up to the 20th century. Don’t forget to leave any heavy bags behind at a luggage storage shop in Budapest city center before heading up the hill.

• Gellert Baths: Budapest is one of only three capital cities in the world that have naturally occurring hot springs. You can take advantage of this fact at the grand spa of Gellert Baths. The early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture of the building will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the twilight of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the soothing mineral waters are reputed to have medicinal properties. You’ll find a sauna, an open-air pool with artificial waves, and a variety of other hot baths. Make your visit easier by leaving heavy bags at a Budapest city center luggage storage before you go to take the waters.

• Margaret Island: Get some exercise on Margaret Island. Located in the Danube River, this is where residents of Budapest go to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. If you want to keep up your workouts during your trip, the island has a rubber-coated running track that goes all the way around and makes a perfect place for jogging. There's also a musical fountain, and the island is a great place to relax on a sunny day and even enjoy a picnic.