Now these are the buildings one would not walk past without noting their grandeur, regardless of being unaware of their significance.
Budapest is abundant in such historic buildings built in a large variety of architectural styles, mainly Neo Classicist and Secessionist, but traces of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque can also be found.
Our number one pick is the
Parliament being Hungary's largest building and the symbol of Budapest. Its Neo-Gothic exterior is truly breathtaking, just as its interior comprising 691 rooms. The
Royal Palace on Castle Hill is yet another representative building built by the Habsburgs in Hungary's golden era.
In third place is the
Gresham Palace, the Secessionist masterpiece of the city. Secessionism has become the signature style of Budapest and the Gresham Palace its splendid example!
Science being a topic endeared by Hungarians, the
Hungarian Academy of Sciences is not only significant as an outstanding work or architecture, but a symbol of the country's scientific development.
The
Opera House is renowned for having one of the best acoustics in the world, alongside being the settings for such films as Evita and Munich.
The Classicist, palace-like building of the
Hungarian National Museum in sixth place is not only monumental with its huge Corinthian columns, but houses countless treasures of Hungarian history.
The
Fishermen's Bastion with its Disney Land towers creates a magical atmosphere in the Castle District. It must be noted however, that it was Walt Disney who was inspired by the towers, not the other way around! Being built in the 20th century it doesn't fit the historical buildings category, but castles and palaces all the more!
The Neo-Classical building of the
Károlyi Palace near Kálvin Square used to be the residence of a Hungarian nobleman in the 18th Century now housing the Museum of Literature.
Gellért Hotel is another monumental Secessionist masterpiece both interior and exterior wise, having more than just aesthetic value! Visit the
Gellért Spa located in the same building for a revitalizing experience.
Last but not least is the
Vigadó Concert Hall along the Duna Korzo: this imposing building of the former concert hall is now under renovation, soon to become a hotel!
Kossuth Square 1–3
Inspired by Westminster...
Castle Hill
Houses museums and art galleries...
Andrássy út 22
Beautiful neo-Renaissance building...
Muzeum korut, 14-16
(District VIII)
History of the nation...
Szentháromság Square
Look out tower with stunning view...
Kelenhegyi Street 4
Spa Hotel and Secessionist Masterpiece...
Vigado ter
Architecturally eclectic...