Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was created in 1873 by the merger of three cities: Buda, Óbuda, and Pest. It is an administrative, cultural, scientific, economic, trade, and transportation center with about 2 million inhabitants. The town spreads on the banks of the river Danube and it is divided into 23 districts, 16 of which are located on the Pest side, 6 in Buda, and 1 on Csepel Island in the Danube.
Buda extends to the hills on the west bank of the Danube and Pest on the left bank of the river in the lowlands. In Buda, the 235 m high hill (Gellért-hegy) rises from the river bank and offers a remarkable view of the whole city.
Budapest's climate is characterized by warm sunny summers and short cold winters. The average temperature in summer is around 25 degrees Celsius (7° Fahrenheit). Budapest has exceptionally high levels of sunshine hours from April to September that matches those of cities like Barcelona. The best time to visit is during the months between May and September where you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures. While the temperatures tend to drop below zero around December and January. Rainfall is to be expected all year round, especially in May, June, and in the autumn season from September to November.
It is impossible to list everything that is worth doing, seeing or tasting in Budapest. There are a plethora of activities to do in and around Budapest all year round. The Christmas market in Vörösmarty square is noted among the most beautiful in Europe, while the Sziget Fesztivál held every August features a lineup that attracts visitors from all over the world year by year.
One thing is for sure - Hungarians use the city in a creative way. They do “usual” things unusually well; like the Buda castle hosting a wine festival, the Liberty bridge turning into a picnic spot above the Danube river, or the unique vibe of the ruin bars in the Jewish District.
Budapest has an undeniably astounding mix of exceptional buildings, beautiful sights to see, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites (Andrassy Avenue and the Danube with the Buda Castle and the Parliament). Besides the pampering-healing baths, a number of museums, and churches like the big Catholic Basilica, or the elaborate Jewish Synagogue, and of course the markets in Budapest – brimming with flavors and colors, there are some famous and popular tourist attractions in Budapest that are somewhat special architecturally or historically.
And what about that stunning building that everyone recognizes along the Danube? The Hungarian Parliament.
Here are a few facts about this stunning structure:
● It is located on the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the Danube river.
● It is 268 m long, 118 m high, while its dome is at an imposing height of 96m.
● The total length of the stairs in the building reaches roughly 20 km.
● It has 365 towers, representing every day of the year.
● The Parliament in London inspired its design.
● The entrance of the building is on the side of the square. Tourists may also come and visit, but they are allowed to do so only with a guide.
● Parliament’s Congress Hall houses the painting of the most famous Hungarian painter of his time, Mihály Munkácsy.
● There are a total of 242 sculptures on the interior and exterior walls of the Parliament.
● The Hungarian Parliament Building is actually built using very soft limestone, which is easily destroyed.
Did you know you can visit Budapest by river or land? Budapest is a stop along many escorted tours, and a final destination along a river cruise. We can create a custom private trip if you prefer.
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