12 Famous Buildings In Budapest, Hungary

1. Hungarian State Opera

Located in central Budapest, Hungarian State Opera is of a neo-Renaissance architecture style with elements of Baroque and was opened to the public in September of 1884. This Hungarian landmark was thoughtfully designed by Miklos Ybl, who was a leading figure in architecture in Europe from the 19th century. One of the major events hosted in this magnificent opera house is Budapest Opera Ball, which started in 1886, a social event held during carnival season. This establishment holds guided tours that you should definitely participate in!

Hungarian State Opera

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary

Website: Hungarian State Opera

2. Budapest-Keleti

One of the major landmarks in Budapest is its railway station, Budapest-Keleti. The station serves as the main international and inter-city terminal for Budapest. The architecture of this prominent structure does not have a specific inspiration but rather it dons an eclectic style designed by Gyula Rochlitz and Janos Feketehazy. The train station features two statues: one of James Watt, a Scottish engineer known for his contribution to the steam engine, and George Stephenson, a British engineer known as the Father of Railways.

Budapest-Keleti

Address: Budapest, Kerepesi út 2-4, 1087 Hungary

Website: Budapest-Keleti

3. Splendor of St. Stephen's Basilica

St Stephen’s Basilica is one of the top 10 attractions in Budapest, mainly because of the several organ concerts which take place here. This religious landmark is also known for its size and gorgeous architecture. This Budapest famous building has been named after Hungary’s first king. The basilica’s dome is magnificent and is almost 100 metres (328 feet) high. The interiors of this basilica have been carefully designed and are highly impressive. Visitors at this building can go to the viewing platform where they can enjoy panoramic views of Budapest as well.

St. Stephen's Basilica

Address: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary

Website: St. Stephen’s Basilica

4. Széchenyi Chain Bridge

One of the oldest buildings in Budapest is Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The construction of this bridge which took nine years to complete is the oldest bridge connecting the two sides of Budapest. This bridge is considered to be a product of architectural and engineering excellence. As you enter the bridge, you will encounter lion statues, which are thought to be guards of the entrance. Along the sides of the bridge, couples attach locks as a declaration of their love for each other. This structure looks especially beautiful at night when the towers are lit up. Against the night sky, the bridge looks magnificent and makes great photos.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Address: Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051 Hungary

5. Royal Palace (Buda Castle)

This building is also known as Buda Castle and is a beautiful piece of architecture located over the Castle Hill. This is known to be the royal residence starting from the 13th century. This place can be accessed via a cable car which starts running from Clark Adam Square. When you enter the palace, you will notice an array of local Hungarian treasures as well as art pieces. There are many small museums and gallery spaces within the palace which houses these works of art.

Buda Castle

Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary

Website: Buda Castle

6. Budapest Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a piece of architectural excellence. Its grandeur and intricate architecture in probably unmatched in the world. The building is reflected in the adjacent Danube River and consists of a central dome between two tall spires. Being the third largest parliament building in the world, this parliament houses 691 rooms. It is said that about a huge amount of gold has also been used in the interior decoration. This building is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and 10 am to noon on weekends.

Budapest Parliament Building

Address: Kossuth Lajos Ter 1-3, Budapest, HU-1055, Hungary, HU

Website: Budapest Parliament Building

7. Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion or locally known as Halászbástya is a viewing terrace that is located in Buda Castle. This is one of the most visited attractions in Budapest. After all, what better than this for locals and tourists to enjoy the beautiful city views. This fairytale-like building has seven towers with many stairs and walking paths. Construction of this building was said to have started in 1895 and was completed in seven years. This building is open every day and admission is free.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary

Website: Fisherman’s Bastion

8. Museum of Applied Arts

The Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a gorgeous building designed by Ödön Lechner, is now undergoing refurbishment and will be closed for about three years. However, while it operates, it is an iconic art museum which is home to two permanent collections. Here, relics from Hungarian and European furniture deriving from the 18th and 19th centuries, art nouveau and Secessionist artefacts as well as Islamic art and artefacts from the 9th to 19th centuries are housed. While the museum is closed, many pieces of the collections will be transferred to other public viewing spaces.

Museum of Applied Arts

Address: Budapest, Üllői út 33-37, 1091 Hungary

Website: Museum of Applied Arts

9. House of Terror

House of Terror is an art museum located in Central Budapest. This museum contains exhibits which are associated with the fascist and communist regimes that reigned during the 20th-century in Hungary. This building also serves as a memorial to the victims who lost their lives because of these regimes. The exhibits in the museum depict the endurance of Hungarians during the Nazis and Communists regimes. Take a virtual tour by having a look at some of the collections here, including the torture chambers and prisons.

House of Terror

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary

Website: House of Terror

10. Matthias Church

Matthias Church is well known as a Roman Catholic church which is situated in a convenient location in Budapest. Standing proudly right in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion in Castle District, this church was built in 1015 and bears a Gothic style. If you are viewing this building for the first time, then you will notice that this church has a very distinct church architecture. The interiors of this church are also elaborately designed and exotic. Do not miss out seeing the beautiful lights in the church hall.

Matthias Church

Address: Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary

Website: Matthias Church

11. Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue is also known as The Dohány Street synagogue which is also the second largest synagogue in the world. Touted as one of the major touristic highlights when in Budapest, this synagogue stands as an icon of a religious landmark built in the Moorish style. The Synagogue was built in Budapest’s former Jewish quarter where many people following the Jewish way of life still live. This place is open during weekdays and closed on Saturdays and for Jewish holidays. This Budapest architecture still stands as a venue for workshops and for cultural events.

Great Synagogue

Address: Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary

12. Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall is Budapest’s largest and most expansive indoor market set on the Pest side of the city. The market consists of two floors of food and souvenirs that attract not only visitors but also the locals. It can take you a great amount of the day to explore all that the market has to offer. As such, do plan enough time for browsing so that you get the best deals. The market is open from Mondays to Saturdays.

Great Market Hall

Website: Great Market Hall

Examine Budapest buildings

As we have seen, many buildings of architectural excellence make up the Hungarian skyline. As such, flock to this city to check out the eclectic nature of this wonderful city.