Nearby places

Getting around these landmarks

The places listed above sit within a fairly compact part of central Budapest, which makes it easy to combine several of them in a single afternoon between errands or meetings. Most visitors find that walking, the metro and the trams cover everything without needing a car, and parking in the inner districts can be slow and costly anyway.

Pest side: Parliament, the Basilica and Andrássy Avenue

The Hungarian Parliament and St Stephen's Basilica are both in District V, a short walk apart. From the Basilica area, Andrássy Avenue runs north-east towards Heroes' Square, and the M1 line beneath it is the oldest metro line in continental Europe, a pleasant way to cover the distance if you would rather not walk the full length. Szimpla Kert, the best-known of the city's ruin bars, is in the old Jewish Quarter of District VII and is busiest in the evenings, so daytime visits are quieter if you simply want to see the space.

Crossing the river: Chain Bridge and Buda Castle

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge links the Pest embankment with the Buda side, where the Castle District rises above the Danube. You can walk up, take a bus, or use the funicular from Clark Ádám tér. Comfortable shoes help, as the castle streets are cobbled and hilly.

Practical tips

• Great Market Hall is usually liveliest in the morning; it is generally closed on Sundays, so check current hours before you go.
• Parliament interiors can only be seen on guided tours, which often sell out, so book through the official channels in advance.
• Public transport tickets must be validated before or on boarding; travel passes are often simpler for a day of sightseeing.
• Opening times and access can change for events or works, so confirm with each venue's official website.

If you are visiting us during the day, the contact page has the details for arranging a stop, and our guides collect further tips on getting the most out of the city.