Thermal Baths

A must see on the list of attractions are the numerous thermal baths throughout the city. The thermal springs provide a constant supply of water of varying temperatures, as the baths serve to refresh and relax people from all corners of the globe.

The Széchenyi Baths in Pest, located in Városliget, or City Park, provide a number of indoor and outdoor pools. The spectacular, neo-Baroque building was built in 1913, housing the largest medicinal baths in Europe.

There are three large swimming pools outside. The warmest is a steamy retreat equipt with chess boards just above the water’s surface. There is also an ornate fountain with pressure enough to massage the backs and heads of swimmers.

The pool on the opposing end has numerous massaging jets as well and in the center is a section looking similar to the shell of a snail. If you’re there at the right time, you can float counterclockwise in the swirling pool which is turned on sporadically. Laughter is contagious as numerous bobbing heads float around the pool.

On your way out of the park, be sure to look for Heroes‘ Square. The magnificent landmark features the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary, and other memorable figures in Hungarian history.

Another hot spot for thermal baths is Gellért Hotel‘s awe-inspiring Gellért Baths. on the other side of the river.

The most famous among the tour books and postcards is the enormous Roman-style bath inside the Gellért adorned with tiles and mosaics, and rowed with ornate columns.

Getting started in the baths can be a bit tricky as most of the employees don’t speak English. Helpful are the menus at admission, displaying the varying prices.

The Var - Castle Hill

Perched on the Buda side of the Danube is Castle Hill. The area is peppered with mansions and breathtaking sculptures surrounding the immense castle.

The main streets of the area still follow the same course of medieval times -- cobblestone pathways winding among the ornate Gothic arches and intricate stone carvings.

The Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum (Tárnok utca 18) is a historical treasure on Castle Hill being the first pharmacy in Buda. The pharmacy provided some creative remedies in its time, including the manufacturing of “Mumia“ powder, made from the skull of a mummy and used for epileptic patients.

On the north end of the square is Gerbeaud Patisserie. The patisserie is situated inside a beautiful Art Nouveau building and has supplied confectionist creations since 1858.

If you’re not spending the day at the baths or Castle Hill, there are a number of other activites to accomplish during a stay in the city.

Roughly 20 minutes outside the city center is the final resting place for the communist statues of Budapest in Statue Park. A collection of 42 monuments that once stood throughout the city -- Marx, Lenin, Engels -- the park provides a window into the times of communism and its icons.

The souvenir shop sells a number of not-so-necessary keepsakes including a can of air marked as “the last breath of socialism.“

Located in the hills of Buda is the Farkasreti Cemetery which was built in 1894. Here you will find the gravestones of some of Hungary’s most prized poets, musicians and writers.

Among the list of artists, and perhaps the most well-known is the headstone of Bela Bartok, who died in exile in America in 1945 and wasn’t laid to rest in the cemetery until 1988.

Famous headstones aside, the cemetery is a peaceful and quiet retreat with an awe-inspiring mortuary chapel designed by Imre Makovecz. Remember to respect the space and solitude of mourners in the cemetery.

The Hungarian National Gallery is located in the Royal Palace of Buda and has since 1975. The gallery has the largest collection of public work and chronicles art of the past and the continuing development of fine arts in Hungary.

Operating as an independent institution since 1957, there are over @@paintings, 2100 sculptures, 11,000 drawings and 5000 prints.

The permanent exhibitions in the gallery can be viewed for free. Other tickets can be purchased at the box office in Wings A and C.