We Love Budapest has profiles for literally thousands of the city's venues, with a short write-up and some photos, to make deciding where to go easier. We decided to check out which venues readers were most interested in, so here we compile a list of the 25 most searched sights and shops in Budapest, based on the venue listing that readers viewed the most times in 2014.
2/26
Ecseri Market
The largest second-hand market in Budapest, the Ecseri Piac ('Ecseri Market' in English) is located in the outskirts of the city. Flea-market fans who want to find a vintage item and who are willing to get up early to find the best things will definitely enjoy wandering among the vendors for hours. You'll find everything here, from bric-a-brac to real treasures. Real pro bargain hunters arrive at around 6am - but no matter when you arrive you're likely to find a real gem!
3/26
Gozsdu Udvar
Gozsdu Udvar ('Gozsdu Courtyard' in English) consists of seven buildings and a passage formed by six interconnected courtyards, which once played a very important part in the life of Budapest's Jewish community. A lot has changed since then, but Gozsdu Udvar, a small city within the city, is blooming again. You can find a whole bunch of cafés, bars, restaurants, shops and clubs here. Check out , , Kolor, or enjoy art exhibitions, markets, concerts, and other events all year long.
4/26
Veli Bej Bath
Veli Bej Bath dates back to Ottoman times, and has recently been reopened with various modern upgrades. You can find a sauna, an infrared sauna, a steam room, plenty of showers, family cabins, a Kneipp-basin, a whirlpool, and a waveless thermal pool in the complex. The healing water contains calcium carbonate and is beneficial for a range of ailments. The bath is warmly recommended for its small capacity and friendly prices.
5/26
Nagymező Street
Budapest has a truly cosmopolitan street known as 'Budapest's Broadway' called Nagymező Street. The street perpendicular to is peppered with theatres, clubs and restaurants, and frequented by a colourful crowd. The , the and stage various theatrical performances, while the spectacular Moulin Rouge and the 'ruin pub' are where you can dance through the night. For a photo exhibition head to , while to enjoy an elegant bistro lunch find . Prefer to eat on the street? Go for the sandwiches of or the thin-crust pizza slices of .
6/26
Zugliget Chairlift
The Zugliget Chairlift ('Libegő' in Hungarian) is a popular alternative means of transport to the Buda Hills. The nearly 1km long chairlift in District XII takes passengers on a scenic ride up the side of János Hill in about 15 minutes. Near the upper station stands the Erzsébet Lookout Tower, providing an amazing view of Budapest. It is the perfect choice for a date or an excursion.
7/26
János Hill
Thanks to its height of 526 meters, János Hill is the highest point in Budapest. It is a popular destination among hikers, mountain bikers, runners, Nordic walkers, and families. On top of János Hill stands the Erzsébet Lookout Tower where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city. In clear weather you can see as far as 80 kilometers away, and locals claim that in certain atmospheric conditions even the peaks of the High Tatra Mountains are visible off in the distance. Take bus 291 from the , and then change to the , which will take you right up the hill.
8/26
Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue is the Hungarian Champs-Élysées. It was built for the millennial celebrations in 1896 and connects City Park and to the area. Underneath the widest and most elegant street in Budapest runs the M1 underground line. The whole avenue is UNESCO World Heritage listed. Andrássy Avenue is divided into four parts. The section between and is dominated by world-famous luxury brands.The is also here as is , and the . From Oktogon to Kodály Körönd, the avenue is expanded by a service road and a tree-lined walkway on each side. Here, you'll find the museum and residential buildings. Then in the last section to Heroes' Square there are individual villas surrounded by gardens. There are several embassies here, but you will also bump into art galleries and cafés on the way.
9/26
Millenáris Park
Millenáris, next to the Mammut Mall, is a park and a venue space for exhibitions, plays, concerts and performances. The location is actually the reconstructed site of the one-time Ganz Electric Works, and you still can see parts of machinery that had been used. Today it is a modern recreation centre with halls, an underground parking lot, a playground, cafés, a theatre, and regular indoor and outdoor events. It's also a popular leisure spot in Buda with a park and a pond so you can just relax in the open green space.
10/26
Váci Street
Váci Street is a renowned pedestrian shopping street in Budapest. It stretches between and the . The northern half of the street is lined with fashion stores, while the southern half is better known for its gift shops and its bistros of slightly questionable reputation. The pedestrian street is brimming with street artists all-year-long, and is ornamented with sparkling Christmas lights in the winter.
11/26
Elizabeth Square
Erzsébet Square is a huge green park downtown, adjacent to . Being in the heart of the city, it is one of the favourite spots for students and young people to hang out or meet up. The huge steps leading down to the underground Akvárium Klub are the Spanish Steps of Budapest. Elizabeth Square is home to cool exhibitions, design fairs and craft markets. The is also located on Elizabeth Square when it's in town. To eat head to Terminal Restaurant or have a glass of wine, in the warmer months, at Fröccsterasz.
12/26
Arena Plaza
The Arena Plaza is one of the newest and largest malls in Budapest. It's a few minutes walk from the . The shops, services, restaurants and the cinema here make up for the somewhat difficult access.
13/26
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is the green heart of Budapest. It lies in the middle of the Danube between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge. Apart from a couple of hotels and sport facilities, there are no major buildings on the Island; it is a huge green park with promenades and benches, great for a date or a picnic. There is also a 5.8km rubberised running track around the island, which is one of Budapest's most popular running routes. Other sports and leisure facilities include the , the Palatinus strand. Other sights include the petting zoo, the music fountain, the Water Tower, the . If you're hungry for culture, check out the open-air stages and the medieval ruins on the Island. In summer party venues like Holduvar open here. For more information on check our detailed article here.
14/26
Buda Castle Hill Funicular
Connecting the banks of the Danube and the Castle Hill, the Buda Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló) has been in operation since 1870. Its construction was initiated by Ödön Széchenyi, son of the stateman Count István Széchenyi. Back then, this was the second of its kind in Europe. It was included on the UNSECO World Heritage list in 1987 as a distinctive element of the Danube banks of Budapest. It runs on a 95-metre route between and the Sándor Palace up in the Buda Castle district. The two cars (Margit and Gellért) are connected like pendulums: while one car runs uphill, the other goes downhill. It is a highly popular attraction and sometimes there are queues. Ticket information here.
15/26
MindQuest
MindQuest is a captivating room escape game in the heart of Budapest. Located on the upper storey of a ruin pub in Klauzál Street, Mission Impossible fans will love it! At MindQuest you can play the role of a secret agent with three important missions: to defuse a bomb, to find the largest diamond in the world, or to destroy an evil program before it's too late. The time available is 1 hour, but with good team work and attention to detail, the world will be safe in your hands.
16/26
Design Terminal
The former bus terminal at has undergone a transformation. Having lost its original function after the construction of the party place that's now , the building was abandoned for a while, before Design Terminal moved in a couple of years ago. Design Terminal has transformed the space, making it a centre for contemporary design, urbanism and other art projects. The building also houses the Terminal Restaurant and this is the perfect meeting point in the heart of the city.
Design Terminal
Address: 1053 Budapest, Kálvin tér 3.
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17/26
Liszt Ferenc tér
This square by was named after the world-famous Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt. It is a small green space surrounded by restaurants and cafés like , Buena Vista, Hooters and Circus. Liszt Ferenc Square is popular with locals and tourists alike, especially for summer evening meals on the terraces of the various bars and restaurants. At the end stands the Eclectic-Art Noveau building of the while Nagymező Street and Andrássy Avenue.
18/26
Citadel
The Citadel is a fortress atop . It was raised by the Habsburgs in 1854, following Hungary's failed revolution against the Habsburgs in 1848-49. The Citadel offers a beautiful view of the city, including of the , the , the bridges over Danube, all of Pest and the Buda Hills. No wonder in 1987, UNESCO named Gellért Hill a World Heritage site. The Citadel and the Liberty Statue at its centre have become major landmarks in Budapest. The Liberty Statue was erected in WWII and initially referred to the Soviet liberation of Hungary from Nazi Germany, but it's since taken on different meaning and generally commemorates those who have sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of Hungary.
19/26
Fashion Street
Thanks to major investment in the area Fashion Street (aka Deák Ferenc Street) has regained its turn-of-the-century grandeur. The project aims to place Budapest as a Central European fashion mecca with exclusive shops, architectural masterpieces, luxury hotels and vibes.
20/26
Funlock
Funlock is a room escape game that had created a cutting-edge security system controlled by AI. They had wanted to hide something very important, something which cannot fall into the wrong hands. But things did not turn out the way they had expected... the computer took over and locked everybody out of the room. It is a closed system, therefore it can only be restarted from inside. Defeating it will not be easy, because the AI knows every step you will try to take and will try to stop you from getting in.This escape game is for groups of 2 to 5.
21/26
Nyugati Railway Station
There are three railway terminals in Budapest, which will help you get to nearby cities or to neighbouring countries. Although they were named after points of the compass (east, west and south), this does not refer to their location within Budapest or the direction of departing trains, but rather the railway companies that originally serviced them. The Nyugati Railway Station (Nyugati pályaudvar) is one of the oldest terminals in Budapest (opening in 1877), and is located on the Grand Boulevard. The building itself is impressive having been designed by the Gustave Eiffel Company. In recent years, trains departing from the Nyugati Railway Station also stop at the .
22/26
Dark Art Tattoo
The Dark Art Tattoo studio was established by Zsolt Sárközi in 1992. The studio, which now employs several artists, had a massive influence not only on Hungary’s tattoo style, but on Europe’s as well. Dark Art has appeared in international tattoo magazines and publications, and clients have to make reservations months ahead if they would like to get tattooed by one of the studio’s artists.
23/26
Budaörsi Halpiac - The Fishmonger
One of the best gourmet fish markets in Hungary, The Fishmonger serves fresh goods only with deliveries arriving 5 times a week from Norway, Spain, New Zealand, Greece and Sri Lanka. In addition to fresh and frozen fish, crabs and clams, there are also spices, sushi accessories, special oils, wines and various utensils. To satisfy your craving for seafood, this fish market is the ultimate destination.
24/26
Cogwheel Railway
The Cogwheel Railway (Fogaskerekű) is yet another interesting form of public transportation in Budapest. It runs from Városmajor Park up to Széchenyi Hill through Sváb Hill. The red cars of theCogwheel Railway are operated by the BKK, so you can use them with your usual public transport single ticket or pass. Enjoy a nice view of the Buda Hills on your way to spots like or the terminal.
25/26
Kazinczy Street
Budapest's Jewish Quarter's busiest, rather narrow street bears the name Kazinczy Street and connects and Rákóczi Street. The ruin pub craze started off here with the world-famous . Places to try for food include , Soul Food, or . There is also swarm of small taverns, ruin pubs and clubs in Kazinczy Street: Kocka, , , and so much more. Find the Art Nouveau style Kazinczy Street Synagogue here also.
26/26
Kopaszi Dam
What had been a neglected piece of land in southern Buda has now become a sophisticated hub for restaurants and bars, with manicured gardens for picnics and walks. The Kopaszi Dam is near the Buda-side of Rákóczi Bridge and provides a magnificent riverside setting for restaurants and cafés each with a terrace looking onto tranquil waters and walkways. It is must-see destination from spring to autumn.
