The Beautiful Buildings of Budapest

If there’s one thing about Budapest that made an impression on me the most, it’s the beauty of its buildings. They are filled with unimaginable detail and showcase an array of eclectic styles to reflect different periods in history.

The various architectural forms provide tell-tale signs of Budapest’s rich and turbulent history. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, for centuries wandering tribes and invading armies have swept through Hungary and its capital city.

Invaded by the Romans, Mongols, Turks, Germans and Russians, Budapest has not had it easy. Yet moving forward, it’s these hints of the past that make the city so memorable and intriguing for visitors.

Although much of Budapest has been rebuilt after the Second World War in 1945 and again in 1956 after a brutal Soviet-led invasion, some buildings did survive while others were thoughtfully reconstructed.

There are few cities in the world where you can see Turkish buildings, mosques, baths, houses of Eastern characters appear harmoniously beside buildings of Gothic, Art Nouveau or Renaissance style.

Budapest managed to shift and adapt to its political environment time and time again, especially when we consider the city used to be originally separate cities – Buda and Pest –  divided by the river only 150 years ago before they united.

Here are some of Budapest’s most beautiful and interesting buildings:

1. Parliament Building

Budapest Parliament - The most beautiful buildings in Budapest

Sitting picturesquely on the foot of the Danube River, I must’ve spent over two hours just marvelling at this building and watching people pass by.

The Budapest Parliament is the fourth largest Parliament building in the world, with 691 rooms and a whooping 20 kilometres worth of stairs! Said to be inspired by London’s Westminister, it’s easy to see the resemblance, yet impressively, it manages to visually surpass its British counterpart by quite a stretch. 

(If you’re wondering what the world’s largest Parliament is that title goes to Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament).

Beautiful buildings in Budapest - the Parliament building

I recommend booking a guided tour of the Parliament. See this website for times and prices (ensure you select the English guided tour).

2. Saint Stephen’s Basilica

Beautiful buildings in Budapest - St Stephen's Basilica

I stayed just steps away from the Basilica and I recommend this location to anyone visiting Hungary’s capital. Jozsef Hild began the construction of Budapest’s largest church in 1851 and Miklos Ybl completed it in 1905.

By the time of its completion, Ybl had changed the original neo-classical style to Eclectic which was popular at the time. (Ybl was also responsible for the State Opera House, another impressive building in the city).

Inside St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest

Make sure you leave enough time to go inside the Basilica gilded altars and intricate mosaics. The best part, however, is heading up to the top for panoramic views of the city. In a place so beautiful it’s only natural that it has inspired a few proposals over the years!

Interesting fact: The dome is the same height as the Parliament, but current legislation forbids anything higher so Budapest isn’t going to get its own version of the Empire State any time soon.

3. Museum of Applied Arts

Museum of Applied Arts - Beautiful buildings in Budapest

Housed in a marvellous Secessionist building, this museum is a feast for the eyes both inside and out. Built in 1896 by architect Ödön Lechner, who was given the nickname the ‘Hungarian Gaudi’.

The most striking thing about this building is its startling green and gold roof made from Zsolnay tiles, a famous Hungarian manufacturer traditionally of porcelain, tiles, and stoneware. The company also introduced the eosin glazing process and pyrogranite ceramics into their product range for more durability to cement its prestigious reputation in the industry.

The Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest

Inside the Museum of Applied Arts - Beautiful buildings in Budapest

The interior doesn’t disappoint, in fact I prefer the interior design of the building more than the exhibitions!

3. Fishermen’s Bastion

Beautiful buildings of Budapest

One of the most unique buildings of Budapest is Fisherman’s Bastion. Frigyes Schulek built this in neo-Romanesque style between 1899 and 1905, as part of the ancient castle wall behind Matthias Church. In front of the bastion is an ornate equestrian monument of St Stephen by sculptor Alajos Stróbl.

Fisherman's Bastion - Most beautiful buildings in Budapest

The lookout towers, terraces, and passages are perfectly positioned for taking panoramic photographs of the Danube and Pest.

4. Matthias Church

The ornate exterior of Matthias Church - beautiful buildings in Budapest

Rebuilt a number of times after multiple invasions, Matthias church has had a tremulous history. During the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century, it was converted into a mosque, with Christian icons removed.

In its current state, it was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style by Frigyes Schulek between 1874 and 1896, before he built the Fishermen’s Bastion. As you can tell, Schluk had a big impact shaping the visual identity of Budapest, alongside contemporaries like Imre Steindl and Alajos Hauszmann.

Matthias Church - Most beautiful buildings in Budapest

From the tiled roof to the detailed architecture, Matthias Church stands out above the rest. From the stained glass windows to the ornate interior, Matthias Church is easily one of the most beautiful buildings in Budapest.

As you step inside, the church’s interior unfolds with a breathtaking display of ornate decoration. Inside you will discover frescoes, stained glass windows, and a magnificent altar. One of the most notable elements is the intricately carved pulpit, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that tells stories of saints and biblical scenes.

The church’s historical significance is further heightened by housing the Ecclesiastical Art Museum, showcasing religious artifacts and treasures.

5. Great Market Hall

Great Market food hall Budapest

A place where local food and architecture meet is always worthy of attention, right?

I love the embellished rooftop. Similar to the Matthias Church and the Museum of Applied Arts, Zsolnay tiles cover the facade. As you step inside you will notice the metal roof structure that has been left exposed in its original 19th century form. 

The market welcomes you with an explosion of vivid colours, tasty treats, and the lively hum of vendors and shoppers. Stalls overflow with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and an array of Hungarian specialties such as paprika, sausages, and pálinka. Upstairs, a treasure trove of handicrafts awaits. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs and get a flavour of Hungary’s rich cultural heritage.

Get food at the Great Market Hall in Budapest

Tip: Great Market Hall is located near Liberty Bridge (you can’t miss it). If you walk across you’ll have easy access to Gellért Hill where the Citadel resides at the top.

6. Wekerle Estate

Wekerle Estate in Budapest - architecture

Wekerle Estate is situated in the southeastern part of Budapest and it is one of the most unique buildings in the city.

It was named after the Hungarian Prime Minister, Sándor Wekerle. The estate was developed between 1908 and 1928 to address the growing demand for affordable housing in Budapest. This well-preserved and rather quirky estate is a fine example of early 20th-century urban planning and architectural innovation.

The architectural design of Wekerle Estate is a harmonious blend of various styles, primarily influenced by Art Nouveau and Hungarian folk architecture. Architect Béla Lajta, the visionary behind Wekerle Estate, drew inspiration from traditional Hungarian village architecture. This influence is evident in the use of bright colors, pitched roofs, and intricate wooden detailing, creating a sense of rural nostalgia within an urban environment.

You might also like: Art Nouveau Architecture in Riga & Where to Find It

7. Szechenyi Baths

Szechenyi baths

© Szechenyibath.hu

Regrettably I didn’t visit these baths during my trip since I’d forgotten to pack a costume. Make sure you don’t forget yours! I’ve been told by enough friends that I shouldn’t have missed this attraction, so I’m urging you not to make the same mistake.

The building itself its also worth noting with its brightly yellow Neo-Baroque design. It is rich with metaphors, aqua motifs, and statues depicting water mythologies and water gods and goddesses. After a long day of sightseeing dipping yourself in Europe’s largest medicinal baths is perhaps the best way to unwind. Next time I’m in Budapest I won’t miss this place I assure you…

For opening times and address visit their website here.

Where to stay in Budapest

Acccommodation: For a lovely and stylish, reasonably priced, centrally located hotel stay at Hotel Moments Budapest.

Tours in Budapest: Looking for a guided tour of the Parliament building, spa package or river cruise? Take a look at what’s available to book in Budapest here.

How to get to Budapest: You can fly direct from a wide range of airports in Europe and world-wide. If you live in Europe it’s also possible to travel to Budapest by train via the Trainline.

Further reading: 3 days in Budapest

Also: Getting the train between Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna

The beautiful buildings of Budapest - travel guide

What is your favourite building in Budapest?

14 responses

  1. I remember seeing the Parliament building for the first time and I did exactly what you did, I simply sat and stared for hours.

    I didn’t see the Museum of Applied Arts which is a shame because the detail in this building is extraordinary. Great list Shing!

  2. Shing, you continue to surpass yourself in your excellent reviews and photographs. I really enjoyed your write-up, and it definitely makes me want to go to Budapest. The architecture is amazing, truly eclectic as you say. I particularly like the Museum of Applied Arts. I think I could spend hours gazing at the buildings and the people too. I also like the way you set up the review with the historical context, and how this led to such variety of styles. Thanks for sharing your experiences and appreciation of this amazing city.

    1. Gazing at the buildings and the people is a pleasurable way to enjoy Budapest Eddie. I’m pleased you also found the historical context interesting, it certainly made me appreciate the eclecticism of the city even more. I hope you visit in the near future!

  3. Having always wanted to visit Budapest; this article explains why; such beautiful architecture.Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a gem of a city.Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

  4. When I look at pictures from places like Budapest, Prague, or some other Central European city, town or village I always think to myself that after there are places people have turned into a fairytale or something like that. It is somehow unreal. Thaks for the photos 🙂

  5. I’ve recently been to Budapest, in August, and we arrived late evening… When I opened the huge window of a huge ancient building, I saw St. Stephen’s Basilica.. right in front of me, all in lights.. So majestic… I was amazed. Most of all that it was so huge and so near from a second floor.. 🙂

  6. such a wonderful buildings we cant image how it was constructed beautiful architectural design, thanks for sharing such a nice post high quality images that tells about the structure and intricacy of the places.

  7. We spent 2 months in Budapest in summer of 2015 and another month in February. It actually took us a little while to fall in love with Budapest, it’s gritty, spread out, and honestly not as beautiful as Prague for example (a place many people compare it to). But it has other things: lots of culture, good food, great ruin bars and some incredible cafes. The people are friendly and open. We love the Hungarians.

    Favorite buildings in Budapest? There are a bunch of unbelievable buildings around Freedom Square, some in quite bad state. But incredible. Have you seen the interior of the Alexandra bookstore cafe on Andrasy? beautiful. That’s just off the top of my head.

    Frank (bbqboy)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more unique places from around the world