When you’re travelling in a foreign country, particularly one you’ve never been to before, it’s always nice to know a little about the place you’ve landed in. One of the best ways to learn more about a country is by visiting its most prominent attractions. In this article, we will tell you about some of the most interesting things to do in Hungary once your visa expires. The article will tell you about attractions that are worth travelling halfway around the world to see, as well as a few that are a bit of a reach, but still offer a unique experience.
Attractions
The first and foremost thing you should do once you’ve arrived in Budapest is to visit Pest, the city’s largest district. Located in the northern part of the country, the district’s official website describes it as follows:
“Everything about Pest is big. The shops are big, the streets are big, and the people are big. Even the buildings are built to an impressive scale. This is a city that has shaped modern day Budapest and continues to do so. It’s rich in culture and history, and has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art or old-school opera, you will find something to delight you.”
Pest is full of bars and clubs, restaurants and galleries. There’s also a large number of international restaurants, which serve various cuisines for those arriving from all over the world. For those who love to shop, the city’s markets are a great place to do so. There’s also the smaller but equally vibrant Fishermen’s Market Square to offer some great bargains.
Royal Palace
Budapest has a very beautiful and impressive royal palace, which was originally built in the late 17th century and was later expanded and modified by famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The palace was originally a gathering place for Hungarian royalty, but it later became a museum. Nowadays, the museum is known as the House of Terror, named after the Hungarian Nazi party’s headquarters that once stood across the street from the palace.
Admission to the museum is free, but you have to register on their website beforehand. The site warns that there are limited numbers of spaces available, so make sure to register quickly to avoid disappointment.
Museum Of Fine Arts
The largest art museum in Hungary is also the most visited one, with around 8 million visitors per year. Its 18th century Baroque palace serves as the city’s most prominent art gallery and museum. The building is an example of rococo style, which you might recognize from some of our other top-notch museums, such as the Louvre in Paris and the Uffizi in Florence.
If you’re visiting the museum, then there are plenty of things you can do. You can start by going to the café for an espresso, then pop into the gallery shop to pick up some postcards or a mini-bible for yourself or a loved one. You could also spend an hour or so going through the museum’s collection of maps, or read up on some of the exhibits through the museum’s excellent website.
Museum Of Applied Arts
If you’re visiting Buda (the western half of Budapest), then you should certainly pay a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts. It’s a wonderful little museum that houses a very detailed collection of vintage cars, toys, posters, and much more. The collection is so large it has its own website which you can freely access from anywhere in the world. You can explore the museum’s impressive range of items by simply clicking on the photo above.
Botanical Gardens
One of the city’s newest tourist attractions is the botanical gardens. The gardens are a fantastic place to wander around and take a breather from all the bustling city life. There are plenty of free benches and scenic viewpoints around which you can sit and take a break from all the walking. It’s a great place to go with a group of friends, or even a family.
You’ll find thousands of different types of flora and fauna planted in the Botanical Gardens. There are also a number of sculptures, paintings, and decorative bridges to keep you wondering around for a while. Make sure to bring a camera, as there are plenty of photogenic plants and flowers to capture.
You can get a good look at the layout of the gardens from the air, as they’re easily accessible from the city’s bustling XIX. Superszyna hotel, with its distinctive blue and yellow facade, is just a stone’s throw away. It would be a shame to miss such a magnificent location just because of a few hours of visa exhaustion.
For those interested in architecture, Budapest has a lot to offer. Its castles, churches, and museums are a feast for the eyes. Furthermore, its nightlife is one of a kind, as it never sleeps. One place that stands out is the Erzsebet Baths, a spa town built in the late 19th century. The baths are located in the city’s southwest area, and you can easily get there by foot, bike, or bus. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Danube River running through the center of the city. If you’re a fan of films, be sure to look up locations for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Hidden Figures, as these places are featured prominently in both films. The latter is even referred to as the ‘Negro Broadway’ in the film’s promotional material, and it’s easy to see why – Budapest is indeed a fantastic city for a stroll, and with its winding streets and hidden corners, it will certainly keep any visitor busy for a while.