Business School Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is known as “Pearl on the Danube” or “Paris of the East”. I can 100% confirm both. I am strongly convinced that everyone needs to visit Budapest once in their lifetime, because it is beautiful and incredibly diverse. That is why today I want to introduce my “Top 4 Must-sees in Budapest” to you.

Budapest is divided into Buda (right of the Danube) and Pest (left of the Danube). Buda is known for its small romantic streets and pompous buildings, Pest for its vibrant lifestyle. Both parts of the city are special in their own ways and not comparable. By the way, ErasmusLifeBudapest offers free walking tours to get to know the city and – not to forget – make new friends.

1) Parliament

On the right side of the river, you can find the parliament building which was built in a neogothic style. It is not only beautiful from the outside, but also from the inside. A guided tour through the building is definitely worth it! At night, thousands of birds are flying around the parliament building, which is a bit spooky, but also really cool.

2) Castle Palace – “The fortress of Budapest” as I lovingly call it

On the Buda side of the river the Castle Palace (Buda Castle) sits enthroned with its impressive cupola on the castle hill. I myself have not been inside yet, but even a walk along the walls and through the courtyard is worth a visit. You can either pay some euros and take the funicular railway “Siklo” up to the castle or you take the escalator and the elevator in Bazaar Garden directly up onto the castle walls (that is for free and I definitely recommend!)

3) Fischerbastei

From Buda Castle it is only a short hop to the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Fisherman’s Bastion is reminiscent of a medieval fortress, it looks like a fairytale castle. In the middle you can find Matthias Church, the coronation church of Franz and Sissy. The entire area is beautiful and even outdone by the panoramic view over Pest. (Recommendation: Go there for sunset and wait until its dark. The view over the sparkling city is priceless)

4) Thermal baths

Budapest is the capital of thermal baths in Europe, there are about 20 of them in the city. What is better than spending some hours at a spa after a long day of sightseeing? The selection is huge, but if I had to decide for one, I would pick the Rudas-thermal bath. From the outdoor pool you have a great view over the Danube.