The capital of Hungary was once three separate cities, Buda, Pest and Obuda. It wasn’t until 1873 when the three were unified by the building of the Chain Bridge, creating one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Noted for its romantic and art noveau designed buildings, the city has a clean and welcoming feel, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. One of the city’s most acclaimed features is its cuisine. The most famous dish is the Hungarian Goulash, which is a meat stew using paprika, caraway, potatoes and other vegetables. These hearty meat based meals come from the Magyar culture which was typically nomadic. For help planning a river cruise to Budapest, contact one of our expert river cruise consultants. Featured below are a few of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Budapest, Hungary:
- Uncover Hungary’s Jewish history at the Dohany Synagogue, built in 1859 and the second largest synagogue still in use.
- Take a six mile ride through the hills of Buda on the Gyermekvasut, a railroad built in the 1940s.
- Did you know that Budapest has 123 thermal springs? This feature was one of the reasons the Romans first colonized the area. Head to the Szechenyi Baths for some time at the spa with 16 pools at different temperatures.
- Visit Castle Hill where the city’s medieval monuments and museums are located. There is also a network of caves underneath this hill which were used as air raid shelters and a hospital during WWII.
- The city’s Ethnography Museum has a large exhibit on Hungarian life and also delves into the lives of people from all over the world.
