Inner City Budapest
Margaret Island
Within walking distance from Kimpton BEM Budapest, Budapest’s beloved Margaret Island is located on the Danube River between Margaret Bridge and Arpad Bridge. This vast island is cherished by those who find peace in nature listening to the chirping of the local birds, away from the city’s buzz. Its offerings include a stunning botanical garden, a grand musical fountain with occasional light shows accompanied by both local and international music. While having a leisurely stroll among its towering trees, you can find several spots for an afternoon coffee or late-night beer. If you’re more of an active type, it is also the perfect place to stay fit given its sports facilities, such as a swimming pool, running track, and tennis court. It doesn’t matter whether you want to go for a run or just relax having a picnic on the grass with your family, Margaret Island is your go-to place in Budapest.
Parliament
With its sparkling lights and breathtaking Gothic Revival architecture, the Hungarian Parliament cannot go unnoticed when visiting Budapest. It is no exaggeration to state that it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, admired by tourists and locals alike. Opened in 1902, it is not just a popular tourist destination; the building holds significant functions as the location for the legislative activities in the country. However, it’s not only the exterior that makes it such an attractive building. Its interior is carefully decorated with curated frescos, sculptures and stained glass, and in its center hall, the Holy Crown of Hungary is displayed. Visitors can explore the building on a 45-minute long guided tour, which includes an audio guide available in several different languages. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to book in advance to secure entry. If you only want to admire it from afar, its stunning lit-up exterior is best enjoyed at night from Fisherman’s Bastion viewpoint or during a short cruise trip on the Danube River.
Did you know? The height of the building holds significance, with its domes reaching exactly 96 meters (315 feet), referring to the year 896, when the Magyars settled in the Carpathian Basin.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica has been one of the most prominent churches in Hungary, serving both as a popular tourist attraction and a venue for classical, choral, and contemporary musical performances. Dedicated to St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary who played a crucial role in establishing Christianity in the country, this architectural wonder symbolizes Hungary’s religious and cultural heritage. Initially designed in the neo-classical style by József Hild, the works were eventually completed in the neo-Renaissance style by Miklós Ybl, the architect of the Hungarian State Opera House as well. With its 315-foot-high dome, it is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest along with the Hungarian Parliament, and the third tallest church in Hungary. Its interior is magnificently decorated with marble, mosaics, and stained glass, astonishing its visitors. The main altar showcases a statue of St. Stephen, whose mummified hand, the Holy Right Hand, is also housed in the church’s reliquary. While visitors can enter the building free of charge, accessing the dome, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, requires a small admission fee. The dome can be reached by elevator or by climbing its 364 swirling steps.
