Top Rated Attractions in Budapest

Housed within the Royal Buda Castle, on Szent György tér, the National Gallery is a not-to-be-missed attraction for art lovers and enthusiasts. Established in 1957, the prestigious gallery is home to almost the entire history of Hungarian art; thus chronicling the progress of fine arts in the country. Some of the artworks housed here date as far back as 10th Century! Some of the masterpieces featured in this glorious institution includes Woman Dressed in Polka Dots Robe by József Rippl-Rónai and Mihály Munkácsy's Christ before Pontius Pilate. Open all week, except Mondays, the Hungarian National Gallery or Magyar Nemzeti Galéria, as it is locally called, is open to general population between 10a and 6p.

This museum's architecture alone warrants a stop, but it also played a major role in Hungary's history; Petofi recited his famous 'national song' from the steps here in 1848; there is a plaque to commemorate this famous event. The inside of the Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum is also stunning, with lavish use of marble and ceremonial architecture. The displays give a thorough account of the history of the Hungarian nation and is a must-visit for the history and culture enthusiasts.

This spectacular building (designed by Lechner) caused much controversy when it opened. Today it is generally considered a masterpiece, although it has been considerably toned down over the years. Lovers of architecture and interior design simply must visit. The displays inside are almost all temporary but there is a permanent exhibition of Hungarian arts and crafts. It is worth noting that this was only the third such museum in the world (the first being in London, the second in Vienna).

This museum is definitely worth a visit, especially if you have been enchanted by the beauty of Budapest and you want to learn more about it. It is housed in one of the wings of the actual palace. You will find several exhibitions retelling the city's long and turbulent history as well as sections that have been renovated to show what the palace used to look like in medieval times. There is also a fine collection of statues.

While the Buda Castle is a popular landmark, few are aware that underneath the castle hides a subterranean world with a story of its own. The hill hides within its heart a series of natural caverns and caves that came to be the site of a secret military hospital during World War II. Sheltered beneath the protective mass of the hill and hidden away from enemies, the Hospital in the Rock saved countless lives while war waged on outside. As a reaction to the Cold War, the hospital was revived in 1956 and expanded to include bomb bumkers designed to protect the hospital's doctors, nurses and patients in the event of a nuclear attack. Today, the Hospital in the Rock has been restored and operates as a museum, with numerous exhibits that depict recreated hospital scenes with mannequins and historic medical equipment. The rooms of the hospital have been furnished much as they would have been during WWII, and offer an insight into the conditions under which the hospital staff operated. The Hospital in the Rock can only be visited as part of a guided tour. All tours leave from the entrance near the foot of the castle wall. Tours are offered every hour in English and Hungarian. Group reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, so be sure to plan ahead!

A marvelous building steeped in history and culture, the Aquincum Museum showcases some incredible exhibits and artifacts pertaining to the rich history of the country. Indeed, Budapest is so full of history that it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the Romans were here two thousand years ago. Their settlement was known as Aquincum, and its namesake museum brings its history to life. A large outdoor area featuring significant ruins gives visitors a clear picture of the building layouts and patterns, while the museum itself houses some real treasures, including a portable water organ, as well as objects from the temple of the Aquincum Mithraeum. The sprawling building also contains other spectacular Roman-style rooms, and a pretty garden surrounds it, bolstering the allure of the area.