Top Rated Attractions in Budapest

The Bartók National Concert Hall, located in the Palace of Arts, opened in 2005. The state of the art decor and excellent sound system make it a favorite among locals and touring theatre companies. The BNCH is also home to the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra and Budapest Festival Orchestra, which explains the flurry of activities year-round. Past performers include Zoltan Kocsis, Greek violinist Leondas Kavakos and pianist András Schiff.

Operetta, concerts, and rock opera; the newly renovated Budapest Operetta Theatre features an ecclectic mix of live musical events. Also, for fans of drama, the Theatre puts on Shakespeare plays and other classic performances. Old fashioned box seats, ceiling design, and architecture juxtapose modern lighting and stage technology, creating a uniquely stylized experience.

The Parliament Building was constructed at a time when Hungary was three times the size it is now, prior to its defeat at the culmination of World War I. The neo-Gothic building is a palatial affair with 691 rooms, 10 courtyards and 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) worth of stairs, making it Budapest's tallest building and one of Hungary's largest structures. Construction began in 1885 based on the designs of architect, Imre Steindl and would take 17 years to bring to fruition. It is a majestic Gothic Revival building with Renaissance and Baroque elements enmeshed in its intricate design. A lavish dome is the centerpiece of the facade, framed by delicate spires and graceful arches, while the interiors are richly ornamented, illuminated by sparkling chandeliers. The inspiration for this building is said to have been the Palace of Westminster in London. Today, the government is housed in only a small portion of the building and is home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Like so much along the bank of the Danube, the best views are to be had from across the river.

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).