The magnificent Parliament building in Budapest. Photo © Mararie, licensed Creative Commons Attribution & ShareAlike.
One of the nicest ways to see most of Budapest’s major sights is to hop on the fabled number 2 tram and enjoy the ride, all for the price of a regular ticket! The route itself lasts roughly 20 minutes and should be caught at either of its two ends to be enjoyed to the fullest. Make sure you get on the right tram, however, as there’s a number 2A out there that doesn’t cover the entire route. Highlights include:
Starting at the Pest end of the Margaret Bridge, you’ll see a large conspicuous building between the stop and the river, commonly referred to as “The White House.” Formerly serving the Communist Party back in the day, it now houses parliamentary offices.
To the right is the magnificent Parliament building and to the left the beautiful Museum of Ethnography, formerly the Palace of Justice.
Named after one of the leaders of both the uprising and the 1848-1849 War of Independence, the square is the common destination for visitors to the Parliament building. Here you’ll also find a statue of famed freedom fighter Ferenc Rákóczi II.
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences graces the view on the left, while the gorgeous Chain Bridge leading to Buda sits on the right.
A handful of modern and luxurious hotels line the riverbank on the left, as does the historic and still beautiful Dunakorzó (Danube Embankment), Budapest’s romantic promenade, perfect for casual strolls and taking in the breathtaking panoramic view of Buda’s skyline.
Home to the Vigadó, Budapest’s glorious concert hall, the way continues with outdoor restaurants and cafés as well as the Elizabeth Bridge, one of the capital’s beloved examples of post-World War II architecture.
Gellért Hill dominates the skyline here, complete with the statue of Gellért himself and the battle-torn Citadella up top.
The main sight here is, of course, Central Market Hall, where you’ll find a plethora of souvenirs, fruits, and vegetables as well as clothing, traditional food, and much, much more. There’s a reason why hundreds of locals and visitors stop here daily.
The Közvágóhíd is on the left, while on the right is the National Theater and Palace of Arts, which comprises a concert hall and theater as well as the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art.
Excerpted from the Third Edition of Moon Prague & Budapest.
