Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city of breathtaking beauty and rich history. From his dramatic architecture to its intriguing cultural peculiarities, this city offers endless surprises. It is not just a place for tourists; It is a city with a deep soul consisting of fascinating facts that make it one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. Here are 11 sensational facts about Budapest so that you want to explore every angle of this enchanting metropolis.
1. A city of three cities
Did you know that Budapest was not always one city? It was formed on November 17, 1873, when three different cities – Pest, Buda and óbuda – were united. Initially, this mix of historical settlements was called for the Buda and quickly developed into one of the most lively and dynamic cities in Europe. Pest was known for its flat, bustling streets, while Buda, with its hills, offered a more quiet and majestic atmosphere. Óbuda, the oldest part, still bears remains of Roman settlements. Together, these three cities have made the Budapest that we know today.
2. 23 Districts: a unique urban carpet
Budapest is divided into 23 districts, each with its own character, name and number. District I is, for example, the home base of Buda Castle and many medieval streets, while District V is the heart of plague, with the Hungarian Parliament and the bustling Váci Utca Shopping Street. Some districts even have unique nicknames – district VII, for example, is known as the Jewish neighborhood, and district VIII is called the “rejuvenating” part of the city because of the constant revitalization.
If you are planning a visit, you can easily Book Budapest Accommodations in one of these districts, each offering a different part of city life.
3. The language barrier
Hungarian is the official language in Budapest, and it is notorious because it is difficult to learn, especially for those who are used to Indo-European languages. With its unique alphabet and complicated grammar rules, it can be a challenge for tourists. However, don’t let this scare you. Many locals speak English, and you will find that communication in tourist areas is generally easy. In addition to Hungarian, you may hear languages such as Croatian, Russian, Serbian and even Ukrainian, because Budapest is home to different minority communities.
4. The highest building in Budapest
The Budapest skyline may not be as long as some major cities, but it is the home of the tallest building in Hungary. The Mol -Campus, 143 meters, is the headquarters of the Mol Group, a large oil and gas company. This slender, modern building contrasts with the historical and classical architecture that dominates a large part of the city and offers a glimpse of the contemporary side of Budapest.
5. A legislative miracle: the Hungarian Parliament
One of the most iconic buildings in Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament, and it is not just because of the stunning neo-gothic architecture. It is also the third largest legislative building in the world, after the Pentagon in the US and the palace of the Parliament of Romania. With 691 rooms and 365 towers, it is a grand symbol of the Hungarian state, every tower that represents one day of the year. Visitors can follow tours to explore the lush interiors of the building.
6. A monumental design
The design of the parliament was selected by a competition to commemorate the Millennium of Hungary in 1896. Designed by Imre Steindl, the Gothic Revival style of the building is proud of the banks of the Danube River. The beautiful facade, with its towers and complicated details, has made it one of the most photographed sights in Budapest.
7. A UNESCO RIVIERFRONT
The river front of Budapest is a UNESCO world heritage location and it is easy to see why. The majestic Hungarian parliament, the bastion of the fisherman and the Buda Castle along the banks of the Danube, creating a picturesque and historical panorama. A cruise along the Danube offers a breathtaking view of the city, especially when the sights are beautifully lit at night.
8. The New York Café: A Piece of History
The New York Café, founded in 1894, is one of the most beautiful cafés in the world. This Italian café in the Italian Renaissance style is located in the heart of the city and has been an icon for literary figures, artists and musicians through history. The graceful ceiling, lush chandeliers and decadent cakes make it a perfect place to enjoy a little luxury while soaking in the rich history of Budapest.
9. Budapest’s many nicknames
Budapest is known under various affectionate nicknames. The “Paris of the East” is one of the most common, because of the elegant boulevards, historic cafés and romantic ambiance. Another popular nickname is the ‘City of Baths’, thanks to the wealth of thermal baths. The unique mix of architecture, culture and thermal water of the city has yielded a reputation as one of the most enchanting cities in Europe.
10. Healing forces: Palinka and Thermal Baden
The locals of Budapest swear by their thermal baths and traditional drinks, which they believe have healing properties. Palinka, a fruit brandy, is a beloved Hungarian mind that is often consumed during social meetings, thought to heal what helps you. The thermal baths of the city, such as Széchenyi and Gellért, are equally famous for their therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world to relax and rejuvenate.
11. The thermal bath capital of the world
Speaking of thermal baths, Budapest is often called the ‘thermal bath capital of the world’. The city is more than 118 thermal sources, which pump 70 million liters of thermal water every day. The Romans and Ottomans recognized the healing properties of the water, and centuries later, the Budapest baths are still a central part of daily life and combine wellness with free time in a unique Hungarian way.
