Budapest is a city known for its history, culture heritage and vibrant
character. What’s surprising to the first-time visitor is how accessible
the place is, and how many simple pleasures there are to be had. These
are just a few of the free attractions and experiences offered by this
gorgeous city that straddles the mighty Danube River.

by Anna J. Kutor

In Budapest, like many other European capitals, it’s easy to blow your
budget in just a few days: there’s the boat tour of the Danube, those
expensive glasses of wine and delicious dinners at restaurants, paying
your entry to museum or Turkish-era thermal bath and then buying a
ticket to a concert or operatic show. But with so much on offer in the
Hungarian capital for free there is no need to go come with a maxed-out
credit card.

Rising Treasures

To get the lay of the land, first walk up Gellert Hill (or Gellérthegy
in Hungarian) for panoramic views of the city. The two side of the city,
hilly Buda and flat-as-a-pancake Pest spreads out below, a mass of
tumbling roofs and soaring spires, with the mighty Danube flowing
between. Gellert Hegy is named after the Italian Bishop Gellert who
helped Hungary’s first Christian king, Stephen I, in converting the
Hungarians to Christianity. A grand statue honours the saint who,
according to legend, was rolled down the hill in a nail-studded barrel
by resisting pagans. Standing at 235 m high, the hill is topped by the
famous Citadel and Liberation Monument, which commemorates the Red
Army’s liberation of the city from Nazi occupation. Views of the city
from both sides of the monument are spectacular, and while you can pay
to go up to the upper part, the view isn’t particularly better so save
your forints for something more worthy.

Halfway downhill is another lookout point with an unusual attraction,
the Garden of Philosophy. Circling a shiny metal ball are eight
life-sized bronze statues of religious world leaders including Abraham,
Jesus, Buddha and Lao Tse, as well Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Francis of
Assisi and Daruma Taishi – figures who brought spiritual enlightenment
to people. This sedate  landmark was designed by sculptor Nandor Wagner
who envisioned it as a composition for better mutual understanding.

The Buda Castle, also called the Royal Palace, is a dominating feature
of the city and a definite must-see, even for those on the cheap. Walk
up the steep steps to the historical complex of the Hungarian kings,
which is packed with medieval, Baroque and 19th century houses,
landmarks and public buildings. Castle Hill consists of the royal palace
itself, a frequently-remodeled complex that gives home to several
museums and cultural facilities, including the National Gallery and the
National Szechenyi Library. While well-known sites like St. Matthias
Church and the panoramic Fisherman’s Bastion are well-worth exploring
(although there’s an entrance fee to get in), some of the most
pleasurable experiences can be had by just walking through the winding,
cobblestone streets medieval neighborhood surrounding these sites.

At the base of the Castle is the Chain Bridge, the first bridge to
connect Buda and Pest in 1849. On the Buda end is Adam Clark Square with
the zero kilometer stone from which all distances are measured in
Hungary, while the Pest side boasts Roosevelt Square and the ornate
Gresham Palace and Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Park Pleasures

Budapest is filled with green spaces that promise relaxation and plenty
of activity for visitors. The 2800 meter long Margit Island is the
perfect spot for those wishing to escape the urban frenzy. Spread out
between Margit Bridge and Arpad Bridge, this green expanse is heavy on
the recreation: there is a large public swimming pool, a bath complex, a
small petting zoo, several dining outlets as well as a running track
circling the entire island. Don’t miss the UNESCO-protected landmark,
the Music Fountain, near the foot of the Margit Bridge which creates a
water spectacle to the sounds of the ‘The Blue Danube’ and other
classical favorites.

For variety of attractions, it’s hard to beat City Park. Budapest’s
largest spa complex, Szechenyi Baths, a zoo, an amusement park, museums
and more create enough diversions to entertain a city full of people.
Many of these attractions have an entry fee, but the enchanting
Vajdahunyad Castle is free to walk around. A left-over from the 1896 millennial celebrations, this stone complex incorporates replicas of a
famous church and castles from around the old Hungarian territory. The
surrounding moat is a row-boat pond during the summer and the largest
outdoor skating-ring in Central Europe during wintertime. Seek out the
statues of Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and the mysterious
‘Anonymous’, the legendary chronicler of Hungarian history.

Ride the Rails

Picturesque panoramas of the city don’t have to cost you an arm and a
leg. For the price of a single transport ticket you can enjoy some of
the most stunning views of the city. Board tram #2 starting from Jaszai
Mari Square at the Pest side of the Margit bridge and take ride past the
majestic Parliament building and take out the camera for a
picture-perfect shot of the Buda Castel. For beautiful riverside views
of the Pest side, hop aboard tram #19 at Batthanyi Square and take it
all the way to Gellert Square.