Queen of the Danube- A Walking Tour of Budapest, Hungary
Places: 13 POIsDistance: 3.98 miDuration: 1h:58m
Tour #1795
About this English self-guided 1h:58m walking tour in Budapest
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces Tour of The Queen of The Danube! That’s right, we're here in Budapest, Hungary and we're about to indulge in her treasures and explore its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, amongst other wonders.
My name is Dave, and it’s my pleasure to show you around this stunning city in the heart of Europe. Follow your navigation, and let's get started at our first destination on our tour. We start here in Városliget, also known as City Park, the largest public park located in Budapest and one of the most popular recreational areas in the city.
How about we begin with a super relaxing visit to one of Hungary's largest and most popular thermal baths, here at Szécheny? Lets slip out of your civvies, hoik up those swimmers and – ahhhhhhhhhh! – marinate your weary, work-wrought bones in one of the city’s great mineral springs.
Built in 1913 in a Neo-Baroque style, making it one of the oldest thermal baths in Budapest. The complex was named after Count István Széchenyi, a prominent Hungarian statesman and key figure in the country's development during the 19th century. More on what a ‘Count’ is and what ‘Baroque style’ is, but for now, let's soak in the mineral rich waters and find out what health benefits we may enjoy.
The thermal waters that feed the Széchenyi Bath are supplied by two thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 74°C (165°F) to 77°C (171°F). These mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties and are particularly beneficial for various health conditions, including joint problems and circulatory disorders, respiratory illnesses and the narrowing of blood vessels.
The outdoor section of the Bath is stunning – a daffodil-yellow wraparound of neo-renaissance architecture, but it gets quite busy. Iconic "sparties" with DJs and a bar, take place here on most Saturday nights. In the colder months (late December-February), enjoy little beats relaxing in the warmth of the Széchenyi Baths as snow flutters all around you
Budapest lies on a geological fault line, where the Buda Hills collide with the Great Plain. This topographical fender-bender causes more than 100 thermal springs to jet skyward, releasing some 40,000m3 of warm, mineral-rich water each day.
The Széchenyi Bath is not just a place to soak in thermal waters but also a social hub where locals and tourists come to socialize, play chess, and relax in the sun. It's a great place to interact with people from various backgrounds. Attending the thermal baths has been part of the city's culture for centuries. The Eravisci tribe first chanced upon the springs calling the area Ak-ink (Abundant Water). But it wasn’t until the Romans marched in and built the regional capital of Aquincum here that the power of the waters was fully harnessed.
The layout of most of Budapest’s baths is similar: a series of indoor thermal pools where temperatures range from warm to hot, steam rooms, saunas, ice-cold plunge pools and rooms for massage. Some have outdoor pools with fountains, sprays and whirlpools, and pools for swimming laps.
Going to the thermal baths for some Hungarians is as arbitrary as meeting friends for coffee at the local shop or eating a bunch of caramels.
All done? Ok, let’s take a shower and get ready to head to our next point of interest on our tour.
We’re walking through the City Park, which has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was established as a royal hunting ground. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a public park, and over the years, it has been expanded and developed into the green oasis it is today. We are now approaching the Vajdahunyad Castle.
By now you’ve noticed this picturesque and unique architectural gem situated within the City Park. The castle is a popular attraction and one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Vajdahunyad Castle was originally constructed in 1896 as part of the Millennial Exhibition, which celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of Hungary. The castle's design is a medley of various architectural styles, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque elements. It was intended to be a temporary structure, but its popularity led to its reconstruction using more permanent materials.
We said we would discuss Baroque architecture right? Told ya!
Baroque style architecture is an artistic and architectural movement that originated in Europe during the 17th and early 18th centuries. It is known for its elaborate and ornate design, characterized by a dynamic use of space, dramatic effects, and an exuberant display of grandeur. Baroque architecture was a response to the Renaissance style, seeking to create a more emotional and theatrical experience for the viewer.
Baroque buildings often feature grand, sweeping facades with bold, curved lines and dramatic curves. The exteriors are characterized by a sense of movement, achieved through the use of concave and convex shapes. The Baroque style emphasizes a sense of motion and dynamism. Curved shapes, twisted columns, and oval windows are common features that give a feeling of movement and vitality to the buildings. Ok, back to the castle.
It was inspired by the Transylvanian Hunyad Castle (also known as Corvin Castle) located in present-day Romania. As such, Vajdahunyad Castle has a fairytale-like appearance, reminiscent of the medieval castles often depicted in fantasy stories. The castle is built around a central courtyard, which can be accessed through an impressive gate. Inside the courtyard, you'll find a lovely statue of Anonymus, the chronicler of early Hungarian history, and a picturesque fountain.
Vajdahunyad Castle is a unique amalgamation of several famous historical buildings from different regions of Hungary. Its complex includes replicas of architectural landmarks such as the Matthias Church in Buda (which we will talk about later), the Hunyad Castle in Transylvania, and the Baroque-style Pauline Church in the village of Tihany.
Follow your navigation as we walk around lake Varosligeti-to and make our way towards Heroe’s Square.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Place 2Vajdahunyad Castle
Place 3Heroe's Square
Place 4Andrássy Avenue
Place 5Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Place 6St. Stephen's Basilica
Place 7Danube Promenade
Place 8Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Place 9Buda Castle
Place 10House of Houdini
Place 11Labyrinth of Count Dracula
Place 12Matthias Church
Place 13Fisherman's Bastion
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