The hospitable capital of Hungary - Budapest - gives tourists a vivid and unforgettable experience. Numerous attractions of this city attract travelers from all over the world. If you go on a trip on a tourist package, you will be accompanied by a qualified guide. But if you decide to get acquainted with the capital of the country yourself, then you probably are interested in the question: "What to see in Budapest in 3 days or in a shorter period?"
We offer you a tourist program that will allow you to see the most interesting places of the capital in a limited time.
First day in town
Budapest divides into two parts the majestic Danube. The older part of the city, located on the hills, is called Buda. The main historical sights of the country are concentrated here. Pest is located on the plain. This part of the city has more modern buildings.
When you are in Budapest, you will probably hear several names of Buda. Locals call it “Castle Hill”, “Fortress Hill”, “Buda Mountain”. You should go up here even if you have only one day to explore the sights of the capital .
So this structure is called by the townspeople, meaning King Matthias Corvinus. In fact, the temple is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its history spans about seven centuries. The temple was destroyed many times, but was soon restored again, each time undergoing some changes.
Until the beginning of the last century, this place was a fish market. Then, a bastion was built of white stone, which became a wonderful backdrop for the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Entering the palace through the Ornamental Gate, next to the entrance you will see a huge column on which the bird Turul sits. According to an ancient legend, the mother of the first ruler of Hungary gave birth to a son from this bird. Since then, it has been a symbol of the ruling dynasty.
One of the treasures of the palace is the amazing fountain of King Matthias. It is as if protruding from the wall. At the top there is a statue of the king himself, just below - hunters with dogs, and on the right - a charming girl with a deer.
Second day
If you have not decided what to see in Budapest in 3 days, we recommend that you devote the second day to exploring the city center.
Once there was a field on which state councils were held, warriors gathered here before the Crusade. And only at the end of the 19th century did the square appear and the first sculptures on it. On the central column is the figure of the archangel Gabriel. It is believed that thanks to him, King Istvan adopted Christianity. Near the square is the exhibition art gallery Myucharnok, which received its first visitors in 1895.
This amazing walkway has taken pride of place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was named after the Minister-President of Hungary - Count Andrássy. Later, the prospectus was repeatedly renamed, but in the end, the original name was saved. It was built for a long 40 years. Sometimes tourists get the impression that the avenue is surrounded by old houses, but in reality, a pseudo-historical style was used in their construction.
Everyone who is interested in where to go in Budapest, tourists recommend visiting the Opera House, which is considered to be one of the main cultural centers of the capital. He appeared in the city in 1884. The greatest singers and musicians of different times performed on the famous stage. Several times the maestro Giacomo Puccini staged his famous operas here.
The theater is designed for 1200 spectators, and in acoustics it is second only to two famous theaters in the world - the world-famous La Scala in Milan and the Paris Opera House.
Another attraction located on Andrássy Avenue, where you should definitely go to Budapest, is the House of Terror. This building makes a strong impression on tourists. The word terror is carved on a black metal cornice. A curtain of dense iron chains is located opposite the entrance. A concrete block is installed nearby, symbolizing two political regimes from which Hungary suffered in the 20th century. Here, the Nazi and communist regimes were equated and a museum was created so that everyone remembers the losses that Hungary suffered.
The third day in Budapest
So, your trip ends - you have only one day left to get acquainted with the capital of Hungary. If you are still wondering what you have not seen in the city yet, we’ll name a few objects that may interest you.
A magnificent architectural masterpiece and recognizable construction of the city. It is located on the right bank of the Danube. It is made in the neo-Gothic style, generously decorated with architectural elements. Its pointed towers rushed into the sky. This is one of the main and most visited attraction of the capital.
The largest Catholic church in the capital, which is visited not only by Catholics, but also by tourists. A huge structure with a height of more than 100 meters was erected over several decades. The temple was consecrated in 1905. Believers have the opportunity to adhere here to the relics of St. Istvan.
One of the largest structures in Europe. The synagogue is located in the Jewish quarters of the city. It makes a stunning impression and seats more than three thousand people. In the courtyard is the Jewish Museum. During the war with the Nazis, the synagogue was looted, restored only at the end of the 20th century.
If you wish, you can go to Brunswick Castle, located 30 km from the capital. The castle itself and the park surrounding it are magnificent. It is inextricably linked with the name of Beethoven, who came here quite often. In Brunswick, there is a memorial museum of one of the greatest composers in the world.
Baths
A distinctive hallmark of the city are the baths of Budapest. It is not for nothing that the Hungarian capital is called the “bathing city”. Here are more than 30 such institutions. Gorgeous Gelert baths with artificial waves; Rudash, who take men only four days a week; Kirai - luxuriously decorated, with a Turkish flavor; Veli Bay and Lukacs and, of course, the largest bath complex in Europe - Secheni.
Complex Features
This is one of the most visited places in the city. Many experienced tourists prefer Lukash, Rudash or those located on the island of Margit, and even the Gelert spa complex.
Szechenyi baths in Budapest, or simply “Szeczka”, as the townspeople unofficially call them, receive many enthusiastic epithets from visitors and tourists: “the neo-Renaissance pearl of Pest”, “thermal paradise”, “source of youth”.
A bit of history
Secheni Thermal Baths in Budapest appeared in 1913. About three decades have passed from the birth of the very idea of building a bath complex to its opening. A professor at the local university, Dieu Ziegler, developed the layout of the complex and, shortly before his death, handed over all of his developments to a colleague, Ede Dvorak, who supervises the further construction of the building.
The complex is named after the Hungarian politician Istvan Secheni. A lot of controversy was around the choice of a place for construction. As a result, Varoshliget Park was chosen, which was formerly part of the hunting grounds of King Matthias. 10 years after the opening of the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest, they were significantly expanded.
A new building and a beach appeared here. Constantly conducted work on the study of Szechenyi sources in Budapest. In 1938, another artesian well was drilled, which significantly reduced heating costs, since thermal water with a temperature of +77 ° C was discovered at a depth of 1256 meters. It was called St. Stephen’s Well No. 2.
Fortunately, during the war years (1941-1945), the Secheni baths in Budapest were practically unaffected. Minor damage was quickly restored. Already in the spring of 1945, Soviet soldiers used the baths. They were given the entire right wing.
The condition of the building deteriorated significantly at the end of the 20th century, since for many years only the most urgent and urgent work was carried out here. Large-scale reconstruction of the Secheni baths in Budapest began in 1997. It continued (with short interruptions) until 2007. The pools were equipped with water purification and circulation systems according to EU standards. During the reconstruction, the facade of the building was restored, the locker rooms were partially repaired, and the hall under the dome was restored. At the end of the 20th century, Secheni baths in Budapest became a large balneological resort, visited by several million people every year.
About saunas and pools
In the famous baths there are 16 pools of five types:
- Large outdoor swimming pool, the area of which exceeds 910 square meters. m. In winter, the water temperature here is +28 ° C, in summer +26 ° C.
- An entertaining outdoor pool (with surprises) is 600 sq. Meters. It is equipped with underwater bubbles, a whirlwind, a healing shower for the neck, and jet back massage. Water temperature is about +34 ° C.
- Outdoor seated pool, an area of 675 square meters. m, with thermal water, which is cooled to +38 ° C - the most comfortable temperature of numerous chess players. It should be said here that the game of chess is one of the old traditions of visitors to the Secheni baths in Budapest.
- Two indoor pools with a water temperature of about +16 ° C.
- There are 11 baths (covered) with thermal water. Here the water temperature is maintained in the range +18 ... + 40 ° C.
In addition, as in many swimming pools in Budapest, you can visit the “Secchka”:
- dry and wet steam room;
- aromatic, Finnish and light saunas;
- wooden fonts;
- hammam;
- hot-air bathhouse;
- thermal compartment with a steam room;
- outpatient balneotherapy center;
- SPA-complexes and wellness center;
- Cafe;
- rental of bath equipment.
Water features
Basically, thermal water in the pool comes from St. Stephen’s well No. 2. It is believed that this is the hottest source of Secheni in Budapest. Moreover, it is the hottest in Europe. Hydrocarbonate-sulfate and calcium-magnesium water is saturated with microcomponents of fluorine and boron, sodium ions. It is indicated in the treatment of pain in the spine, arthritis, in rehabilitation after injuries, as well as in orthopedic therapy.
It is considered healing and water from a drinking well. It is recommended for gastrointestinal ulcers, gastritis, kidney disease, enteritis. It is used for inhalation in diseases of the respiratory system. This water should be drunk in the morning, on an empty stomach, in small sips.
Rules for visiting the bath
At the beginning, at the opening, the Secheni baths (Budapest) were divided into male and female zones, but after the reconstruction they became common. That is why there is a first rule: the presence of a swimsuit or swimming suit. In addition, you need to have a towel and slippers with you. If you forgot them, do not be discouraged - they can be taken at the rental point, leaving a deposit.
The price of the entrance ticket includes a bracelet, which is also the key to the locker. The administration of the complex does not advise taking valuables with it, since it is not responsible for their safety.
It is necessary to observe the time of visiting the baths and pools. Near each of them you can see signs that indicate the recommended time of visit and hours. Do not forget that the thermal waters of the Secheni are healing, and therefore they should be taken dosed.
Such therapeutic procedures as mud therapy, carbon dioxide baths, underwater jet massages are available only as directed by a doctor. In Szechenyi bathtub it is allowed to bring a light snack, and experienced tourists do not advise going out for lunch or dinner outside the complex - you will have to buy an entrance ticket again. Recall that in the complex there are buffets.
Many people think that it is more advisable to come here in the afternoon, because after water procedures you are unlikely to want to go somewhere.
Features of visiting baths in the winter
Szechenyi baths have been operating since 1963 year-round. In winter, visitors can visit not only indoor baths and pools, but also outdoor ones. All the paths connecting the pools are heated, so visitors do not experience discomfort from the temperature difference.
In winter, the grandiose holiday “Bathing Night” is held here. This is a fun and noisy event with music, dancing, DJs, continuing until the morning.
How to get there
Szechenyi baths in Budapest, whose address is llatkerti krt 9-11, is not difficult to find, especially when you consider that the friendly locals will be happy to help you.
Take the metro line M1 (yellow) to the Szchenyi frd station.
By trolleybus number 72 you can get to the stop Szchenyi frd or on route number 74 to the stop Bethesda utca. Then walk on foot along the transport for 5-7 minutes.
How to get to Szechenyi Baths in Budapest by tram? You should take route number 1, which will take you to the Kacsh Pongrc t stop, then follow the signs on foot. The road will not take more than 10 minutes.
Mode of operation
Szechenyi baths operate year-round seven days a week:
- thermal pools - from 6:00 to 19:00;
- open baths - from 6:00 to 22:00;
- a well with drinking water from 6:00 to 17:00;
- saunas and steam cabins - from 6:00 to 19:00;
- buffet - from 7:00 to 21:00.
On large holidays, visit times may be limited.
Ticket price
For the entrance ticket, the prices in the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest depend on the day of the week, the choice of the general locker room or personal booth, the time of visit. Buy tickets at the box office of the complex. Payment is accepted both in cash and by card.
A day ticket with a booth costs from 1230 rubles on weekdays to 1280 rubles on holidays. With a common locker room - from 1,180 to 1,200 rubles, in the evening a ticket with a booth will cost from 1230 to 1280 rubles, in the internal department it costs from 1230 to 1300 rubles.
Visitors reviews
About Szechenyi baths in Budapest, the reviews are mostly enthusiastic. Guests believe that this is a great place to relax, here you can relax and regain strength, improve your health. The stunning bathhouse complex of Secheni baths in Budapest looks like a kingdom of water - thermal, healing. Having escaped from the bowels of the earth, it gives people joy, relieves fatigue, returns youth and strength.
Among the shortcomings of the institution, visitors include: strong smell of bleach, lack of signs in English and long lines.