I’m always eager to know what our guests experience during their stay with us, good or bad, and I’m glad to get constructive criticism as that’s the best way for us to improve.
This is what our previous guests, Vivian and Daniel from the US wrote to me after the holiday they had spent in our Apartment D in March 2016:
‘In terms of improvement, we only think that the website could include more information about the location of the apartment, for example, how much time it takes to walk to major attractions. When we initially found the apartment, we had no idea that its location was so outstanding. We think this would be very attractive for potential visitors to know!’
Indeed, Vivian and Daniel are right. So here I have included more details about major attractions near the apartments which previously were not on the website.
For each destination below the estimated walking times and the distance from our apartments are indicated in brackets.
2. Chain Bridge (14 minutes, 1.1 km = 0.68 miles)
The oldest and one of the nicest permanent bridges in Hungary linking Buda and Pest dating back to 1849. If you head from Pest to Buda, you will be facing the tunnel leading through the Castle Hill and the funicular railway, that takes you up the hill.
From Buda to Pest you will overlook the Gresham Palace, a gem of Art-Nouveau (Secessio) Style.
Take a walk over the Danube day or night to take in some of these views. I recommend starting on the Pest side as the views of Buda are awesome.
Chain Bridge with Rainbow and Parliament, Photo: my cousin, Mészöly Nóra
On Pest Side (Right from the River Danube):
3. Basilica of Saint Stephen (12 minutes, 1 km = 0.62 miles)
It’s the largest temple in Budapest. Take the lift or the stairs, if you’re feeling fit, up to the dome of this Roman Catholic church for 360 degree views of the city.
4. Opera House (15 minutes, 1.2 km = 0.75 miles)
What a glorious building! One of its most admired features is the grand staircase as well as the auditorium. They will surely provide you a breathtaking experience with their unusual beauty.
Opera House, Photo: my cousin, Mészöly Nóra
5. Great Synagogue (7 minutes, 550 m = 0.34 miles)
This house of worship is the second largest Synagogue in the world, more than 150 years old and was built in an Oriental-Byzantine (Moorish) style. Major events and concerts take place here as well as accommodating the Jewish Museum.
Photo: Sergey Melkonov, Flickr
6. New York Café (18 minutes, 1.8 km = 1.1 miles)
Built in eclectic Italian Renaissance-style and opened in 1894, the New York Café won the title of “the most beautiful café in the World”.
New York Café, Photo: my cousin, Mészöly Nóra
7. National Museum (11 minutes, 900 m = 0.56 miles)
This neoclassical building houses permanent exhibitions about the history of Hungary and a collection of Hungarian scientific achievements and inventions. A priceless treasure exhibited is a coronation mantle which was stitched for the first Hungarian king, Stephen in 1031.
National Museum, Photo: Virág
8. Great Market Hall (12 minutes, 1,2 km = 0,75 miles)
The oldest and biggest market in Budapest where locals and tourists mingle. Buy fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, spices, local products, etc on the ground floor and in the basement.
For souvenirs and eateries visit the second floor. You can have a hearty Hungarian style breakfast or a lunch here.
Great Market Hall Interior, Photo: Virág
9. House of Terror Museum (24 minutes, 1.9 km = 1.2 miles)
The building used to be the headquarters of the dreaded Communist Political Police during the cold war times. Interrogation, torture and murder were rife here behind the walls. Now it’s a museum dedicated to two terror regimes, Fascism and Communism.
10. Parliament (21 minutes, 1.8 km = 1.1 miles)
It is Hungary’s largest and probably finest building that lies on the bank of the Danube. Take a guided tour and admire the magnificent interior and you will be amazed by its grace. Its stunning exterior can be viewed from a cruise boat or simply a stroll along the river, especially at night when it’s bathed in light.
Parliament, Photo: Virág
11. Shoes at the Danube Memorial (19 minutes, 1.6 km = 1 miles)
A touching, thoughtful and an extremely moving monument dedicated to the Jewish people who were murdered at the shore of the river Danube in WW2 in 1944. I would suggested having a quick read about it before you go there.
Shoes at the Danube Memorial, Photo: Virag
On Buda Side (Left from the River Danube):
12. Rudas Baths (16 minutes, 1.1km = 0,68 miles)
Rudas Thermal Bath was built in the 16th century in the time of the Ottoman Empire, more recently a modern part was added to it. There is a variety of pools now as well as saunas and steam baths.
It is a delightful and relaxing place where you can unwind and watch the sunset over the Danube, from the rooftop pool, after a tiring day of sightseeing. The view of the city is spectacular from here.
13. Gellért Bath and Swimming Pool (19 minutes, 1.5 km = 0,9 miles)
The thermal bath is located in a splendid hotel building which opened in 1918. It has a magnificent Art Nouveau style interior specific to the beginning of the 20th century in Hungary.
Inside and outside swimming pools, thermal pools, saunas, an ice bath, steam rooms and an outside wave pool are all sure to repose you.
14. Gellért Hill and Citadel (24 minutes, 1.6 km = 1.0 miles)
A hike on a lovely walkway uphill with a fair number of stairs and breathtaking views over the city await you. You can also choose the lazy option by taking a bus instead. It is best to do this when the weather is clear so you can really admire the views once you reach the top.
Gellért Hill and Citadel as seen from Liberty Bridge, Photo: Virág
15. Royal Castle (29 minutes, 2.3 km = 1.4 miles)
It’s either a steep climb up or you can use the Funicular Railway that’s leaving from the Buda side of the Chain Bridge to get here. The architectural beauty of the Castle is scenic and gorgeous offering a glimpse into the city’s imperial past. You will find the view amazing and unforgettable.
Royal Castle, Photo: my friend, Bús Mónika
16. Matthias Church (29 minutes, 2.3 km = 1.4 miles)
The architecture is prodigious and the ceramic roof tiles are picturesque and you will be blown away by the interior as well. A combination of patterns and colours on the walls and columns are one of a kind and the stained glass windows are very pleasing to the eye. It is a great opportunity to get the chance to attend one of the many concerts here.
17. Fisherman’s Bastion (29 minutes, 2,3 km = 1.4 miles)
A magical place day and night with a breathtaking view of the city and the river Danube. It is a very romantic spot for couples but can sometimes be a bit crowded but it’s worth it. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Sunset from Fisherman’s Bastion, Photo: my cousin, Mészöly Nóra
18. Cave Church (19 minutes, 1,6 km = 1.0 miles)
It’s an utterly unique Roman Catholic church in the Gellért hill that consists of a natural cave and an artificially created rock cavern system. During the Socialist times the state power closed the entrance with a 2 meter thick concrete wall and the cross on the top was removed. Since the political changes it can be visited again. Services are regularly held here.
Entrance of the Cave Church, Photo: Virág
There are many places to stay in Budapest, but our location is one of the best in the city. In addition to the nearby attractions listed above, we are also within walking distance from these two UNESCO heritage sites:
1. The view of both banks of the river Danube, the Castle District of Buda, and the area stretching from Petőfi Bridge, past Gellért Hill and Tabán, to Castle Hill and the Water Town on the Buda side.
2. Andrássy út and its immediate surroundings, like the Millennium Underground Railway Line and Memorial in Heroes’ Square.
When you stay with us, the whole city is yours to explore.
Please contact us for further information. We will be glad to help:
info@katonaapartments.hu
These topics may also interest you:
Art Nouveau Buildings in Budapest
Day trip from Budapest to Szentendre
A natural formation transformed into a hospital
Arriving at Budapest Airport - How to Exchange Money and Where to Buy Bus Tickets
About the authors: Virág and János
Virág, a native of Budapest, and János, who’s been living in the city since 1997 are real fans of the capital of Hungary and try to awake the enthusiasm of others. They are dedicated to helping tourists to make most out of their stay.
Here you can read more about them: http://katonaapartments.hu/
Katona Apartments 