Things to see in Budapest

The Museum of Fine Arts offers a fine collection of international work from old masters to the present artists, housed in a neo-classical building near Heroes' Square. The wealth of work here is so vast because the Hungarian Parliament passed a law to unify all of the art collections in the capital. The museum also has an Egyptian collection and plenty of paintings from the classical period. European art is well-represented with works by Delacroix, Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, Kokoschka and Chagall. There is a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Tues-Sun 1000-1800.

Yes

St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest's largest church, was designed by József Hild and begun in 1851. It wasn't consecrated until 1905 though, as much of the Basilica had to be rebuilt after storm damage. Inside, Gyula Benczúr's painting of Szent István offering the Hungarian crown to the Virgin Mary symbolises the alliance between Hungary and Western Europe. The church is named after St Stephen, the first King of Hungary, and his holy right hand can be viewed in the Chapel. The cupola at the top of the Basilica’s tower offers excellent views of the city.

Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300; Sun 1300-1700.

Yes

The tiles that cover the roof of Matthias Church are as colourful and richly patterned as snakeskin, while the architecture is in a florid, late Gothic style. Inside is a melange of styles from the 13th to the 19th centuries. A church has been at the site since at least 1015, but when the Turks occupied the Castle District in 1541, it was turned into a mosque and the walls painted with extracts from the Koran. In the 20th century, it was used by occupying German forces as a kitchen, and later as stables by the Russians.

Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300, Sun 1300-1700.

Yes.

Many regard the thermal baths attached to Hotel Gellért as the finest in the city. A bathhouse has stood on the site since the 1500s, when its waters were valued for their medicinal qualities by the Turks. Its current building is an art nouveau masterpiece. Bathing in its soothing waters, surrounded by flower motifs, columns and delicate wall designs, is one of Budapest's highlights, but even if you're not up for a dip, stop by to drink in the glorious foyer. A huge array of treatments and massages are offered, so read the display board carefully before approaching the grumpy staff. Swimmers are forbidden to enter the pool without a swimming hat.

Daily 0600-2000.

Yes

At the end of Andrássy Avenue, one of the grandest streets in Budapest, lies Heroes’ Square. Home to the Millennium Monument, this cultural plaza is bordered by the City Park and is surrounded by buildings such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. The Millennium Monument was given its name after being completed in 1900 and it has statues of the seven tribes that founded Hungary, plus other historical figures. The square is rich with political connotations too: during Soviet times its statues were toppled and it has seen many demonstrations and political rallies over the years.

Daily 24 hours.

No

Europe's largest synagogue (and one of the biggest in the world) was designed by Lajos Föster, in a Byzantine-Moorish style, and completed in 1859. The intricately decorated interior, with beautiful frescos, an ornamental eastern wall and chandeliers, was finished by Frigyes Feszl. Desecrated by German and Hungarian Nazis, its two domes now gleam again after a 10-year restoration project. Some 724,000 Hungarian Jews were murdered in the Holocaust and their lives are remembered in the Jewish History Museum, annexed to the synagogue, and at Imre Varga's memorial to the side of the synagogue.

Sun-Fri 1000-1600 (Nov-Feb); Sun-Thurs 1000-1800 (Mar-Oct); Fri 1000-1530 (Nov-Mar) and 1000-1630 (Apr-Oct).

Yes.

With 21 indoor and outdoor pools, Széchenyi thermal baths is the country's largest thermal bath. The water is supplied by two springs and it contains calcium, magnesium, hydro-carbonate, also containing sodium and sulphate, said to be good for degenerative joint diseases and chronic arthritis.

Daily 0600-2200

Yes