Central Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok)
IX. Fővam tér, Metro: M2
Kálvin tér, Trams 2, 47, 49, Website: www.csapi.hu,
Open: 6am-5pm Mon, 6am-6pm Tue-Fri, 6am-2pm
Sat
Heading south-west from Kálvin tér to Vámház körút, you'll
come across the largest of five market halls opened towards the end of the 19th-century - the
Central Market Hall. This grand structure originally incorporated an indoor canal by which goods
were delivered to the market's traders. Restored in 1994, the sheer size and grandeur of the hall
reflects an era when Budapest was a city with big ideas.
Although the canal is long gone, visitors can still marvel at the amazing
variety of fresh produce, meat and flowers for sale. Housed beneath a beautifully restored Zsolnay
tiled roof, the immaculately laid out market stalls charge the senses with a combination of vivid
colours and intoxicating smells.
As is the case with many of Europe's great market halls, if you plan to visit,
do so early in the morning. Saturday in particular, is the best time to see this impressive market
in full swing.
The Central Synagogue (Nagy Zsinagóga)
VII. Dohány utca 2, M2
Astoria, Bus 7, 7A, 78, Tram 47, 49, Trolleybus 74, Open: 10am-3pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm
Sun
Completed in 1859 from a Lajos Förster design, the Great Synagogue is second only in size to
New York's Temple Emmanuel. Two impressive 'Moorish' style domes make it one of the most
distinguishable landmarks in Pest, while the detailed façade of the building is decorated
with brickwork in the heraldic colours of the city - blue, yellow and red.
Adjoining the main building (on the corner of Wesselényi u.)
is the Heroes Temple, which seats 250 people and is used for religious services on weekdays.
Although not open to the public, the Lazlo Vago/Ferenc Farogó design serves as a memorial
to Hungarian Jews who gave their lives during World War I.
The courtyard to the
rear houses the
Synagogue's garden of remembrance. Here, Imre Varga's poignant weeping willow stands as a memorial
to the Holocaust.
As well as the names of Jewish families who were murdered, an inscription simply
reads 'Whose agony is greater than mine'. A moving exhibition on the fate of Budapest's Jewish
population during World War II is also housed in a wing of the Synagogue.
XI. Gellérthegy, Bus 27, Tram 18,
Website: www.citadella.hu
Built by the Habsburgs in the middle of the 19th-century, the Citadella's hill top position was
used to strengthen their hold over Buda's inhabitants after the failed War of Independence between
1848-1849. Since then, the building has been used as a prison camp and an anti-aircraft battery by
German forces during World War II.
Still scarred by bullet holes, the building today houses a restaurant, café and a youth
hostel (the most inexpensive accommodation in town) while the area around the Citadella commands
some of the most breathtaking views of the city. Just a short walk away is the statue of St.
Gellért and the Liberation Monument.
Church of St. Anne (Szent Anna Templom)
I.
Batthyány tér 8, M2 Batthyány
tér, Open (for services only): 6:45am-9am, 4pm-7pm Mon-Sat, 7am-1pm Sun
Guide books on Budapest are typically unrestrained in their praise for St Anne's. In truth, it's
not difficult to see why. Located on the south side of Batthyhány tér, this fine
Baroque building (Kristóf Hamon, Máté Nepauer 1740-1762) is a wholly
captivating place of worship.
Over the years the church has withstood the ravages of earthquakes, floods,
two World Wars and the construction of the nearby metro line and station. It's elegant
well-proportioned exterior is matched inside by the high altar statues of the Virgin Mary and St
Anne. Statues of angels and cherubs embellish the supporting altars, with a wonderful oval domed
ceiling fresco by Pál Molnar completing the effect.
City Park (Városliget)
VI. Dósza Győrgy út, Metro: M1 Hősök tere
Known to locals as the Városliget, the park was originally designed to celebrate the
Hungarian Millennium (in 1896) and includes the Vajdahunyad Castle and a small artificial lake.
The castle, which represents the many different styles of Hungarian
architecture, takes its name from the structure's imposing portcullis entrance. This part
of the building resembles the Transylvanian fortification of the same name, with the
original castle (located in what is now Romania) once being home to János Hunyadi,
hero of the Turkish wars.
As
a popular area to stroll around, the City Park is also near to a number of other attractions such as the
Széchenyi baths, Heroes' Square, the national Transport Museum (which includes
aircraft displays), Budapest Zoo and Vidam Park.
The famous Gundel restaurant, which is also one of the city's most expensive, is conveniently
located just a
few minutes walk away.
Clark Ádám Square (Clark Ádám
tér)
I. Clark Ádám tér, Bus 16, 86, Tram
19
On the Buda side of the Lanchíd (Chain bridge) is a small park named after the famous
British engineer who helped construct the crossing.
Aside from serving as the lower terminus of the Castle District Funicular (from where you can
ascend to the Royal Palace), the park also houses the Kilometre Zero stone, the point from which
all road distances from Budapest are measured.
Danube Embankment (Dunakorzó)
Although today's Dunakorzó
(universally known as the korzó) cannot be compared to the grand promenade which existed
during the second half of the 19th-century, it remains a favourite spot for tourists.
Running
alongside the Danube between the Erszébet and Szabadság bridges, the korzó
follows the route of the No. 2 Villamos passed the Sofitel
Maria Dorottya,
InterContinental and Marriott
Hotels.
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Worth Noting: The nearby Vörösmarty tér (square) is
a focal point for festivals throughout the year, as well as being the location for the
city's Christmas Market. Moored on a ship next to the embankment, you'll also find the Spoon
Cafe and Lounge (external link) - a good choice for a fine meal with unforgettable
views.
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On
a warm summer's day, it's fashionable to sit and chat over a cold beer or coffee in one of the many
riverside cafés (service can be painfully slow during high season though). Alternatively,
you can sit and admire the views of Buda, free of charge, from one of the old-time replica
'Buchwald-chairs' on the front.
Also worth looking out for is Laszlo Marton's little bronze statue
of a child perched on the railings between the korzó and the tramline. Entitled 'Little
Princess' the figure is curiously seen wearing a jester's hat. Less than five minutes walk away is
the fashionable Váci utca which stretches from Vörösmarty tér to
Vámház kórút.
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