Attractions and Places To See in Budapest - Top 20

The equestrian statue of Saint Stephen I (Szent István) is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest's Castle District. It is not only a popular photo opportunity but also steeped in symbolism and history. Stephen I was the first king of Hungary (crowned in 1000 or 1001). He is considered the founder of the Hungarian state, uniting the Hungarian tribes and consolidating Christianity in the country. He was canonized in 1083.

It is very important to remember that although Hungarian wine and palinka are acceptable, they are indecently expensive, even in a below average store. My recommendation is to buy the same products, but from Romanian, Bulgarian or Moldovan producers.

There are plenty of statues in Budapest.

The Saint Stephen Monument (Hungarian: Szent István szobra) stands on Castle Hill in Budapest, between the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church on Szentháromság tér. Erected in 1906, it depicts the first Hungarian king, Stephen I, who introduced Christianity to Hungary and founded the kingdom. The bronze equestrian statue was created by the sculptor Alajos Stróbl, while the architect Frigyes Schulek designed the ornate base. The monument depicts Stephen on a proud horse, crowned and holding a cross, symbolizing the connection between secular power and the Christian faith. The stone base is decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from his life—including his coronation and the spread of Christianity. Set against the historic backdrop of the Castle District, the statue is one of Budapest's most famous landmarks and commemorates the canonized king, who is venerated as the founder of the Hungarian state.

The Saint Stephen's Monument (Szent István-szobor) in Budapest honors Stephen I, the first king of Hungary and founder of the Hungarian state. It is located in the Castle District of Buda, right next to the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church – one of the city's most beautiful squares. The equestrian statue was created in 1906 by Alajos Stróbl, one of Hungary's most important sculptors. It depicts King Stephen (Hungarian: Szent István király) on horseback, wearing the Hungarian St. Stephen's Crown and holding a cross – a symbol of his role in the Christianization of Hungary. The bronze equestrian statue stands on a richly decorated Neo-Romanesque pedestal adorned with reliefs depicting scenes from Stephen's life. The pedestal was designed by the architect Frigyes Schulek, who also designed the neighboring Fisherman's Bastion. Today, the monument is a popular photo motif and commemorates the canonized king, who is venerated as the founder of the Hungarian state and patron saint of Hungary.

The Chain Bridge in Budapest (Hungarian: Széchenyi Lánchíd) is one of the city's most famous landmarks, connecting the two districts of Buda and Pest across the Danube. It was built in the 19th century on the initiative of the Hungarian statesman István Széchenyi and opened in 1849 – the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary. It thus played a crucial role in the development of Budapest into a unified and modern metropolis. Designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark and built by Adam Clark, the bridge was a technical masterpiece at the time of its construction. Its striking appearance, with its massive chains and stone lion statues at the bridgeheads, continues to make it a popular subject for photographs. After suffering damage during World War II, the Chain Bridge was rebuilt in 1949 – exactly 100 years after its opening. In recent years, it has undergone extensive restoration and now shines once again in its historical splendor. A walk across the bridge at night is particularly impressive, when it is atmospherically lit and the view of the Danube, the Parliament and Buda Castle is unforgettable.

After years of hard work, the Chain Bridge was finally inaugurated on November 20, 1849, in a magnificent ceremony,

It is best to take photos with a 360° CAM.