Planning a trip to Budapest? Well, don’t settle for the usual tourist bus and malls. See some of the many unique, weird, and interesting Budapest attractions. And just as a side note, Budapest has some of the best cafes, sweets, and desserts!
And if you’re looking for authentic local night life ask someone to point you in the direction of the “ruin” bars. These bars are situated in the ruins of historic buildings.
Ronald Reagan in Budapest
Freedom Square (Szabadsag)
What an unlikely sight! A life-size realistic statue of the former President of the USA, Ronald Regan as he takes a stroll down a street in Budapest. The statue is in honor of the role Reagan played in dethroning Communism in Eastern Europe. The bronze statue stands 7 feet (2.13 meters) and was created by the Hungarian sculptor Istvan Mate. Budapest is actually a great destination for those who love public art, there are fascinating sculptures around every corner. Not only will you see unusual statues but there are some pretty strange murals in the city.
Lokal Budapest – Dob Utca 18
Lokal is one of the unique Budapest attractions where you can have a drink and party with locals. The decor is vintage but the skating element is evident in the skateboard store at the entrance. In the summer you can sit in the pub garden and watch screenings of skate movies.
Labyrinth of Buda Castle
Another interesting Budapest attraction is the intricate cave system runs beneath Buda Castle. The cave system was originally created by the hot natural springs which run deep below the city. The caves have been used for many purposes including wine cellars, a military hospital, a terror chambers, and a wax museum. Unfortunately, it recently closed but if you are in the Hungarian capital check if it has been reopened.
Anonymous, Budapest
Vajdahunyad Castle, City Park
You will most likely visit the City Park so watch out for this statue which in my opinion looks more like the grim reaper. It is in fact Anonymous, the first Hungarian chronicler, a medieval storyteller. The storyteller always signed his work “the notary of the most glorious King Bela” and as there were three King Belas in that period the writer was never really identified. The statue is by Miklos Ligeti and appears as a sitting figure in a large cloak with a hood covering his face. You can reach City Park from its main entrance on Heroes Square. THe HUngarian name for City Park is Városliget.
Memento Park, Budapest
1223 Budapest, 22nd District, Corner of Balatoni ut and Vasutallomas
Although only slightly off-the-beaten-track this is one of the interesting things in Budapest. I love discovering glimpses of the Communist past in Eastern European countries. Visit Budapest’s park full of discarded Soviet statues that once adorned the city squares and streets. You can also get into the cars of famous Communist leaders or call them up on the phone and talk to them!
While in Budapest consider using the tourist hop-on-hop-off bus. Although I usually find they aren’t worth it, this time the Budapest tourist bus really does help to cover all the attractions.
And one last tip for a really unique place to visit in Budapest. The Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library is not officially one of the Budapest attractions. It is a library housed within an historic palace, and it is breathtakingly beautiful.
