5 astonishing buildings in Budapest and the history behind them — PHOTOS

What’s not to love about architecture in the Hungarian capital? There are amazing buildings in Budapest around nearly every corner! Yet, in the rush of sightseeing or daily routine, it’s easy to walk right past them without ever looking up. Some gems remain tucked away from the typical tourist trail, while others have become icons of the city skyline. In this article, we’ve collected five astonishing buildings in Budapest that are sure to capture your heart. From lesser-known hideaways to all-time fan favourites, each one has a fascinating story waiting to be discovered.

Thonet House

Right in the heart of Váci Street’s bustling chaos, Thonet House is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but what a shame that would be. This elegant Art Nouveau building was built in 1888 for the Thonet brothers, the furniture wizards who made bentwood chairs a European craze. The building’s floral details, curved balconies, and ironwork are all part of its quiet charm. While it might not shout for attention like some of the grander buildings in Budapest, Thonet House is one of those places that rewards a second glance, and maybe a slow stroll past with a coffee in hand.

Gül Baba’s Tomb and Rosegarden

Upon Rózsadomb (meaning “Rose Hill” in English), you’ll find one of Budapest’s most peaceful spots: the tomb of Gül Baba. He was a Turkish dervish who came to Hungary with the Ottoman army in the 1500s and became a much-loved figure. Legend has it he introduced roses to the country, and today his resting place is surrounded by a garden full of them. It’s not just a historical site, but a space that feels deeply spiritual and soothing.

Hall of Art (Műcsarnok)

Just across from the iconic Heroes’ Square stands the Hall of Art—or Műcsarnok, if you’re feeling bold with your Hungarian. This grand neoclassical building opened in 1896 and has been Budapest’s temple to contemporary art ever since. While it may look like a traditional museum from the outside with its stately columns, the exhibitions inside are anything but. There’s always something new, strange, or thought-provoking on display. It’s one of those buildings in Budapest that balances the weight of history with the energy of what’s happening right now.

Gresham Palace

Gresham Palace might just be the most photogenic building in Budapest, and that’s saying something in this city. It was built in 1906 as an upscale office and apartment building for the British Gresham insurance company, it oozes Art Nouveau glamour from every angle. After falling into disrepair during the communist era, it was reborn in the 2000s as a luxury hotel. Today, it’s a place where history and high-end hospitality meet under the same glorious roof.

Parliament

No list of buildings in Budapest would be complete without the Hungarian Parliament, my personal favourite. Sitting grandly on the banks of the Danube, it’s not just the city’s most famous landmark, it’s also one of the largest and most beautiful parliament buildings in the world.

Finished in 1904 after nearly 20 years of construction, it’s a riot of Neo-Gothic spires, arches, and statues, topped off with a central dome that’s pure architectural drama. Inside, it’s just as extravagant, with gilded halls and the Hungarian Crown Jewels on display. And here’s a fun twist: the building is perfectly symmetrical on both sides, because politics, apparently, should always look balanced.

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