What to do in Mende

Famed for its art nouveau design, the Gellért Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool has been an important fixture for locals and visitors since it was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. These baths use the thermal springs from Gellért Hill to fill the pools in its majestic rooms. Spend a day taking advantage of the treatment options in this tranquil spa.

Hungarian officials wanted to create a grand celebration of the country’s Millennial in 1896 so they constructed the Parliament Building (Orszaghaz) using London’s Westminster Palace as inspiration. Hungarian architect, Imre Steindl, created plans for the impressive structure and built it in a prominent position along the Pest side of the Danube River. The site was selected on this flat central location as a symbol of the city’s new democratic government rather than the lofty hilltop castles of royalty.

The Buda Castle (Budai var) is part of Budapest’s internationally protected World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The beauty of the large castle, with the Chain Bridge in the foreground and both structures reflecting in the Danube River, is a sight that shouldn’t be missed, especially when city lights have come on after dark. Find these inspiring views from many spots on the Pest side of Budapest, particularly from the Parliament area, or observe them while on a river cruise on the Danube.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is among the largest thermal spring spas in Europe. Its natural hot water is used for medicinal purposes to aid degenerative joint illnesses and inflammations. Admire the neo-Baroque style of the buildings and the pools that date back to the turn of the 20th century.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a neoclassical church with an imposing dome and elegant turrets. With a height of 315 feet (96 meters), it is the tallest building in the city and among the largest churches in the country. Admire the opulence of this majestic church that features stunning stained-glass windows and works of art.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge connecting the two sides of Budapest across the River Danube. Opened in 1849, it was considered a triumph of engineering and played a huge role in the growth of the city. Admire the elegant classicist design of this cast iron suspension bridge that has become an icon of Budapest.

Hungary’s 300-year-long and very strong operatic tradition was given a major boost when the Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) opened in Budapest in 1884. The building was designed by Mikós Ybl with influence from the Vienna Opera House. It now houses both the Hungarian State Opera and the Hungarian State Ballet. Its acoustics are considered among the finest in Europe, nearly as good as Milan’s La Scala and Paris’s Palais Garnier.

Fisherman’s Bastion is a unique viewpoint that is as spectacular as the view it provides. The white turreted fortress stands atop Castle Hill and looks over the River Danube and the eastern half of Budapest. Bring your camera to this impressive vantage point to take photographs of the city lights at sunset.