
Chain Bridge, Budapest (must see)
The Chain Bridge isn’t just a way across the Danube—it’s Budapest’s ultimate “glow-up” moment. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent link between Buda and Pest, finally sparing locals the hassle of ferries, boats, or heroic swims to cross the river. Credit goes to Count István Széchenyi, who, after being famously stranded for a week by bad weather, decided enough was enough. He brought in English engineer William Clark to design the bridge, and Scottish engineer Adam Clark to actually build it.
At the time, the Chain Bridge was considered a marvel of modern engineering, with giant iron chains strung between massive stone towers. It wasn’t just practical, but also stylish enough to stir a bit of envy among Europe’s grandest cities. Its opening marked a major step toward the modernization of Hungary, both economically and socially.
History, however, wasn’t kind. During World War II, retreating German troops blew it apart. But in true Budapest spirit, the city painstakingly rebuilt the bridge, reopening it in 1949, exactly a century after its original debut.
Walk across today and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in town. On the Buda side, you’re at the foot of Castle Hill, a short stroll from the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Cross over to Pest, and you’ll land near the stunning Gresham Palace and Széchenyi Square.
And then there are the lions—those fierce stone guardians stading at both ends. Local legend says they don’t have tongues, but spoiler alert: they do, just cleverly hidden from view.
Especially at night, when it’s lit up, the Chain Bridge feels like the heartstring tying Budapest together. Don't miss the chance to walk it, and feel the heartbeat of Budapest under your feet.
At the time, the Chain Bridge was considered a marvel of modern engineering, with giant iron chains strung between massive stone towers. It wasn’t just practical, but also stylish enough to stir a bit of envy among Europe’s grandest cities. Its opening marked a major step toward the modernization of Hungary, both economically and socially.
History, however, wasn’t kind. During World War II, retreating German troops blew it apart. But in true Budapest spirit, the city painstakingly rebuilt the bridge, reopening it in 1949, exactly a century after its original debut.
Walk across today and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in town. On the Buda side, you’re at the foot of Castle Hill, a short stroll from the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Cross over to Pest, and you’ll land near the stunning Gresham Palace and Széchenyi Square.
And then there are the lions—those fierce stone guardians stading at both ends. Local legend says they don’t have tongues, but spoiler alert: they do, just cleverly hidden from view.
Especially at night, when it’s lit up, the Chain Bridge feels like the heartstring tying Budapest together. Don't miss the chance to walk it, and feel the heartbeat of Budapest under your feet.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chain Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Chain Bridge
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Budapest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour
Dating back to 1870 and recognized as a World Heritage site, Andrássy Avenue is a long, wide boulevard named after Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy (served 1867–71) that connects Budapest's downtown with the City Park. The entire stretch is lined with cafés, restaurants, luxury shops, as well as cultural institutions, elegant neo-Renaissance apartment blocks, mansions, and embassies with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Souvenir Shopping
It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city’s specialty shops are found on Váci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Margaret Island Walking Tour
Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (“Margit-sziget”) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Buda Introduction Walking Tour
Hungary’s capital is relatively young, having emerged in the late 19th century after the merger of two neighboring towns—Buda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern side. Buda, with its hills and historic character, is home to the grand Hapsburg palace, still exuding the imperial charm of a time when wealth and power reigned.
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gellért... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gellért... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Pest Introduction Walking Tour
Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the wide sweep of the Danube, the eastern side of Budapest takes up almost two-thirds of the city. While Buda rises in hills and castle-topped cliffs, Pest spreads out across a flat plain, buzzing with energy and a rather bourgeois spirit. Some of Hungary’s most iconic landmarks call this side home, including the grand Parliament building itself. No... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Jews were officially allowed to settle in Pest in the early 18th century. By the late 1700s, a small but growing community had taken root, and the 19th century brought rapid urbanization and expansion. The Jewish population soared, with many Jews becoming integral to Budapest’s economic and cultural life.
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Must Buy Hungarian Things in Budapest
Other than the standalone language and catchy Czardas tune, there's a lot more to memorize Hungary by. Here are some of the things you might want to carry from Budapest to your family and friends back...