One of the world's most photogenic government buildings. Perched on the UNESCO World Heritage–listed banks of the Danube River, the mainly neo-Gothic structure features 691 rooms, a handful of which are open to the public—including the Domed Hall, where the Crown of St. Stephen is on display.

One of Budapest's most picturesque lookouts. Nestled high on Castle Hill, the neo-Romanesque terrace was built between 1895 and 1902, in celebration of millennial Hungary. Though today's structure is decorative, it sits on fortified walls that were used to defend the city.

The beautiful neo-classical St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is the biggest church in Budapest and sits on the imposing square of Szent István.

The striking waterfront is part of Budapest's UNESCO World Heritage–listed treasures, home to landmarks such as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Liberty Bridge, Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Margaret Island.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube riverfront, the Buda Castle is one of Budapest's most photographed landmarks. The magnificent palace dates back to the 13th century, but has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, most recently in a neo-baroque style.

As you face the river, off towards the Left is a very unique, touching memorial the Shoe Memorial, it consists of bronze shoes lined along the river. This represents all the people, young and old whom the Nazi's executed and whose bodies were thrown into the river. It is a somber memorial. There is plaque for it, but it is farther back, and hard to see.

Margaret Island is a magical little piece of heaven poised between Buda and Pest. Being there always gives you the sense of taking some time off from the real world. It's small - only 2.5 km (1.4 mi) long - but you'd be surprised how much the island manages to pack in and still feel like an oasis.

Gellért Hill (Gellért-Hegy) is one of Budapest's most romantic nights out. Just grab a bottle of the city's famous red wine, a couple of glasses, and your beloved. It might be a bit of a trek up there, but the view of twinkling lights will amply reward you.

Budapest's Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid) was the city's first – and is still its most famous – crossing of the Danube, connecting Baroque Buda on the western river bank with the wide boulevards of Pest on the east. Opened in 1849, the bridge is 375 meters long and 16 meters wide.

Castle Hill (Várhegy) is the medieval heart of Budapest and the centerpiece of the Buda neighborhood. Part of the Budapest UNESCO World Heritage site, the district is home to the city's big-hitter attractions, including the royal fortress of Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and the Fisherman's Bastion.

With the bright color of its tiled roof and its fantastic Neo-Gothic ornamentation, it is one of the stand-out attractions of Castle Hill. It was here, in 1867, that Franz Liszt's Coronation Mass was first performed, and the church still has a strong musical tradition; try and catch a concert if you can.