Stretching from the Chain Bridge to the Elisabeth Bridge on the Pest side of the Danube, the Danube Promenade is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. In the early 20th century, this stretch was home to famous hotels such as the Ritz, the Bristol and the Carlton. Today, new luxury hotels like the InterContinental and the Sofitel line the Promenade, together with other prominent buildings and attractions.
Near the Chain Bridge, you will find the neo-Renaissance Hungarian Academy of Sciences building, opened in 1865. On the same square is the art nouveau Gresham Palace and a statue of Count Istvan Szechenyi, a 19th-century Hungarian politician and writer who encouraged the founding of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and promoted political reform.
On the other end of the Promenade, near the Elisabeth Bridge, is the Contra-Aquincum, a 4th century Roman castle, as well as the Inner City Parish Church. The latter was once a Roman basilica before being used as a mosque and then renovated in a Baroque style in the 18th century. The Elisabeth Bridge spans the Danube at its narrowest point in Budapest and is considered the most elegant bridge in the city.
Other attractions to look out for as you walk along the Promenade include the Vigado Concert Hall, the Little Princess statue and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial – a memorial made of cast iron shoes honoring the Jews who were killed in Budapest during World War II. And of course, enjoy great views of Buda Castle, the Citadel and Gellert Hill across the Danube.
Practical Info
The Danube Promenade is easily accessible by foot from both the Buda and Pest sides of the city and streetcar number 2 stops along the Promenade.
