When I visited Budapest last December, I didn’t know that I’d soon ride one of Europe’s oldest electrified subways. The Budapest Metro has four operating lines, but the most iconic one is Metro Line M1 that opened in 1896. It has 11 stops and runs under the notable Andrássy Avenue in the eastern part of the city, called Pest.
All metro stations are well-maintained. Narrow stairs lead from the streets to rather small platforms with white-tiled walls, a wooden bench, and a wooden ticket box. To fit the short platforms, the trains have only two cars which look very old-fashioned.
Being a curious Local Guide, I decided to spend a day riding the M1 line from one end to the other and getting off at every station. I wanted to make a list of the sights visitors can see by using only one means of transportation in Budapest. This turned into the most interesting thing I’ve done as a Local Guide so far.
First stop: Vörösmarty tér
I started my journey from Vörösmarty tér, the closest station to the Danube River. It’s located on Vörösmarty Square from where two of the most famous pedestrian streets in Budapest begin. These are Váci Street and Fashion Street. While Váci offers a great variety of restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a must for tourists, Fashion Street is all about international high-end shops and hotel chains.
If you visit Budapest in December, you’ll find one of the city’s biggest Christmas markets on Vörösmarty Square, so don’t miss it.
A short walk from the station toward the river, I found the Little Princess Statue, sitting on a metal railing. Budapest is full of life-size statues of people in the most unexpected places, but this one had a magnificent view of the Buda Castle in the background.
Next stop: Deák Ferenc tér
The first thing I saw when I emerged on the ground from Deák Ferenc tér station was the tall Budapest Eye. I’m happy that the long line didn’t put me off because the views from above were worth the wait. The ride lasted more than ten minutes, and by the last turn, I’d already taken a good look at most of the main sights of the city.
Next stop: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út
Close to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út station was the imposing 19-century St. Stephen’s Basilica. The rich and marble interior was just as impressive as the exterior, adorned with many life-size statues of saints.
On the square in front of the basilica was a maze-like Christmas bazaar that bustled with activity. In the evening, the facade of the building turned into a canvas for a 3D projection mapping show.
Next stop: Hősök tere
I wasn’t prepared for the vastness and history-soaked atmosphere of the Heroes’ Square above Hősök tere station. Over twenty statues of Hungary’s most prominent historical figures looked down on the passers-by who all stopped to marvel at them.
Beyond the square lay the City Park where I discovered my favorite sight in the city, the Vajdahunyad Castle. This 100-year-old gem is a mix of several architectural styles and is completed with a bridge and a portcullis.
Last stop: Széchenyi fürdő
Although Széchenyi fürdő station is not the last stop on the M1 line, it was where I spent a good portion of my day. Right next to the station exit was the old Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the best public thermal baths in Budapest. With a huge heated outdoor pool, many indoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and private changing rooms, you can easily soak here from dawn till evening.
Check out my full list on Google Maps for more interesting places to add to your travel wish list along the Budapest Metro Line M1.
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