This year marks 150 years since three cities along the Danube—Buda, Óbuda, and Pest—united, forming the modern metropolis of Budapest. The Hungarian capital is celebrating its sesquicentennial with nearly 100 events extending through 2024.
The city’s landmark Chain Bridge will reopen to pedestrians this fall after more than two years of reconstruction. In October, scores of spectators will cheer on participants in the Budapest Marathon as they run next to and under the famous bridge. Other anniversary events include an open-air jubilee concert in Heroes’ Square in September; the Cake of Budapest competition, with the winning confectionary set to be offered citywide after the first public tasting this fall; and a new exhibit on the identity of Budapest at the Budapest History Museum.
The events build on the momentum of several recent openings, including the Museum of Ethnography, House of Music Hungary, and the Hungarian State Opera, which wrapped up a comprehensive renovation last year. Many attractions at the Buda Castle Palace District, including St. Stephen’s Hall, the Guardhouse, and Karakash Pasha Tower, have been restored to their original glory as part of the National Hauszmann Program.
A slate of new hotels will house anniversary visitors. The W Budapest is set to open directly across from the opera house in July. The historic Klotild Palace will be converted into the St. Regis Hotel Budapest. And the Dorothea Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, will debut on Vörösmarty Square.
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