Óbuda is the third city that merged with Buda and Pest to form today’s city. The name is Hungarian for Old Buda. Here you can expect to see a great range of historic buildings lining quaint courtyards and alleys. Explore the myriad museums and galleries to piece together the ancient history of the district.
Among the highlights in the area is the Aquincum Museum and Ruin Garden, which pays homage to the Roman city that once existed on this very spot. Walk around this open-air museum to see the old theaters that belong to the ancient world. The Roman Civilian Amphitheater still has the cubicles where lions were kept and the Gate of Death through which dead gladiators were moved. Study the vestiges of the nearby Roman Military Amphitheatre, which was far larger and still has preserved walls.
Continuing this Roman theme is the ancient spa complex of the Thermae Maiores Baths Museum. Explore some of its nearly 50 rooms and imagine the Roman soldiers resting in the cold and hot pools here almost 2,000 years ago. As for more modern times, get a sense of religious history by visiting the 19th-century Óbuda Synagogue and the 18th-century Óbuda Parish Church.
Other highlights in the area include the Hungarian Museum of Trade & Tourism, the Kassák Museum and the Victor Vasarely Museum. For something different on a sunny day, relax in the leafy parks of Hajógyári Island in the River Danube.
The neighborhood comprises the District III area in the northern part of Budapest. From the city center, ride a train north to the Aquincum stop and get around by bus or on foot. Make sure to visit the city’s other districts, including Gellért Hill, Ferencváros and Castle Hill.
Óbuda harkens back to the Roman days and provides a look at religious culture.
