Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet Híd)

Budapest is bisected by the Danube, and its Elisabeth Bridge—named for the Habsburg Queen Elisabeth— connects the two sides of the city. The historic thoroughfare opened in 1903, and connects Ferenciek Ter, in Pest, with Gellért Hill, in Buda. If the sun's shining, you can ride across on a Segway or bike tour, or stroll across independently. After stepping off in Buda, you can easily hike to the Citadella—plan to do both in one outing.

• You can save time and still enjoy bridge views with a sightseeing cruise or citywide tour.
• Shoppers can walk over the Elisabeth Bridge to find one of Pest's bustling shopping districts: Váci Street (Váci Utca).
• Cross the bridge after dinner for spectacular views of the cityscape at night.

The most convenient way to reach the bridge is by public transit. You can take the M3 metro line to Ferenciek Ter station—on the Pest side of the city—or the Rudas Gyógyfürdo tram stop, on the Buda side. Though there's no longer a tram running across the bridge, you can take the bus across, or enjoy a stroll from one end to the other.

Although there's really no bad time to visit the Elisabeth Bridge, you can expect more traffic during the day, and fewer pedestrians crossing at night. If you're planning your visit around Budapest's best weather then spring, summer, and fall are ideal. Although the weather is balmy and sunny in summer, this peak tourist season can mean fighting the crowds, particularly at top attractions.

Step off the Elisabeth Bridge in Buda and you're facing the gateway to Gellért Hill. For the most scenic route—perfect for avid hikers—you can ascend the stone stairways and walking paths up the hillside. As you hike, you find lovely views across the Danube, and eventually, reach the must-see Citadella and Liberty Statue. This hilltop destination is an ideal spot for a photo op with the cityscape in the background.