Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Lonely Planet review

The city's bridges, both landmarks and delightful vantage points over the Danube, are stitches that have bound Buda and Pest together since well before the two were linked politically in 1873. There are a total of nine spans, including a railroad bridge, but the four in the centre stand head and shoulders above the rest.

A twin-towered structure to the south, this is the city's oldest and arguably its most beautiful bridge. It is named in honour of its initiator, István Széchenyi, but was actually built by Scotsman Adam Clark. When it opened in 1849, Chain Bridge was unique for two reasons: it was the first permanent dry link between Buda and Pest; and the aristocracy - previously exempt from all taxation - had to pay a toll like everybody else to use it.