Sights

The Fisherman’s Bastion (lower level) is one of the most enchanting lookout points of Budapest, offering a fabulous panorama of the Danube, the Parliament and the iconic cityscape of Pest. Strolling among its neo-Romanesque arcades, stairs and towers, we may feel as if we were walking through the pages of a historical storybook.

The Fisherman’s Bastion (upper lookout) is one of the most spectacular panorama points of Budapest, offering a breathtaking view of the Danube, the Parliament and the city centre of Pest. Strolling among the neo-Romanesque towers and terraces, visitors are enchanted at once by the historic atmosphere of Buda Castle and the modern skyline of the capital.

The Mary Magdalene Tower is one of the special historic monuments of Buda Castle. Built in 1244, it has survived the storms of the centuries and preserves the memory of the former church. Its Gothic form, exciting past and the atmospheric setting of the Castle District make it an unmissable sight for all those who wish to discover the historic face of Budapest.

Gellért Hill and the Citadella form one of the most special panorama points of Budapest, offering a breathtaking view of the Danube, the bridges, Buda Castle and the city centre of Pest. The former fortress standing on the hilltop, with its historic atmosphere, the sight of the Liberty Statue and its renewed promenades, is an unmissable stop on every visit to Budapest.

The gardens of the Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár) are among the most special green spaces of historic atmosphere in Budapest, where neo-Renaissance elegance, the Danube panorama and the past of Buda Castle meet. Strolling among the Triton Fountain, the rose garden and the old castle walls, visitors can enjoy at once the tranquillity, the beauty and the rich history of Budapest.

The exhibitions of the Castle Garden Bazaar offer one of the most special cultural experiences of Budapest, where the historic setting, art and modern programmes meet in harmony. The building complex lying close to the Danube bank is not only a spectacular walking destination but also the home of inspiring exhibitions and cultural events.

Clark Ádám Square and the 0 km Stone form one of the symbolic starting points of Budapest, from which the kilometre numbering of several of Hungary’s main roads is counted. The special limestone sculpture, standing at the Buda bridgehead of the Chain Bridge, next to the lower station of the Buda Castle Funicular, is at once an urban curiosity and a popular photo spot.

The Karmelita is one of the special historic building complexes of the Buda Castle District, which once played an important role as a monastery and later as a theatre. With its late Baroque atmosphere, the diversity of its past and its location in the Castle District, it can be an exciting stop on a walk in Budapest.

The Hungarian National Gallery awaits visitors in the imposing building of the Buda Castle Palace, where the most beautiful works of Hungarian fine art come to life, from the Middle Ages all the way to the 20th century. Beyond the exhibitions, the venue itself is a special experience: historic walls, stunning works of art and an unparalleled panorama of Budapest make a visit unforgettable.

The Budapest History Museum is a perfect destination for all those who wish to get to know Budapest’s past, from the Roman era all the way to the present day. The Castle Museum, located in the Buda Castle Palace, offers an exciting insight into the rich heritage of the capital with its special exhibitions, medieval relics and historic atmosphere.

Matthias Church is one of the most iconic monuments of Budapest, rising in the heart of Buda Castle on Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér). Its ornate Gothic forms, colourful roof tiles and rich history lend a special atmosphere to the Castle District. Royal weddings and coronations took place within its walls, so visitors can discover not only a stunning church but also one of the important sites of Hungarian history.

The Hungarian Heritage House is one of the special cultural centres of Budapest, where Hungarian folk tradition appears in a living, present-day form. Dance performances, concerts, exhibitions, craft programmes and community events await those who wish to get to know more closely the rich cultural heritage of the Carpathian Basin.

The Vienna Gate (Bécsi kapu) is one of the most atmospheric entrances to Buda Castle, worthily evoking the medieval atmosphere of the historic Castle District. Several iconic Castle District streets begin at Bécsi kapu Square, and nearby attractions await visitors, such as the Hungarian National Archives, the Lutheran church of Buda Castle and the remarkable grapevine of Bécsi kapu Square. If you are setting out to explore Buda Castle, the Vienna Gate is the perfect starting point.

The Fountain of the Fishing Children is one of the charming, playfully atmospheric sights of Buda Castle, located at the northern end of the Royal Palace, below the Habsburg Gate. The bronze sculptural composition depicts two boys struggling with a huge catfish in a fishing net, while a pigtailed little girl watches them. The fountain, created by Károly Senyei, is a pleasant stop on a walk in the Castle thanks to its special details and charming story.

Dísz Square is one of the atmospheric and historically significant squares of the Buda Castle District, where the relics of the past and the special ambience of the Castle District are present at once. Thanks to its old residential houses, nearby palaces and the Honvéd statue, it is a perfect starting point for a walk in Buda Castle.

The Buda Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló) is one of the most special transport experiences of Budapest, taking you up from Clark Ádám Square to the Buda Castle Palace. During the journey of just a few minutes, a beautiful panorama opens onto the Chain Bridge, the Danube and the city centre of Pest. Thanks to its historic atmosphere and unparalleled view, it is an unmissable experience when discovering the Castle District.

The Tabán is one of the most special green oases of Budapest, where, strolling between Buda Castle, Gellért Hill and Naphegy, the city’s past and tranquillity can be felt at once. On the site of today’s park there once stood a romantic quarter full of winding streets, restaurants and wine taverns, which many called the “Montmartre of Budapest”. Today the Tabán is an ideal place for a relaxing walk, a picnic or a quiet stop during sightseeing in Buda.

The Hungarian National Archives is one of the remarkable buildings of Buda Castle, making the historic atmosphere of Bécsi kapu Square even more memorable. The monumental archives palace is not only an architectural sight but also one of the most important guardians of Hungary’s past. It is worth pausing in front of it for a moment, for centuries of history lie hidden behind its walls.

The Military History Institute and Museum is one of the special historic sites of Buda Castle, preserving the relics of Hungarian military history. Although the museum exhibition cannot currently be visited in the Castle District building, the area around Kapisztrán Square and the Tóth Árpád Promenade can still be an exciting stop for all those who wish to explore the military and historical layers of Budapest’s past.

A special Ottoman-era relic of the Buda Castle District, the Karakash Pasha Tower evokes the atmosphere of the 17th century in the historic heart of Budapest. The bastion-like, 12-sided tower once served defensive purposes; today it welcomes visitors in renewed surroundings, with a café and an atmospheric Turkish garden. It is an ideal stop for those who, alongside the well-known sights of the Castle District, would also like to discover a more exciting, less ordinary historic site.

MáraiKult awaits, in the heart of Buda, all those who long for meaningful cultural experiences, inspiring programmes and venues with a special atmosphere. The centre, evoking the spirit of Sándor Márai, is one of the important meeting points of the cultural life of the Buda Castle District, the Tabán, Gellért Hill, Víziváros and Krisztinaváros.

Standing on Dísz Square in the heart of Buda Castle, the De la Motte–Beer Palace is modest on the outside, yet it hides true Baroque treasures within. The building, adorned with 18th-century wall paintings, an arcaded courtyard and patinated interiors, offers a special glimpse into the former world of Buda’s burghers and aristocrats.

The Buda Castle Labyrinth is a special cave and cellar system stretching deep beneath Castle Hill, where the history of Budapest reveals itself from an entirely new angle. The mystical atmosphere of the underground passages, their natural cavities and their historic past offer an exciting experience to all those who also wish to discover the lesser-known side of Buda Castle.

The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum is a special historic site hidden beneath Buda Castle, where visitors can get to know Budapest’s wartime and Cold War past at close quarters. The underground hospital and nuclear bunker presents the true face of war with wax figures, rooms of original atmosphere and moving exhibitions, while drawing attention to the value of peace.

The Habsburg Gate is one of the elegant, historically atmospheric entrances of Buda Castle, evoking the turn-of-the-century splendour of the Royal Palace. The gate, designed by Alajos Hauszmann, with the fine wrought-iron ornaments of Gyula Jungfer and the Turul statue towering above it, offers a special sight to those strolling in the Castle District.

Sándor Palace is one of the elegant, classicist buildings of the Buda Castle District, standing on Szent György Square, close to the upper station of the Buda Castle Funicular. It once served as an aristocratic home, then as the prime minister’s residence, and today it is one of Hungary’s most prominent historic and ceremonial buildings. The sight of the palace, its historic past and its location in the Castle District make it a particularly exciting stop during sightseeing in Budapest.

The National Defence Headquarters is one of the reborn historic buildings of Buda Castle, standing near Szent György Square and Dísz Square. The neo-Renaissance building, erected to the designs of Mór Kallina, was once the centre of the Royal Hungarian Army; today it is regaining its former splendour within the framework of the National Hauszmann Programme. With its imposing appearance and exciting history, it can be a special stop on a walk in the Castle District.

The Guardhouse and Stöckl Stairway is a spectacular, historically atmospheric part of the Buda Castle Palace, connecting the Csikós Courtyard with the upper palace levels. The neo-Renaissance ensemble, rebuilt after the designs of Alajos Hauszmann, once again evokes the elegance of Buda Castle and can be a special stop on a walk in the Castle.

The Riding Hall (Csikós Courtyard) is one of the spectacularly reborn historic sites of Buda Castle, evoking the former equestrian life of the royal court. The prestigious riding hall, built to the designs of Alajos Hauszmann, is once again a worthy ornament of the Castle, with the famous Csikós statue in front of it, which lends a special atmosphere to the square.

Archduke Joseph’s Palace is one of the reborn historic jewels of the Buda Castle District, located on Szent György Square, opposite Sándor Palace. The palace’s rich past, aristocratic elegance and spectacular reconstruction make it a special stop on a walk in the Castle.

The Matthias Fountain is one of the most beautiful sights of the Hunyadi Courtyard of the Buda Castle Palace, bringing to life a scene from King Matthias’s hunt. Alajos Stróbl’s stunning sculptural composition evokes the legend of the Renaissance ruler with cascading water, richly detailed figures and historic atmosphere.

St Stephen’s Hall is one of the most special jewels of the Buda Castle Palace, reborn as a stunning masterpiece of Hungarian applied arts of the turn of the century. The richly decorated hall, with its Zsolnay ceramics, historicist atmosphere and royal elegance, invites visitors on a true journey through time.

The National Széchényi Library is Hungary’s national library, preserving the most important treasures of Hungarian written culture in the building of the Buda Castle Palace. Among the historic books, manuscripts, maps and rare documents are such rarities as the Funeral Sermon, the Old Hungarian Lament of Mary and the manuscript of the Hungarian national anthem by Ferenc Kölcsey. The library is not only a place of research but also a special gateway to Hungarian history and culture.

The Buda Castle Palace (the building) is one of the most iconic sights of Budapest, rising with dignity above the Danube on Castle Hill. The former royal palace today functions as a cultural centre, housing, among others, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library. Its historic atmosphere, stunning architecture and unparalleled panorama make it an unmissable stop during sightseeing in Budapest.

The Savoyai Terrace is one of the most beautiful panorama points of Buda Castle, offering a stunning view of the Danube, the Parliament, Gellért Hill and the bridges of Budapest. The spacious terrace stretching in front of the Hungarian National Gallery, with the equestrian statue of Eugene of Savoy, its special atmosphere and its view over the city, is a favourite stop for tourists and photography enthusiasts.

The Southern Great Rondella is one of the special fortifications of Buda Castle evoking a medieval atmosphere, located on the southern slope of Castle Hill. With its thick walls, gate tower and historic ambience, it is an exciting stop for those who wish to discover the former defensive system of Buda Castle at close quarters.

The Mace Tower is one of the special structures of the southern end of Buda Castle, recognisable even from afar. Its tower body of medieval origin and its distinctive, mace-shaped upper part lend an exciting historic atmosphere to the castle walls. Standing near the Ferdinand Gate and the Great Rondella, it is a spectacular stop on a walk in Buda Castle.

The YBL6 Art Space is a modern and versatile exhibition venue located on the street level of the Southern Palace of the Castle Garden Bazaar. As part of the renewing cultural life of the Buda Castle Palace District, it presents fresh, inspiring works of Hungarian fine art in a special historic setting.

The Virág Benedek House is one of the hidden treasures of the Tabán, where the atmosphere of old Budapest and contemporary culture meet in a special way. Its romantic inner courtyard, cobbled details and walnut tree of more than a hundred years offer a truly peaceful refuge during sightseeing. Exhibitions, concerts, family programmes and a summer garden cinema make it a living, lovable meeting place.

The Semmelweis Museum of Medical History is one of the special, evocative sights of Budapest, awaiting visitors in the birthplace of Ignác Semmelweis. The museum offers an exciting insight into the history of healing, medical science and the human body, while paying worthy tribute to the “saviour of mothers”.

The Castle District Mayor’s Office is located in the historic setting of the Buda Castle District, on Kapisztrán Square, where the everyday life and administration of the district connect with the atmosphere of the past. Although it operates primarily as an official institution, its location makes it worth noticing during a walk in the Castle District, for the quiet streets, listed buildings and special ambience of the neighbourhood show one of the most beautiful faces of Budapest.

Dózsa György Square (Coach Park) is located in District I of Budapest, at the foot of the western castle wall, where several layers of the city’s past can be discovered. In the Middle Ages the area was known as a royal garden; later vineyards, and then a square highlighting the view of the Castle Palace, took shape here. Today, thanks to its historical relics and its location close to the Castle, the square can be an interesting stop while exploring Buda Castle.

The Tóth Árpád Promenade is one of the most romantic walking routes of the Buda Castle District, stretching along the castle wall with a beautiful view towards the Buda hills and the city. In spring, the blossoming of the Japanese ornamental cherry trees creates a particularly magical atmosphere, making the promenade one of the favourite photography locations of Budapest.

The Garden of Philosophers is one of the quiet yet specially atmospheric sights of Budapest, on the western side of Gellért Hill. From the park a beautiful view opens onto the city, while the eight-figure sculptural group by Nándor Wagner draws attention to the shared values of religions and cultures.

The Cave Church is one of the most special sacral sights of Budapest, set in natural and artificial cave cavities in the side of Gellért Hill. The church, linked to the Pauline order, is at once a spiritual memorial site, a historical memento and a tourist destination of special atmosphere. Its cave-like interior, quiet ambience and the closeness of the Danube make it an unforgettable stop on a walk in Budapest.

Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér) is one of the most beautiful and most atmospheric central squares of the Buda Castle District, where the history of Budapest comes to life at almost every step. Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the richly decorated Holy Trinity Column together create a special setting that invites photography and strolling.

The Equestrian Statue of András Hadik is one of the special and much-mentioned sights of the Buda Castle District, commemorating at once the legendary hussar general and the 3rd Hussar Regiment. The bronze statue standing at the corner of Szentháromság Street and Úri Street is interesting not only for its historical significance but also for the good-luck legend attached to it, which tour guides are fond of telling tourists.

The Rácz Baths is one of the special historic baths of Budapest, located near Döbrentei Square, at the foot of the Tabán. The closeness of Gellért Hill, the Danube bank and the Castle lends a special atmosphere to the neighbourhood, where the history of old Buda and Budapest’s famous bathing culture can be discovered at once.