Buda castle
Buda castle

Buda Castle and the Castle District

Discover the history of Buda Castle and the many historic landmarks and tourist attractions in the Castle District of Budapest

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Buda Castle is a true gem located in the 1st district of Budapest, and one of the most famous and iconic tourist attractions of Hungary. Both Buda Castle and the surrounding Castle District is jam-packed with historic buildings, architectural masterpieces and amazing museums. If you’ve decided to spend a day on what this area has to offer, you’re definitely in for a treat.

History of Buda Castle

Buda Castle was the home of Hungarian kings starting from the 13th century, when King Béla IV of Hungary erected the first royal residence on top of the limestone Castle Hill. Some parts of the present-day palace were built as early as the 14th century, but most of the building and its surroundings were constructed between 1749 and 1769. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Royal Palace was severely damaged by the Ottoman army, and the whole city fell in the hands of the Ottoman Empire in 1541.

There were several re-capture attempts by the Habsburgs throughout the almost 150-year-long reign of the Turks, and the building suffered even more damage during that period. Moreover, it was used as a storage facility for gunpowder, and when Buda was taken back in 1686 by the Holy League, the medieval castle exploded and was completely destroyed. A few decades later it was rebuilt in Baroque style and it became a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Buda Castle in the 16th century
Buda Castle in the 16th century

There are several ways to get to Buda Castle, and they all have something unique to offer.

Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

The Budavári Sikló (the Buda Castle funicular) was built to serve as a direct connection between Clark Ádám tér and Buda Castle in 1870. It was destroyed during World War II, but reconstruction works finished in 1986 and it has been in operation since then.

Just buy a ticket at the foot of the hill, at the Buda side end of Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and enjoy the breathtaking view while ascending to Buda Castle. Check the info on the BKK website for the most up-to-date prices.

Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

Bus 16 or 16A

Bus 16 links Széll Kálmán tér and Deák Ferenc tér going through the Castle District, while bus 16A serves as a connection between Széll Kálmán tér and the Castle District on a very similar route. If you’d like to check out how Buda Castle looks from different angles, this is your best choice. Don’t forget to check out our article on transportation in Budapest.

On foot

If you’re up for the challenge and like taking matters into your own hands, you can also reach Buda Castle on foot. Just start climbing up the steps next to Clark Ádám tér’s tunnel, and follow the signs until you reach the top of the hill. The panoramic view will surely take your breath away – if the climb itself doesn’t.

By car

Getting to Buda Castle by car may not be the easiest solution. Access by car has several restrictions, and if you’d only like to spend a few hours checking out the Castle District, you’ll end up paying a hefty amount in the end. So our advice is to leave your car at your hotel or apartment and choose another option to get to the Buda Castle. By the way, if you need some tips on car rental in Budapest, be sure to check out our article on the subject.

Hop-on Hop-off Buses

Now this is a truly convenient way to get there. Hop-on Hop-off buses have many stops all over the city, and what’s easier than picking the closest one to you and getting off at Buda Castle? Moreover, on the way there you’ll get to visit other amazing tourist attractions, so we strongly recommend this option. Check out our guide on Hop-on Hop-off buses and combine convenience with the utmost fun.

Hop-on Hop-off bus in front of the Buda Castle
Hop-on Hop-off bus in front of the Buda Castle

Top things to see in the Castle District

First of all, this map will be of great help when you’re planning your trip to the Castle District, as it shows you all the most important tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels to make it easier for you to navigate. We’ve highlighted some of the places that are definitely worth a visit.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church, or Mátyás-templom is one of the best-known churches in Hungary with its colorful Zsolnai tiles and snow-white, lacey towers. According to the tradition, the predecessor of Matthias Church at the same spot was founded by Saint Stephen of Hungary as early as 1015, but it was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. In the 14th century, it was rebuilt in Gothic style, and thanks to a long renovation, the present-day church was brought back to its old glory in 2013. Tourists have to pay an entrance fee to get inside, but it’s definitely worth every penny.

Matthias Church in the Castle District
Matthias Church in the Castle District

Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion, or Halászbástya in Hungarian, was built between 1895 and 1902 in Neo-Romanesque style and it offers a truly unique view of the Pest side and the Danube from its stairs. The line of the Fisherman’s Bastion is built exactly on top of the original castle walls, but it doesn’t serve as a wall of protection anymore. It has seven towers which represent the seven Hungarian tribes who arrived into the Carpathian Basin at the end of the 9th century. It’s 140 meters long and embraces the Matthias Church with a small, closed courtyard. It was almost entirely destroyed during World War II and had to go under huge renovation to gain its present-day look. If you’ve managed to take all the amazing photos you wanted from here, visit Halászbástya restaurant and enjoy the best of Hungarian cuisine.

Fishermen’s Bastion in the Castle District
Fishermen’s Bastion in the Castle District

Labyrinth of Buda Castle

If you’re up for a real adventure, the Labyrinth of Buda Castle is for you. The complex tunnel system is partially natural – the limestone gave in to the power of hot springs. Together with the artificial section, the Labyrinth of Buda Castle is about 3300 meters (roughly 2 miles) long. It’s also home for several exhibitions throughout the year. The Labyrinth of Buda Castle used to serve as a prison in the 15th century, and it is believed to have housed Vlad Tepes, better known as Count Dracula.

Labyrinth of Buda Castle
Labyrinth of Buda Castle

Established in 1957, the Hungarian National Gallery is a national art museum, covering all genres of Hungarian art throughout many centuries. If you’re an art lover, be prepared to spend a few hours here marveling at paintings, sculptures, and more.

Hungarian National Gallery
Hungarian National Gallery

Trinity square

Szentháromság tér is one of the oldest and most beautiful squares of Budapest. It’s located around Matthias Church and serves as a center for the Castle District. The Holy Trinity Statue in the middle of the square was designed in 1714, and it’s a memento for those who lost their lives to the Black Death, the bubonic plague in the Middle Ages.

The Holy Trinity Statue on Trinity square
The Holy Trinity Statue on Trinity square

Matthias Fountain

Designed by Alajos Stróbl, a famous Hungarian sculptor, the Matthias Fountain is often referenced as the Trevi Fountain of Budapest. It’s located in the western part of the Buda Castle, and its statues depict King Matthias of Hungary leading his hunting party. The fountain luckily survived World War II without significant damage and it was restored in 2010.

Matthias Fountain in the Castle District
Matthias Fountain in the Castle District

Budapest History Museum

Budapest History Museum is one of the most significant museums of the capital with its collection of documents and artifacts from the history of Budapest. The museum’s main branch can be found in the Castle District, and its four floors filled with exhibits let you peek into what life was like before 1872, when three independent towns were united under the name of Budapest. If you’re interested in military history, the Museum of Military History is in the adjacent building, and its collections cover weapons, uniforms and flags as well.

the entrance of the Budapest History Museum
the entrance of the Budapest History Museum

In addition, there are free tours available for those who want a guide to help discover the Castle District – and they usually last around 2.5 hours.

Q&A

How do I get to Buda Castle?
You can take the Castle Hill Funicular from Clark Ádám tér, or buses 16 and 16A. Parking by car is possible, but difficult and expensive in the Castle District. If you’re feeling sporty you can climb up the hills, but the most fun way to get there is with a Hop-on Hop-off tour bus.
What tourist attractions are in the Castle District?
There are a lot of interesting sights, museums and other places you can visit, here are a few: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Trinity Square, Labyrinth of Buda Castle, Hungarian National Gallery, Matthias Fountain and Budapest History Museum.
Are there free tours in the Castle District?
Yes, you can join free tours to discover what the Castle District has to offer in 2.5 hours.
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