The Buda Castle (Budai var) is part of Budapest’s internationally protected World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The beauty of the large castle, with the Chain Bridge in the foreground and both structures reflecting in the Danube River, is a sight that shouldn’t be missed, especially when city lights have come on after dark. Find these inspiring views from many spots on the Pest side of Budapest, particularly from the Parliament area, or observe them while on a river cruise on the Danube. It’s also worth crossing from Pest to the Buda side of the river to the Clark Ádám Square to travel up to the castle itself. Walk from Roosevelt or Széchenyi Square in Pest across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to reach the Castle Hill Funicular for a ride up to St. George Square to access the castle. Or, you can walk all the way up for exercise to burn off all the Hungarian cuisine that you have been enjoying! Once at the peak of the hill, look around to take in the views. You can see back to Pest and the Parliament building. In the foreground of Buda is the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion while to the south is the Citadella fortress. Winding through all this is the Danube with its bridges, boat traffic and impressive buildings all along the banks. Be sure to have your camera you’ll want plenty of photographs.The first castle was built on the hill in the 1200s as protection from invading Mongols. Over the centuries, several other castles were built for residences or fortresses for ruling powers but were successively destroyed by oppressors, occupants or World War II and Hungarian Rebellion aggression. Rebuilding during the last half of the 20th century has created the current 1,000-foot (300-meter) castle. The Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum occupy wings in the castle. After you enjoy the Buda Castle outside views, visit these sites, which have admission fees, to enjoy the inside treasures.
Buda Castle Tours
Visit Buda Castle
Plan a trip to see Buda Castle
TG Design Suites - Aparthotel Budapest
Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Buda Castle
Tours & day trips
See all 695 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise
Private & custom tours
See all 307 activitiesOpens in new tabZagreb - Budapest
Wildlife & nature
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest Segway Tour
Attractions
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabEntrance to Szechenyi Spa in Budapest
Shows & concerts
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest: Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks
Reviews of Buda Castle
5/5 - Excellent
Easy climb, no need to use the old, expensive and no-view funicular.
5/5 - Excellent
It's not possible to tour, but a walk around gives lovely views
4/5 - Good
Make sure to wear comfy shoes! It's a (doable) walk!
5/5 - Excellent
The Castle and national gallery are literally out the back door.
4/5 - Good
Go early morning or really late the crowds can be a bit much at times
5/5 - Excellent
Need a half day to fully enjoy the area.
Popular places to visit
Royal Palace
Find out about the history of Budapest with a stop at Royal Palace. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this romantic area.
Hungarian National Gallery
Rich with history, Hungarian National Gallery is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Budapest. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices.
Statue of St Stephen
Find out about the history of Budapest when you take a trip to Statue of St Stephen. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this family-friendly area.
Castle Garden Bazaar
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Castle Garden Bazaar during your visit to Budapest. Experience the area's fascinating museums and entertainment choices.
Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
Reach the magnificent Buda Castle from the River Danube via this elegant chairlift, complete with multiple cabins and panoramic viewing platforms.
Adam Clark Square
You can learn about the history of Budapest with a stop at Adam Clark Square. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices.
Best Lodging Options Near Buda Castle
- Vacations and getaways similar to Buda Castle
- Other Hotels near Buda Castle, Budapest City Centre
- Hotels near popular Budapest Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Parliament Building
- Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Vaci Street
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Heroes' Square
- Danube River
- Budapest Christmas Market
- Dohany Street Synagogue
- Rudas Baths
- Great Market Hall
- House of Terror
- Corinthia Budapest
- Emerald Hotel
- Prestige Hotel Budapest
- Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest
- 7seasons Apartments Budapest
- Hilton Budapest
- Hampton By Hilton Budapest City Centre
- Four Seasons Gresham Palace
- Hotel Clark Budapest - Adults Only
- Novotel Budapest Danube
- Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest
- Hotel Zenit Budapest Palace
- Hotels near Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Hotels near Parliament Building
- Hotels near Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- Hotels near St. Stephen's Basilica
- Hotels near Vaci Street
- Hotels near Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Hotels near Hungarian State Opera House
- Hotels near Fisherman's Bastion
- Hotels near Heroes' Square
- Hotels near Danube River
- Hotels near Budapest Christmas Market
- Hotels near Dohany Street Synagogue
- Hotels near Rudas Baths
- Hotels near Great Market Hall
- Hotels near House of Terror
- Hotels near Hungaroring
- Hotels near Hungarian National Museum
- Hotels near Ferenc Puskas Stadium
- Hotels near Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Hotels near Andrassy Avenue