What to do · Budapest
A Walk Around Buda Castle District
Information
- Duration
- 2 h 30
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Season
- All year
- Who it's for
- All ages; with a pushchair, better to go up by bus
- With a dog
- On a lead in the streets; not allowed in churches or museums
The route
The Castle District occupies a long hill above the Buda bank. Start at the bottom, at Clark Ádám tér, opposite the Chain Bridge, and go up on the funicular (Sikló) or on foot along the garden paths. At the top, the royal palace has at its feet a terrace with views of the Danube and Pest; inside are the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. From there walk north along Úri utca or Tárnok utca, between coloured Baroque houses, to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. Walk down the bastion steps to Batthyány tér, with the Parliament opposite.
How to get up
- Funicular: leaves from Clark Ádám tér and takes a couple of minutes. It has its own ticket, which is not valid with the transport pass; in summer there is a queue.
- Bus 16: from Deák Ferenc tér it crosses the bridge and climbs to the district. A normal BKK ticket is valid.
- On foot: about 15 minutes uphill through the gardens of the Várkert Bazár.
Tips
- Go up by bus and walk down That way you avoid the funicular queue and come down the bastion steps with the best views.
- Come back at night With the Parliament and the bridges lit up, the palace terrace is almost empty and costs nothing.
Frequently asked questions
Do you pay to enter the Castle District?
No. The streets, the palace courtyards and the terraces are free; you pay for the museums, Matthias Church and its tower.
How long do I need?
Two or three hours at a leisurely pace, plus whichever museums you choose.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
