Buda Castle, Budapest (must see)
Otherwise known as Royal, the Buda Castle of Budapest is named after the Buda Hill that it stands on. Once home to the Hungarian royalty, this spacious 鈥� over 300 meters long 鈥� complex totally dominates the city skyline and is a grand sight to behold, particularly at night, yet it is just as good in daylight a place to walk around, too.
From an architectural standpoint, the castle represents a mixture of styles 鈥� Gothic, Romantic, and Baroque. In large part, this is due to its having been destroyed and rebuilt, at least six times, over the course of the past seven centuries. Unlike similar former royal properties, the interior of the Buda Castle does not convey the idea of what life here was like centuries ago, when kings were still around. Instead, it accommodates several public institutions, such as the Budapest History Museum 鈥� recounting history of Budapest from the outset to the modern era; the Hungarian National Gallery 鈥� housing a collection of Hungary's most precious artifacts and works of art; and the Hungarian National Library holding, among other books, some rare and antique ones printed in Hungary and abroad.
The castle is always open 鈥� even at night 鈥� and, as such, deserves a visit. Other than the historic buildings, it treats visitors to the outstanding views of the lower part of Buda and Pest across the Danube. There is no shortage of courtyards, quiet nooks and corners here to wander in, whilst walking around. The fountain in the main courtyard is quite impressive and unique in its own right, depicting hunting party of King Matthias. The sculpted figures are so lifelike that one can almost hear the dogs panting and barking whilst chasing the prey. The military guards here are also of interest, especially when doing their routine, marching and shouldering rifles as an exercise between long stints of standing guard.
If lucky, your visit may coincide with a festival featuring medieval displays, concerts and parades of old weaponry and military uniforms. But if you're simply looking for a quiet spot to stretch out on a hot sunny afternoon, then head to the V谩rk茅rt Baz谩r with its beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for a picnic. Just make sure to fetch a blanket and a bottle of your favorite wine... Tokaji maybe?
From an architectural standpoint, the castle represents a mixture of styles 鈥� Gothic, Romantic, and Baroque. In large part, this is due to its having been destroyed and rebuilt, at least six times, over the course of the past seven centuries. Unlike similar former royal properties, the interior of the Buda Castle does not convey the idea of what life here was like centuries ago, when kings were still around. Instead, it accommodates several public institutions, such as the Budapest History Museum 鈥� recounting history of Budapest from the outset to the modern era; the Hungarian National Gallery 鈥� housing a collection of Hungary's most precious artifacts and works of art; and the Hungarian National Library holding, among other books, some rare and antique ones printed in Hungary and abroad.
The castle is always open 鈥� even at night 鈥� and, as such, deserves a visit. Other than the historic buildings, it treats visitors to the outstanding views of the lower part of Buda and Pest across the Danube. There is no shortage of courtyards, quiet nooks and corners here to wander in, whilst walking around. The fountain in the main courtyard is quite impressive and unique in its own right, depicting hunting party of King Matthias. The sculpted figures are so lifelike that one can almost hear the dogs panting and barking whilst chasing the prey. The military guards here are also of interest, especially when doing their routine, marching and shouldering rifles as an exercise between long stints of standing guard.
If lucky, your visit may coincide with a festival featuring medieval displays, concerts and parades of old weaponry and military uniforms. But if you're simply looking for a quiet spot to stretch out on a hot sunny afternoon, then head to the V谩rk茅rt Baz谩r with its beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for a picnic. Just make sure to fetch a blanket and a bottle of your favorite wine... Tokaji maybe?
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Buda Castle on Map
Sight Name: Buda Castle
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Budapest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Margaret Island Walking Tour
Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (鈥淢argit-sziget鈥�) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Buda Introduction Walking Tour
The Hungarian capital Budapest is a relatively young city, emerged only in the late 19th century as a result of the merger of two neighboring towns - Buda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern bank. Set on the hills, Buda represents a historic part of the city and is a home to the grand Hapsburg palace which still breathes the imperial air of old-time wealth.
While in Buda... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
While in Buda... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Pest Introduction Walking Tour
Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the magnificent river Danube, the eastern part of Budapest, formally known as Pest, takes up almost two thirds of the Hungarian capital. Unlike hilly Buda, Pest is predominantly a flat plain with a pretty buzzing and bourgeois setting. It houses some truly magnificent architectural sights, including the Hungarian Parliament itself. In part, this is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Souvenir Shopping
It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city鈥檚 specialty shops are found on V谩ci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Budapest's Jewish Quarter is a neighborhood filled with contradictions. Despite being the smallest, this district has the highest population density. As well as being home to a conservative Orthodox Jewish community, it's an eclectic mix of hedonistic nightlife. Of all of the city's neighborhoods, it is the Jewish Quarter that tends to leave the biggest impression on visitors, so... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour
Dating back to 1870 and recognized as a World Heritage site, Andr谩ssy Avenue is a long, wide boulevard named after Prime Minister Gyula Andr谩ssy (served 1867鈥�71) that connects Budapest's downtown with the City Park. The entire stretch is lined with caf茅s, restaurants, luxury shops, as well as cultural institutions, elegant neo-Renaissance apartment blocks, mansions, and embassies with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Must Buy Hungarian Things in Budapest
Other than the standalone language and catchy Czardas tune, there's a lot more to memorize Hungary by. Here are some of the things you might want to carry from Budapest to your family and friends back...