Attraction
Hungarian Parliament Building
Hungary's neo-Gothic seat of parliament on the Danube, completed in 1904, where guided tours lead to the Holy Crown and the domed central hall.
Buda Castle
The former royal palace on Castle Hill, rebuilt many times since the 13th century, now home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal palace complex
- Area
- Castle District, Budapest, Hungary
Good to know
- Free grounds
- Funicular access
- Museums
- Viewpoints
Why we recommend it
Buda Castle is the vast palace complex that crowns the southern end of Castle Hill, looking across the Danube to Pest. King Béla IV built the first royal residence here in the 13th century, and later rulers, above all Sigismund and Matthias Corvinus, turned it into one of the great palaces of medieval Europe. That palace was largely destroyed during the siege of 1686, when Buda was taken back from the Ottomans. A Baroque palace followed in the 18th century, and Alajos Hauszmann's expansion, inaugurated in 1912, doubled it in size.
The siege of 1944 and 1945 left the palace in ruins, and it was rebuilt after the war with simplified exteriors and modern interiors. Since 2019 the National Hauszmann Program has been reconstructing several lost buildings and rooms, including the Royal Riding Hall and St Stephen's Room, so parts of the hill change from year to year.
Today the palace houses major cultural institutions. The Hungarian National Gallery covers Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, the Budapest History Museum tells the story of the city and includes restored medieval rooms, and the National Széchényi Library holds manuscripts from King Matthias's famous library. You can walk the courtyards, terraces and gardens without a ticket; the museums charge admission.
For most visitors the highlights are the views. The terrace in front of the palace looks over the Chain Bridge to the Parliament and St Stephen's Basilica, and the Turul bird statue near the top of the funicular is a popular photograph. Allow a couple of hours to see the grounds and combine them with Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion at the northern end of the hill, or a full day if you want to see a museum properly.
The Castle Hill Funicular climbs from Clark Ádám Square at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge and is the quickest way up, though queues build in summer. Alternatively, walk up the paths and steps from the Várkert Bazár gardens beside the river, or take one of the buses that run up to the Castle District. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paving is uneven in places. Early morning and late afternoon are quieter than the middle of the day.
Buda Castle FAQs
Is it free to visit Buda Castle?
The courtyards, terraces and gardens are free to walk around. The museums inside charge admission.
What is inside Buda Castle?
The Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Széchényi Library.
How do you get up to Buda Castle?
By the Castle Hill Funicular from Clark Ádám Square, by bus, or on foot via the paths from the Várkert Bazár.
How long should you spend at Buda Castle?
Around two hours for the grounds and views, or most of a day with a museum visit.
When was the current palace built?
The Baroque palace dates from the 18th century, was enlarged by 1912 and rebuilt after severe damage in 1944 and 1945.
What is nearby?
Matthias Church, the Fisherman's Bastion and the Chain Bridge are all a short walk away.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon for fewer people and softer light over the river.
Is the castle area good for children?
Yes, there is plenty of open space, and the funicular ride is popular with children.