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.
Fisherman’s Bastion
A neo-Romanesque lookout terrace with seven turrets beside Matthias Church, built between 1895 and 1902 with wide views over the Danube and Pest.
At a glance
- Type
- Lookout terrace and monument
- Area
- Castle District, Budapest, Hungary
Good to know
- Free lower terraces
- Panoramic views
- Café terrace nearby
Why we recommend it
The Fisherman's Bastion is a white stone terrace of turrets, stairs and arcades on Castle Hill, built between 1895 and 1902 to designs by Frigyes Schulek, the architect who restored Matthias Church next door. Although it looks medieval, it was created as a decorative lookout for the celebrations of Hungary's thousandth anniversary. It stands on part of the old castle walls, and its name is usually linked to the guild of fishermen who once defended this stretch.
Its seven turrets represent the seven Magyar chieftains who led their tribes into the Carpathian Basin in the late 9th century. The main facade runs for about 140 metres parallel to the river, and the arches frame views across the Danube to the Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica and the rooftops of Pest. A bronze equestrian statue of St Stephen, Hungary's first king, stands between the bastion and the church. The bastion was badly damaged in the Second World War and restored afterwards, and it forms part of Budapest's UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The lower terraces and walkways are free and open at all times. The upper terraces charge a modest fee during the day in the main season, and they are generally free early in the morning and in the evening; times vary, so check the signs at the entrance. The views from the lower level are excellent anyway, so you do not need to pay to enjoy the place.
The bastion is one of the busiest spots in the city in the middle of the day, especially in summer when tour groups arrive. Come at sunrise for quiet arches and soft light on the Parliament, or after dark when the turrets are lit. It suits photographers, couples and families alike, though parents should keep an eye on small children near the parapets. Allow 30 to 45 minutes, longer if you stop for a drink.
Combine it with Matthias Church, which is directly behind, and a walk south along the hill to Buda Castle. From the Pest side, cross the Chain Bridge and take the funicular or a bus up the hill, or walk up from Batthyány tér station on metro line M2, which takes about fifteen minutes uphill.
Fisherman’s Bastion FAQs
Is the Fisherman's Bastion free?
The lower terraces are free at all times. The upper terraces charge a fee during the day in the main season.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunrise and evening are the quietest times, and the turrets are lit after dark.
What do the seven towers represent?
The seven Magyar chieftains who settled the Carpathian Basin.
When was it built?
Between 1895 and 1902, to designs by Frigyes Schulek.
How long do you need?
About 30 to 45 minutes, more if you also visit Matthias Church.
How do you get there?
Walk up from Batthyány tér on metro line M2, take a bus up Castle Hill, or ride the funicular from Clark Ádám Square and walk north.
What can you see from the bastion?
The Danube, the Parliament Building, St Stephen's Basilica and much of Pest.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, but keep a close eye on young children near the open parapets.