Budavár

Budavár, Vár or Várnegyed (Buda Castle, Castle or Castle Quarter) is in Budapest, located on Castle Hill. It is the highlight of the 1st district. You can walk around the old romantic streets of the hill or see a great view of Pest from there.

Understand

Castle Hill, known as Várhegy in Hungarian, was first settled in the thirteenth century, after a Mongol attack led Buda's citizens to seek a more easily defended area. The royal Hungarian court also decided to move to the southern end of the hill. By the fourteenth century, there were an estimated 8000 residents in Buda. After a long (1541–1686) period of Turkish rule, a 75-day siege left Buda in ruins, and Austrian authorities counted a mere 300 people left. This would not be the last heavy attack on Castle Hill. In 1849 and 1945 the Baroquified area once more came under attack. A completely surrounded German force held out for almost a month in January 1945, in the thirty-first siege of the city. Since 1987 part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three main part of the Castle quarter (Várnegyed) are: the Buda Castle Palace, the area of St George's Square (Szent György tér) and the historical residential area.

Get in

To go up to the Castle Hill, you can take

• Buses  16 ,  16A  or  116  from Széll Kálmán tér  M2 , or
• Buses  16  or  216  from Deák Ferenc tér  M1  M2  M3 .

It's also pleasant to walk by Széchenyi Chain Bridge from Pest, and walk up by the narrow streets or paths (as Király lépcső or Sikló utca). Walking from Pest is likely to be faster than public transport or taxi on peak hours. As private cars are not allowed to enter the Castle Hill zone, your only options remain public transport, walking or taxi. Pricey horse carriages are also waiting for taking you on a tour.

Castle Hill Funicular

By funicular

Another spectacular, but a bit pricey way to go up to the castle hill is to use the Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári sikló). It climbs up Castle Hill from Széchenyi Chain Bridge's Buda side to the Castle Palace by connecting 1 Clark Ádám tér (lower station) and 2 Szent György tér (upper station). As the funicular is rising up the hill, you get a beautiful view of Pest across the river. The funicular was opened on 2 March 1870, and has been in municipal ownership since 1920. It was destroyed in the Second World War and reopened on 4 June 1986. A feature of the funicular are the two pedestrian foot bridges which cross above it.

The funicular operates between 07:30–22:00 on every day, and departs in every 5–10 minutes as needed. Trip time: 1.5 min. The usual public transport tickets and passes are not valid for this service. Single ticket for adults: 1400 Ft, for children: 700 Ft. Return ticket for adults: 2000 Ft, for children: 1100 Ft.

See

Royal Palace

Probably the most popular attraction on Castle Hill. The first palace, in Gothic style, built and added onto over 300 years, was destroyed by the Christian army that liberated Buda from the Turkish occupation in 1686. In 1715 work started on a completely new, smaller Baroque palace, but over the years more and more space was added to the palace until it reached its current length 304 m (997 ft). The palace, in neo-Baroque style, had many added wings. Reconstruction after the various indignities suffered during rebellions of the nineteenth century finished in 1904. This reconstruction, by Miklós Ybl and Alajos Hauszmann, was undone by German troops holding out at the end of World War II. The roof fell in entirely and most of the furniture was destroyed. A Baroque facade which had never existed before and a real dome (there had previously been a faux dome with attic space beneath) were added to the building. Today the building houses two large museums and the national library (see below).

Royal Palace from the other side of the Danube

Royal Palace

Habsburg Gate at the Royal Palace

Equestrian Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy and the Royal Palace

Lion's Gate at the Royal Palace

Exhibition in the Hungarian National Gallery

Palatinal Crypt

Mace Tower

• 1 Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria), I, Szent György tér 2 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 201-9082, info@mng.hu. Tu-Su 10:00–18:00. Houses an astounding collection of paintings. For those interested in Hungarian artists, this is the museum to visit. It was established in 1957 as the national art museum. Its collections cover Hungarian art in all genres, including the works of many nineteenth- and twentieth-century Hungarian artists who worked in Paris and other locations in the West. The museum displays a number of works from Hungarian sculptors such as Károly Alexy, Maurice Ascalon, Miklós Borsos, Gyula Donáth, János Fadrusz, Béni Ferenczy, István Ferenczy and Miklós Izsó. It also exhibits paintings and photographs by major Hungarian artists such as Brassai and Ervin Marton. The gallery displays the work of artists such as Mihály Munkácsy and László Paál. The museum also holds paintings by Henrik Weber, Károly Markó the Elder, József Borsos, Miklós Barabás, Bertalan Székely, Károly Lotz, Pál Szinyei Merse, István Csók, Béla Iványi Grünwald, Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry, József Rippl-Rónai, and Károly Ferenczy. Permanent exhibitions for adult: 3200 Ft; for senior, student: 1600 Ft. Temporary exhibition for adult: 3400 Ft; for senior, student: 1700 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 2 Palatinal Crypt (Nádori kripta), Within the Hungarian National Gallery (Dísz tér  16 ). Only by appointment. Burial place of the Hungarian branch of the Habsburg dynasty, founded by Archduke Joseph, Palatine of Hungary. It is the only interior part of Royal Palace which survived the destruction of World War II and was not demolished during the subsequent decades of rebuilding. It is located under the former Castle Church, built in 1768 (and finally destroyed in 1957), in the central wing of the palace. (updated Jan 2021)
• 3 Castle Museum (Vármúzeum), I, Szent György tér 2 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 487-8800, btm@btm.hu. Tu–Su 10:00–18:00. It's the Medieval Department of the Budapest History Museum. Permanent exhibitions, over four floors: ancient people, antique cultures and temporary exhibitions. The restored part of the medieval castle, including the Royal Chapel and the rib-vaulted Gothic Hall, belongs to the exhibition. The highlights of the exhibition are the Gothic statues of Buda Castle and a 14th-century silk tapestry decorated with the Angevin coats of arms. Small gardens were recreated in the medieval zwingers around the oldest parts of the building. Adult: 2400 Ft; senior, student: 1200 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 4 Castle Chapel (Várkápolna, Alamizsnás Szent János-kápolna), Within the Castle Museum (Dísz tér  16 ). Tu–Su 10:00–18:00. The chapel was built by Sigismund of Luxembourg in the 15th century as the lower chapel of the former castle church. The Gothic chapel, which survived the destruction of the siege of 1686, was buried under a Baroque terrace for centuries. After its reconstruction in 1963, it became part of the exhibition of the Castle Museum. (updated Jan 2021)
• 5 Saint Stephen's Hall (Szent István-terem), I, Szent György tér 2 (Dísz tér  16 ), info@szentistvanterem.hu. Tu–Su 10:00–18:00. Richly decorated hall was originally built in 1902. It was destroyed in World War II, rebuilt in 2021. Adult: 3900 Ft; senior, student: 1950 Ft. (updated Sep 2021)
• 6 National Széchényi Library (Országos Széchényi Könyvtár), I, Szent György tér 4-5-6 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 224-3700, inform@oszk.hu. Tu–Sa 09:00–20:00. The library was founded in 1802 by the highly patriotic Hungarian aristocrat Count Ferenc Széchényi. Széchényi traveled the world buying Hungarian books, which he assembled and donated to the nation. In the following year the public library was opened in Pest. Széchényi's example resulted in a nationwide movement of book donations to the library. In 1808, the Hungarian National Assembly ("Diet") created the Hungarian National Museum to collect the historical, archaeological and natural relics of Hungary. The Museum was merged into the Library and for the last 200 years this is how it has existed, a national depository for written, printed and objective relics of the Hungarian past. In 1846, the Hungarian National Museum moved into its new building but it was not until 1949 that the Library became a separate entity again, with its current name. In 1985, the library moved to its new home at the Royal Palace. There is a permanent exhibition entitled “Library of the nation – a workshop of service” on Floor 5. The museum presents the intellectual environment and the actual objects used by librarians and readers between 1802 and 1985. 400 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 7 Habsburg Gate (Habsburg-kapu), I, Szent György tér (Dísz tér  16 ). The ornate Neo-Baroque gate separating the Royal Palace and the Castle Quarter. It was built between 1903 and 1905 according to plans of Alajos Hauszmann. The iron lattice of the gate was made by Gyula Jungfer. It was seriously damaged during the siege of Buda, but it was restored in 1981, together with the broken coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of Hungary on the plinth. On the eastern side of the ornamental gate, overlooking the Danube, a statue of Gyula Donáth depicting the Mythical Turul of the Ancient Hungarians. It is not, as you might think, an eagle, but the mythical turul bird (which is believed to be a kind of falcon). This bird is a part of the story of how the Magyars settled the Hungarian homeland. This bird appeared in a dream to the wife of the Magyar leader and told her that she would be the founding mother of a new nation. (updated Jan 2021)
• 8 Fountain of Fishing Kids (Halászó gyerekek-díszkút), I, Savoy Terrace (Dísz tér  16 ). This is the work of sculptor Károly Senyei from 1912. It depicts two children grappling with a fish. The fine workmanship of the fishing net is remarkable. (updated Jan 2021)
• 9 Equestrian Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy (Savoyai Jenő herceg lovasszobra), I, Savoy Terrace (Dísz tér  16 ). The Neo-Baroque statue was made by sculptor József Róna for the town of Zenta, but the town could not afford the price. The monument was bought in 1900 as a temporary solution until the planned equestrian statue of King Franz Joseph was completed. This never happened, so Prince Eugene remained on his plinth. The plinth is decorated with two bronze reliefs showing the capture of the earth-works in Zenta and the decisive cavalry charge in the Battle of Zenta in 1697. (updated Jan 2021)
• 10 Fountain of King Matthias (Mátyás kútja), I, Hunyadi Court (Dísz tér  16 ). This spectacular fountain shows a group of hunters led by King Matthias Corvinus together with hounds, a killed deer, Galeotto Marzio with a hawk, and Ilonka Szép with a doe. This group of people stands between fallen rocks with water running down into a basin. The fountain was made by sculptor Alajos Stróbl. The dead deer was modelled upon a majestic stag killed in 1896 by poachers in the forest owned by Stróbl. (updated Jan 2021)
• 11 Lion's Gate (Oroszlános kapu), I, Lion's Court (Dísz tér  16 ). Two pairs of lions guard the monumental gate leading into Lion's Court. The four statues are the works of János Fadrusz from 1901. The animals standing on the outer side of the gate are menacing, while the inner ones are calm and dignified. One lion was broken in two pieces during the war, but it was recreated in the 1950s. (updated Jan 2021)
• 12 Royal Guard (Királyi főörség), I, Hunyadi Court (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 869-1352, info@foorseg.hu. F–Su 11:00–18:00. It was originally built in 1903 according to plans of Alajos Hauszmann. It was hit by a bomb in World War II, and was demolished in 1971. Rebuilt between 2017–2021. There is an exhibition about history of the royal guard. Adult: 1490 Ft; senior, student: 990 Ft. (updated Jun 2021)
• 13 Royal Riding Hall (Királyi lovarda), I, Lovarda utca (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 869-1352, info@foorseg.hu. The Neo-Baroque riding hall was built between 1901 and 1903 in parallel with the construction of the Royal Palace. It was hit by a bomb in World War II, and was demolished in 1954. Rebuilt between 2017–2020. It's used as an event veneue. (updated Jan 2021)
• 14 Horse Brainer Statue (Csikós-szobor), I, Horse Brainer Court (Dísz tér  16 ). The statue of the Hortobágy horseherd taming a wild horse used to stand in front of the Royal Riding Hall. It is the work of György Vastagh from 1901. The statue was displayed in the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1900). The damaged statue was removed during the 1960s, but it was later restored and erected in the western forecourt of the palace in 1983. (updated Jan 2021)
• 15 The Hauszmann Story exhibition (A Hauszmann-sztori kiállítás), I, Szent György tér 2 (Dísz tér  16 ), info@varkapitanysag.hu. Tu–Su 10:00–18:00. The exhibition commemorates the life and the greatest work of the architect Alajos Hauszmann. Free entrance. (updated Jun 2021)
• 16 Big Rondella (Nagy rondella), I, Sikló utca (Clark Ádám tér  19  105 ). It's a circular bastion on the southern slope of the Castle Hill. It was restored in the 1950s by excavating, conserving and partially supplementing its medieval walls. The Rondella was the southernmost tip of the outer belt of the medieval castle and one of the largest fortifications, its internal diameter is larger than 33 m (108 ft). Free to visit. (updated Jan 2021)
• 17 Mace Tower (Buzogánytorony), I, Kemál Atatürk sétaút (Szarvas tér  5  / Döbrentei tér  5  56 ). The Tower is one of the characteristic structures of the southern end of today's Buda Castle. It stands on the corner of the southern closing wall of the Castle, next to the Ferdinánd Gate leading from Tabán to the Palace. Its cylindrical thin, completely vertical wall was built of quadrangular stones, and a small terrace with portholes and a wooden shingle roof was formed in the head of the “mace”. The body of the tower is of medieval origin, but the upper part was made entirely in the middle of the 20th century. (updated Jan 2021)

Around Parade Square (Dísz tér)

Dísz tér

Carmelite Monastery and Sándor Palace

Royal Palace from the Danube River

Fountain of King Matthias and the Lion's Gate at the Royal Palace

Royal Palace from the air

Fisherman's Bastion

• 18 Sándor Palace (Sándor-palota), I, Szent György tér 1 (Dísz tér  16 ). Only from outside. Built between 1803–1806 in Neoclassical style according to plans of Mihály Pollack and Johann Aman architects. It was originally the home of the Sándor family. In 1867, following the idea of Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy, the Hungarian state first rented it out, and in 1881 bought it permanently as a government residence. Between 1867 and 1945 (with minor interruptions) it served as the residence of the current Hungarian Prime Minister, and was also the site of several government meetings. It was almost completely destroyed in World War II, after that it was used as a museum warehouse for a long time. Its external image was only repaired in 1989–1990, and its complete (external, internal) restoration was carried out between 2000 and 2002. The interiors are original from 1806, and the furniture reflects the conditions between the two world wars. It has served as the official residence and workspace of the President of Hungary since 2003. (updated Jan 2021)
• 19 Carmelite Monastery, Castle Theatre (Karmelita kolostor, Várszínház), I, Színház utca 1 (Dísz tér  16 ). Only from outside. The Baroque monastery was built in 1736 by the Carmelite order on the former site of a mosque that was destroyed in 1686 during the siege that liberated Buda from Ottoman occupation. The order received the real estate in 1693 and completed the new monastery and church by 1736, but it was consecrated only in 1763. Two decades later, Emperor Joseph II disbanded the order and converted the property into a theatre by imperial order in 1786, "for the delectation of high-ranking court officials". Some notable performances included Beethoven and the premiere of Bánk Bán. It is the current seat of the Prime Minister of Hungary. (updated Jan 2021)
• 20 Remains of Archduke Joseph's Palace (József főhercegi palota maradványai), I, Szent György tér 4 (Dísz tér  16 ). Built between 1787–1789 and was significantly remodeled in 1902. The classicist Teleki Palace, completed in 1789, became the property of Archduke Joseph Karl in 1892, who transformed it in Historicizing style. It was badly damaged during the siege of Buda in 1945, demolished in 1968, and replaced by a medieval ruin field and a museum below ground level in the 1980s. (updated Jan 2021)
• 21 Homeland Defence Headquarter (Honvéd Főparancsnokság), I, Dísz tér 17 (Dísz tér  16 ). Built between 1895 and 1897 based on the plans of Mór Kallina. The Neo-Renaissance style, four-story, large-domed building suffered severe damage during World War II. After the war, the damaged dome and upper floors were demolished because, according to the professional position at the time, tall, damaged buildings that did not fit the castle complex had to be demolished to two floors. Renovated in 2012–2014. (updated Jan 2021)
• 22 Dwelling Houses on Parade Square (Lakóházak a Dísz téren), I, Dísz tér, Tárnok utca (Dísz tér  16 ). Parade Square is a north to south elongated area, bordered by one- and two-storey hundred years old houses. Major houses of the square: Dísz tér 3: The two-storey building which the back facade oriented towards the Danube, the main facade facing on the square. In 1748, builder Marton Siegl erected a new two-story Baroque palace for Palatine Batthyány Lajos. After the World War II it was restored in its 18th century shape with a Baroque facade Above the balcony the Batthyány family coat of arms can be seen. Dísz tér 4-5: since 1686 Baroque buildings were erected. From this period have survived only in the downstairs rooms. In 1908 it was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. In 1930s, the Papal Nunciature home. After the World War II damage, it was restored with a new, uncharacteristic facade. Dísz tér 9: two-storey Romantic house built in 1869. Ferenc Móra lived here, who was a Hungarian novelist, journalist, and museologist. Dísz tér 10: one-storey Baroque house built around 1760. Dísz tér 11: one-storey building with Classicist facade and Neo Baroque door with decorated window framing. Dísz tér 12: medieval house. In 1688 the mayor rebuilt, in 1850s again remodeled as a two-storey classicist building. At the beginning of the 20th century it was completely rebuilt, this time in Neo-Baroque style. Dísz tér 13: this one-storey house is probably the most beautiful building on the square. It gained its present shape during the 1815 reconstruction. The main ornament of its Classicist style facade is three small reliefs above the top row of windows depicting Greek and Roman mythological scenes. There is a beautiful wrought iron door in the doorway in front of the stairwell on the right. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 23 De la Motte–Beer Palace (De la Motte–Beer-palota), I, Dísz tér 15 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 202-1967, delamotte-beer@varkapitanysag.hu. Tu–Su 10:00–18:00. One-storey Baroque building. An arcaded corridor runs along the courtyard side, and the upstairs rooms are decorated with frescoes in good condition. In 1760 it became the property of the de la Motte family, who expanded it and made it a Baroque palace. At that time, the arcaded corridor of the courtyard side also be made. The de la Motte family could not enjoy the ornate little palace for long because they sold it. In 1773, the new owner became József Kajetán, a pharmacist. After World War II, complete renovation began in 1962. It was then that the original, mostly Baroque-Rococo wall paintings of the interlocking upstairs rooms emerged from later layers of paint. The decorative painting, which has survived in good condition, is believed to have been made in the 1760s or shortly thereafter, and its creator is unknown. The figural parts mostly depict biblical scenes and landscapes, the ornamental parts are characterized by a variety of floral motifs and a rich world of colors. Today a lifestyle history museum can be found here. Adult: 900 Ft; senior, student: 450 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 24 Homeland Defence Memorial (Honvéd-emlék), I, Dísz tér (Dísz tér  16 ). Made by György Zala in 1893. The statue commemorating the War of Liberation of 1848–1849. The revolution in the Kingdom of Hungary grew into a war for independence from the Austrian Empire, ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. (updated Jan 2021)
• 25 Statue of Artúr Görgey (Görgey Artúr-szobor), I, Tóth Árpád sétány (Dísz tér  16 ). The original sculpture was made by György Vastagh and erected in 1935, the current one is a copy made by László Marton, which was placed here in 1998. (updated Jan 2021)
• 26 Labyrinth (Labirintus), I, Úri utca 9 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 212-0207. 10:00–19:00. Underground exhibitions: The Hall of Statues of Hungarian Kings, Medieval Stonework, Waxworks of the Opera, Medieval Stone Monuments, Cave Exhibition, Maze of Darkness. It's 1,000 m (3,300 ft) long, and can be explored in about half an hour. Adult: 3000 Ft; senior, student: 2500 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)

Around Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér)

Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion

Equestrian Statue of King Stephen and Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion

Matthias Church

Matthias Church and Equestrian Statue of King Stephen

Interior of Matthias Church

Statue of András Hadik

Exhibition of Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum

Exhibition in Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

• 27 Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya), I, Szentháromság tér (Szentháromság tér  16 ). One of the best known monuments in Budapest. This is the large white tower and lookout terrace complex. It is one of the most important tourist attractions due to the unique panorama of Budapest from the Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces. It’s named after both the medieval fishmarket once nearby and the Guild of Fishermen who defended this section of the wall during past wars. The story is that different trades were responsible for defending different parts of the castle walls and that this section of the defenses was raised by the fishermen’s guild. In fact, the structure is a late 19th century fantasy built to add class to the area. That this is an invention does not detract at all from the attractiveness of the structure, nor from the impressive views of the river and Pest on the opposite side. Free to visit. (updated Jan 2021)

  The Fishermen's Bastion's main facade, parallel to the Danube, is approximately 140 m (460 ft) long. Its seven high-pitched stone towers symbolize the seven chieftains of the Hungarians who founded Hungary in 895. The current structure was built between 1895 and 1902, in Neo-Romanesque style, on the base of a stretch of the Buda Castle walls, by architect Frigyes Schulek, who was also responsible for the restoration of the Matthias Church. The north and south bastions, as well as the corridors form the bastion courtyard, are connected below by a staircase connecting the bastions on both sides, above, and on the level of the courtyards by a parapet. One of Schulek's greatest merits is that he transformed this area of the Castle Hill, which was essentially and originally for military purposes, into a peaceful promenade and a lookout object, forming a significant architectural unit of the Castle Hill, with the Matthias Church behind it.

• 28 Matthias Church (Church of the Assumption, Mátyás-templom, Nagyboldogasszony-templom), I, Szentháromság tér 2 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), turizmus@matyas-templom.hu. M–F 09:00–17:00, Sa 09:00–12:00, Su 13:00–17:00. According to church tradition, it was originally built in Romanesque style in 1015, although few references exist. The current building was constructed in the florid late Gothic style in the second half of the 14th century and was extensively restored in the late 19th century. It was the second largest church of medieval Buda. The rococo spire of this church is one of the easily seen landmarks of the Buda Castle. Church for adult: 2000 Ft; for senior, student: 1500 Ft. Tower for adult: 2200 Ft; for senior, student: 1700 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)

  Originally the Buda German community's parish church, its official name is the "Church of the Blessed Virgin". The popular Hungarian king, Mátyás, held both of his weddings here, and so it is known as the Matthias Church. Today an eclectic mix of styles, the church was started in the thirteenth century. The main apse, which ends in a seven-sided polygon, is in French style and is the earliest extant section. The central section was built about 100 years later. During the Turkish occupation of Budapest, all the furnishings were removed and the painted walls whitewashed to cover art unacceptable to the Islamic eye. Once returned to the Catholic community, it was Baroquified (i.e. covered with Baroque ornamentation that obscured the original style like many other Central European churches were), and the rose window was bricked up. In the last century, between 1873 and 1896, Frigyes Schulek began a major renovation and restoration of the Matthias Church.

  The interior is sumptuously decorated in a style which is on the one hand art deco and yet evokes the medieval predecessors of this structure. In the church museum, you can visit the Ecclesiastical Art Collection which includes a replica of the Crown of St Stephen, the real crown (a 12th-century object even though Stephen was a 10th-century king) is on display in the parliament building. Also take a look at the opulent chapel at the rear of the church (around the corner to the left of the entrance). Be aware that this is a functioning church and you may find that at times it is closed to visitors for church activities or concerts.

• 29 Old Town Hall in Buda (Régi budai városháza), I, Szentháromság utca 2 (Szentháromság tér  16 ). Trinity Cafe: 09:00–18:00. One-storey Baroque style building. For more than 160 years it was the administrative center of Buda, and for another 70 years it was the administrative center of the 1st district. Construction began in 1702 under the leadership of Italian master Venerio Ceresola. A few decades later the building was enlarged: the ornate Rococo staircase and the first part of the west wing of Úri Street was built between 1770 and 1774 according to the plans of Máté Nöpauer. On the two corners of the simple-lined, uniform-style building, there is a protruding enclosed balcony supported by ornately carved stone consoles, and a small bell and clock tower at the top of the east wing. The building has two inner courtyards. Remains of medieval booths can be seen in the doorway, from here a staircase lined with a carved stone railing leads upstairs. The ceiling of one of the central rooms on the first floor is covered with rich stucco decoration in several forms. On the corner overlooking the Trinity Square, stands a statue of Pallas Athena in the recess cut into the wall. Her shield is decorated with the coat of arms of the city of Buda. (updated Jan 2021)
• 30 Former Ministry of Finance (Volt Pénzügyminisztérium), I, Szentháromság tér 6 (Szentháromság tér  16 ). It was built in 1904 according to the plans of Sándor Fellner in neo-Gothic style. (updated Jan 2021)
• 31 Holy Trinity Column (Szentháromság-szobor), I, Szentháromság tér (Szentháromság tér  16 ). It's a tall Baroque column decorated with many statues, erected by thankful survivors. Made by Fülöp Ungleich and Antal Hörger in 1712–1713. On the pedestal of the statue are lined three reliefs: The Prayer of David, The Plague, The Construction of the Votive Memorial. Among the reliefs are three cartridges, the coats of arms of Hungary and Buda. The Austrian imperial coat of arms in the third cartridge was destroyed. Around the body of the monument are three groups of six angels and nine holy statues: the Virgin Mary, St. Sebastian, St. Roch, St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph, St. Augustine of Hippo, St. John the Baptist, St. John of Nepomuk, St. Christopher. (updated Jan 2021)
• 32 Equestrian Statue of King Stephen (Szent István király lovasszobra), I, Szentháromság tér (Szentháromság tér  16 ). King Stephen was the first king of Hungary (crowned about 1000). He was declared a saint for his efforts in bringing Christianity to Hungary. He carries the apostolic cross with two crossbars, symbol granted him by the Pope. The sculpture was made by sculptor Alajos Strobl, started the project in 1896 and completed it in 1906. Frigyes Schulek designed the Neo-Romanesque foundation for the statue. The foundation structure is decorated with reliefs, which commemorate a prominent moment of King Stephen's reign: the coronation scene, the introduction of the legislative act, the depiction of Vienna and the Austria-Hungary dualism, while on the back and east we see a series of scenes symbolizing the temple construction, where Stróbl depicted the aging Schulek master as the bearded, kneeling, model of King Stephen in the form of a master builder. (updated Jan 2021)
• 33 Statue of Saint George and the Dragon (Sárkányölő Szent György-szobor), I, Hunyadi János út (Szentháromság tér  16 ). Bronze copy of the statue of Saint George and the Dragon from 1313 that can be found in the Prague Castle, that original statue was made by medieval Hungarian masters (the Kolozsvari Brothers). (updated Jan 2021)
• 34 Statue of John Hunyadi (Hunyadi János-szobor), I, Hunyadi János út (Szentháromság tér  16 ). István Tóth was commissioned to make the statue in 1899, which was ceremoniously inaugurated in 1903. The Neo-Gothic limestone foundation was built according to Frigyes Schulek's plans. The foundation is closed by leaf-shaped ledges, the facade features the coat of arms of Hunyadi, and the other sides have a marble decoration. The Hero in armor, with a raven-helmet on his head, resting on a pall, heavily on his pallet, with the flags and other military badges of the defeated Turks at his feet, symbolizing his victory. (updated Jan 2021)
• 35 Statue of Friar Julian and Gerard (Julianus és Gerhardus barát-szobor), I, Szentháromság tér (Szentháromság tér  16 ). The work of sculptor Károly Antal was erected in 1937. The statue depicts Friar Julian and Gerard who, on the orders of King Andrew II of Hungary, they set out to search for the remaining of the Hungarians in the Ancient Homeland. A typical example of the style of the Római School and one of the outstanding works of the genre is the 2 m (6.6 ft) high bronze memorial. It was placed on the ruins of medieval Dominican church. (updated Jan 2021)
• 36 Red Hedgehog House (Vörös Sün-ház), I, Hess András tér 3 (Szentháromság tér  16 ). This is the oldest still standing building in Budapest. It was built around 1260 and was merged from several early Gothic, medieval dwellings in the 18th century to construct the current Baroque building. It functioned as the first tavern of the Buda Castle. Also, the first theatre performance of Buda was held here. In front of the building is a statue of Pope Innocent XI made by József Damkó in 1936. (updated Jan 2021)
• 37 Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum (Arany Sas Patikamúzeum), I, Tárnok utca 18 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 375-9772, aranysas@semmelweis.museum.hu. Th F 10:00–16:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00. It was the first pharmacy in Buda after the expulsion of the Turks. It was opened in its present location in 1922. It is a museum since 1974 with a permanent exhibition entitled “Pharmacy in the Renaissance and Baroque Ages”. Adult: 800 Ft; senior, student: 400 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 38 Statue of András Hadik (Hadik András-szobor), I, Úri utca (Szentháromság tér  16 ). A favorite of Empress Maria Theresia is well known to local students. The statue, designed by György Vastagh Jr. was presented to the public in 1937. The general is on horseback; take a close look at the horse's testicles. They are shiny yellow, unlike the patina on the rest of the statue. Engineering students have for years polished the horse testicles on the morning of difficult exams, supposedly for luck. (updated Jan 2021)
• 39 Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum (Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum), I, Lovas út 4/c (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 70 701-0101, info@sziklakorhaz.hu. 10:00–20:00. It's a hospital created in the caverns under Buda Castle in the 1930s, in preparation for the World War II. Dr. Károly Szendy, the mayor of the Hungarian capital, ordered the construction of an emergency hospital and reinforced bomb shelter under Buda Castle. Construction began in 1939 and the emergency surgical centre was completed in 1944. Its primary role was to provide general emergency care for injured civilians, later on they treated soldiers as well. The hospital was staffed by approximately 40 doctors, nurses, and assistants together. The hospital tunnel system was connected to an existing tunnel network by manual labor. In recent times, the hospital has been made into a museum, complete with waxwork recreations of hospital treatments and day-to-day scenarios during the siege. Access to the museum is limited to guided tours. Old equipment that was left over from its operational days is available for sale, including stretchers, gas masks and civil protection uniforms. Adult: 5080 Ft; senior, student: 3810 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)

Around Vienna Gate Square (Bécsi kapu tér)

Vienna Gate and the Memorial of Siege of Buda

National Archives of Hungary

Táncsics Mihály utca

Fortuna utca

Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and Hotel Hilton Budapest

Corridor in Fisherman's Bastion

• 40 Vienna Gate (Bécsi kapu), I, Bécsi kapu tér (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ). During the Middle Ages it was called Szombat-kapu (Saturday Gate), because markets were held in front of it every Saturday. It has been called Becs kapuszu by the Ottomans. Later it called also as Jewish Gate. One of its two side-gates were removed in the early 19th century, and in 1896, the whole gate was demolished. The current gate was restored in 1936, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Recapturing of Buda. The rebuilt gate, designed by Jenő Kismarty-Lechner, has a more symbolical, rather than functional value. Inscriptions, ornaments and reliefs, including a running angel was sculpted by Béla Ohmann. Two parts of Bastion Promenade are connected on the top of the gate. Free to visit. (updated Jan 2021)
• 41 National Archives of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Levéltár), I, Bécsi kapu tér 2-4 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 225-2800, titkarsag@mnl.gov.hu. A state public collection institute that preserves documents that are national treasures. The institution holds a total of 73 kilometers of records, more than 63.5 million microfilms and countless seals, maps, photographs, plans and diplomas. The building was built between 1913 and 1923 according to the plans of Samu Pecz in Romantic, historicizing style. (updated Jan 2021)
• 42 Memorial of Siege of Buda (Budavár visszavételének emlékműve), I, Bécsi kapu tér (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ). Made by Béla Ohmann in 1936. The winged female figure raises an apostolic double cross in the air with her right hand, referring to the triumph of the weapons of the Christian world. On September 2, 1686, the Allied Army of various European countries gathered the Buda Castle from the Turkish forces. (updated Jan 2021)
• 43 Kazinczy Well (Kazinczy-kút), I, Bécsi kapu tér (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ). Well sculpture made by János Pásztor in 1936. A female figure is standing on it, holding a candle in her right hand. The front wall of the base features a portrait of Ferenc Kazinczy, who was a Hungarian author, poet, translator, neologist, the most indefatigable agent in the regeneration of the Hungarian language and literature at the turn of the 19th century. (updated Jan 2021)
• 44 Lutheran Church of Budavár (Budavári evangélikus templom), I, Táncsics Mihály utca 28 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 356-9736, budavar@lutheran.hu. The oldest Lutheran church of Buda. It was built in 1895. Building was designed by Mór Kallina and it was consectrated in 1895. Exterior remained Neo-Baroque, but its interior became much more simple. There is a huge cross behind the wood altar table. There is a mosaic window over it which gives some light to the church. There is a red marble chalice at the altar. (updated Jan 2021)
• 45 Medieval Jewish Prayer House (Középkori Zsidó Imaház), I, Táncsics Mihály utca 26 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 487-8800, btm@btm.hu. May–Oct: W–Su 10:00–18:00; Nov–Apr: W–Su 10:00–14:00. Exhibition space of the Budapest History Museum. 14th-century Jewish graves, documents, drawings, and other finds. After the excavation in 1964, the prayer house was partially restored. Adult: 800 Ft; senior, student: 400 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 46 Joseph Barracks (József-kaszárnya), I, Táncsics Mihály utca 9 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 153-0673, info@t9.hu. A two-storey Baroque corner house, built around 1810. Several significant figures of Hungarian history were imprisoned within its walls, including Lajos Kossuth and Mihály Táncsics. In courtyard, there is an archeological park and exhibition in a Baroque style gunpowder-house built around 1720. (updated Jan 2021)
• 47 Museum of Music History (Zenetörténeti Múzeum), I, Táncsics Mihály utca 7 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 214-6770, museum@zti.hu. Tu–Su 10:00–16:00. Exhibitions about Hungarian music history, including musical medals and badges, Workshop of the Sasvári Piano Hall, musical instruments in Hungary, László Lajtha Memorial Room. The Baroque building (Erdődy Palace) was built between 1750–1769 according to plans of Máté Nepauer. Adult: 1000 Ft; senior, student: 500 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 48 Koller Gallery (Koller Galéria), I, Táncsics Mihály utca 5 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 356-9208, info@kollergaleria.hu. 10:00–18:00. The oldest private gallery in Hungary (founded in 1953). On the top floor of the three-storey atelier-house the memorial room for the Hungarian artist Amerigo Tot can be found. From the beginning, the gallery represented contemporary artists, especially engravers and graphical artists. Free entrance. (updated Jan 2021)
• 49 Military History Museum (Hadtörténeti Múzeum), I, Kapisztrán tér 2-4 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 325-1600, webmaster@mail.militaria.hu. Tu–Su 09:00–17:00. It was established in 1918 from the museum objects collected in the Budapest Military History Archive together with Hungarian military historical monuments. The Museum is located in the west wing Ferdinánd Barracks, which was built in 1847 in Classicist style. During World War II, two-thirds of the museum’s collection was destroyed. After the World War II, the collection started to grow significantly again, today its weapons collection contains more than 50,000 museum objects from small arms, machine guns and other military equipment. The museum's military uniform collection contains more than 30,000 items, of which about 300 are complete garments. A precious memory is the five thousand-piece flag collection and the 28,000-piece medal collection. It also has a collection of books, fine arts, photographs, stamps, posters and prints. Adult: 1500 Ft; senior, student: 750 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 50 Church of Saint Mary Magdalene (Mária Magdolna-templom), I, Kapisztrán tér 6 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), info@budatower.hu. 10:00–sunset. 13th-century Franciscan church was used by Hungarian speakers. Under Turkish rule, this was the only church allowed to remain Christian: all others were converted into mosques. During the Allied Siege of Budapest of 1944 several bombs hit the building. However, the real destruction of the Church was not by the war but the "restoration" of the 1950s: the church building was demolished by the anti-church communist regime. Only its bell tower and the side chapels escaped from the destruction. Only one stone window has been rebuilt as a memento. Today the tower is used as an observation tower. There is a 24-bell chime in the tower. Adult: 1500 Ft; senior, student: 900 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 51 Monument of the Transylvanian Hussar Regiment No. 2 (Az erdélyi kettes huszárok hősi emlékműve), I, Tóth Árpád sétány (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ). Made by Lajos Petri in 1935. (updated Jan 2021)

Do

Szentháromság tér

Hess András tér

• 1 House of Houdini (Houdini-ház), I, Dísz tér 11 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 951-8066, info@houseofhoudinibudapest.com. 10:00–19:00. Houdini memorial house. There is a showroom and an exhibition with authentic Houdini memorabilia. Adult: 2400 Ft, children: 1800 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 2 3D Past – Saint Michael Chapel (Szent Mihály-kápolna), I, Szentháromság tér 5 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 70 313-0970, info@3dpast.com. 10:00–17:00. 15 min 3D movie about the history of Hungary in a 700 years old Gothic chapel. 1500 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 3 Europe Park (Európa liget), I (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ). Small park opened in 1972 to commemorate the centenary of the capital and the congresses of 29 European capitals held on that occasion. At that time, the leaders of the capitals planted a tree with their own hands, which is typical of the flora of their own country and which also bears the climate of Hungary. The name of the donating city can be read on a limestone slab in front of the trees. (updated Jan 2021)
• Festival of Folk Arts (Mesterségek Ünnepe), ☏ +36 1 214-3147, neszfolk@nesz.hu. Folk art fair. In August. (updated Jan 2021)
• Budapest Wine Festival (Budapest Borfesztivál), ☏ +36 1 203-8507, info@aborfesztival.hu. In September. (updated Jan 2021)

Buy

Tárnok utca

Markets

• 1 Prima, I, Tárnok utca 22-24 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 225-3284, ertekesites@primaboltok.hu. M–Sa 07:00–19:00, Su 09:00–18:00. Convenience shop. (updated Dec 2020)
• 2 Dóczy Delicatesse, I, Országház utca 16 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 212-3761, dinitron@hdsnet.hu. M–Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 10:00–16:00. Deli shop. Rare vintage wines, domestic and international alcoholic beverages. Meat products and other specialities. (updated Jan 2021)

Souvenir

• 3 Herend Brand Store, I, Szentháromság utca 5 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 225-1051, hadikshop@herend.com. M–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–14:00. The 'Herend' porcelain direct from the manufacturer. (updated Dec 2020)
• 4 Magma+, I, Úri utca 26-28 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 960-5758, shop@magma.hu. 10:00–19:00. Souvenir shop showcasing unique or limited edition works of Hungarian designers and artists. (updated Dec 2020)

Eat

This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under 2000 Ft
Mid-range	2000 Ft–6000 Ft
Splurge	Over 6000 Ft

Úri utca

Úri utca

Budget

In this district you will find the most expensive prices in Budapest. If you want something cheap, it's better to look in other districts.

Mid-range

• 1 Aranybástya, I, Csónak utca 1 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 956-1342, info@aranybastya.com. W–Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–20:00. Traditional restaurant. 5650 Ft. (updated Nov 2021)
• 2 Arany Hordó Restaurant, I, Tárnok utca 16 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 356-1367, info@aranyhordovendeglo.hu. 12:00–00:00. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. 3595 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 3 Jamie Oliver's Italian, I, Szentháromság utca 9-11 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 800-9212, hello@jamiesitalian.hu. 11:30–22:00. Italian restaurant. 5310 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 4 Ramazuri Bistronomy, I, Úri utca 30 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 491-9494, reservation@ramazuri.com. 10:00–00:00. Traditional restaurant with international cuisine. 4950 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)

Splurge

• 5 21 Hungarian Kitchen (21 Magyar Vendéglő), I, Fortuna utca 21 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 202-2113, hello@21restaurant.hu. 12:00–00:00. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. 5650 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 6 Alabárdos Restaurant, I, Országház utca 2 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 356-0851, alabardos@t-online.hu. M–F 19:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–15:00 19:00–23:00. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. 7705 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 7 Halászbástya Restaurant, I, Szentháromság tér (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 897-1517, info@halaszbastya.eu. 11:00–20:00. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. 13,165 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 8 Pierrot, I, Fortuna utca 14 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 375 6971, hello@pierrot.hu. 12:00–23:45. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. 6630 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)

Drink

Tóth Árpád sétány

Fisherman's Bastion at night

Cafe and breakfast

• 1 4 Minutes Cafe, I, Országház utca 15 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 721-2270, 4minutescafe@gmail.com. Tu–F 09:00–14:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00. Cafe and breakfast. (updated Dec 2020)
• 2 Korona Cafe, I, Dísz tér 16 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 375-6139, koronakavehaz@gmail.com. 10:00–18:00. Cafe, confectionery and breakfast. (updated Jan 2021)
• 3 Vár Bistro, I, Dísz tér 8 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 237-0039, varbistro@cba-budavar.hu. 19:00–20:00. Cafe, confectionery and breakfast. (updated Dec 2020)
• 4 Walzer Cafe, I, Táncsics Mihály utca 12 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 250-5971, walzercafe@gmail.com. 10:00–18:00. Cafe and breakfast. (updated Dec 2020)

Cafe and confectionery

• 5 Budavári Rétesvár, I, Balta köz 4 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 70 314-2559, pfrancsics@gmail.com. 08:00–20:00. Strudel shop and cafe. Strudel: 470 Ft. (updated Dec 2020)
• 6 Gelateria No. 7, I, Szentháromság utca 7 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), gelateria7@outlook.com. 10:00–20:00. Italian cafe and ice cream shop. (updated Dec 2020)
• 7 Ruszwurm Confectionery, I, Szentháromság utca 7 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 375-5284, info@ruszwurm.hu. 10:00–19:00. Confectionery and cafe. This tiny coffeehouse is the oldest continually operating cafe in the city; probably one of the best pastry shops in Budapest. As a coffeehouse it dates to the 1820s, and its original furnishings are still intact. On a historical note, this location has sold sweets of some kind or another since the Middle Ages, when it was a gingerbread shop. The same family has been operating Ruszwurm since the early years of this century, and all the cakes are made on-premises. (updated Dec 2020)

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Under 20,000 Ft
Mid-range	20,000 Ft–60,000 Ft
Splurge	Over 60,000 Ft

Royal Palace at night

Royal Palace at night

Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church at night

Budget

In this district you will find the most expensive prices in Budapest. If you want something cheap, it's better to look in other districts.

Mid-range

• 1 Monarchy Residence, I, Országház utca 21 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 70 455-3925, monarchy@cteurope.hu. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. 11 rooms. Single room: 21,000 Ft, double room: 26,000 Ft. (updated Dec 2020)
• 2 Hotel Hilton Budapest, I, Hess András tér 1-3 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 889-6600, fax: +36 1 889-6644, info.budapest@hilton.com. Láng Bistro and Grill: 06:45–10:30 12:00–15:00 18:00–23:00. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. 5-star hotel with 332 rooms. Traditional restaurant with local and international cuisine. Double room: 55,965 Ft, average meal: 5610 Ft. (updated Dec 2020)
• 3 Pest-Buda, I, Fortuna utca 3 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 800-9213, hello@pest-buda.com. Restaurant: 07:00–23:00. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. 4-star design hotel with 10 rooms. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. Double room: 55,860 Ft, average meal: 5290 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)

Splurge

• 4 Baltazár, I, Országház utca 31 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 300-7051, hello@baltazarbudapest.com. Restaurant: 07:30–23:45. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. 4-star butique hotel with 11 rooms. Traditional restaurant with local and international cuisine. Double room: 64,870 Ft, average meal: 5630 Ft. (updated Jan 2021)
• 5 Buda Castle Hotel, I, Úri utca 39 (Szentháromság tér  16 ), ☏ +36 30 566-7187, reservation@budacastlehotel.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. 4-star hotel with 25 rooms. Double room: 64,730 Ft. (updated Dec 2020)
• 6 Hapimag Apartment House, I, Fortuna utca 18 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 487-7400, fax: +36 1 487-7401, budapest@hapimag.com. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00. 30 apartments. Apartment for two persons: 62,745 Ft. (updated Dec 2020)
• 7 Maison, I, Országház utca 17 (Bécsi kapu tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 405-4980, info@maisonbudapest.hu. Restaurant: 08:00–11:00 12:00–16:00 18:00–22:00. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. 4-star hotel with 17 rooms. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. Double room: 75,580 Ft, average meal: 4790 Ft. (updated Dec 2020)

Connect

• 1 Budapest 1 Post Office, I, Dísz tér 15 (Dísz tér  16 ), ☏ +36 1 375-2440, ugyfelszolgalat@posta.hu. M–F 08:00-16:00. (updated Dec 2020)