Buda Castle

About Buda Castle

Buda Castle is an old castle in Budapest hills; it gives the most fantastic view of the whole city. People love coming here because the Buda castle tour takes you back in time like you’re in a story from long ago. Inside the castle, there’s an excellent museum with old stuff – paintings, shiny armour, and things that tell you how people used to live back in the 13th century. Beautiful gardens are outside the castle where you can take a nice, relaxed walk. The fresh air and flowers make visitors calm and refreshed. Instead of daylight, Buda Castle at night offers a fascinating spectacle – illuminated walls and towers create a warm ambience. Visitors get a romantic experience as they stroll through the courtyards and gardens.

There are many castles in Budapest, but Buda Castle holds a central place as it offers a blend of history, adventure, and incredible views from the top of Várhegy Hill. The labyrinth of Buda Castle Budapest (a must-visiting Budapest cave system) provides an intriguing exploration. Before centuries, people used Budapest caves to hide, store stuff, and even escape. Now, you can see the castle’s secret history by walking through the castle’s cave system. Buda Castle complements various must-see landmarks, including the Budapest National Gallery and the Budapest National Museum, which are Budapest must sees.

History of the Buda Castle

The Buda Castle history is enriched with centuries of tales, starting with King Béla IV of Hungary. The castle was first built in 1265; initially, it was like a giant fortress to protect against Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Later, in the 14th century, it became a fancy home for the Hungarian King – a place tourists still consider worth watching. During the 16th century, when the Ottomans were in charge, they made some architectural adjustments. In 1686, the Habsburgs took back the castle. 

In the 18th century, after many changes, the castle got a makeover with a new Baroque style. The recent Baroque style you see was built from 1749 to 1769. The castle was damaged in World War II, but people fixed it after the war. Now, Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery, and other sites speak aloud about Hungary’s incredible history and culture.

Tips for your visit to the Buda Castle

• Try to be the first in line for the tram to secure the best seat with a close view of the river. Remember that the tram may be closed for maintenance, typically on Mondays.
• Buying Buda castle tickets beforehand can reduce your many tour troubles and enjoy possible discounts. Opt for mid-week visits to minimise wait times and increase your chances of getting a good spot.
• You can hire either a Budapest Castle Funicular or the official Budapest Castle bus to visit Buda Castle. However, an official bus is preferably cost-effective.
• It is best to visit the castle either early mornings or late afternoons as there is no crowd; eventually, you can enjoy every bit of the castle with utmost comfort.
• You should know about Buda Castle opening hours to enjoy a hassle-free castle visit. The gardens and courtyards are open all day and night. Check for concerts or festivals; they might cost money.

How to arrive to the Buda Castle

To get to Buda Castle, you may try one of several routes, depending on whether you want to walk or prefer to travel by public transportation. Buda Castle stands majestically atop Castle Hill, commanding a breathtaking view over the River Danube. You can get there by riding the Metro Line 2 (Red Line) to the Batthyány tér station. Alternatively, you can simply walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to the castle (which is more scenic) or take bus no. 16 or 16A to the “Castle District” (Vár) stop.

Besides, in the Castle District, you can travel by using Bus 16A and Bus 16 from Deák Ferenc tér, which is a transfer station in Budapest. As an alternative, you can also take Bus 16 from Széll Kálmán tér (formerly Moszkva tér), another major transport interchange. Another scenic alternative is to travel by the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular (Sikló) that links the Chain Bridge with Buda Castle. It is a rather whimsical way to reach for the top obviously. Depending on where in Budapest you are, you can take a walk to Buda Castle. On the other hand, if you’re going with the city centre hotel, you can stroll across the Chain Bridge and climb Castle Hill which is full of scenic spots. Although, do not expect a gentle inclination, much as the castle is located on a hill.