Buda Castle Walk

Budapest’s Castle District is a timeless, 1.5 kilometer-long neighborhood at the top of a hill rising from the Danube riverbank. One of the oldest sections of the city, it is full of winding cobblestoned streets, baroque and gothic facades, and colorful old stucco houses.

This tour showcases important sites—such as the eclectic Matthias Church with its colorful tiled roof and brightly colored interior, the Royal Palace complex, the newly restored Várkert Bazár, and the Fisherman’s Bastion—but also the secret spots that should not be missed. The first royal residence was built here in the mid-13th century, and you’ll hear about how the establishment of the Royal Court sparked the beginning of a long golden age—even though no royals ever resided here.

You’ll learn about the various periods of history which influenced this neighborhood, with a special emphasis on the Jewish population which once lived here, the Hungarian royalty, and the Habsburg empire. Many heroes and villains of World War Two left their mark here, and the during the brutal siege of Budapest the neighborhood was demolished when the German and Russian armies met on these streets.

In fact, the palace and neighborhood have been destroyed and rebuilt many times, with each leaving a different mark on the current appearance. These days the Hungarian president is lucky enough to be able to call this neighborhood home, along with a few hundred regular citizens living in these ancient buildings. Join us to explore this fascinating neighborhood, and catch some spectacular views of the city below.

Travel Tip

Make it a full day! We designed the Buda Castle Walk to complement the Buda Food Walk. The Castle Walk begins not far from where the Buda Food Walk ends, so it’s convenient to take these tours on the same day!