5 Best Things to Do in Buda Castle District

Budapest is a city of halves; split into ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ separated by the expansive Danube River. The city marches to the beat of a different drum. It may be the capital of Hungary but it couldn’t be more different from the rest of Europe. Budapest exudes a cool, down-to-earth vibe that is sure to leave you smitten. The city is a mix of grand architecture with trendy ruin bars and centuries-old bathhouses. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, sightseeing, or a party, Budapest has it.

Emagine is the number one tour company in Budapest. We provide our customers with unique and unforgettable experiences. We primarily use e-scooters, which makes it easier and quicker to navigate this beautiful city. Elevate your experience of the city by booking our 3-hour Budapest City Sightseeing Tour, or dip your toe into the e-scooter lifestyle with our 1.5-hour Essence of Budapest Tour.

For this post, we’re going to delve into the 5 best things to do in Buda Castle District.

View of Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary, with a backdrop of a clear sky.

1) Tour Buda Castle

Aerial view of the Buda Castle complex in Budapest, Hungary, at sunset, with the Danube River and cityscape in the background.

Buda Castle is a beautiful castle and palace complex that was used as a royal residence for centuries. It was originally completed in 1265, although the massive baroque structure that dominates the skyline these days dates back to the 18th century. Buda Castle doesn’t look like a typical castle; its exterior is more attuned to that of a baroque mansion. However, concealed behind that unassuming facade are grand stately rooms and stunning architecture. From the castle’s terrace, you’ll see over to the parliament and the Danube River. These views are well worth the visit alone.

Underneath Buda Castle, there’s a labyrinth of mysterious caves stretching 1200 meters. These cave systems have had several different uses over the centuries, from wine cellars and bomb shelters to a medieval prison which is even said to have housed Count Dracula himself. After 6 pm, the lights in the caves are switched off to allow you to explore with only the light from an oil lamp; this is one of the most unique and interesting things to do in Buda Castle District.

2) Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion

Aerial view of Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary with the Danube River and Hungarian Parliament Building in the background during sunset.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the most magnificent structures you can see in Budapest. Constructed out of white stone, the Fisherman’s Bastion looks like it has come straight from a fairytale. It’s made even more dreamy when visited at sunrise or sunset. It was built between 1895–1902 to celebrate the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian state. The structure features seven towers, symbolizing the seven founders of Hungary in 895. Most of the towers and balconies are free to visit, while the upper terraces and turrets require a small entrance fee.

3) Matthias Church

Exterior view of Matthias Church in Budapest, showcasing intricate Gothic architecture and colorful tile roofs under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Matthias Church, also known as ‘The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle’, is located close to the Fisherman’s Bastion. This neoclassical catholic church is historically important, playing host to royal weddings and royal burials. It was even the site of the last two Hungarian Habsburg kings’ coronations: Franz-Joseph I in 1867 and Charles IV in 1916. The statue of St Stephen I is located between the church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s huge, which makes it pretty hard to miss!

The church is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside. The church regularly holds Classical Music Concerts with a live orchestra performing the works of Mozart, Bach, and more. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you captivated.

In the 15th century, the 60-meter-high bell tower was added. It’s a whopping 197 steps to the top, so it’s not for the faint-hearted! At the top, you will be rewarded with sensational views over the rooftops of Pest.

4) Hungarian National Gallery

The image shows the Chain Bridge with lion statues in the foreground and Buda Castle in the background under a clear blue sky.

The Hungarian National Gallery is located within the Royal Palace in Buda Castle. Established in 1957 as the national art gallery, you’ll find a staggering collection of paintings, sculptures, medals, drawings, and prints. The museum showcases masterpieces by some of Hungary’s most renowned 19th- and 20th-century artists, including Mihály Munkácsy’s Woman Carrying Brushwood. It will take a couple of hours to visit as there are more than 27,000 pieces of art, spread over four floors and four wings of the palace.

The Hungarian National Gallery also features temporary exhibitions throughout the year. With a ticket to either the Royal Palace or the Hungarian National Gallery, you will be treated to magnificent, panoramic views over the city from the dome.

5) Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Entrance of the Szlakakorhaz Hospital in the Rock Museum, with an open gate and signage in Hungarian and German. Stone walls surround the entrance, and a street with parked cars is visible on the left.

The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum houses three underground wards and one underground operating theater in the caverns underneath Buda Castle. In 1944, it was used to full capacity during the Siege of Budapest. The facility quickly became overwhelmed with civilians and soldiers and at the height of the war; they were treating 700 patients at one time, nearly 10 times the capacity of the hospital. After WWII, the facility was used as a vaccine-producing institute. It was then converted back into a hospital in 1956 and reopened at the start of the revolution, and between 1958 and 1962 it was used as a nuclear bunker. The Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum offers a rare glimpse into the tragedy of war and its impact on Hungary’s capital.

Buda Castle Tour

Budapest is full of surprises, and the Buda Castle District is no exception. The area is a flurry of culturally rich experiences topped off with sweeping panoramic views across the city. It’s a must-visit area whilst in the city and that’s why we offer a Buda Castle Tour. This 1.5-hour tour will have you whizzing about on your e-scooter to all the most important sights in the area. Or for something different, explore Buda Castle District after the sun sets on our Budapest Night Tour. With us, you can even create your own Custom Budapest Tour. If you have any questions, please get in touch!