Location: District I / Buda
Top Things to do in District I / Buda
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in District I / Buda, Central Hungary
Over 15 million gallons of water bubble daily into Budapest's 118 springs and boreholes. The city of spas offers an astounding array of baths, from the sparkling Gellert Baths to the vast 1913 neo-baroque Szechenyi Spa to Rudas Spa, a dramatic 16th-century Turkish pool with original Ottoman architecture. The "Queen of the Danube" is also steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Get your camera ready for the Roman ruins of the Aquincum Museum, Heroes' Square and Statue Park, and the 300-foot dome of St. Stephen's Basilica.
Restaurants in Budapest
1. Peter Mansfeld Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By ianwebb75 - London, United Kingdom
A moving tribute to a freedom fighter against the soviets in the 50’s. In the middle of nowhere (look behind you) the monument appears. Read the bio about him as you stand there.
2. Varhegy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,653 reviews
Lovingly restored after being reduced to rubble during World War II, this picturesque area is located in the heart of medieval Budapest, which is characterized by cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and lovely squares surrounded by baroque and classical buildings.
Reviewed By ParvizM2013 - San Diego, United States
We decided to spend almost one day on the Buda side of Budapest and walk the hills of Buda Castle and see the beautiful attractions over there and also watch the beautiful views of Budapest from up there on the hills. The main attractions on the Buda side include Buda Castle, Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. From our hotel in the city center, we could take a bus directly to Fisherman’s Bastion or walk. We decided to walk since we could see the beautiful Chain Bridge again and also walk up the Buda Castle Hills and see the panoramic views of the city. It took us about 45 minutes to walk from our hotel Moments to the top of the hills. It is of course hilly, but is a nice walk. On our way, we passed the Buda Castle, National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. These are all beautiful structures. We skipped going inside the buildings since we wanted to spend more time outside and see the views of the city. Of all these sites, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are truly magnificent and we really liked Fisherman’s Bastion. The structures and the views from there are really fantastic. I will review Fisherman’s Bastion separately. The Matthias Church is an amazingly beautiful building. We did not go inside, but the outside structure is so colorful and pretty. All together, we spent about 4 hours walking the Buda Castle Hill and other attractions on the Buda side and took the bus directly from there back to the city center on the Pest side, about 15 minutes bus ride. The walk was very nice and we all enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend it.
3. Halaszbastya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31,812 reviews
Built during the 19th century for the Hungarian Millennium celebrations, this mock bastion features pointed towers and turrets, reminiscent of the fairytale castles in Disney World.
Reviewed By Alessia_sp - Mosta, Malta
If you love pictures you certainly cannot miss the most popular selfie location...We had the perfect day on Buda side exploring the Budapest Castle grounds, followed by Fisherman's Bastions and the top of Buda where there is a beautiful garden and a stunning little village and church. The Buda sightseeing bus is the perfect way to get yourself to each stop without too much walking. When you get to the Fisherman's Bastions make sure to look at the views as long as take a selfie and group picture, the architecture is really beautiful. I would suggest going early so that you can appreciate the place without all the crowd. Pictures on @lessiaestil
4. Buda Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,985 reviews
Destroyed by fire in World War II, this imposing 13th-century palace was rebuilt with modern interiors while incorporating hidden walls and medieval structures that remained hidden over the centuries.
Reviewed By arshadmian786
Besides the monuments, you get a breathtaking panorama of the Danube with the Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the city on the opposite side of the river.The views are very similar to those from Fisherman’s Bastion. And being connected to the Chain Bridge, the palace complex is breathtaking at night when the overpass and the Castle are lit up. Be sure to also take a trip on the fully restored historic Castle Funicular Railway, which departs from the Buda end of the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge and deposits travelers in the heart of the Castle District.This entire historic landmark is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be explored either on your own or as part of an informative walking tour.
5. Matthias Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,285 reviews
Used over the centuries as a coronation church for the Hungarian kings, the slender and graceful architecture of this beautiful church dominates the main square of the Castle area.
Reviewed By Moonamuslim
A very nice church on the Buda side at the Fisherman's Bastion. Worthwhile and full of history. Easy to reach, either on foot, by taxi, or by bus (bus line 16; Szentháromság tér stop). You also have a great view from the Pest side on the banks of the Danube. Visit this place once during the day and once at night. Worth it The Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) - officially: the Church of the Great Blessed Virgin of the Buda Castle (Budavári Nagyboldogasszony templom) - on the castle hill of the Fisherman's Bastion is a must when visiting Budapest. The facade and roof of the church, which is predominantly Gothic in style, are beautiful. The roof decorated with colorful glazed roof tiles is unique. Inside the church there are decorative paintings, magnificent frescoes and stucco decorations, as well as wonderful stained glass windows. The interior is created in a mixture of Gothic style and Art Nouveau. The neo-Gothic main altar of the Matthias Church is adorned with dark gold. However, the story that belongs to this wonderful church is also fascinating, sometimes sad at the same time. First built in the 13th century in the Romanesque style, the basilica was then converted into a church in the Gothic style. Under the Ottoman rule, all the sanctuaries were destroyed and the church converted into a mosque. After the almost complete destruction, the church was built in baroque style. Later it served as the coronation church for Franz and Sisi, the Hungarian royal couple. Before it was badly damaged again in the Second World War. You have to go there, when visit one of the most beautiful cities of Europe!
6. Statue of St Stephen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,328 reviews
Reviewed By ohannybunny - Prague, Czech Republic
The whole place is architectural jewel, the statue of King Stephen made us research a bit about him, aparently great person of Hungarian history. I admired how even smallest details were perfectly crafted.
7. Fountain of King Matthias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 765 reviews
Reviewed By lady_britts - Bexley, United Kingdom
We literally stumbled across this very lovely sculpture/water fountain in passing on our way to the Royal Palace. Depicting the young King Matthias hunting with his dogs, it is striking and lovely to spend a few moments in front of.
8. Castle Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
The World Heritage Site Castle Garden is Budapest’s modernest and most imposing venue, where classical renaissance meets contemporary architecture in design. Thousands of square meters of outdoor venues, multifunctional event spaces, exhibition areas and exclusive panorama terraces alternate in the building complex. However, Castle Garden is much more, than a venue. It serves as the gate of Buda Castle, it is the home of permanent and temporary exhibitions, concerts, festivals and family events. Moreover, it is Buda’s cultural stop and a leisure place in the Neorenaissance garden.
Reviewed By OZS_ATW - Budapest, Hungary
Castle Garden is a must to see when you are in Budapest. It was built between 1875 and 1883 in the Neo-Renaissance style according to the plans of Miklós Ybl. Walk up the Castle starting from Castle Garden!
9. Krepostnaya Mountain
10. The statue of the Great Ho-ho-ho Horgasz's Chief Worm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By r383ccaCgb - England, United Kingdom
We made a new friend by the river!! We had read about the statue but did not go out of our way to see it... we found it just as we walked past. Hes very quirky and dressed well for the cold weather by the Danube
