• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Travel Notes & Beyond logo

The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac

  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search
  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search
Budapest Old Town

8 Amazing Attractions to Visit in Budapest Old Town

Home » DESTINATIONS » Europe » Hungary » 8 Amazing Attractions to Visit in Budapest Old Town

Last Modified: November 14, 2024 //  by Anda //  21 Comments

My love affair with Budapest started about 20 years ago, when my (Hungarian) husband took me on my first trip to Hungary. I had very little information about Budapest at the time, but my jaw literally dropped when I first saw the Old Town area and its many attractions.

Budapest old town attractions
View of the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church

Throughout the years I took countless trips to Budapest, so I had the opportunity to visit not only the Old Town attractions, but also the off the beaten parts of Budapest and the less known spots.

Table of Contents

  • A Brief History of Budapest Old Town
  • What to Expect in Budapest Old Town
  • Budapest Old Town Attractions
    •      [1] Buda Castle 
    •      [2] The Labyrinth
    •      [3] The Fisherman’s Bastion
    •      [4] Matthias Church
    •      [5] The Citadel
    •      [6] Gellert Monument
    •    [7] Gellért Baths 
    •  [8] The Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) 
  • Sought After Tours in Budapest
  • Where to Stay in Budapest Old Town

A Brief History of Budapest Old Town

Not many visitors to Budapest know that the Hungarian capital used to be two distinct towns till the 19th century: Buda and Pest. Separated by the River Danube, the two parts of Budapest couldn’t be more different. While Buda is the hilly and more historical part of the city, Pest is flat and more modern one.

READ NEXT: 10 Interesting Facts About Budapest That Not Many People Know

Buda was once the place where the Hungarian Kings resided. They chose this side of the Danube for strategic reasons. From up here they had a clear view of the river and the area across it.

Castle Hill, the knoll on which Buda sits, is home to the main Budapest Old Town attractions: the Buda Castle, the Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church.

What to Expect in Budapest Old Town

For the most part, Budapest Old Town is a lovely pedestrian zone, small enough to be discovered by foot. Here you’ll see houses dating back to the 14th century, walk on cobblestone streets, and dine into some of the best restaurants in Budapest. Old Town Buda is where you’ll get a real feel of old, medieval streets. 

the Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge in Budapest

If you are staying in Downtown Budapest (which is on the Pest side), you’ll have to cross one of the bridges across the Danube to get to the Old Buda. The most common crossing point is at the Chain Bridge (Lanchid). From here you can climb up the hill to the Fortress on foot. Or you can take the little funicular that will drop you in front of the Buda Castle.

Old Town Budapest funicular
Budapest funicular

Budapest Old Town Attractions

     [1] Buda Castle 

Buda Castle (Budavári Palota) is the most popular attraction on Castle Hill.  The castle was completed by King Bela IV in 1265 and served as the royal seat of power for centuries. Over time, the Royal Castle was rebuilt, extended, burned down and rebuilt again, which explains its current eclectic appearance.

Today the castle is home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. If you don’t have time for both museums, you should at lease visit the National Gallery. This museum displays an amazing range of artworks, from Gothic altarpieces to paintings by Hungarian realists.

View of Old Buda Castle
Buda Castle, one of the attractions in Old Town Budapest

Every fall, one of the most famous gastronomic events in Budapest –the International Wine Festival– takes place on the castle grounds. If you are ever in town in September, make sure you check it out. 

Budapest Castle
Budapest Castle interior courtyard

To the east of the palace entrance you’ll see a bronze statue of the Turul Modár, a mythical bird resembling an eagle or a falcon. According to legend, the emblematic bird impregnated Emese, grandmother of Árpád, a great Magyar military commander.

Turul Modár statue in Old Town Budapest
Turul Modár statue

At Christmas time, the square next to the Royal Palace hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in Budapest.

     [2] The Labyrinth

Right beneath the  Castle Hill there is an underground Labyrinth (Budavari Labirintus). The Labyrinth is part of a complex of caves and cellars that came to be as an effect of the hot water springs. In the 15th century the caves served as a prison.

The most famous prisoner of the Labyrinth was Vlad Tepes, also known as Count Dracula. Tepes was King Matthias Corvinus’s prisoner for 12 years.

During World War II, the underground labyrinth served as a shelter and a military hospital. Later on, in modern times, the Budapest Labyrinth became a museum.

Budapest Labyrinth on Old Town Buda
Budapest Labyrinth

     [3] The Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion –Halaszbastya, in Hungarian– is arguably the best known of Budapest Old Town attractions.It’s easy recognizable neo-Gothic style terrace dominates Castle Hill.

The stronghold is believed to derive its name from the guild of fishermen who were responsible for defending this area in the Middle Ages. Fishermen’s Bastion was built as a viewing platform after the Siege of Budapest, since Buda Castle was no longer considered to be of military importance.

Fishermen's Bastion in Budapest Old Town
Fishermen’s Bastion

The panorama terrace was built with the idea to recall the old times. Therefore, the bastion looks rather like a fairy tale castle than a fortification. From here you have the best unobstructed views of the entire Budapest downtown, Parliament Building and Danube River.   

Fisherman's Bastion Café
Fisherman’s Bastion café

At the top of the terrace there is a little café that serves beer, sandwiches, and cakes in a very casual atmosphere. The café looks a little like a tourist trap, so don’t expect anything spectacular other than the view. But if you just want to enjoy a little break in the shade, this is a nice place to stop.

The Bastion can be visited during the day time for a small entrance fee, but if you come at night you can easily bypass the small metal gate and see the towers and terraces. 

     [4] Matthias Church

Right next to the Hilton Hotel in the Holy Trinity Square stands one of Budapest oldest and most beloved church: Mátyás Templom. This Roman Catholic church was named after the beloved king Mattias Corvinus, the promoter of Italian cultural influences in Hungary.

Holy Trinity Square in Old Town Budapest
Holy Trinity Square in Old Town Buda

Although the initial construction dates back to the 14th century, the church’s tiled roof and fantastic Neo-Gothic ornamentation is actually newer (19th century).

Mátyás Templom
Mátyás Templom

Over the centuries Mátyás Templom served as the coronation church for the Hungarian kings. The church was under renovation for a long period of time. Finally, a few years ago, the scaffold disappeared and the church is now more beautiful than ever. On the upper level of the church there is a small museum, really worth visiting

     [5] The Citadel

Citadella is an U-shaped fortress located on the strategic Géllert Hill, also on the Buda side.The fortress served initially a place of surveillance for the Habsburg Monarchy.

Old Fortress Wall
Old Fortress Wall

After the suppression of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, the Habsburgs used this place to keep the rebellious city under control. Although the fort had 60 cannons, it was never a working fortification, but rather a threat for those who might think of.

Liberty Monument
Liberty Monument on Gellert Hill

After the Austro Hungarian Compromise of 1867, the Hungarians demanded the destruction of the Citadel. But it didn’t happen. In the 1960’s, after much debate, the local government decided to turn it into a tourist center. In front of the Citadel rises the Liberty Statue, a peaceful female figure holding a palm branch in her hand.

The statue was erected by the communists to celebrate Budapest’s liberation from the Nazi troops.  The Citadel houses a free exhibition about the history of Budapest, as well as a World War II museum that charges a small entrance fee.

     [6] Gellert Monument

Gellért Hill offers the most spectacular views of Budapest, the River Danube and its eight bridges. The place is less crowded at night, when the arts and crafts bazaar closes.

From the Citadel, you can to climb down to the city following a very beautiful shaded path though the woods that cover the hill. At the foot of the hill, right before reaching the street, you’ll come across Gellért’s Monument.

The statue represents Saint Gerard (Gellért), who was was put in a barrel and rolled down from the top of the hill for trying to convert the pagan Magyars to Christianity. 

Gellért Monument in Budapest Old Town
Gellért Monument

The slopes of the Géllert Hill are steep and hard to walk. Especially during the hot summer days. A better option is to take the tram up to the top of the hill. Tram 47 or 49 from Deak Tér will go there. Also, bus #7 from the Keleti Station, Astoria, or Ferenciek tere.

   [7] Gellért Baths 

Gellért Baths are one of the most popular attractions in Budapest Old Town – a favorite for locals and visitors alike. This is an equally beautiful bath that rivals with Szechenyi Baths, located in Downtown Budapest.

The baths are fed by natural springs which are rich in calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate and fluoride. As a result, they have great healing and cleansing properties. 

The baths feature pools with various water temperatures, two kinds of saunas, massage, and spa treatments at reasonable prices. 

Gellert Baths
Gellert Baths

The building’s architecture is outstandingly beautiful and very unique. Intricate mosaic floors, stained glass windows,  wooden interiors the changing rooms. Every corner is beautiful down to the finest detail.

 [8] The Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) 

The Cave Church is perhaps the least famous of the Budapest Old Town attractions. This small still functioning chapel is located in the cave system of Géllert Hill.

The communist regime sealed the church entrance with concrete for nearly 40 years, therefore if you visited Budapest before the 1990s chances are you haven’t heard about it.

Cave Church in Budapest
Cave Church in Budapest

The The entrance is across the street from Géllert Baths. The church reopened in 1989, after the fall of Communism. The interior of the church is certainly interesting, but not particularly beautiful. There is an audio-guide available that I would recommend. 

Inside the Cave Church
Inside the Cave Church

Sought After Tours in Budapest

Below is a list of some of the best activities in Budapest. My favorite one is the 1 hour Budapest Night Cruise. It’s a beautiful, narrated tour that takes you along the Danube river and lets you enjoy the most fascinating sights of Budapest. There is nothing like seeing the city lights from the panoramic deck while sipping a glass of Champagne! 

Where to Stay in Budapest Old Town

Staying in Budapest Old Town has its own advantages. This is the ideal location if you want a quieter, more relaxed setting. This side of the Danube is way less crowded and has some of the most spectacular views of the city.

READ NEXT: Buda or Pest – What’s the Best Area to Stay When Visiting Budapest

While many visitors to Budapest prefer the Pest side because of its proximity to shopping and restaurants, Budapest Old Town attractions and spectacular views weigh in favor of this side of town.

Budapest Old Town pin

There are many lodging options in this area, from reasonably priced apartments, to bed-and-breakfasts, hotel rooms, and hostels. To find the best deal and compare prices you should check TripAdvisor, which is also a good source if you want to read what other travelers have to say about these places.

Another good option to keep in mind is VRBO – Vacation Rentals By Owner, also a great resource for affordable accommodations.


Planning a trip to Budapest? You may find these articles helpful:
Day Trips From Budapest: Where to Go to Escape the Summer Heat
What You Should Know About Hungarians before you Travel to Budapest
How to Spend a Magical Winter Holiday in Budapest
Basque Country Itinerary – Best Places to Visit


Did you find this post useful? Please pin it for later: 

Budapest Old Town Attractions pin

Category: DESTINATIONS, Europe, HungaryTag: Budapest, Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Previous Post: «Hungarian wines The Ultimate Guide to Hungarian Wines (Top Varieties and Regions)
Next Post: How to See the Best of Budapest in 3 Days – the Perfect Itinerary 3 days in Budapest itinerary»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Zoltan

    June 17, 2023 at 1:15 pm

    I was born and raised in Budapest and I am really wondering what exactly you are calling the Budapest Old Town as such. For example, The Castle, The Mathias Church , The Fishermen’s Bastion/plural on purpose/ and the Labyrinth are part of the Castle or the Castle District. The Citadell is on Gellert Hill which is another hill in Buda. Buda is old, but calling that side of Buda the Old Buda is a huge mistake as there is a part of Buda which is called Obuda. This translates to Old Buda. That is the official name of it. That area is up North and that is a totally different part of Buda. Originally it was another town. Budapest consists of several towns and villages to be more exact. It was merged with Buda and Pest on 17 November 1873; it now forms part of District III-Óbuda-Békásmegyer of Budapest. Why are you referring to Pest as the downtown? Even the Budapest Airport is in Pest which is appr. 17 kilometers from the city center. The whole center of the city is old. On the Pest side of the center you can find buildings that are potentially 150 years old.

    Reply
    • Anda

      June 17, 2023 at 3:43 pm

      By definition, the “old town” of a city is its historic or original core. Buda is usually referred to as Budapest Old Town, due to its historical significance. In the same manner, the Pest side of Budapest (right across from Buda) is referred to as “Budapest Downtown” (or Belváros). The Downtown area is largely comprised districts 5th and the 6th, not all the way to the airport! This is common knowledge that everybody agrees upon.

      Reply
  2. Janet Scully

    January 24, 2018 at 3:59 am

    Where did you stay in Buda? I’m planning a trip this Fall.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      January 24, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      We stayed in a B&B close to the Fishermen’s Bastion. There are many in that area.

      Reply
  3. Rhonda Albom

    August 6, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Budapest is such a wonderful city. Your photos show many places that I didn’t get to see when I was on a student tour many years ago.

    Reply
  4. Lolo

    August 5, 2017 at 11:25 pm

    Next time we go back to Budapest, I want to check out the Gellert Baths. We went to the Szechenyi Bath our first time and that was amazing! Highly recommended!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      August 6, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Gellert Baths is very different from Szechenyi: somewhat fancier and more sophisticated.

      Reply
  5. Amy

    August 5, 2017 at 8:06 pm

    I’ll be in Budapest next spring – thanks for the tips! I can’t wait to see them for myself!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      August 6, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Hope you’ll enjoy Budapest, Amy. The Baths are a must if you go there.

      Reply
  6. Elaine J Masters

    February 19, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    So excited to be landing in Budapest in mid-May and will definitely put your suggestions to good use. We’ll be heading to Slovakia then Croatia after to explore over nearly two weeks. Thanks for these recommendations.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 19, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      Hope you’ll make it to Budapest as well, Elaine. I’m sure you will like the city.

      Reply
  7. Dora

    November 19, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Don’t miss to go to Visegrad and take a boat trip down the river to see where the river takes a turn. Nice little island on the river Margit sziget…you can walk throught a bridge there. Don’t miss the Heroes square and behind it the most stunning castle!!!Love Budapest

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 19, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      I totally agree. Margot sziget is absolutely lovely. You can spend an entire day visiting it.

      Reply
  8. Stefan

    September 29, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Hi Anda! Love your post. Your photos of the Fisherman’s Bastion were incredible. It’s too bad about the labryinth – I didn’t even know about it when I was in Budapest the last time and now it’s too bad I’ll never be able to experience it in all its glory!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 29, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Thank you, Stefan. You can go visit the Labyrinth, but only a small part of it is now open.

      Reply
  9. Adelina

    December 12, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    As I was reading about the labyrinth I was bummed that I missed out on that. Then I saw your note about it being closed. No wonder! Everything else is definitely a must see. My favourite is Fisherman’s Bastion I think.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      December 12, 2014 at 5:48 pm

      The Labyrinth is not entirely closed. Just the part with the mural paintings, unfortunately. You can still get an idea of how it looks, although is not as interesting anymore.

      Reply
  10. Hannah

    December 12, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    I was in Budapest in April but missed the Labyrinth. Guess I need to go back- looks neat!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      December 12, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      The Labyrinth is partially closed now, Hannah. The mural paintings that I have on my post can no longer be viewed unfortunately.

      Reply
  11. Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe

    September 15, 2014 at 2:22 am

    Thanks for sharing Anda, I loved Budapest, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a great look out. I didn’t get to the labyrinth cave and cellars but will be sure to check out the unique Cave Church on my next visit.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 15, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      You should do that, Lyn. Curious about your visit in Budapest.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Travel Notes & Beyond a collection of travel stories and itinerary ideas designed to encourage independent travel at any age, while providing tips and useful information to help you make the most of your trip. Read More

 

Opt-in Form

POPULAR POSTS

  • Riding the Golden Pass Line from Lucerne to Interlaken
  • Towns in Sicily 10 Amazing Towns in Sicily That Everyone Should See
  • Red Rock Crossing Sedona, Arizona Red Rock Crossing – Hiking Sedona’s Most Iconic Trail
  • “The Crucifixion” – the Largest Painting Ever Painted
  • Places to Visit in Jerusalem 23 Historic Places to Visit in Jerusalem Old City

Footer

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved © Travel Notes & Beyond. The material on this website is protected by copyright law. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

Awards

  • Gold Award Winner
  • Silver Award Winner

AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE

Some of the pages and posts of this blog contain links to products and services that may be useful for my readers. When clicking on these links you will have the option to purchase or register for a service at no extra cost to you, but doing so can help me offset the costs associated with running this blog. Thank you for your support!

 
SHOP AMAZON HERE
Auto Europe vous offre des promotions sur les autos, les vols, et les hôtels.
Save On Airport Parking

Copyright © 2025 · Travel Notes & Beyond. All rights reserved

375 shares
  • 235