Várkerület (Castle District) is a district in Budapest.

Understand

District 1, Inner Buda (Bel-Buda)

Bel-Buda is officially known as 'Várkerület' (lit. Castle district). It includes Watertown (Vízíváros, Fő utca), Castle Hill (Budai Várnegyed), Taban (Tabán) and Kristinatown (Krisztinaváros). The borders of the district are Gellért Hill, South (Déli) Railway Station and, at its northernmost point, the Margaret Bridge's bridgehead on its Buda side. Administratively this is First district (abbrev. I.) which is bounded in the northwest II. and XII. district, the Mount area (Hegyvidék), in south the XI. district (Újbuda) while in the east the Danube, by the V. district the Downtown (Belváros).

In the courtyards of the Royal Palace

Castle Hill, known as Várhegy in Hungarian, was first settled in the thirteenth century, after a Mongol attack led Buda's citizens to seek a more easily defended area. The royal Hungarian court also decided to move, to the southern end of the hill. By the fourteenth century, there were an estimated 8,000 residents in Buda. After a long (1541–1686) period of Turkish rule, a 75-day siege left Buda in ruins, and Austrian authorities counted a mere 300 people left. This would not be the last heavy attack on Castle Hill. In 1849 and 1945 the Baroquified area once more came under attack. A completely surrounded German force held out for almost a month in January 1945, in the thirty-first siege of the city. Since 1987 part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The three main part of the Castle district (Várnegyed) are: the Buda Castle Palace, the area of St George's Square (Szent György tér) and the historical residential area.

Tourist information point

• 1 Tourinform - Buda Castle, I. Tárnok u. 15 (From : 'Deák Ferenc tér' take bus 16 to Szentháromság tér). Daily 09:00 – 18:00. stocks a comprehensive range of free leaflets, maps and listings magazines and free guidebooks which offer lots of ideas about sights and sounds, gastronomy, shopping, by night and lifestyle. You can also book shows, concerts and sightseeing tickets. 

Get in

Metro lines M2 (red) and M4 (green) cross the Danube from Pest to the Buda side. M2 stops at three major transport hubs: Batthyány Square (gaze at the view to the Parliament before changing to the HÉV suburban train for Szentendre), Széll Kálmán Square (former Moszkva Square, gateway to the Castle Hill in fact this is on the I. and II. districts perimeter) and Southern Railway Station (Déli pályaudvar) (southern railway station).

You can take trams tram: no. 19, 41, 56, 56A. at west limits of the district useful the tram: 59, 59A, 59B. tram: 4 & 6 also serve district needs.

• 2 The zero statue on the Clark Ádám Square („0” kilométerkő), Clark Ádám Square (Bus 16, 105, tram: 19, 41). This is at the western end of the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd), which is considered to be the most beautiful of the bridges over the Danube. The square is also home to the zero statue that signifies the start (or end) point of journeys from the capital as shown on the roadsigns on major roads.  
• 3 South Railwaystation (Déli pályaudvar) ( : 'Déli pályaudvar', tram: 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61. Bus 21, 21A, 39, 102, 139, 140, 140A, 142). Bel-Buda railway station is the terminus of metro line M2 (red).  
• 4 Batthyany Square transport hub (Batthyány tér), Batthyany square. This is a combined transport hub there is station, the end terminal - only this HÉV-station is underground, in all Budapest, - for north direction to Óbuda, to suburbs, to Szentendre where is the southern end of the very nice Danube Bend. A couple of citybus and two tram lines stop also here. This port will affect the following boat services D11 and D12. 
• 5 Széll Kálmán Square (Széll Kálmán tér) ( : 'Széll Kálmán tér'; tram 4, 6, 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61; bus 5, 16, 16A, 21, 21A, 22, 22A, 39, 91, 102, 116, 128, 129, 139, 140, 140A, 142, 149, 155, 156, 222. Nightbus 956, 960). One of the main transport hub of Buda, makes the most convenient entry point to the Castle District. You can walk upon the hill (it takes about 20 minutes) or take the bus 16 or 16A. When you come up from the subway station look for the outdoor stairway leading to a pedestrian bridge over the trolley tracks. Up the steps, over the tracks, cross the street to the mid-block bus stop.  

It's also pleasant to walk by Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) from Pest and walk up by the narrow streets or paths (as Király lépcső or Kemál Atatürk sétány). Walking from Pest is likely to be faster than public transport or taxi on peak hours.

Get around

This district is small enough to discover it on foot. However, if you get tired, you can jump on bus 5 or 11 86 which has several stops inside the Bel-Buda District, or two convenient trams: 19 and 41 go along the Buda bank of the river. There is also a bicycle route in parallel to it. Tram 56 and 56A could be useful to explore Taban (Tabán) and Kristinatown (Krisztinaváros) on Krisztina boulevard.

In Buda Castle area you can use bus 16 (formerly known as Várbusz) which has several stops inside the Castle District. Pricey horse carriages are also waiting for taking you on a tour.

As private cars are not allowed to enter the Castle Hill zone, your only options remain public transport, walking or taxi.

Other transport modes

The Tunnel only one in Budapest

• 6 Cable car, Lower station (Budavári Sikló, alsó állomás), Clark Adam Square (From Deák square take bus 105, from Batthyány square take tram 19, 41). The spectacular but very touristy and pricey cable car (funicular) called Budavári Sikló climbs up Castle Hill from Chain Bridge's Buda side to Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya). As the cable car is rising up the hill you get a beautiful view of Pest across the river. Alternatively you can check the view from one of the two small pedestrian bridges over the cable car way - for free. Ft 1000/1400 one way/return, children Ft 400/750. 

See

Castle Hill

This is the highlight of the 1st district, Buda Downtown. You can walk around in the old romantic streets of the hill or see the great view of Pest from there.

• 1 Matthias Fountain (Mátyás Szökőkút) (the western forecourt of the palace). 24/7. -This spectacular fountain shows a group of hunters led by King Matthias Corvinus together with hounds, a killed deer, Galeotto Marzio with a hawk, and Szép Ilonka with a doe. This group of people stands between fallen rocks with water running down into a basin. The fountain was made by sculptor Alajos Stróbl. The dead deer was modelled upon a majestic stag killed in 1896 by poachers in the forest owned by Stróbl. Free. (updated Sep 2018)
• 2 Monument of Prince Eugene of Savoy (Savoyai Jenő herceg lovas emélműve), Buda, Royal Palace (On the Danube terrace). 24/7. The equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy stands on the Danube terrace, in a prominent position, high above Budapest. The Neo-Baroque statue was made by sculptor József Róna for the town of Zenta, but the town could not afford the price. The monument was bought in 1900 as a temporary solution until the planned equestrian statue of King Franz Joseph was completed. This never happened, so Prince Eugen remained on his plinth. The plinth is decorated with two bronze reliefs showing the capture of the earth-works in Zenta and the decisive cavalry charge in the Battle of Zenta in 1697. Free. 
• 3 Horseherd Statue (a hortobágyi Csikós szobra) (next to the Matthias Fountain). 24/7. The statue of the Hortobágy horseherd taming a wild horse used to stand in front of the Riding School in the former Újvilág terrace. It is the work of György Vastagh from 1901. The statue was displayed in the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1900). The damaged statue was removed during the 1960s, but it was later restored and erected in the western forecourt of the palace in 1983. Free. 
• 4 The Fountain of the Fishing Children (Szökőkút Horgászó Gyerekekkel) (on the Danube terrace). 24/7. This is the work of sculptor Károly Senyey from 1912. It depicts two children grappling with a fish. The fine workmanship of the fishing net is remarkable. The fountain was removed in 1955 and re-erected at Rákóczi Square in Pest, but brought back to its original place in 1976. It was restored in 2001. Free. 
• 5 Lion's Yard (Oroszlános Udvar) (Inner Court). 24/7. Two pairs of lions guard the monumental gate leading into Lions Court. The four statues are the works of János Fadrusz from 1901. The animals standing on the outer side of the gate are menacing, while the inner ones are calm and dignified. One lion was broken in two pieces during the war, but it was recreated in the 1950s. Free. 
• Lion's Gate (Oroszlános Kapu). 24/7. Free. 
• 6 Ferdinand-gate (Ferdinánd Kaputorony). 24/7. Free. 
• 7 National Dancetheatre, Gallery (Castle Theatre, Nemzeti Táncszínház), Színház utca, 1-3, ☏ +36 1 375 8649. daily 13:00-18:00. It is founded by 20-year operation of the successor of Dance Forum. Since 2001, it has been home to the Hungarian Dance Theatre, where playing many different types of performances, as professional folklore, classical ballet, contemporary dance theater of street break-dancing. National Dance Gallery holds temporary exhibitions of Hungarian artists, while there is a photo exhibition in the Cloister Gallery.  
• 8 Alexander Palace (Sándor-palota), Szent György tér 1-2 (Right over the Tunnel (Alagút)), ☏ +36 1 224-5000, fax: +36 1 224-5039, ugyfelkapu@keh.hu. Only by appointment, or any special day such as Budapest Day or Museum Day or. built in 1803-1805, by Michael Pollack and Johann Aman architects, in neo-classical style. The site, on which was built in 1803 has been owned by Vince Earl Alexander. The start of construction is unknown, it is certain that 1805 has been the birthplace of Count Morits Alexander, who in the 1820-30s, was famous as "the devil horse" of Pest Let , one of the "sights". He was one last male member of the Alexander family. The façade shows "MDCCCVI" (1806), the year of opening. It was heavily damaged in 1945. The renovation in 2002 was based on the original blueprints and detailed illustrations of contemporary maps. One cartographer, Frank Schams, was so captivated by the building at the time that he gave a detailed account of it in his diaries, from the magical flowers of the observatory to the rooms finely decorated with silk and gold. He also recorded that there was steam heating and running water, considered to be rare at the time. Free.  
• 9 Buda Castle cable car (funicular) (Budavári Sikló) (: 16, 105 or tram: 19, 41 to stop 'Clark Ádám tér'). It links the Adam Clark Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at river level to Buda Castle above. The line was opened on 2 March 1870, and has been in municipal ownership since 1920. It was destroyed in the Second World War and reopened on 4 June 1986. A feature of the line are the two pedestrian foot bridges which cross above it. These were present when the line opened, were removed in 1900 when the castle's garden was extended, and rebuilt to the original design in 1983. Trip time: 1.5 min.  
• 10 Remnants of Middle Age Castlewalls (Középkori várfalmaradványok), Országház utca 33.. Some parts can be see at the nexts: Anjou tower (bástya), Tóth Árpád promenade, Dísz square 2, 6 and 7, Babits Mihály promenade, Bécsikapu square 
• 11 Gold-Bastion (Arany-Bástya), Csónak utca 1-3. (Bus 16, 16A to stop 'Dísz tér'). 24/7. Free.  
• 12 Dísz square (Dísz tér former István tér, Szent György tér / lit. Stephen's Square, St George's Square), Dísz tér. This is a north to south elongated area, bordered by one- and two-storey hundred years old houses. The houses of square: No.1-2: The Foreign Ministry building was located here, before being destroyed during the war. The site has been vacant field with summer folk art and decorative items sold. No.3: The two-storey building which the back facade oriented towards the Danube, the main facade facing on the square, above the balcony the Batthyány family coat of arms can be seen. In 1748, builder Marton Siegl erected a new two-story baroque palace for the Palatine Batthyány Lajos. After the war, in 1950s, the 18th century in the form of a Baroque façade was restored. No.4-5: Since 1686 Baroque buildings were erected. From this period have survived only in the downstairs rooms. In 1908 it was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. In 1930s, the Papal Nunciature home. In 1970 the richly decorated doorway ülőfülkesort demolished it. These are the earliest known castle sitting corner, ca. 1300s. No.6: In 1930 a successful newspaper owner and editor, Nicholas Ando, ​​ pulled down and built an one-story house by Pogány Moric's plans in style of Neo-Baroque. No.7: In mid-19th century built in romantic style. No.8: A two-storey, modern building house, which was built around 1963 to 1968. Designers Linda Farkasdy Kenessy Attila. Now there is a restaurant. No.9: Former Móra Ferenc living house Chimney Sweep's house stood here, who was responsible for the look of loft and chimneys in the Castle area. No.10: A one-storey house, Baroque elements also remain a part of the interior. No.11: A one-storey building, with classicist facade and Neo Baroque door with decorated window framing. No.12: In 1688 the mayor rebuilt, 1850s again remodeled as a two-storey classicist building. At the beginning of the 20th century it was completely rebuilt, this time in Neo Baroque style. No.13: This one-storey house is probably the most beautiful building in the Squre. In 1815, it was rebuilt in its present form. Classicist facade. The facade's main ornament is the three little reliefs above the windows, which depict scenes from Greek and Roman mythology. At the doorway in front of the right staircase is a beautiful wrought iron door. No. 14: A former medieval house place, at the beginning of the 20th century was completely rebuilt in neo-Renaissance style. No. 15: An one-storey baroque building of the National Trust Historic Sites housed on the ground floor works post. The arcaded corridor runs along facing the courtyard. In the upstairs rooms are in good condition preserved frescoes. The decorative painting made in the 1760s, with figural components Biblical scenes and landscapes, the ornamental parts with very colorful floral pattern characterized. Now there are offices. No. 16: on the ground floor of the building today is a pastry shop, the Crown Confectionery.  
• 13 Former Homeland Defence Headquarter (Honvéd Főparancsnokság), Between Dísz tér and Szent György tér. 1879-82 
• 14 Former Joseph barracks (József-kaszárnya), Táncsics Mihály utca 9.. A two-storey Baroque corner house, circa 1810. In courtyard is a Baroque-story building, 1720. 
• 15 Teleki palace and royal stable area and compound (Teleki-palota és udvari istálló területe és maradványai). 
• 16 War and Peace statue (Háború és Béke emlékmű), Szent György tér (beside the entrance to the Budapest History Museum). They are the work of Károly Senyey. War and Peace are represented by angels, one with a trumpet, the other with an olive branch. Under the angel of Peace is a returning soldier, while under the angel of War there is a dead Ottoman soldier and ancient Hungarian warriors. 
• 17 Big rondella (bastion) (Nagy Fehérvári rondella, Kászim pasa bástya), Siklo utca (Southern end). First built Kasim Pasha in 1667-68 for increasing protection of the 'Fehérvári gate'. Sizes: 50 m diameter and 4.5-m-thick walls. This was the largest round tower of the castle, there were inside casemates. From its top could keep an eye on the 'long-running' north wall. In 1723, heavily damaged, but has been restored. It was demolished in 1867 and rebuilt in 1950s.  
• 18 St George statue (Szent György-szobor), Hunyadi u. (Under Fish Bastion). 24/7. Free. 
• 19 Archives, Former Treasury Department (Magyar Országos Levéltár, egykori Pénzügyminisztérium), Bécsikapu tér 2-4. "Building F" is occupied by the National Széchényi Library, the national library of Hungary. Its collection of rare and antique books, codices and manuscripts contains 35 Corvina pieces from the famous library of King Matthias Corvinus. The original Bibliotheca Corviniana was housed in the medieval Royal Castle of Buda. 1901-03. Archives 
• 20 Old Townhouse of Buda (Régi budai városháza), Szentháromság tér, 2. (Bus 16). Baroque building with three-storey facades. Built by Venerio Ceresole, Nepauer Matyas, 1692-1774. Medieval details. More than 160 years was the city administrative centre, and a further 70 years long, it was the townhouse of the I. district. It was in the middle of the civil town. Simple style building at two corners of a pop-up, ornately carved stone brackets supporting enclosed balcony. On top of the east wing a bell tower and a clock tower can be seen.  
• 21 Koller Gallery (Koller Galéria), Táncsics Mihály utca, 5 (Bus 16), ☏ +36 1 356 9208. is the oldest private gallery in Hungary (founded in 1953). On the top floor of the three-storey atelier-house the memorial room for the Hungarian artist Amerigo Tot can be found. From the beginning, the gallery represented contemporary artists, especially engravers and graphical artists  
• 22 Red Hedgehog House (Vörös Sün Ház), Hess András Sq. 3., Fortuna St. 1., Táncsics Mihály St 2.. This is the oldest still standing building in Budapest, built around 1260, and in 18th century was combined with to give the current building. It functioned as the first tavern of the Buda Castle. Also, the first theatre performance of Buda was held here. It is now a folk art shop and cafe, read more:Souvenir.  
• 23 Royal Palace (Királyi palota, Burgpalast, Budin Kalesi)), Szent György tér 6. (Castle Hill), ☏ +36 1 2250554, titkarsag@vargondnoksag.hu. Probably the most popular attraction on Castle Hill. It is unusual in that it has never actually been occupied by the Hungarian Royal family, and is more of a pseudo-historical mishmash, like the Mátyás-templom. The first palace, in Gothic style, built and added onto over 300 years, was destroyed by the Christian army that liberated Buda from the Turkish occupation in 1686. In 1715 work started on a completely new, smaller Baroque palace, but over the years more and more space was added to the palace until it reached its current length 304m. The palace, in neo-Baroque style, had many added wings. Reconstruction after the various indignities suffered during rebellions of the nineteenth century finished in 1904. This reconstruction, by Miklós Ybl and Alajos Hauszmann, was undone by German troops holding out at the end of WWII. The roof fell in entirely and most of the furniture was destroyed. A Baroque façade which had never existed before and a real dome (there had previously been a faux dome with attic space beneath) were added to the building. Today the building houses three large museums (see below) and the National Széchényi Library. More sights here: Matthias Hunyadi well on the edge of the yard, Fountain of fishing kids, Savoy terrace, the Lion Court, Mace Tower, Equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy  
• 24 The statue of Hussar general András Hadik (I. István szobra), Szentháromság utca and Úri utca crossing. 24/7. A favorite of Empress Maria Theresia is well known to local students. The statue, designed by György Vastagh Jr. was presented to the public in 1937. The general is on horseback; take a close look at the horse's testicles. They are shiny yellow, unlike the patina on the rest of the statue. Engineering students have for years polished the horse testicles on the morning of difficult exams, supposedly for luck. Free. 
• 25 Mary Magdalene Tower (Mária Magdolna torony), on the corner of Országház utca and Kapisztrán tér. Part of a 13th-century Franciscan church used by Hungarian speakers. Under Turkish rule, this was the only church allowed to remain Christian: all others were converted into mosques. The chancel was destroyed in World War II and has not been rebuilt except for one stone window, as a memento. 
• 26 Vienna Gate (Bécsi Kapu, Zsidó-kapu, Becs kapuszu), Bécsikapu tér 2-4 (At the northern end of Castle Hill). 24/7. This was the market for non-Jewish merchants in the Middle Ages, and is where all four streets that run the length of the hill converge. The Vienna Gate inspired a typical Hungarian parental retort for children who talk back, they will be scolded with "Your mouth is as big as the Vienna Gate!" The gate is not really large or extraordinary, but you can climb over it. Free.  
• 27 Matthias Church (Mátyás templom, Nagyboldogasszony főplébánia) (Bus 16, 16A), ☏ +36 1 3555657. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-13:00, Su 13:00-17:00. The rococo spire of this church is one of the easily seen landmarks of the "var" castle. History: Originally the Buda German community's parish church, its official name is the "Church of the Blessed Virgin". The popular Hungarian king, Mátyás, held both of his weddings here, and so it is known as the Matthias Church. Today an eclectic mix of styles, the church was started in the thirteenth century. The main apse, which ends in a seven-sided polygon, is in French style and is the earliest extant section. The central section was built about 100 years later. During the Turkish occupation of Budapest, all the furnishings were removed and the painted walls whitewashed to cover art unacceptable to the Islamic eye. Once returned to the Catholic community, it was Baroquified (i.e. covered with Baroque ornamentation that obscured the original style like many other Central European churches were), and the rose window was bricked up. In the last century, between 1873 and 1896, Frigyes Schulek began a major renovation and restoration of the Matthias Church. The interior is sumptuously decorated in a style which is on the one hand art deco and yet evokes the medieval predecessors of this structure. As you enter the church turn to the right and proceed down the right hand aisle to the front of the church. For a small fee you can visit the underground treasury which includes a replica of the Crown of St Stephen, the real crown (a 12th-century object even though Stephen was a 10th-century king) is on display in the parliament building. Also take a look at the opulent chapel at the rear of the church (around the corner to the left of the entrance. Be aware that this is a functioning church and you may find that at times it is closed to visitors for church activities or concerts. Adult Ft 1,000; students, pensioners, soldiers Ft 700.  
• Like the wall of a medieval church monument (left of the neighboring Hilton Hotel). 24/7. A copy of a monument in Belsen, Germany (near Dresden). The copy was erected by the Hilton Company. It portrays King Mátyás (15th century), the most beloved of Hungarian kings. Free. 
• 28 Plague or Holy Trinity monument (Holy Trinity Column, Szentháromság szobor), Szentháromság tér (IN front of the Matthias Church). 24/7. is a tall column decorated with many statues, erected by thankful survivors. Baroque. Made by Ungleich Fülöp és Hörger Antal, 1712-13. Pedestal of the statue lined up three relief: Anthony David's prayer, The plague, The votive monument construction. Among the three reliefs cartridge can see them Hungary and coat of arms of Buda. The Austrian imperial coat of arms placed third cartridge was destroyed. Free.  

Fisherman's Bastion

• 29 Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya), Szentháromság tér 5 (hanging over the side of Castle Hill beneath the Mátyás Church), info@fishermansbastion.com. 24/7, the Upper Towers 09:00-19:00 (Mar 16 -Apr 30), 09:00-20:00 (May 1- Oc 15). This is the large white tower and lookout terrace complex. It was built between 1890-1905, and is named after both the medieval fishmarket once nearby and the Guild of Fishermen who defended this section of the wall during past wars. The story is that different trades were responsible for defending different parts of the castle walls and that this section of the defenses was raised by the fishermen’s guild. In fact, the structure is a late 19th century fantasy built to add class to the area. That this is an invention does not detract at all from the attractiveness of the structure, nor from the impressive views of the river and Pest on the opposite side. The mounted statue between the bastion and the church is King Stephan (Istvan in Hungarian) the first king of Hungary (crowned about 1000.) He was declared a saint for his efforts in bringing Christianity to Hungary. He carries the apostolic cross with two crossbars, symbol granted him by the Pope. In the daytime around the year, the bastion is the place most overcrowded by tourists in the Castle Hill, mainly brought in here by buses. Ft 700 to climb on the Upper bastion, other parts free of charge (2014).  
• 30 Sculpture of a Turul bird (Turul madár) (just outside the cable car upper station). 24/7. It is not, as you might think, an eagle, but the mythical turul bird (which is believed to be a kind of falcon). This bird is a part of the story of how the Magyars settled the Hungarian homeland. This bird appeared in a dream to the wife of the Magyar leader and told her that she would be the founding mother of a new nation. The mythological Turul, high above the Danube, was made by Gyula Donáth in 1905. The plinth and the ornate Neo-Baroque rail (Gyula Jungfer's work) was seriously damaged during the siege of Buda, but they were restored in 1981, together with the broken coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of Hungary on the plinth. Free. 
• 31 National Gallery (Nemzeti Galéria), Szent György tér 2. (palace wings B, C and D, From Deák Ferenc tér: Take Bus No. 16, alight at Clark Ádám tér and take the Funicular Railway to Szent György tér; From Ferenciek tere: take Bus No. 5 or Bus No. 78, alight at Dózsa György tér and take the Lift to Buda Castle; From Széll Kálmán tér take the Bus No. 16 to Dísz. From Móricz Zsigmond tér take Tram No. 18, alight at Dózsa György tér and take the Lift to Buda Castle), ☏ +36 1 201 9082, +36 20 4397 325, info@mng.hu. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. houses an astounding collection of paintings. For those interested in Hungarian artists, this is the museum to visit. The exhibition of nineteenth-century Hungarian paintings is most notable. Permanent Exhibitions: Ft 1400, Temporary Exhibitions: vary from Ft 1400 to Ft 3400 (2013); Free on Hungarian National Holidays (15 March, 20 August, 23 October), Crypt of the Habsburg palatines: Ft 600, to the Dome available at the Ground Floor desks..  
• 32 Budapest History Museum (Budapest Történeti Múzeum), Buda Castle, Building "E" (Southeast part of the Palace, From Dózsa György tér:By the 5, 78 bus lines, 18 tram to Dózsa György tér stop, and by elevator.), ☏ +36 1 487-8800. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Permanent exhibitions, over four floors: Ancient peoples, antique cultures, Gothic sculptures from the royal palace of Buda, the tapestry with the Hungarian–Angevin coat-of-arms, the medieval royal palace of the Buda Castle; & temporary exhibitions. The restored part of the medieval castle, including the Royal Chapel and the rib-vaulted Gothic Hall, belongs to the exhibition. The highlights of the exhibition are the Gothic statues of Buda Castle and a 14th-century silk tapestry decorated with the Angevin coats of arms. Small gardens were recreated in the medieval zwingers around the oldest parts of the building. Ft 1800, Free entrance with Budapest Card.  
• 33 Military History Museum (Hadtörténeti Intézet és Múzeum), Kapisztrán tér 2-4 (entrance from Tóth Árpád sétány) (Northwestern part of the Castle, bus No.16), ☏ +36 1 325 1600, fax: +36 (1) 325-1601, webmaster@mail.militaria.hu. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions and also a book and a map library. Ft 1500, students/seniors Ft 750. (updated Sep 2018)
• 34 Museum of Music (Zenetörténeti Múzeum - Zenetudományi Intézet), Táncsics Mihály utca 7 (Bus 16, 16A, 116 to stop 'Bécsi kapu tér'), ☏ +36 1 214-6770, museum@zti.hu. Tu-Su 10:00-16:00. Ft 600, Student or with Budapest Card Ft 300. 
• 35 Medieval Jewish Chapel (Középkori Zsidó Kápolna), Táncsics Mihály utca 26. 1 May-31 October: Tu-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00. 14th-century Jewish graves, documents, drawings, and other finds. 
• 36 Lutheran Church of Budavár (Budavári Evangélikus templom), Táncsics M. u. 28 (M2: Széll Kálmán tér, bus 16A-116), ☏ +36 1 356-9736, budavar@lutheran.hu. Mass: Su 09:00, 11:00. The oldest Lutheran church of Buda. It was built in 1895. Building was designed by Mór Kallina and it was consectrated in 1895. Exterior remained Neobaroque, but its interior became much more simple. There is a huge cross behind the wood altar table. There is a mosaic window over it which gives some light to the church. There is a red marble chalice at the altar. Free.  
• 37 Palace Chapel (Várkápolna; formerly Alamizsnás Szent János-kápolna). Built in the 15th century. After its reconstruction in 1963, it became part of the exhibition of the Budapest History Museum. The first chapel in the castle was probably built in the 14th century during the reign of Louis I of Hungary. Eberhard Windecke claimed in his Chronicle that Charles II of Hungary was murdered in 1386 in a room from which the royal chapel could be seen. The chapel was again mentioned in the Chronicle of Lorenzo de Monaci, which was written around 1390. King Sigismund of Luxembourg thoroughly rebuilt the old Anjou castle during the first decades of the 15th century. He erected a Gothic church in place of the former chapel. The Anjou castle's façade was now facing towards the inner palace courtyard, and the long chancel was projecting from the eastern side of the palace. The chancel was built upon a lower church due to a lack of space on the narrow plateau. The church had a 21m long nave and an 11m long chancel. The flamboyant Royal Church of Buda Castle was similar to the more famous Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Archeological research proved the date of the church, because 15th century strata were discovered under the intact brick floor of the lower church. In November 1489, Sultan Bayezid II of the Ottoman empire sent the relics of John the Almoner to King Matthias Corvinus. The King placed the relics in the Royal Chapel, which was re-dedicated and embellished with Renaissance furniture. In 1526, Buda was plundered by the Ottoman Turks after the Battle of Mohács. The relics were rescued in time and carried to Pressburg, where they are still kept. A surviving church inventory from 1530 shows a wealth of furnishings. Later, King János Szapolyai converted the lower church into a bastion. The large Gothic windows were walled up; and only the rectangular arrow slits were left open. In 1541 the Ottoman Turks captured Buda without resistance, and the Royal Church ceased to be a place of Christian worship. The upper church was destroyed in the 1686 siege of Buda, and the ruins were demolished in 1715. The vault of the lower church collapsed, and the interior was filled with rubbish. The remains were then buried under the new Baroque terrace for two centuries. The ruins of the lower church were discovered by archeologists in 1949–50. The remains were buried in 1953 because of conceptional disputes about the possible reconstruction. The chapel, finally reconstructed by 1963, was re-consecrated in 1990 
• 38 Telephone Museum (Postamúzeum), Uri utca 49 (a little hard to find, sometimes can only be entered from Országház utca). Tu-Su 10:00-16:00. The museum features an electo-mechanical telephone exchange which was in operation between 1928 and 1985, and various old telephones. It is part of the postal museum. Ft 500. 
• 39 Town Hall (Budapest Főváros I. kerület Budavári Önkormányzat - Polgármesteri Hivatal), I. Kapisztrán tér 1 (bus to stop Kapisztrán tér), ☏ +36 1 4583081, toll-free: +36 80 204275, +36 1 4583000, hivatal@budavar.hu. M 14:00–18:30, W 08:00–16.30, F 08:00–12:00. SMS/MMS +36 20 4896647 

Kristinatown and Taban

All area of these district what is west and south from Castle Hill.

• 40 St Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church (Budapest-Tabán Alexandriai Szent Katalin-plébániatemplom, Tabáni Plébánia), I.distr., Attila út 11 (tram: 19, 41 to stop Várkert bazár; Tram: 56, 56A to stop Döbrentei tér, bus 5, 7, 8E, 108E, 110, 112, 178 to stop Döbrentei tér), ☏ +36 1 375 5491, tabani.plebania@gmail.com. Weekday Masses M Tu at 08:00, Th F Sa 18:00. 
• 41 Rac thermal bath (Rác gyógyfürdő), Tabán, Hadnagy u. 1 (Take tram: 56, 56A, bus 5, 7, 8E, 108E, 110, 112, 178 to stop 'Döbrentei tér'). Closed as of 2016 - reopening date unknown. The oldest part of the Rácz Bath is the Turkish Cupola, built in 1572, which was called Kücsük Ilica (Small Thermal) at the time. This cupola remained in a very good state through the centuries. The windows, reveals, kurnas (marble basins on the walls), the pool and the floor are still the original ones perfectly renovated to their authentic state thus it looks and can be used like back in the 16th century. The Ybl Baths and Shower Corridor was constructed and built by Miklós Ybl in two phases between 1865 and 1870. The second, Imperial Cupola, built in 1870. Marble is the main material used and several symbolic elements of the age’s modernity can be found on the walls, mostly demolished. The Flora Bath section, built in 1865, was styled after the ancient Roman Baths which, and now serves as the dedicated VIP section of the complex. The current spa was built adjacent to the historical buildings in the 21st century and accommodates the latest treatments and services with 21 treatment rooms, a business room and a special VIP area. 
• 42 Hungarian Theatre Museum and Institute (Országos Színháztörténeti Múzeum és Intézet, abbr. OSzMI), I. Krisztina körút, 57 (tram: 18, Bus 5), ☏ +36 1 375 1184, oszmi@szinhaziintezet.hu. M W 09:00-16:00. Collections: photo gallery, recordings, manuscripts, art collection, small prints, model collection, scenic collection, show bill storage, audio and video collection. 
• 43 Semmelweis Medical History Museum (Semmelweis Orvostörténeti Múzeum, Könyvtár és Levéltár), I. Apród u.1-3. ( : 'Ferenciek tere' further bus 5, 110, 112, 178 to Szarvas tér), ☏ +36 1 3753533, +36 1 201-1577, semmelweis@museum.hu. Mar 1-Nov 1: Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; (off just until 16:00). The most important museum and archives on the history of medicine in Hungary, here is also the Golden eagle pharmacy. Permanent exhibition: Adult €2.5, student €1.5. 
• 44 Urania Observatorium (Uránia Csillagvizsgáló), I. Sánc utca 3 (From : 'Ferenciek tere' take bus 8E, 108E, 110, 112, 178 to stop 'Sánc utca'; From : 'Móricz Zsigmond körtér' take bus 27 to stop 'Sánc utca'), ☏ +36 1 386 9233, urania@t-online.hu. A Presentation Planetarium of the Scientific Educational Society. A small exhibition also here. Ft 300. 
• 45 Rudas thermal bath (Rudas gyógyfürdő), Tabán, Döbrentei tér, 9 (bus: 5, 7, 8E, 108E; tram: 19, 41, 56, 56A), ☏ +36 1 356-1322. It was built in 1550, during the time of Ottoman rule. It retains many of the key elements of a Turkish bath, exemplified by its Turkish dome and octagonal pool. The Turkish bath called as 'ilidzha' or 'kaplidzha'. The spa building form an elongated stretch. It consists three parts: the southern part of the building is a disused bottling plant, the swimming pool is in middle, end of the building complex located the Turkish dome. Between the Turkish bath and swimming pool is the reception hall. It re-opened at the beginning of 2006. Close to the Bath 21 hot springs located. The largest hot springs is the Árpád I.-II.-III., Beatrice, Matthias, Gül Baba, a Turkish, Kossuth, Kara Mustafa and the Rákóczi. The Hygieia and Diana hot springs supplies the swimming pool. In the drinking hall, the water of Attila and Juventus springs is potable. 
• 46 Castle-bazaar (Várbazár), Tabán, Ybl Miklós tér, 4 (tram: 18 from : 'Széll Kálmán tér' or from : 'Ferenciek tere' take bus 8, 108E, 110, 112, 178). Featured monument, part of world heritage site. Ybl Miklós was the architect, built in Neo-Renaissance style between 1875 and 1883. It was a closure for the Danube side of the Castle-Garden (Várkert). It was a trading place whose arcades were filled with shops. Later, here was an industrial workshop, the Historical Portrait Gallery, women's art school. In 1884 Stróbl Alajos famous Hungarian sculptor was the first who owned a studio in the bazaar arcade. About 80 artist followed over the next hundred years. Exhibition „Hungarikonok” Ft 2400, the southern palace Ft 1000, combined ticket for all costs Ft 3000. Neo-renaissance Garden can be visited free of charge.. 
• 47 Deer-House (Szarvas-ház), Tabán, Szarvas tér, 1 (Bus 5, 78 to stop 'Szarvas tér'). A late classicising Baroque ('copf') style building, was the former Deer Cafe. There is a relief above the gate, a Guildtable for the former cafeteria. The 'guildtable', a copy made in 1811, replacing the 17th century destroyed original artwork. 

Castle garden kiosk

• 48 Castle garden kiosk (Castle Garden Palace, Castle Garden casino, Várkert-kioszk, Várkert palota, Várkert kaszinó)), Ybl Miklós tér 9-10 (Tram 19, 41 to stop 'Várkert Bazár'). The Castle Gardens kiosk or Castle garden palace (formerly known as Castle Gardens Casino) was built as Buda Royal Palace gardens surrounding the closure, simultaneously with the Castle Garden bazaar. This is a neo-Renaissance building. Since 2008, used for events. Castle Garden Kiosk building was built an engine room for the water supply system of the Royal Palace. This is an eclectic building, built in Renaissance and Baroque styles. The delicious work of sculptor did the Schröffl brothers (George and Armin). The grotesque murals are Robert Scholtz works, did these by 'sgraffito technique'. The northern part along the Danube River (today's reception) is a coffee house with Florentine Renaissance style citations. On the southern part (a great room with vaulted hall) were the Machinery installations of waterworks. Above the engine room (the gallery) was the engineer's apartment. A tower building stands between the two parts, which hid the chimney of steam boilers. 
• 49 Ybl statue (Ybl Miklós szobor), Tabán, Apród utca. Made by Ede Mayer, 1896. The pedestal of limestone, 440 cm tall. The bronze statue, 310 cm in size. Ybl standing figure hold a compasses in his right hand, and drawings in the left hand. On the Base is a bronze laurel wreath with insignia of the architecture. 
• 50 Former residential house of Hauszmann Alajos (Hauszmann Alajos hajdani lakóháza), Döbrentei utca 10. (tram: 19, 41 to stop Döbrentei tér). Just from outside. The Castle Gardens quay was favourite living place for architects, for example, Hauszmann Alajos, who settled to a rental palace, (Döbrentei street 10) what built own designs in 1892. 
• 51 Budapest narrowest façade (Budapest legkeskenyebb homlokzatú bérháza), Várkert Quay (rakpart) 16 (tram: 18, 19, 41 to stop Döbrentei tér). - 6m 20cm. Apartman House, built by Weinreb and Spiegel. 
• 52 Hungarian Queen Elizabeth statue (Erzsébet királyné szobor), Döbrentei tér (tram: 56, 56A, Bus 5, 7, 8E, 108E, 110, 112, 178 to stop Döbrentei tér). 
• 53 Danube riverbed sank peak - the dearth of Rock (Ínség-szikla), At the foot of Gellert Hill, from the Buda shore 30-40 m, the Freedom Bridge from 60 to 70 m north. The lowest & highet water level difference at Danube river around Budapest. 90-100 cm (tram: 19, 41 from Batthyány tér or bus 7). every two-three years, mostly autumn. The named this way because if there is low tide and only dry season (period at the time of dearth) can be visible. 

Watertown

All area of these district what is north or east from Castle Hill

• 54 Buda Reformed Church (Budai Református Egyházközség), I., Szilagyi Dezso Square 3 (Tram 19, 41; Boat (D11) to pier 'Batthyány tér M+H'), ☏ +36 1 457-0109, illes.david@gyulekezet.hu. 
• 55 Lower Watertown Capuchin Parish (Alsóvízivárosi Kapucinus Plébánia, Árpád-házi Szent Erzsébet plébánia), I. Fő utca 32. ( : 'Batthyány tér'), ☏ +36 1 201-4725, alsovizivarosiplebania@gmail.com. Masses: M 19:00, Tu-Sa 07:00 and 18:00, Su and holidays: 08:00, 18:00 and 11:30. 
• 56 St. Anne Parish in Upper Watertown (Felsővízivárosi Szent Anna Plébánia), I. Batthyány tér 7. ( : 'Batthyány tér'), ☏ +36 1 201-6364, fax: +36 1 225-3907. M-F (school season) 06:30 17:00, M-F (school holidays) 06:30 18:00, Sa 07:30, Su 07:30, Student Mass: 09:00, Romanian mass (Loretta Chapel) 11:00. 
• 57 St. Francis Wounds church (Wundmalen des Hl. Franziskus (german), Szent Ferenc Sebei templom), I. Fő utca 43. ( : 'Batthyány tér', tram: 19, 41, Bus 11, 39, 109, 111), ☏ +36 30 565 1489, fax: +36 1 213 7508, gemeinde@elisabeth.hu. In the Turkish period stood on the site of this church, a mosque with a dervish monastery. After the liberation of Buda (1686), for the Bosnian Franciscans were building this, in thanks to their pastoral work during the Turkish occupation. The monastery was gradually expanded with seminar, theological college and extended with a rich library. The present Baroque church began Jakab Hans in 1731 to build, and the tower was not built until 1739-41. The facade sculptures date from the Franciscans times. In the central niche is the Immaculata statue, right and left the statues of St. Francis and of St. Anthony can be seen. At the gate, the Franciscan coat of arms can be seen. Interior: At the entrance, on the right column of the holy water basin indicates a blackboard to the level of the flood of 1838. The ground plan of the nave Baroque church is rectangular. The frescoes of the apse have been painted by Károly Ferenc Innocent and Beder in 1890. The high altarpiece, the stigmata of St. Francis is, right and left are the statues of Peter and Paul; angels hold the attributes of the martyrdom of the two apostles. In the church there are eight side altars. 

Hungarian Theatre Museum

• 58 Foundry Museum (Magyar Műszaki és Közlekedési Múzeum - Öntödei Múzeum), Bem József utca 20 ( : 'Batthyány tér', bus 11 or 111 to 'Horvát utca'), ☏ +36 1 201-4370, ontode@mmkm.hu. Just for groups?. A foundry from the 18th century in the very heart of the city, preserved as a museum. This museum part of the Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport Adult €3.5, student €1.5, guided tour €22/group. 
• 59 French Institute (Francia Intézet, Institut Français), Fő u. 17 (tram: 19, 41 to stop Halász utca), ☏ +36 1 4894200, fax: +36 1 4894222. M-F 07:15-21:00, Sa 08:00-13:30, closed on Su. There is a three-storey media library with more than 42,000 documents, six computer with internet access; also here French language courses; cultural events: art, music, film, publishing, theater, design. 
• 60 Former Elizabeth order hospital (Erzsébetiek kórháza), Fő utca 41./Batthyány Lajos tér 1./Bem József rakpart 28. ( : 'Batthyány tér'). 1785-1787. 
• 61 Marczibányi Shelterhouse (Marczibányi-féle menház), Fő utca 43. (Tram 19, 41 to stop 'Bem József tér'). Early classicist, 1805. 
• 62 Statue of Mary (Mária-szobor), Mária tér (Bus No.39 from : 'Batthyány tér'). Middle of the square, free-standing baroque plague memorial column at the top of Mary holding baby Jesus statue's arm. 
• 63 Former White Cross Guesthouse (Fehérkereszt vendégfogadó), Batthyány Lajos tér 4. ( : 'Batthyány tér'). 24/7. 1770. Free (outside). 

Do

Baths

Rudas thermal bath at the foot of Gellert Hill

• 1 Király Baths (Király fűrdő), I. Fő utca 84 (, : 'Batthyány tér' take bus 109 or tram 19, 41), ☏ +36 1 202-3688, kiraly@spabudapest.hu. Old, authentic and pretty small; personnel speak limited English. The baths used to alternate between male- and female-only days, but now every day is mixed for both men and women. Király Baths have been known for some years as a meeting place for gay men. Following an expose on Hungarian TV, the management introduced a rule that swimwear has to be worn in the baths. Some gay activity may be visible, but you can enjoy this unique place without any problem if you are not gay. The baths have a main pool with adjoining very small pools, steam room and dry sauna. The emphasis is more on relaxing and enjoying the waters rather than swimming. It's possible to get a massage here as well. Ask the attendants in the changing room or massage room area. Thermal morning ticket Ft 2 ,500. Combined daily admission (day ticket and 15-minute massage) Ft 5,800. Thermal day ticket, Ft 2,800 cabin. (updated Sep 2018)
• 2 Rácz Thermal Bath (Rác Gyógyfürdő), I. Hadnagy street. This is renowned for its Turkish Bath dating back to the 16th century and also its Imperial pools and Shower Corridor built in the age of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Now is connected with a new Spa Hotel. More see above 
• 3 Rudas Baths (Rudas gyógyfürdő), I. Döbrentei tér 9 (Bus 5, 7, 8E, 110, 112, 178 or tram 19, 41, 56, 56A to 'Rudas gyógyfürdő'), ☏ +36 1 356 1010, fax: +36 1 356-1322, rudas@spabudapest.hu. This is where to go if you are looking for an authentic Turkish feel with its 16th century dome encrusted of colored glass. It is quite popular among locals. While it was a men-only bath, it now allows access to men and women. It is much more authentic than Gellert or Szechenyi. Like Király, the baths have a main pool (36°C) with adjoining small pools (12°C, 28°C, 30°C, 33°C and 42°C), steam room and dry sauna. Rudas has more small pools than Király and seems in better condition. Bring a towel and your swimwear and you are set for the swimming hall (but you will look like a tourist in the bath section with a swimwear - they will provide you with a very small towel). There is also a very nice rest room, where you can chill outside the water. The staff has got very limited English. Parts of Schwarzenegger movie Red Heat were shot here. Thermal spa, swimming pool, sauna, steam chambers, solarium & spa boutique. Wide range of services available, with price varying by time of day and day of the week. Some examples (Jan 2017): thermal tickets Ft 2,600-5,900; swimming pool tickets Ft 1,500-4,200; massages Ft 3,400-12,000; swim suit rental Ft 1,400 plus Ft 1,500 deposit. Check their website for a complete price listing English and other languages. This type of massage has nothing to do with the relaxing Asian variants.. 

Parks

• 4 Grapevine in the Yard (Bécsi kapu téri szőlőtőke), I. Bécsi kapu tér 8 (Inside a yard, take bus 16 or 116 to stop 'Bécsi kapu tér'). The inhabitants of the house can give permission to access it. This vine planted in 1944. Type of the vine is Isabella. The stem of grape is 30 m long, and 20 cm thick. Thanks to the special character of this type, each year 'give' healthy fruit, without chemical treatment. Protected natural monument. The midwestern part of Buda around 1900s still covered with vineyards.  
• 5 Gellért Hill (Hungarian: Gellért-hegy;German: Blocksberg; Latin: Mons Sancti Gerhardi; Turkish: Gürz Elyas bayiri, in the Middle Ages: Kelen-hegy, Pesti-hegy), It is part of the 1st and 11th Districts (you can reach the foot of the mountain by M4 Szent Gellért tér station, bus 7, tram 19, 41, 56, 56A to stops Szent Gellért tér or Döbrentei tér; or take bus 8E, 27, 108E, 110, 112 to Hegyalja út). Gellért Hill is partly a protected parkland. See more in our Budapest/Újbuda and Tétény district guide.  

Photo making

On a clear day, there are countless possibilities. There are some points with wonderful view toward Pest (east) to Buda (west) and also maybe you could see to north to Danube Bend (40-50 km).

Strolling

Just walk along north to south and back on a parallel street. Explore yourself the area there almost every house is a monument, small restaurants and giftshops. Little charming lanes almost exclusively east-west direction.

Theatres

• 6 Budai Vigadó (Hungarian Heritage House) (Budai Vigadó), I. Corvin tér 8 (tram 19, 41 to stop 'Halász utca'), ☏ +36 1 3171377. Between 1898 and 1900 winners of an architectural competition, faced a demanding project: building a theate rand library to suit the needs of the residents of Buda on the site of a former arsenal. Aladár Árkay and Mór Kallina worked to change the pre-existing block into a cultural centre. The Vigado’s outside is in constructed in relatively simple, eclectic style, but the interior boasts an impressive Art-Nouveau hall with a marble staircase and pillars and a spacious, ornate theatre. Today it is also known as the Hungarian Heritage House and is the home theatre of the Hungarian Folk Ensemble, one of Hungary’s most highly regarded ensembles. The group has been around since 1951 and aims to study and preserve Hungarian folk music, dance and costume culture and interpret it on stage for the public. They perform in the Budai Vigadó about 120 times a year. History of the Budai Vigadó From the end of the 17th century Buda was more prosperous than Pest, similarly as it is today, but by the 19th century pest caught up with its neighbour both culturally and economically. The Pesti Vigadó was built by the Danube as a place for arts and entertainment. In 1892 Károly Gerlóczy (the deputy mayor of Budapest) received a request from the citizens of Buda for a cultural centre of their own and so in 1897 the city council called for tenders. Aladár Árkay and his father in law Mór Kallina won the contest and the two story eclectic building was opened in January 1900 with a charity ball. Today the Ballroom is the theater hall which can seat 301 people. The Vigadó was considerably damaged in World War II, and was restored in 2007, funded by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Education. 
• 7 National Dance Theatre (Nemzeti Táncszínház), I. Buda Castle, Színház utca 1-3 (bus 16, 16A, 116 to stop Dísz tér), ☏ +36 1 356 4085. Cash desk: daily 13:00 – 18:00. The main dance theatre of Hungary hosts a wide range of local and international, folklore and contemporary performances. Although not always revolutionary modern, it's always worth to check the program. Also some photography exhibition. Adult Ft 2000-3500. 

Buy

Market

• 1 Market Hall of Batthyány Square (Batthyány téri Vásárcsarnok), I. Batthyány Square, 5 ( : Batthyány Square 100 m), ☏ +36 1 217-0052, csapi.ig@csapi.hu. A two floor establishment with some small shops, cafes. 
  • DM, Batthyány téri Vásárcsarnok, ☏ +36 1-224-0200. M-Sa 09:00–19:00. 
  • Spar, ☏ +36 20 8237110, +36 40 627727. M-F 06:30-21:00, Sa 08:00-20:00, Su 08:00-17:00.. supermarket 

Souvenir

• 2 Hadik Brand Shop (Hadik Márkabolt), Szentháromság u. 5 (Buda Castle bus: 16), ☏ +36 1 225 1051, hadikshop@herend.com. M–F 10:00–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–16:00. The 'Herend' porcelain direct from the manufacturer. 
• 3 Red Hedgehog Folk Art Store and Cafe (Vörös Sün Népművészeti Bolt és Kávézó), I. Táncsics Mihály u. 2 (Castle- Bus 16, 16A, 116 to stop 'Szentháromság tér'), ☏ +36 1 2250837. M–F 09:00–18:00. Folk art products, handicrafts, gifts, cafe 

Shopping

• 4 Aztapasta 'Nagymama Boltja' - Home Grocery Store (Nagymama Boltja - házi élelmiszerek boltja), I. Pauler u. 5. (Tram 18 to 'Krisztina tér'), ☏ +36 1 2027393, +36 30 450-6262. M-F 09:00-19:00. Over Ft 5,000 free home delivery. Meat, sausage, salami, beef, pork, ribs, sausage, poultry, ham. Also serve preparation of cold plates, organize small family events 
• 5 Drogerie Markt (DM - Krisztina Plaza), I. Krisztina körút 39/B. ( : 'Déli'), ☏ +36 1-225-3670. M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 08:00–13:00. Cosmetics, perfumes, beauty care, baby care, health, household, online photo development 
• 6 Fruit and Delicatesse, I. Táncsics Mihály u. 17 (Castle - Bus 16, 16A, 116 to stop 'Bécsi kapu tér'), melinda.dobos@gmail.com. Daily 09.00–19.00. Organic products. Fruits, vegetables, organic fruit juices, homemade preparations. 
• 7 Prima Baker - Mészáros Street (Príma Pék - Mészáros utca), I Mészáros u. 2 ( : 'Deák Ferenc tér' take bus 105 to stop 'Krisztina tér'. from : 'Ferenciek tere' station bus 178 to stop 'Krisztina tér'), ☏ +36 1 3404446. M-F 06:30–18:00. Traditional pastries, puff pastry goods and breads. 
• 8 Mol BringaPont (Mol BringaPont), I. Mészáros u. 19 ( : 'Keleti pályaudvar' take bus 178 to 'Róka utca' - near to gas station), ☏ +36 1 212-0871, +36 70 373 7840, +36 40 202 202. 24/7. Bicycle shop with servicing facilities. 

Supermarkets

• 9 CBA Príma - Déli Supermarket (CBA Príma - Déli ABC), I. Krisztina körút 37 ( 'Déli pályaudvar'), ☏ +36 1 4890319, +36 80 203228. M-F 06:00–20:00, Sa 07:00–18:00. 
• 10 CBA Príma -Castle Supermarket (CBA Príma-Budavár), I. Tárnok u. 22. (Castle - Bus 16, 16A, 116 to stop 'Szentháromság tér'), ☏ +36 1-225-3284. M-F 07:00–20:00, Sa 08:00-17:00, Su 09:00-16:00. A smaller,Mbut in the Castle, the biggest, supermarket. 

Eat

Pörkölt (is a meat stew which originates from Hungary) and Nokedli (a pasta, used as side dish)

Cafes

• 1 Ruszwurm Confectionery (Ruszwurm Cukraszda), Szentháromság utca 7 (Right across the street from St. Matthias Church), ☏ +36 1 375-5284, ruszwurm@ruszwurm.hu. Daily 10:00-19:00. This tiny coffeehouse in the Castle District is the oldest continually operating café in the city; probably one of the best pastry shops in Budapest. As a coffeehouse it dates to the 1820s, and its original furnishings are still intact. Because the furniture is original, this may be one of the only non-smoking cafés in the city. On a historical note, this location has sold sweets of some kind or another since the Middle Ages, when it was a gingerbread shop. The same family has been operating Ruszwurm since the early years of this century, and all the cakes are made on-premises. 

Fast food

• 2 Burger King, 1015, Széna tér 7 ( : 'Széll Kálmán tér' and walk 0.2km). 08:30-22:00. Wi-Fi. 
• 3 Granny's pancakes (Nagyi palacsintázója), I. Batthány tér, 5 ( : 'Batthyány tér'). 24/7. Sweet and salt pancakes with various fillings for a quite low price. They have three restaurants in Buda: one at Batthyány tér at the stop of (red line), - the other at the corner of Hattyú utca and Csalogány utca, next to Széll Kálmán tér(former Moszkva tér),- the third in III. district, Szentendrei út 131. near to Auchan pancakes €0.6-1.3. 

Restaurants

This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under Ft 1,500
Mid-range	Ft 1,500-3,000
Splurge	Over Ft 3,000

Budget

• Eden Vegetarian restaurant (Éden-Vegetáriánus Étterem), I. Dobrentei street, 9. 
• 4 Ildiko's Kitchen (Ildikó konyhája), I.Kerulet, Fo utca 8 (use bus 16 to get to the station near Buda hill tunnel, head north 0.5 km), ☏ +36 1 201 4772, ildiko.vaczi@gmail.com. M-Th 11:30-22:00, Sa Su 11:30-22:00. A lovely and cheap restaurant where you can eat traditional Hungarian food. The menu includes goulash and pancakes. The highlight is Hungarian dish for two at €20. soups €1-2, mains €3-7, salads €1-4. 

Mid-range

• 5 Marble Bride Restaurant (Márványmenyasszony Restaurant, Márványmenyasszony Étterem), I. Marvany street (Márvány utca) 6 (From : 'Deák Ferenc tér' take bus 105 to stop 'Krisztina tér'), ☏ +36 1 4873090, marvany@t-online.hu. Daily 12:00–23:45. Soups Ft 600-1,200, Main dishes Ft 2,000-3,400, fish food, dessert Ft 700-1,000. 
• 6 Pest-Buda Bistro (Pest-Buda Étterem), I. Fortuna utca 3, ☏ +36 1 2250377, info@pestbudabistro.hu. Daily 12:00-00:00. One of the oldest institute in the city. Green peas soup Ft 1,400, fried chicken Ft 2,500, cooked beef Ft 3,300, crispy duck Ft 3,800, Confit pork cheek with farm ham Ft 3,700, lemon cake Ft 1,300, wines Ft 1,000-2,800 per glass, Ft3,000-12,800 per bottle, beers (0.33-0.5 l) Ft 800-1,000, coffees Ft 600-900. 
• 7 Seoul House (Seoul House Koreai Étterem), I. Fő utca 8 (Near the Chain Bridge. Bus 16, 105), ☏ +36 1 201-9607. M-Sa 11:00-23:00. Next to the South Korean embassy next door. Dishes Ft 2,000 and up. 
• 8 Varosfal restaurant (Városfal Vendéglő, Café & Restaurant), II. Bakfark Bálint u 2. (From : 'Széll Kálmán tér' take tram: 4, 6), ☏ +36 70 311-3000, info@varosfal.hu. Daily 11:00-23:00. Soups Ft 700-1,400, Main dishes Ft 2,000-3,500, dessert Ft 1,300. Daily lunch menu (until 15.00): Ft 1,000-1,200, Beers (0.5 l) Ft 500-700. Brandies (2 cl, 4 cl) Ft 450-550, 900-1,100. Cocktails Ft1,000-1,400. Soft drinks: Small bottles (0.25 l) Ft 320. Juice 1 dl Ft150. Mineral water 0.33 l Ft 300. Coffees Ft 350-900, tea Ft 600. 

Splurge

• 9 21 Hungarian Kitchen, Fortuna utca 21, ☏ +36 1 2022113. 12:00-24:00. Modern hungarian cuisine with attention to detail in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Ft 5,000 mains. (updated Dec 2016)
• 10 Alabardos restaurant (Alabárdos Étterem), I. ker., Országház utca 2, ☏ +36 1 356-0851, alabardos@t-online.hu. M-F 19:00-23:00, Sa 12:00-15:00 and 19:00-23:00, Su closed. 4 courses: Ft 11,300, 5 courses: Ft 13,700. 
• 11 Black Raven Restaurant (Fekete Holló Étterem), Országház utca 10., ☏ +36 70 316-4239, fax: +36 1 356-2367, feketehollo@gastro-origo.t-online.hu. Daily 11:00-22:00. Enough space for 50 customers. Hungarian & international cuisine and local beverages, with special fish and beef dishes. English, German, Italian menus. Appetizers Ft 1,900-6,800, soups Ft 850-1,190, mains Ft 2,290-3,590. 
• 12 Café Miró, Úri utca 30 (50 metres west from St Matthias Church), ☏ +36 1 201 2375, cafemiro@cafemiro.hu. Cozy coffeehouse, restaurant in the Castle District. Mains from Ft 3,330. 
• 13 Rivalda, Színház u. 5-9, ☏ +36 1 489-0236. 11:30-23:30. One of the only restaurant travel guides recommend on the Castle Hill. . Classic-style luxury interior. Dilled Wild Boar Ragout Soup is good; Linguine with Duck Confit is very unusual (combines pasta, pumpkin, feta and ruccola); hot chocolate is quite thick cocoa drink. Mains around €15. 
• 14 SPEIZ Restaurant (Vár a SPEIZ Restaurant), Hess András tér 6, ☏ +36 1 488-7416, speiz@speiz.hu. Michelin award. Starters Ft 2,900-4,200, soups Ft 1,600, mains Ft 3,900-5,200, desserts Ft 1,600-2,500, wine by glass 10 cl Ft 900-3,900, champagne Ft 6,200-29,000 per bottle, tokay wine by glass (6 cl) Ft 900-2,000 (prices in 2014). 
• 15 Fortuna Restaurant (Budavári Fortuna Étterem), Hess András Tér 4, ☏ +36 1-375-6857, fax: +36 1-355-7177, fortuna@elender.hu. Daily 12:00-16:00 and 19:00-24:00. Elegant interior. Cuisine: homemade, gourmet, vegetarian, international and Hungarian 
• 16 Pierrot, FORTUNA U. 14., ☏ +36 1 375 6971, info@pierrot.hu. 12:00-00:00. Awarded 2 hats by Gault Millau in 2011. Starters Ft 2,980-4,589, mains Ft 3,840-7,680, desserts Ft 1,480-3,890, wines (5cl) Ft 1,190-3,990, coffee Ft 690-1,490. 

Drink

• 1 Belgian Brasseie Henri, Bem rakpart 12 ( : 'Deák Ferenc tér' take bus 105 , tram: 19, 41 from Batthyány tér), ☏ +36 1 2144711. 12:00-24:00. A popular among locals beer house with a marvelous choice of beers. 
• 2 Taban Terrace Pub and Restaurant (Tabáni Terasz Söröző és Étterem), I. Aprod street (Apród utca), 10, ☏ +36 1 201 1086, +36 1 225 1277, fax: +36 1 225 1278. Daily 12:00–24:00. 

Sleep

Watertown quarter, hotels area of District I.

Budget

• 1 Travellers Hostels Donáti, Donáti u. 46 (200 m west of Battyany ter Metro), ☏ +36 1 413 2062. 60 beds, 10 rooms, seasonal €8. (updated Mar 2018)

Mid-range

• 2 Bellevue B&B, Szabó Ilonka u. 15 (Bus 16 from Széll Kálmán tér), ☏ +36 1 340 1040. Small B&B on Castle Hill (updated Mar 2018)
• 3 Burg Hotel, Szentháromság tér, 7 (On Castle Hill, take bus 16 to Fisherman's Bastion.), ☏ +36 1 212 0269, fax: +36 1 212 3970, hotel.burg@mail.datanet.hu. 3-star single €50, double €70. (updated Mar 2018)
• 4 Hotel Charles, I.distr., Hegyalja út 23 (1 km west of Elisabeth Bridge. From east bank take bus 8E, 108E, 110 or 112 to Mészáros utca), ☏ +36 1 212 9169, fax: +36 1 202 2984, info@charleshotel.hu. 3 star self-catering in a communist-era slabː standard studio, deluxe studio, deluxe apartment. 73 rooms 160 beds. Contains János Restaurant. Single €50-60, double €60-72. (updated Mar 2018)
• 5 Orion Hotel Castle Garden (Orion Varkert), I. distr., Döbrentei utca, 13 (On W bank, 200 m N of Elisabeth Bridge. Bus or tram to Varkert Bazar or Döbrentei tér), ☏ +36 1 356 8583. 3-star with Fitness Centre. Internet. 67 beds, 30 rooms. Double from €50. (updated Mar 2018)

Splurge

• 6 Carlton Hotel, Apor Péter utca 3. (On W bank just N of Chain Bridge. From E bank take bus 16 or 105 and get off just before Tunnel), ☏ +36 1 224 0999, carltonhotel@t-online.hu. 4 star with 95 rooms 196 beds Single €55-100, double €60-140,. (updated Mar 2018)
• 7 Hotel Castle Garden, Lovas út 41 (300 m east of Széll Kálmán tér, go up Varfok út), ☏ +36 1 224 7420, fax: +36 1 224 7421, hotel@castlegarden.hu. 4-star with restaurant. Single/double €70/90 low season, €84/120 high. (updated Mar 2018)
• 8 Buda Castle Fashion Hotel, Úri utca 39 (On Castle Hill. Take bus 16 to Szentháromság tér.), ☏ +36 1 224 7900, fax: +36 1 201 4903, info@budacastlehotel.eu. Four-star with 25 large rooms and luxurious suites. Single €120-160, double €140-200. (updated Mar 2018)
• 9 Hilton Hotel, Hess Andras ter 1-3 (On Castle Hill just N of Mátyás Templom / Matthias Church), ☏ +36 1 889 6600, fax: +36 1 889 6644, info.budapest@hilton.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 5-star with 322 rooms. Apparently the building is a 13th-century church with baroque facade, but it looks modern cod-palazzo.
  There's also a Hilton City Hotel on the east bank near Nyugati Railway Station. Double €150, suite €250-300. (updated Mar 2018)
• 10 Lánchíd Design Hotel (Chain Bridge 19 Design Hotel), I.Lánchíd utca 19 (On W bank of river just S of Chain Bridge. Nearest metro is Batthyány tér 800 m Nː take tram 19, 41 to Clark Ádám tér), ☏ +36 1 419 1900. 4-star hotel with riverside view and good restaurant Standard/Superior/Deluxe room from €99/109/124, Panorama suite from €295. (updated Mar 2018)
• 11 Novotel Budapest Danube, I. Bem Rakpart 33-34 (From : 'Batthyány tér' walk 200 m north), ☏ +36 1 458 4900, fax: +36 1 4584909, H6151@accor.com. 4 star, 175 rooms Double €82-100, suites €120-170. (updated Mar 2018)

Stay healthy

• Ambulance 104
• Emergency call 112

Stay safe

• Police 107
• 7 Police Station District 1 (I. kerületi Rendőrkapitányság), I. Pauler u. 13. ( : 'Széll Kálmán tér' take tram 56, 56A to stop Krisztina tér), ☏ +36 1 4575610, fax: +36 1 4575600, 01rk@budapest.police.hu. 24/7. 

Connect

Internet

Wi-Fi hotspot points of Budapest.

Post office

• 8 Post Office (Budapest 1 posta), I. Dísz tér 15 (From : 'Deák Ferenc tér' take bus 16 to stop 'Dísz tér'), ☏ +36 1 356 2175, +36 1 3755850, +36 1 2140537. M-Fr 8:00-16:00 , Sa, Su closed. 
• 9 Post Office (Budapest 13 posta), I. Pauler utca 3 (Bus 16, 105, 178, tram 56, 56A), ☏ +36 1 375 8682, fax: +36 1 3758591. M-Fr 08:00-18:00 , Sa, Su closed. 
• 10 Post Office (Budapest 15 posta), I.Batthyány utca 1 ( : 'Batthyány tér' 100m), ☏ +36 1 2018680, fax: +36 1 2017681. M-Fr 8:00-15:30, Sa, Su closed.