Budapest/Várkerület

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).
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

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

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.

• The zero statue on the Clark Ádám Square

  address: Clark Ádám Square
  This is at the western end of the Сhain 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.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

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.

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

• Cable car, Lower station

  address: Clark Adam Square
  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.

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.

• Matthias Fountain-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.

• Monument of Prince Eugene of Savoy

  address: Buda, Royal Palace
  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.

• Horseherd StatueThe 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.

• The Fountain of the Fishing ChildrenThis 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.

• Lion's YardTwo 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.

• Lion's Gate

• Ferdinand-gate

• National Dancetheatre, Gallery

  phone: +36 1 375 8649
  address: Színház utca, 1-3
  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.

• Alexander Palace

  phone: +36 1 224-5000
  address: Szent György tér 1-2
  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.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Remnants of Middle Age Castlewalls

  address: 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

• Gold-Bastion

  address: Csónak utca 1-3.

• Dísz square

  address: 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.

• Former Homeland Defence Headquarter

  address: Between Dísz tér and Szent György tér
  1879-82

• Former Joseph barracks

  address: Táncsics Mihály utca 9.
  A two-storey Baroque corner house, circa 1810. In courtyard is a Baroque-story building, 1720.

• Teleki palace and royal stable area and compound

• War and Peace statue

  address: Szent György tér
  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.

• Big rondella (bastion)

  address: Siklo utca
  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.

• St George statue

  address: Hunyadi u.

• Archives, Former Treasury Department

  address: 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

• Old Townhouse of Buda

  address: Szentháromság tér, 2.
  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.

• Koller Gallery

  phone: +36 1 356 9208
  address: Táncsics Mihály utca, 5
  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

• Red Hedgehog House

  address: 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.

• Royal Palace

  phone: +36 1 2250554
  address: Szent György tér 6.
  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

• The statue of Hussar general András Hadik

  address: Szentháromság utca and Úri utca crossing
  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.

• Mary Magdalene Tower

  address: 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.

• Vienna Gate

  address: Bécsikapu tér 2-4
  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.

• Matthias Church

  phone: +36 1 3555657
  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.

• Like the wall of a medieval church monumentA 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.

• Plague or Holy Trinity monument

  address: Szentháromság tér
  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.

• Fisherman's Bastion

  address: Szentháromság tér 5
  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.

• Sculpture of a Turul birdIt 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.

• National Gallery

  phone: +36 1 201 9082, +36 20 4397 325
  address: Szent György tér 2.
  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.

• Budapest History Museum

  phone: +36 1 487-8800
  address: Buda Castle, Building "E".
  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.

• Military History Museum

  phone: +36 1 325 1600
  address: Kapisztrán tér 2-4 (entrance from Tóth Árpád sétány)
  The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions and also a book and a map library.

• Museum of Music

  phone: +36 1 214-6770
  address: Táncsics Mihály utca 7

• Marzipan Museum

  phone: +36 1 889 6861
  address: Hess András tér 1-3
  An exhibition of various artworks, models of building etc created using marzipan, with a cafe alongside. Don't eat the exhibits!

• Medieval Jewish Chapel

  address: Táncsics Mihály utca 26
  14th-century Jewish graves, documents, drawings, and other finds.

• Lutheran Church of Budavár

  phone: +36 1 356-9736
  address: Táncsics M. u. 28
  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.

• Palace ChapelBuilt 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

• Telephone Museum

  address: Uri utca 49
  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.

• Town Hall

  phone: +36 1 4583081
  address: I. Kapisztrán tér 1
  SMS/MMS +36 20 4896647

Kristinatown and Taban

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

• St Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church

  phone: +36 1 375 5491
  address: I.distr., Attila út 11

• Rac thermal bath

  address: Tabán, Hadnagy u. 1
  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.

• Hungarian Theatre Museum and Institute

  phone: +36 1 375 1184
  address: I. Krisztina körút, 57
  Collections: photo gallery, recordings, manuscripts, art collection, small prints, model collection, scenic collection, show bill storage, audio and video collection.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Rudas thermal bath

  phone: +36 1 356-1322
  address: Tabán, Döbrentei tér, 9
  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.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Deer-House

  address: Tabán, Szarvas tér, 1
  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

  address: Ybl Miklós tér 9-10
  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.

• Ybl statue

  address: 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.

• Former residential house of Hauszmann Alajos

  address: Döbrentei utca 10.
  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.

• Budapest narrowest façade

  address: Várkert Quay (rakpart) 16
  - 6m 20cm. Apartman House, built by Weinreb and Spiegel.

• Hungarian Queen Elizabeth statue

  address: Döbrentei tér

• Danube riverbed sank peak - the dearth of Rock

  address: 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
  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

• Buda Reformed Church

  phone: +36 1 457-0109
  address: I., Szilagyi Dezso Square 3
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• French Institute

  phone: +36 1 4894200
  address: Fő u. 17
  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.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Marczibányi Shelterhouse

  address: Fő utca 43.
  Early classicist, 1805.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

Baths

• Vampeare

• Rácz Thermal Bath

  address: 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

• Rudas Baths

  phone: +36 1 356 1010
  address: I. Döbrentei tér 9
  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.

Parks

• Grapevine in the Yard

  address: I. Bécsi kapu tér 8
  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.

• Gellért Hill

  address: It is part of the 1st and 11th Districts
  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

• Budai Vigadó (Hungarian Heritage House)

  phone: +36 1 3171377
  address: I. Corvin tér 8
  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.

• National Dance Theatre

  phone: +36 1 356 4085
  address: I. Buda Castle, Színház utca 1-3
  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.

Market

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• DM

  phone: +36 1-224-0200
  address: Batthyány téri Vásárcsarnok

• Spar

  phone: +36 20 8237110, +36 40 627727
  supermarket

Souvenir

• Flower Box

  phone: +36 30 2335772
  address: I. Hattyú u. 7.
  Flowers, green plants, home accessories delivery. Flowers and decoration for companies and family event.

• Hadik Brand Shop

  phone: +36 1 225 1051
  address: Szentháromság u. 5
  The 'Herend' porcelain direct from the manufacturer.

• Red Hedgehog Folk Art Store and Cafe

  phone: +36 1 2250837
  address: I. Táncsics Mihály u. 2
  Folk art products, handicrafts, gifts, cafe

Shopping

• Aztapasta 'Nagymama Boltja' - Home Grocery Store

  phone: +36 1 2027393, +36 30 450-6262
  address: I. Pauler u. 5.
  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
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Fruit and Delicatesse

  address: I. Táncsics Mihály u. 17
  Organic products. Fruits, vegetables, organic fruit juices, homemade preparations.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

Supermarkets

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• CBA Príma -Castle Supermarket

  phone: +36 1-225-3284
  address: I. Tárnok u. 22.
  A smaller,Mbut in the Castle, the biggest, supermarket.

Cafes

• Ruszwurm Confectionery

  phone: +36 1 375-5284
  address: Szentháromság utca 7
  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

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

Restaurants

Budget

• Eden Vegetarian restaurant

  address: I. Dobrentei street, 9

• Ildiko's Kitchen

  phone: +36 1 201 4772
  address: I.Kerulet, Fo utca 8
  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.

Mid-range

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Pest-Buda Bistro

  phone: +36 1 2250377
  address: I. Fortuna utca 3
  One of the oldest institute in the city.

• Seoul House

  phone: +36 1 201-9607
  address: I. Fő utca 8
  Next to the South Korean embassy next door.
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

Splurge

• 21 Hungarian Kitchen

  phone: +36 1 2022113
  address: Fortuna utca 21
  Modern hungarian cuisine with attention to detail in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

• Alabardos restaurant

  phone: +36 1 356-0851
  address: I. ker., Országház utca 2

• Black Raven Restaurant

  phone: +36 70 316-4239
  address: Országház utca 10.
  Enough space for 50 customers. Hungarian & international cuisine and local beverages, with special fish and beef dishes. English, German, Italian menus.

• Café Miró

  phone: +36 1 201 2375
  address: Úri utca 30
  Cozy coffeehouse, restaurant in the Castle District.

• Rivalda

  phone: +36 1 489-0236
  address: Színház u. 5-9
  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.

• SPEIZ Restaurant

  phone: +36 1 488-7416
  address: Hess András tér 6
  Michelin award.

• Fortuna Restaurant

  phone: +36 1-375-6857
  address: Hess András Tér 4
  Elegant interior. Cuisine: homemade, gourmet, vegetarian, international and Hungarian

• Pierrot

  phone: +36 1 375 6971
  address: FORTUNA U. 14.
  Awarded 2 hats by Gault Millau in 2011.

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Taban Terrace Pub and Restaurant

  phone: +36 1 201 1086, +36 1 225 1277
  address: I. Aprod street (Apród utca), 10

Budget

• Travellers Hostels Donáti

  phone: +36 1 413 2062
  address: Donáti u. 46
  60 beds, 10 rooms, seasonal

Mid-range

• Bellevue B&B

  phone: +36 1 340 1040
  address: Szabó Ilonka u. 15
  Small B&B on Castle Hill

• Burg Hotel

  phone: +36 1 212 0269
  address: Szentháromság tér, 7
  3-star

• Hotel Charles

  phone: +36 1 212 9169
  address: I.distr., Hegyalja út 23
  3 star self-catering in a communist-era slabː standard studio, deluxe studio, deluxe apartment. 73 rooms 160 beds. Contains János Restaurant.

• Orion Hotel Castle Garden

  phone: +36 1 356 8583
  address: I. distr., Döbrentei utca, 13
  3-star with Fitness Centre. Internet. 67 beds, 30 rooms.

Splurge

• Carlton Hotel

  phone: +36 1 224 0999
  address: Apor Péter utca 3.
  4 star with 95 rooms 196 beds

• Hotel Castle Garden

  phone: +36 1 224 7420
  address: Lovas út 41
  4-star with restaurant.

• Buda Castle Fashion Hotel

  phone: +36 1 224 7900
  address: Úri utca 39
  Four-star with 25 large rooms and luxurious suites.

• Hilton Hotel

  phone: +36 1 889 6600
  address: Hess Andras ter 1-3
  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.

• Lánchíd Design Hotel

  phone: +36 1 419 1900
  address: I.Lánchíd utca 19
  4-star hotel with riverside view and good restaurant
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Ambulance 104
• Emergency call 112

• Police 107
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

Internet

Wi-Fi hotspot points of Budapest.

Post office

• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ

• Post Office

  phone: +36 1 375 8682
  address: I. Pauler utca 3
• Budapesti Közlekedési Központ