Buda Walk In Photos: Citadella, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion

This is probably one of my favourite walks. Ever.

I don’t think I had really planned it. Hadn’t researched any photos and decided to wing the day. So I was kind of blown away by the architecture and views.

I started my walk across the Liberty Bridge and began my climb towards the Citadella. You can get a bus or tram to the Citadella as it’s quite a way up Gellert Hill (235 metres)!

Citadella is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now a symbol of freedom.

I actually had my first try of archery here. And I was terrible! I don’t even think I managed to hit the target. It wasn’t that far either.

Next was Buda Castle, a grand baroque palace built in 1769. Buda Castle is now home to the Budapest National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.

I love the titled roof of Matthias Church. You can go up the tower for a better look.

Probably my favourite part of the walk was Fisherman’s Bastion. This fortress is beautiful and wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney Princess movie.

And I loved the colours of this nearby street.

From here I went to Margaret Island for a walk around the park, built on the River Danube.

The Hungarian Parliament building is also impressive so I recommended visiting whilst in the area too.

And I ended my evening in the Pinball Museum (which I definitely recommend).

Check out the whole of my Christmas market trip in Europe!

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History of the Buda Walk

The Buda Walk is a scenic and historically rich route through the Castle District of Budapest, perched atop Castle Hill on the western bank of the Danube. This area has been inhabited since Roman times, but its prominence began in the 13th century when King Béla IV built a fortress after the Mongol invasion. Over centuries, Buda became the seat of Hungarian kings, a thriving merchant town, and a cultural hub.

The district endured Ottoman occupation, Habsburg rule, and heavy damage during WWII. Each era left its mark — from Gothic churches and Baroque palaces to hidden courtyards and medieval ruins. Today, the Buda Walk offers a layered journey through Hungarian history, architecture, and resilience. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric parts of the city, ideal for slow exploration and panoramic views.

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10 Interesting Facts About the Buda Walk

1. The Castle District was once home to Hungary’s royal court and government ministries.
2. The Labyrinth beneath Castle Hill stretches over 3 km and includes medieval cellars and WWII shelters.
3. Matthias Church has hosted royal coronations and was once a mosque during Ottoman rule.
4. The Fisherman’s Bastion was built in 1902 purely for decoration and views — not defense.
5. The Tóth Árpád Promenade was a popular 19th-century walkway with military band performances.
6. Beethoven briefly lived on Táncsics Mihály Street, in a Baroque palace.
7. The Magdalene Tower is the last remnant of a 13th-century Franciscan church.
8. The Holy Trinity Column was erected in 1713 to ward off future plague outbreaks.
9. The Arany Sas Pharmacy Museum showcases 18th-century medical tools and herbal remedies.
10. The Rétesvár Strudel Shop stands on a street named after an axe — legend says it’s where a royal conspirator was executed.

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Things to See and Do on the Buda Walk

• Visit Matthias Church
  Admire its colorful tiled roof, Gothic spires, and richly decorated interior. Climb the bell tower for sweeping views.
• Explore Fisherman’s Bastion
  Wander its fairytale turrets and terraces overlooking the Danube and Parliament.
• Stroll the Tóth Árpád Promenade
  Relax on benches with panoramic views of Pest and the river. Ideal for sunset photos.
• Descend into the Castle Labyrinth
  Tour by oil lamp through eerie tunnels and stone monuments. A unique underground experience.
• Discover the Magdalene Tower
  See the lone tower that survived centuries of war and religious change.
• Browse the Arany Sas Pharmacy Museum
  Step into a preserved 18th-century apothecary with antique instruments and potions.
• Taste Strudel at Rétesvár
  Try traditional Hungarian pastries in a romantic side street with a curious backstory.
• Explore Baroque Streets
  Walk along Táncsics Mihály and Országház utca to see ornate facades and medieval niches.
• Visit the Medieval Jewish Prayer House
  Learn about Buda’s Jewish heritage in a restored Gothic building.
• Enjoy Wine Tasting in a Historic Cellar
  Sample Hungarian wines from Tokaj, Villány, and Eger in a centuries-old cellar.

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Practical Information for Walking the Buda Walk

• Location: Castle District, Budapest I, Hungary
• Starting point: Clark Ádám Square or Batthyány Square
• Duration: 2–3 hours for a full loop; shorter routes available
• Entry fees: Most outdoor areas free; museums and tower climbs ~500–2,000 HUF
• Transport:
  • Funicular: From Clark Ádám tér (7:30 am – 10:00 pm)
  • Bus: No. 16 and 16A from Széll Kálmán tér
  • Walking: Steps from Clark Ádám Square
• Accessibility: Cobblestone streets; some areas with steps or uneven terrain
• Dogs: Welcome on leads; not allowed in all indoor venues
• Food: Cafés, strudel shops, and wine bars throughout the district
• Toilets: Available near major sites and cafés
• Nearby: Gellért Hill, Chain Bridge, Várkert Bazaar, Hungarian National Gallery
• Official walking tour site: Buda Castle Walks