Buda Castle (Budapest)

Buda Castle is the most famous landmark in the city and dominates its historic skyline. It is a historic and medieval fortress, originally built in the 13th century, and houses a mass of cultural and historic attractions. Located on the Buda side of the river Danube, Budapest's Castle District is virtually a city within a city, featuring winding cobbled streets filled with little cafes, shops and restaurants, historic churches, a vast royal palace and several museums and galleries. On short breaks in Budapest, you can easily lose a whole day here soaking up the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and art and history lovers will be in their element.

 

There is much to explore within the castle grounds and a tour of the Royal Palace should be first port of call during cheap city breaks in Budapest. A fabulous vaulted Gothic Hall, the Royal chapel, the captivating Budapest History Museum, Hungarian National Gallery and grandiose 17th century state apartments will all compete for your attention. Other unmissable attractions here include the delightful Matthias Church and the slightly eccentric turreted Fisherman's Bastion, where you will get the finest panoramic views of the city.

 

There is a permanent waxwork exhibition at Buda Castle which is great fun for kids especially, and introduces Hungarian history in a humorous and enchanting way. Another worthwhile attraction is a tour of the medieval cave system directly below the castle fortifications, which have been used variously as air raid shelters and a vast wine cellar. In fact, on Budapest summer weekend breaks you can enjoy its celebrated wine festival each September and at all other times there are weekly wine tasting evenings in lavish surroundings. Throughout the warmer months, you will witness several other festivities held in the grounds of the castle including the Festival of Folk Arts, the Opera and ballet festival and even a week-long celebration of the humble sausage.