The Buda Castle
Take tram 4/6 over the Danube into Buda, hopping off at the fifth and final stop, Széll Kalman square. From here, walk up the stairs to the top of the large square and take bus #16 which brings you up to the Castle District. You may also approach the district from below, from Clark Ádám Square (Chain Bridge Buda side) where you can either walk up or take a Funicular up to the Castle.
The Buda Castle is found at Szent György Square, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, which has been home to Hungarian kings since the 13th century. Just a few of the original buildings remain standing, and these were significantly renovated in the 19th century. There remains a great deal of construction work taking place today. The district remains home to several modern cultural institutions, for example the Hungarian National Gallerry and the Budapest Historical Museum.
Here in the Szentháromság tér (Holy Trinity Square), we can see the miraculous Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. The latter houses a restaurant with stunning views over the city. If you are hungry, countless excellent restaurants are nearby: consider Alabáros, 21 restaurant, or the Pierrot Cafe Restaurant. If you are feeling more like coffee and a pastry, the legendary Ruszwurm confectionary is just around the corner, offering the famed Hungarian krémes. If you are feeling more like a glass of wine, consider checking out the fabulous wine bar at Baltazár.
After visiting the castle, I recommend a “cool down” walk toward the Castle Garden Bazaar, where the architecture itself is splendid and offers a platform for cultural programs. If you still have energy, be sure to see the statue of Saint Gellért en route to the Elizabeth Bridge. The bridge itself offers the best view of the memorial.
An artificial waterfall has been carved out of one side of Gellért Hill, and the statue has a home directly above. The gently falling water cools the air, so the air here remains pleasant even in the heat of summer. This memorial was planned for the spot from which, according to legend, Géllert was locked into a barrel and rolled down the hill by Pagans on account of his Christian proselytizing. You can walk up a series of stairs to the statue. I would recommend stopping to catching your breath occasionally before continuing up the stairs! From here, after about 15 minutes (650 meters), you will reach the top of Gellért Hill and the Citadella Lookout. The path here is a bit steep, but it is worth the effort, the view is extraordinary.
Before us lies the beauty of the legendary Blue Danube, the remarkable series of bridges crossing the river, with the Parliament rising in the background, followed by the calming greenery of Margret Island. The Citadella is currently under reconstruction with completion expected as of Spring, 2023.
If you are heading back to the apartment from here, I recommend that you walk down the hill, cross at Elizabeth Bridge (enjoying the incredible view – by all means stop, turn around, and enjoy!), and continue back along the Danube Corso. If at any point you tire, hop on Tram #2, it will bring you back to Jászai Mari Square. The total distance is approximately 4 km.