Budavár is the popular world heritage Castle District in the Hungarian city of Budapest and is possibly the most interesting and architecturally breathtaking area of the city for travellers. With historic sights, charming cafes, Buda Castle, Royal Palace and the surrounding streets are sprinkled with medieval houses and is a magical district to explore at any time of the year.
Major sights to discover in Budavár include Royal Palace, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Labyrinth. Make the Royal Palace the first port of call to explore a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as it was renowned for hosting extravagant ceremonies which symbolised peace between nations. Buda Castle is home to the National Library, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. The collection of the National Gallery represents Gothic sculptures, historic figures and over 500 years of artwork from the region. The Budapest History Museum allows visitors to peek behind the walls of the palace and discover how royalty used to live. One highlight of the area is the incredible Labyrinth of Buda Castle. Situated in a network of complex caves and cellars underneath the castle, visitors can stroll through the Labyrinth with hand held oil lamps while listening to famous poetry or musical compositions. Nearby, exquisite Matthias Church dates back over 700 years. The church is one of the oldest buildings in Budapest and has been the scene of several coronations and weddings. The interior frescoes by local Hungarian painters are awe-inspiring, and the multifaceted architecture is a sight to behold. Continue to Fisherman’s Bastion with its lookout terrace and turrets to observe design that was inspired by Far Eastern architecture. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the terrace restaurant during summer months and enjoy some of the city’s best vistas. Budavár is home to quaint cafes and restaurants, many of which are elegant, adorned with marble and illuminated with opulent chandeliers. Take a seat, indulge in a traditional Hungarian pastry or cake and soak up the atmosphere of days gone by.
Walking is the best way to reach many of the attractions of Budavár. Many areas on Castle Hill are pedestrianised, although there are bus and tram access to specific locations. Funicular trams operate from the Buda side of Chain Bridge, where visitors can be transported to Castle Hill in minutes.
The territory of Budavár is a district of the Hungarian capital Budapest which is said to date back to the Stone Age. The new fort and city area became the centre of the country in the Middle Ages. Budavár is rich in history with castles, palaces, medieval lanes and underground tunnels, and is the one area of Budapest visitors do not want to miss.