The Buda Castle Directorate offers thematic walking tours that showcase the 800-year history of the Castle District, along with its cultural and artistic values. Currently, there are 8 different themed tours available, including one that highlights the most famous sights and another that explores how Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) was connected to the castle complex.
Program Discounts
If you book accommodation with us while logged in, we will gift you a discount coupon for the Buda Castle Tours program!
20% Program Discount
You can get a discount on your walking tour ticket when purchasing through the Buda Castle Tours website.
Additionally, you will receive 91 program coupons for Budapest and its surroundings!
Visitor Information
Please note that tickets cannot be purchased at the meeting point, and pre-registration is required for all tours. Tours are held even in bad weather, so we recommend dressing accordingly.
Sissi’s Christmas – Advent Walk Through the Celebrations of Empress Elisabeth
On this Advent walk, we’ll revisit the special Christmases and birthdays of Empress Elisabeth in the Buda Castle Palace Quarter. The program will cover moments of Sisi’s childhood celebrations in the Bavarian Duke’s Palace, and later, we’ll hear about the lavish Christmases of the Habsburg court, where towering Christmas trees adorned with candles, special gifts, and delicious holiday dishes made the celebrations memorable.
During the tour, we will also learn about Sisi and her daughter, Princess Maria Valeria’s charity work, and as a special treat, we will taste Sisi’s favorite pastry, the Florentine almond biscuit, made from the original recipe.
From Fortress to Palace – Walk Through the Buda Castle Palace Quarter, the Castle Chapel, and the Royal Cellar
The guide will share the history of the ensemble, from the fortifications of the Anjou kings to the magnificent palace of Emperor Franz Joseph, and all the way to the post-World War II period, as well as current developments. Visitors will get to see where the first walls stood, and explore the Gothic Castle Chapel and the Royal Cellar. The 2-hour walk starts at St. George’s Square and ends at the Fisherman’s Children Terrace.
Buda Castle – World-Famous Sights of the Castle Palace Quarter and the Town of Buda
Participants can explore the most famous sights of Castle Hill, including the Buda Castle Palace, the Sandor Palace, the Carmelite complex, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion. The tour also covers lesser-known gems such as the baroque palaces on Dísz Square and the ornate merchant houses on Úri Street. While enjoying the panoramic view, we’ll discover who Buda’s most famous residents were. The 2-hour walk starts at St. George’s Square and ends at Trinity Square.
No Retreat from ’48 – Buda Castle in the 1848-49 Revolution and War of Independence
This tour presents the revolutionary sites of Buda Castle and reveals interesting facts, such as which building Táncsics Mihály was freed from, what happened to the Holy Crown, and the story behind the May 1849 siege. This program is an excellent choice for elementary and high school students who have already studied the topic. The 90-minute walk starts at the De la Motte-Beer Palace and ends on Táncsics Street.
Hauszmann’s Horses – Guided Tour of the Rebuilt Riding Hall
In the newly restored Riding Hall, guests can explore the riding arena, roof structure, unique glass windows, and the orchestra and royal boxes. Other remarkable sights include terrazzo floorings, the marble decorative staircase, and the wrought-iron hibiscus flower railing. The 90-minute walk begins in the Hunyadi Courtyard and ends in the Csikós Courtyard.
The Jewel Box of the Capital – The Várkert Bazár, As You’ve Never Seen It
Visitors will learn about Miklós Ybl, the architect of the Várkert Bazár, and admire his creation while learning fascinating facts about the building’s history, from its birth to its destruction and eventual reconstruction. The guide will explain how the Várkert Bazár became an arts and cultural center, as well as one of Budapest’s most scenic leisure spots. The 1-hour walk starts at Ybl Miklós Square and ends at the same location.
Sisi, Lover of Hungary – Following Empress Elisabeth in the Buda Castle Palace Quarter
Participants will explore locations related to Empress Elisabeth, visit her favorite Buda gardens, the Várkert Bazár, and the staircase named after her. The tour will reveal how she became the beloved ruler of the Hungarians, who her confidants were, and her relationship with Count Gyula Andrássy. The 90-minute walk starts at Ybl Miklós Square and ends at Döbrentei Square, near Sisi’s statue.
Masterpieces with a View – Tour of the Hungarian National Gallery and Dome Visit
This walk introduces the most memorable exhibitions at the Hungarian National Gallery, the daily life of the gallery, and the most expensive artwork purchases of recent years. Guests will be let in on behind-the-scenes secrets, and at the end of the program, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique panoramic view of Budapest from the dome of the Buda Castle Palace. The 90-minute walk starts at the main entrance of the Hungarian National Gallery and ends at the Savoyai Terrace.
Shalom, Buda! – Walk Through the Civilian Town Following the History of the Jewish Community of Buda
This tour focuses on the history of the Jewish community in Buda. Participants will learn about key figures like Henel Comes, Mendel Jakab, Imre Szerencsés, and Isaac Schulhof, as well as the location of the medieval Jewish ritual bath in the Buda Castle District. The walk also covers the golden age and darkest moments of Buda’s Jewish community. The walk starts at the Information Point on St. George’s Square and ends at the Medieval Jewish Synagogue.
The Apothecary’s House – Guided Tour of the De la Motte-Beer Palace
The most beautiful feature of the De la Motte-Beer Palace is the baroque living quarters on the upper floor, where guests can view a nearly 250-square-meter painted wall surface uncovered in 1962 under 15 layers of paint. Visitors will explore all areas of the house, from the cellar used for storage and water collection to the attic where herbs were dried. The 90-minute walk starts and ends at the De la Motte-Beer Palace. Please note that the route is not wheelchair accessible, and participants will navigate steep stairs and narrow hallways.
On the Trail of Animals – Children’s Walk in the Buda Castle Palace Quarter
The Buda Castle offers numerous discoveries for children. During this walk, they will encounter a variety of animals, some of which sit beside gates or are barely noticeable. They will also learn where the Lion Courtyard got its name and where a rabbit observes the Chain Bridge through binoculars. Participants will also create their own “animal location” maps.
Good to know!
The “On the Trail of Animals – Children’s Walk in the Buda Castle Palace Quarter” is designed for children aged 8-12, so tickets should be purchased accordingly. It is important that each child is accompanied by an adult. The entrance ticket includes participation for one child and one accompanying adult.
Our Rebirth Heritage
This newly launched Buda Castle Walk, recommended for those aged 12 and up, is part of the National Hauszmann Program, which offers insight into the reconstruction of the Buda Castle Palace Quarter. Visitors will discover Alajos Hauszmann’s work and learn many interesting facts about the restoration of the Buda Castle Palace and its surroundings.
Sisi’s Matters of the Heart – Valentine’s Day Walk at the Várkert Bazár
For Valentine’s Day, we invite you to a romantic walk through the Várkert Bazár. This special tour takes you through hidden corners of the neorenassance building, offering a glimpse into the life of Sisi, the beloved Queen of Hungary. You will learn about the secrets and emotions of this iconic figure and even gain access to the mysterious Sisi Room.
Twelve Weeks in Hell
Experience a unique time travel as you walk through the streets of the Castle District and learn about the siege of 1944-45 through diaries and memoirs. While strolling through the Palace Quarter and civilian town, you will uncover the secrets of the past, and in the Castle Cave, the story of the 12-week siege will come to life.
Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Information
1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós Square 2, Hungary
Phone: +36 30 126 0123
Email: info@budaivarsetak.hu
Discounts and Prices
Program Coupon for Registered Bookings All year round
-20% On the walking tour ticket price when purchasing tickets on the Buda Castle Walks website, subject to availability.
Prices
All year round:
- Hauszmann’s Horses Tour: from 4,500 HUF
- The Capital’s Jewel Tour: from 3,500 HUF
- From Castle to Palace Tour: from 4,500 HUF
- Hunting with King Matthias Tour (Seasonal Tour): from 4,500 HUF
- Rebirth of Our Heritage Tour: from 3,500 HUF
- Shalom, Buda! Tour: from 4,500 HUF
- The Apothecary’s House Tour: from 4,500 HUF
- Twelve Weeks in Hell: from 4,500 HUF
- Sisi’s Heart Affairs (Seasonal Tour): from 4,500 HUF
- Sisi’s Christmas (Seasonal Tour): from 5,500 HUF
- We Do Not Surrender from ’48 (Seasonal Tour): from 3,500 HUF
- Habsburgs and the Dead Tour: from 4,500 HUF
- Lace and Chocolate Tour: from 3,500 HUF
- Masterpieces with a View Tour: from 4,500 HUF
- Buda Castle Tour: from 3,500 HUF
- Sisi, the Lover of Hungary Tour: from 4,500 HUF
1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklós tér 2. (Hungary)
OTHER BUDAPEST WALKING TOURS
