Hello Palace Guide

Discover Buda Castle with the Hello Palace Guide! Getting there is an experience in itself—ride the charming Funicular or hop on a comfortable bus. Once at the top, wander through the Castle District’s hidden corners and uncover its rich history. Not sure how to reach the Castle? Here are the four best options! The Hello Palace Guide will take you to the most iconic landmarks, including Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Saint George’s Square, and Dísz Square. For the best experience, start your tour near the green dome of Buda Castle. Wherever you’re coming from, we recommend beginning your walk at the Turul statue, located next to the lower station of the Funicular. If you want to learn more, click on our Buda Castle ‘What You See’ page.

The Hello Palace Guide presents the most beautiful route to Buda Castle

Discover the historic streets, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking views of Buda Castle. With the Hello Palace Guide, you can easily find the most interesting Buda Castle attractions, charming alleyways, and the best photo spots, making every moment an unforgettable experience

1.: Funicular

2.: Várkert Bazaar

3.: Fast Elevator on Palota Road

4.: Busz, Dísz Square

How to Reach Buda Castle

Reach Buda Castle by scenic funicular, panoramic elevators or comfortable bus. Each option offers a unique way to explore the Castle District while enjoying stunning views of Budapest’s landmarks.

Walking Route and Highlights

Explore the historic streets of the Castle District and admire the Fisherman’s Bastion, Dísz Square, St. George’s Square, the Turul Statue, the Alexander Palace and the Statue of Eugene of Savoy. Don’t miss the Savoy Terrace, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the city.

Photo Opportunities and Historical Experience

Photo-worthy moments await at Fisherman’s Bastion, the Savoy Terrace, and the most iconic spots of the Castle District. As you walk, the rich history of Hungary unfolds, providing unforgettable experiences at every step.

Orientation, sights, and landmarks at Buda Castle

Culture, coffee, and panoramic views – with the Hello Palace Guide interactive map, you can easily track how to reach Buda Castle and explore its key attractions. We highlight the easiest ways to ascend – funiculars, lifts, and buses – and guide you through the castle area. Discover the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, as well as St. George’s and Dísz Squares. The map also marks public restrooms, lifts, information points, parking, and popular cafés and restaurants, such as Kortárs Café, Savoy Terrace, István Café, and the Panorama Terrace – making exploring Buda Castle easy and enjoyable for every visitor.

Experience & Panorama

Buda Castle Funicular: Easy Access to Buda Castle and Its Top Attractions

Historical Insight

The Hello Palace Guide provides a comprehensive overview for reaching Buda Castle. The first stop is the historic Buda Castle Funicular, inaugurated in 1870, making it Budapest’s first urban cable transport system.

Fast and convenient

Quick and practical: we created the Hello Palace Guide to provide all the essential information about Buda Castle and its attractions. With the Buda Castle Funicular, you can reach the castle in just 2 minutes, giving you more time to explore the stunning sights, and the funicular takes you straight to the main entrance.

Panoramic views on every level

Along the route, you can see the Chain Bridge, the Parliament, the banks of the Danube, and the buildings of the Castle District – perfect for photography.

Unique Design

The funicular has two cars moving in opposite directions, with the descending car counterbalancing and pulling up the ascending one – a classic engineering solution that fascinates both tourists and engineers.

Várkert Bazaar lift – modern views in a historic setting

A gem on the banks of the Danube, the lift not only provides a comfortable ascent to Buda Castle but also offers stunning city views. Upon exiting, you are greeted by breathtaking sights of the Pest side, including the Chain Bridge and the Danube panorama. Join us, and with the help of the Hello Palace Guide, we’ll show you what’s worth seeing in Buda Castle.

Perfect Photo Spot

To make the most of the panoramic experience, follow the guide’s recommendations and plan your visit according to the opening hours.

Opening Hours

Information Points & Ticket Offices:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket Prices

Due to the current closure of the elevator, ticket prices are not available. Fees for other access options may vary, so it is recommended to check official sources in advance.

Tip: Since the elevator is closed, consider alternative ways to reach the castle and check opening hours and ticket prices ahead of your visit.

Historic Setting

The lift is part of the historic Várkert Bazaar complex, designed by Miklós Ybl at the end of the 19th century.

Several Lifts and Routes

Three separate lifts are available for the full ascent – it’s recommended to follow the map and the guide’s tips for easier navigation.

Accessible Access

Although it may occasionally be closed, the lift is fully accessible and can be used with strollers or wheelchairs.

One of the Hello Palace Guide’s featured ascent routes is the Palace Route Express Lift

Practical and hidden, providing a quick way up to Buda Castle while allowing you to explore its most interesting attractions. The Palota route express lift, which departs from Dózsa György Square, is located on the east side of Buda Castle and takes you quickly up to Csikós-udvar. This lift is ideal if you want to avoid the other potentially crowded access points to the castle.

History and hidden route

Alongside the lift, you’ll experience the 19th–20th century atmosphere of Buda. Interestingly, a hidden lift also starts here, leading to the castle district’s secret areas – a route known only to locals.

Experience

Although the ascent is short, the area offers an authentic and peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowds of tourists.

Tip

If you enjoy hidden and authentic spots, this lift is a great starting point for exploring the castle.

Fast and Cost-Effective

Dísz Square Bus

The Dísz Square Bus provides a direct connection between the city center and Buda Castle. This ascent is ideal if you want to reach the castle quickly, comfortably, and affordably while enjoying the historic streets along the way. History: The route passes by the old residential buildings and cobblestone streets of Castle Hill, allowing you to experience Buda’s historic atmosphere during your journey. Experience: The bus is modern and comfortable, perfect for families and tourists looking to save time and energy while ascending. Tip: For a fast and scenic ascent, the Dísz Square Bus is the most practical choice.

Imaginary Journey Through the Buda Castle District

The Hello Palace Guide aims to provide every visitor with a complete and immersive experience of Buda Castle. It helps you discover historic sites, breathtaking panoramas, and hidden treasures, while offering guidance on the most practical ways to reach the castle and the most interesting attractions. This way, your visit becomes more than just a walk—it becomes a comprehensive, unforgettable experience at Buda Castle. Imagine arriving at the castle aboard the historic Buda Castle Funicular, enjoying the panoramic views of the Buda Hills as you ascend! Upon stepping out, you are greeted by the ceremonial guards of the nearby Sándor Palace, with the impressive Carmelite Monastery—home to Hungary’s Prime Minister—right beside it. Across the way, follow the staircase by the Turul Statue and catch your first glimpse of the majestic Buda Castle. With the Hello Palace Guide, every visit turns into a memorable adventure.” Take a break at the Savoy Terrace and soak in the breathtaking panorama of Budapest while enjoying a drink or snack. Explore the masterpieces of Hungarian and European art at the Hungarian National Gallery, and don’t miss the VIP Terrace, offering unparalleled views of the city—a perfect spot for photography. Join us as we guide you through the rich history, attractions, and hidden gems of Buda Castle, ensuring you experience every corner of this remarkable historical site.

ENJOY THE VIEW

Featured spots along the Hello Palace Guide route

Savoyai Terasz offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Budapest, right in the heart of the Buda Castle District. Here, you can relax with refreshing drinks and light snacks while enjoying the stunning view of the Danube and the city skyline. If you’re looking for a truly special view, this is the place for you.

Savoyai Terasz

Szent István café awaits you in the heart of Buda Castle, where the elegance of the monarchy era meets modern comfort. Take a quiet moment here while enjoying the views of the Castle District. It’s the perfect spot during a romantic walk or a cultural adventure.

Szent István cafe

Kortárs Cafe

Discover the unique landmarks of Buda Castle along the route marked on the map!

If you are looking for unique resting spots in Buda Castle, the Hello Palace Guide will show you some must-visit places where it’s worth stopping. Begin your walk at the Turul Statue, then follow the numbered points marked on the map. If you feel tired, pause at the Savoy Terrace, where the majestic equestrian monument overlooks the breathtaking panorama of the Danube.

Continue on to the Panorama Terrace, offering one of the most beautiful views of Budapest – but before that, step into the cozy Kortárs Café for a coffee or a slice of cake.

Following the route recommended by the Hello Palace Guide, step into history at the Lion Courtyard, another perfect spot to rest, once the scene of royal ceremonies at one of the palace’s most impressive gates. Today, the welcoming St. Stephen Café invites you to refresh and relax before you continue your journey to discover the many treasures of the Castle District.