Varhegy
4.5
About
Lovingly restored after being reduced to rubble during World War II, this picturesque area is located in the heart of medieval Budapest, which is characterized by cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and lovely squares surrounded by baroque and classical buildings.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: District I / Buda
The historical center to a city with a multifarious and intricate past, Buda has some of the most outstanding buildings in Europe and an enviable natural landscape with stunning views onto the Danube. Centered around the Royal Palace, it provides a glimpse into the golden years of the Austro-Hungarian empire and the lives led by the aristocracy at the time. Matthias Church, beside the palace, hosted many events attended by the royal family and was the chosen place for the coronation of Franz Josef, one of the Hungarian Habsburg kings. Having admired the palace and the church, a visit to Buda will be unforgettable by the stunning and memorable panorama over Pest offered by the seven towered Fishermen’s Bastion.
How to get there
- Vörösmarty tér • 10 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
3,106 within 3 miles
Attractions
887 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
10,678 reviews
Excellent
6,680
Very good
3,358
Average
556
Poor
56
Terrible
28
stinkwink
Sydney, Australia7,389 contributions
Jan 2020
Castle Hill is part of a triumvirate since geographically connected to Rózsadomb and Buda Hills, which is a bit confusing for me since Castle Hill also a member of the Buda Hills. Since I amn’t a geography scientist I leave this problem to others.
On the top of the hill, that isn’t too high, probably less than 200 ms, is a 1 km long limestone plateau. On this plateau are the Buda Castle and the Castle District with some of the oldest buildings in Budapest. It isn’t questionable, that is the most beautiful and interesting part of Budapest.
Switchback streets leading between beautiful old medieval houses, stunning churches, breathtaking views, museums, first-class restaurants (their prices are better not to mention), elegant hotels, shady walkways surrounded by old trees, statues, fountains, should I have to continue it? Castle Hill is the place where you can find nearly everything.
Because the hill isn’t high, there are several ways to get there. With average fitness the best way to walk, but if you’re looking or a more comfortable way, from Széll Kálmán, square the No 100 bus will take you there, or from Clark Adam square the funicular. To double the fun visit the Castle Garden first, and from there you can walk up using two different staircases adoring the view on the way, or use the escalator. My favorites are the stairs, and there are plenty. All of them a bit different from the other ones. Usually, I walk up on Ilona stairs, but the Hunyadi is also very handy, especially if you’re coming down. At the end of the stairs, you can direct yourself to Batthyány square, where you can find Metro, HÉV, trams, and buses. The choice is yours. If you’re a visitor in Budapest, Castle Hill is a must.
On the top of the hill, that isn’t too high, probably less than 200 ms, is a 1 km long limestone plateau. On this plateau are the Buda Castle and the Castle District with some of the oldest buildings in Budapest. It isn’t questionable, that is the most beautiful and interesting part of Budapest.
Switchback streets leading between beautiful old medieval houses, stunning churches, breathtaking views, museums, first-class restaurants (their prices are better not to mention), elegant hotels, shady walkways surrounded by old trees, statues, fountains, should I have to continue it? Castle Hill is the place where you can find nearly everything.
Because the hill isn’t high, there are several ways to get there. With average fitness the best way to walk, but if you’re looking or a more comfortable way, from Széll Kálmán, square the No 100 bus will take you there, or from Clark Adam square the funicular. To double the fun visit the Castle Garden first, and from there you can walk up using two different staircases adoring the view on the way, or use the escalator. My favorites are the stairs, and there are plenty. All of them a bit different from the other ones. Usually, I walk up on Ilona stairs, but the Hunyadi is also very handy, especially if you’re coming down. At the end of the stairs, you can direct yourself to Batthyány square, where you can find Metro, HÉV, trams, and buses. The choice is yours. If you’re a visitor in Budapest, Castle Hill is a must.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,818 contributions
Nov 2022
Historic hilltop neighborhood rebuilt after WWII. Includes the sprawling castle complex. The "reconstruction" after WWII has continued to the present, resulting in a somewhat confusing mix of structures. The area is currently undergoing a lot of conversion of buildings into high-rent offices and flats, which is quite controversial. The best views of the hilltop grandeur is from afar, looking up at the hill from a distance.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom J
London, UK1,622 contributions
Dec 2019
So we decided against the queue for the Funicular and walked up the hill. Walking up all in all took around 15-20 minutes with some brilliant places to stop and admire along the way.
The paths are well maintained and give access to the castle, Buda town , fishermans bastion etc.
The walk itself may seem daunting but is perfectly achievable for an abled body person or anyone with a will do attitude.
Get Hiking!
The paths are well maintained and give access to the castle, Buda town , fishermans bastion etc.
The walk itself may seem daunting but is perfectly achievable for an abled body person or anyone with a will do attitude.
Get Hiking!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andydjp
Stotfold, UK637 contributions
Feb 2020
Great buildings, statues and incredible views - this area has a lot to offer for a relaxing tour. If you can i would recommend doing the area on foot as there is a lot to see. It is high up so either use the funicular or get a number 16 bus up the hill. Better still, stay in the castle district.
Our favourite area in Budapest.
Our favourite area in Budapest.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravellerSoon
Canada375 contributions
Oct 2022
The Castle Hill area is a at the Buda side of the city. We started from the Fashion Street, walked along the river, crossed the Margaret Bridge, strolled along the river side and up the hill to see the Buda castle, Fisher Bastion and Matthias Church. We spent half a day in that area to enjoy the view and admire the magnificent buildings. On the way back to the Pest area, we crossed Erzsebet Bridge to the Fashion Street. It was a 32,000 steps walk but enjoyable.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RjessMMM
Vancouver, WA565 contributions
Dec 2021
I would just dedicate a majority of the day for this area since there is so much to do and the views are just amazing both during the daytime and nighttime. I think of this almost as an all inclusive resort on the hill. Really there is something for everyone and absolutely cannot be missed. Enjoy.
Written December 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pandamedic
Lichfield, UK5,669 contributions
Jan 2020
We got a Bolt to the top of the hill as it saved us time and effort with just arriving in the city. Thee is plenty to see with some amazing buildings and even more amazing views of the city below, chain bridge and parliament. Definitely worth the views in the evening when everything i lit up.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I W
Leicestershire, UK290 contributions
May 2023
We visited on a sunday morning at May. we got there via bus 105 and the funicular railway, arriving around 10.00. We spent a couple of hours looking around including the castle. Fantastic views. Was getting busy at around 12.00, so suggest getting there early.
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rlahuddin
Jakarta, Indonesia338 contributions
Jan 2020
if you only have 2 days in budapest, then you must visit varhegy, thermal bath, and parliement building. varhegy is a area where most of tourist attraction located. each are very close one to another.
best place to enjoy city view from the hill.
best place to enjoy city view from the hill.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julie
Beccles, UK141 contributions
Feb 2020
So many interesting things to see,even without going inside. The surroundings are lovely with great views across the city. We were lucky to see the changing of the guards on arrival which added to our experience. Could spend countless hours meandering around this area.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonjour,
pourriez-vous nous indiquer une bonne adresse pour déjeuner côté buda?
merci
MROMom
Boston, MA117 contributions
Hi,
My family will be in Budapest from Sep 2 - 5. I understand the Book Festival occurs on 2-4 and there will be special activities in the Castle Hill area. Could you tell me more about the festivities? Where can I read more about it? Is there an entrance fee? Anything I should be aware of?
Thank you for sharing your insights.
jktravel7
Los Angeles, CA104 contributions
I don’t know anything about this festival. So sorry
ale c
viterbo18 contributions
Biglietto mezzi pubblici conviene per tre giorni interi e due mezze giornate la Budapest card?grazie
Giulia d
52 contributions
Io ho preso il biglietto da 72 ore ed è stata la scelta più comoda ed efficiente a mio parere! I mezzi pubblici a Budapest sono stati efficienti anche in tarda serata con gli autobus sostitutivi delle metropolitane.
REAL4427
PLANO12 contributions
There is an artist located in the Castle District in the mail street towards the Hilton. He is near the small Herend shop. He paints enamel pictures on glass. Love his work but didn't get his name. Interested in a piece of his work.
Anyone know his name or how to contact?
Derek S
Colchester, UK312 contributions
Sorry there was no artist. There when we went it was far too cold
erricocarmen
Naples, Italy12 contributions
Salve vorrei sapere se il castello di buda parlamento e bastiglione dei pescatori sono vicini ? Come arrivarci da Rákóczi út 44, 07. Erzsébetváros, ? Che prendere per queste tre escursioni è possibile sapere anche prezzo di ognuno di essi ? Grazie
bazzy55
Pescantina, Italy35 contributions
Ciao! No il bastione dei pescatori, la chiesa di San Mattia e il castello sono sull'altura e sono raggiungibili a piedi o con la gremagliera. il Parlamento e dall'altra parte del Danubio. Non ho idea di come arrivarci dall'indirizzo che indichi ma a Budapest vicino al centro partono dei bus dai quali puoi salire e scendere a piacimento per raggiungere tutte le mete che desideri. Mi spiace i costi di entrata non li ricordo ma ricordo che il parlamento andava prenotato.
duccioarcese
Siena, Italy4 contributions
Errore madornale! Quei cani non sono Viszla, ma SAINT HUBERT (oggi detti bloodhound)
CHT570
Varese, Italy9,420 contributions
Scusi, ma di cosa sta parlando?
Priyanka B
Terneuzen, The Netherlands47 contributions
How long does it take to walk down? Assuming we are with a toddler, we would prefer doing walk downward than otherwise.
DJAC63
Bristol, UK20 contributions
About 15 minutes. But there are blue electric buses which go up and down the hill every few minutes (no. 17, I think). They are very cheap & included if you but the 1 day or 3 day tram/bus/train/metro/trolleybus ticket, which is about 12 euros for 72 hours.
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Claim your listingVarhegy - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Varhegy
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Varhegy:
- Buda Castle Walk with Matthias Church Entry (From $59.99)
- Evening Cruise on the Danube with Optional Drinks (From $20.00)
- Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From $35.99)
- Budapest ️Highlights️ Live Guided Segway Tour (From $49.99)
- Budapest in a Day Private Luxury Sightseeing Tour (From $844.27)
- Hotels near Varhegy:
- (0.09 mi) Lanchid 19, Budapest
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Clark Budapest
- (0.20 mi) Budapest Best Apartments
- (0.24 mi) Carlton Hotel Budapest
- (0.38 mi) Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest
- Restaurants near Varhegy:
- (0.03 mi) NG Cafe & Terasz
- (0.03 mi) Savoyai Terasz
- (0.06 mi) Főőrség Étterem és Kávéház (Royal Guard Restaurant & Café)
- (0.09 mi) Marvelosa
- (0.10 mi) Zhao Zhou teashop & lab
- Attractions near Varhegy:
- (0.02 mi) Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria)
- (0.03 mi) St. Stephen's Hall
- (0.03 mi) Lions Court - Buda Castle
- (0.03 mi) Prince Eugene of Savoy's Equestrian Statue
- (0.08 mi) VR Tours Kft.