Gellert Hill
Gellert Hill
4.5
About
The best views of Budapest and the Danube River are from this hill, which also features the imposing fortress, the Citadella, at its summit.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Gellért Hill
If you want to treat your camera to some amazing scenery, Gellért Hill is a must on your itinerary. A funicular journey from the Chain Bridge along the hillsides provides a fast connection between Buda and Pest, hoisting visitors to panoramic vistas. Once on top of the hill, you’ll find the Citadel dominate the landscape with its imposing 19th century construction, a site that’s hard to keep your eyes on without being distracted by the phenomenal view over the Danube and the eight bridges crossing. Once on Gellért Hill however, one mustn’t miss the famous Gellért Baths. Budapest is renown for its thermal waters and its baths, and the Gellért Baths are housed in an impressive art nouveau structure. Its interior design, with its many mosaics, recalls the preceding relationships the city has had with healing springs and saunas, traditionally used within this neighborhood since the Ottoman Empire.
How to get there
- Szent Gellért tér • 8 min walk
- Fővám tér • 9 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- Travel529New York City, New York294 contributionsBest view of BudapestThere are two ways to reach top: 1. You can either walk uphill from liberty bridge that may involve taking lots of steps. There is a children play area on the way 'OR' 2. you may reach other side of the hill by car or public transport, it will take you to the top. There is a children play area. Thereafter, you will have to track to the top, around 10-15 minutes. The route after reaching top by car/public transport involves steep, flat path, steps. You may consider walking downhill from the other side i.e. towards liberty bridge. People with disability or stroller might face difficulties. People go to the hill for views of Budapest, its worth it.Visited January 2023Written March 27, 2023
- ERBristol, United Kingdom20 contributionsExcellent view but currently can’t get to the very top due to construction worksExcellent view but was a bit disappointed to find that after a steep 30 minute hike the monument was closed/blocked off due to construction works. There were no warnings about this at the start (or at any point) of the hike. The view was still worth it though, just don’t expect to get close to the statue until the construction works are complete.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 9, 2023
- Dream2627020613027 contributionsBest view of the city!!What a fun hike!! Given, it’s a little slippery after the rain, not recommended for people with mobility issues. But you do get a nice viewpoint of the city and all it’s nice sights. There’s even a small playground half way up!!! We went when the top of the citadel was closed due to construction so that was a major bummer but the views of the city makes up for it.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 9, 2023
- Ginges_revengeBrisbane, Australia4,732 contributionsGreat views but citadel closed off for constructionIt was a bit disappointing after a 30 minute hike up the hill from the Liberty Bridge end to find that the top where the citadel was closed and you couldn't get around it as it was blocked. There was no signs in the park on the way up noting this. Still, the views from up top were excellent over Budapest. Walking down hill was easier and we found a nice little child's play park on the way down and my wife used the slide to make coming down easier and had a bit of fun as well. It may be a bit difficult for those that have mobility issues due its gradient.Visited February 2023Written April 11, 2023
- I WLeicestershire, United Kingdom290 contributionsFantastic viewWe spent an hour climbing and walking around the hill to kill some time before going to the Gellert Baths. It's a great place for some great views of the city from a different location. Lovely location for a walk.Visited May 2023Written August 19, 2023
- GCKJANebraska615 contributionsLovely views of Budapest from Gellért HillWhile the Citadel is currently closed (2023) the path leading up Gellért Hill is accessable and the views are absolutely worth the hike. It's best to take your time and bring water. It's not difficult, the path is paved and there are some stairs. Be sure to take your time and bring water. We like to start at the Gellért hotel, go up to the Citadel, and then down to the waterfall.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- RobertBudapest, Hungary10 contributionsBeautiful placeYou must go up here if you haven't tried it yet. Currently (January, 2024) the Citadella fortress and its area including the statue of liberty is closed due to reconstruction. You can still walk around, or explore the narrow paths around the mountain in the nature, while having a beautiful view of the city. If you don't want to climb, you can take bus nr. 27 from Móricz Zsigmond körtér. You may explore here the Garden of Philosophists, the waterfall, the cave temple, or have a good coffee or ice cream at Fuge delicat shop.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 4, 2024
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Carol A S
Marietta, GA4,202 contributions
May 2019
Gellért Hill is a 235m high limestone outcrop of the Buda Hills overlooking the Danube. It was named after Szent Gellért, who was thrown to death from a steep cliff; the Szent Gellért monument marks this spot on the northeast side of the hill. The Citadella (an 1849 Hapsburg fortress) and Liberty Statue (1947, commemorating Soviet victory in WW II) are at the top of the hill. Csúszdapark, with a children's playground, terraces and picnic tables is on high on the southern end. The art-deco Hotel Gellért and the Gellért Baths are on Gellért Square at the southeast foot of the hill, next to Szabadság (Liberty) Bridge. Gellért Hill Cave (containing the small Sziklatemplom church) faces the hotel near the Danube. The hill is largely forested parkland; several paved footpaths (stairs and streetlights) ascend the hill, offering panoramic views over the Danube, Elizabeth and Szabadsag bridges, Pest, and the hills beyond. Since 1987, the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of "the Banks of the Danube". The hill is a good place to watch sunrise and sunset; several hill monuments are beautifully lit at night and sparkle like jewels above the Danube river. Gellért Hill is accessible at all times with no entry fee.
Written March 12, 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
Walked up this hill to see the statues. It was a steep climb but with many view points on the way,we soon reached the top. It is well worth the climb as views over the city are amazing, especially as the sun sets.
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.
Ola
London, UK30 contributions
Jan 2020
A hike was quite challenging on slippery stairs but definitely worth it. Views from the top are breathtaking. You can see the whole city, especially beautiful after dark when it's all lit up. Make sure you have some cash with you if you want a drink as card machines don't really work.
Written January 22, 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.
InspirationSeeker
Athens, Greece265 contributions
Dec 2019
There is no doubt that the view from the hill is breathtaking and you can admire the whole city. However, you can admire a similar view from Buda Castle without spending time and effort reaching the hill. The statue is beautiful but you can probably admire it from the bottom of hill as well. Be careful of the tourist trap that some men have set - one man will encourage you to play a similar to three-card Monte and he will make you feel that you will win. However, I noticed that some people from the crowd around him they work with him to try to put pressure to tourists to bet a lot of money. AVOID HIM ! I witnessed some tourists losing a lot of money!
Written January 23, 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.
Rhonda S
Sydney, Australia54 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The walk up to Liberty Monument at the top of Gellért Hill does require an above average level of fitness but it’s well worth it. Take it slowly and stop numerous times to admire the emerging view! There are a variety of different paths to get to the top especially if you want to avoid too many steps! We were lucky to get there at sunset; the colours were beautiful as were the views both up the Danube to the Parliament Building and down to the new National Theatre and beyond. We came up one side of the hill (from Elizabeth Bridge) and headed down the other side to Liberty Bridge which the extensive network of pathways allowed you to do very easily. Well worth the effort of the walk up and it would be just as spectacular during the daytime as well
Written March 6, 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.
Everywhere Escapes
Middle East822 contributions
Aug 2019
Gellért Hill is the place to go for the best panoramic views of Budapest. From the top, you get unrivaled views the Danube river and both sides of the city- Buda and Pest. Depending on where you are in the city, one of the best to go there is by taxi and have the taxi driver wait while you explore, take in the views, and take amazing photographs. It's also worth a visit as it is listed as by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Written July 16, 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.
raymondf80
cork91 contributions
Jun 2022
To say reaching the top in 30 degrees of afternoon heat and humidity was a trek would be an understatement. To say I was more than delighted that I did, would also be an understatement. The views are spectacular. The views are spectacular. Panoramic. There is an energy about this place that is hard to explain. It almost feels like you become revitalised after every viewing point.
Written June 9, 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.
Aisling
Ireland7 contributions
Feb 2020
I was just walking down the street and we stumbled onto this hill by accident! The sights are breathtaking and its certainly an experience i wont forget! Its a little bit steep but its not too strenuous . The day we went it began to rain very heavily so we managed to hop on one of the red tour buses. Even despite the weather we had a great time. I would definitely recommend visiting!
Written July 29, 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.
ER
Bristol, UK20 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Excellent view but was a bit disappointed to find that after a steep 30 minute hike the monument was closed/blocked off due to construction works. There were no warnings about this at the start (or at any point) of the hike. The view was still worth it though, just don’t expect to get close to the statue until the construction works are complete.
Written April 9, 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.
Dream26270206130
27 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
What a fun hike!! Given, it’s a little slippery after the rain, not recommended for people with mobility issues. But you do get a nice viewpoint of the city and all it’s nice sights. There’s even a small playground half way up!!! We went when the top of the citadel was closed due to construction so that was a major bummer but the views of the city makes up for it.
Written April 9, 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.
John B
1 contribution
I want to go up and watch the sunset but I cant seem to find any information about getting down at night time other than if i walk its dark and dangerous. Is there another way to get down the hill (river side) ???
zoharimon
Yokneam Illit, Israel301 contributions
I don’t recommend to walk alone in the dark
Francesco D
Rome, Italy
La collina è sempre aperta(anche di sera quindi) oppure ha degli orari ?
Federico F
Rome, Italy341 contributions
Sempre aperta...
riapapa
Santorini, Greece
How long you need to walk to get there?
devils
Paphos, Cyprus450 contributions
There are quite a lot of stairs...from bottom to top it's about ten minutes or a quarter of one hour if you don't stop for a break and you go fast...
going slower it's about 20 minutes- half an hour...
juliacs1999
Calgary, Canada
Can anyone tell me the costs for admission into the Cave Church?
What are the times that it will be open for the summer of 2018?
Dorka77
Auckland Central, New Zealand96 contributions
I hope I'm right- it's opening hours are 9.30-7.30 but not sure about the price. Couple of years ago it was 500Ft (HUF)
claralaw0304
Hong Kong, China
Is it possible to drive up? Is there any parking area? If yes, what's the fee?
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,291 contributions
I believe you can drive up, but it might be restricted to taxis and public use vehicles. Ask at your hotel, because it is really quite a hike up. At the top, they do sell bottled water etc.
REKFROMCB
Matawan, NJ1 contribution
What is the elevation at the top of Gellert Hill?
moments
Yorkshire, UK6,141 contributions
Yes it is worth it. Everything in Budapest is worth it. Some of our best pics are from up there.
If you are fit enough you will be able to climb the steps, just take your time. Lovely views all the way.
We are both nearly 60 and walked everywhere in Budapest, we did not want to miss anything.
The only time we used transport was too and from the airport.
Budapest is fantastic.
We would go back.
Enjoy!
REKFROMCB
Matawan, NJ1 contribution
What is the elevation of Gellert Hill
Stephen W
Kippax, UK173 contributions
Not sure exactly a guess over 200 metres. I paced it walking up on the footpaths and it took what seamed like an hour, but I did take in the views on the way. Get the Berlitz guide book to Budapest as it gives tons of information.
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Claim your listingGellert Hill - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Gellert Hill
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Gellert Hill:
- Budapest Highlights Sightseeing Cruise (From $12.22)
- Summer Danube Brunch Cruise in Budapest (From $77.76)
- Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise (From $23.33)
- Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music (From $94.42)
- Evening Cruise on the Danube with Optional Drinks (From $20.00)
- Hotels near Gellert Hill:
- (0.01 mi) Hotel Citadella
- (0.32 mi) Hotel Vision Budapest
- (0.38 mi) Bohem Art Hotel
- (0.42 mi) Butterfly Home B&B
- (0.19 mi) Citadella Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Gellert Hill:
- (0.14 mi) Rudas Bistro
- (0.32 mi) Tapas Fino
- (0.32 mi) Baalbek - Lebanese Restaurant
- (0.39 mi) Hugo's Mexican Bar&kitchen
- (0.33 mi) Dionysos Taverna
- Attractions near Gellert Hill:
- (0.01 mi) Liberty Statue
- (0.08 mi) Citadel
- (0.13 mi) Rudas Baths
- (0.14 mi) Petofi Bridge
- (0.20 mi) Gellért Hill Cave