Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, the Castle District of Budapest dates back more than 700 years. King Bela IV staked his claim here so that he could ward off the attacks of the Mongols on his people. The palace was destroyed and rebuilt 6 times through the centuries. 
The Castle District today includes a palace, a striking church, the Fishermen’s Bastion, ordinary streets and hotels and cafes, and so much more to see. If you are staying in the Pest side of Budapest, you can cross the Danube on the Chain Bridge, either walking across or taking a bus, and end up directly in front of the Castle District.
The Palace
Here’s the first fascinating sight we encountered after walking over the Chain Bridge.
You have a choice of walking up a steep hill, climbing steps, or riding a funicular up to castle level. The funicular has two cars in constant motion up and down the hill. You can see over the river to the Pest side of the city as you climb. And the ride is fun! 
Arriving at the top of the hill, the palace is to the left. We got there before it was open, so we walked around outside the buildings. 
We ran out of time and we didn’t get back to the palace later in the day when it was open. The palace includes two museums, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Castle Museum. We hope to return some day to see more of the palace. We did see these Medieval ruins right outside the gate. 
Matthias Church
Turning the other way from the river, we explored the twisty, delightful lanes of the Castle District. We soon came to Holy Trinity Square and gazed up at the imposing neo-Gothic Matthias Church. Parts of Matthias Church are 500 years old, though the building you see today was completed in 1896. Take your time marveling at the multicolored tile roof and the spires of various styles. 
Fishermen’s Bastion
On the river side of the square is the popular Fishermen’s Bastion. I was confused about what this is until I visited it. It’s a neo-Gothic structure named for the guild responsible for defending this part of Buda from intruders. Seven white turrets along the walls represent the Magyar tribes that were here in the 800s.
You really can feel you are in a fairy tale at Fishermen’s Bastion. And it affords amazing views of the Danube and the Pest side of the city. This is my favorite of all the features of the Castle District.
The Streets of the Castle District
Along the streets of the Castle District are shops and cafes — and lots of life and color. We stopped for lunch, and my sandwich came complete with a Hungarian flag.
Sandor Palace
On our way out of the Castle District, we found the residence of the president of the Republic, complete with guards to rival Buckingham Palace. We missed the changing of the guards ceremony, but I read that it is quite a complicated affair. This neoclassical building goes by the nickname, “The White House.”
The Views
We took our time walking back down the hill to the Danube. Bridges over the funicular allow you to stand looking out at the Chain Bridge and enjoy the views. 
PIN IT FOR LATER! 
43 Comments
Wow! These photos are gorgeous! I definitely want to visit Budapest. It wasn’t on my short list until about 6 months ago. The architecture is so beautiful, and it seems like a magical place. The white castle in your post is dreamy…
Magnificent views from an amazing capital city. Budapest really knows how to charm you, and the images here are excellent! Hope you enjoyed that sandwhich.. and got to keep the little flag! 🙂
That is just stunning!
I want to go back to Budapest!
A beautiful post with such amazing architecture!
So beautiful!!
Wow – so impressive and beautiful!
Wow. And WOW. Amazing.
Thanks for sharing your lovely photos at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/10/currituck-beach-lighthouse.html
Such a beautiful city! Thanks for sharing!
It is all so beautiful
Mollyx
Lovely photos, I’d like to go there!
I would be in heaven in this district–I love Gothic architecture and it looks like there is plenty of it here. Those colorful tiled roofs are beautiful! I hope I can see them for myself someday. #citytripping
I still can’t believe I haven’t made it to Budapest yet! I’ve heard so many great things, and your pictures are giving me serious wanderlust! I especially love the detail on the roof of the palace. Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely keep these places in mind when I’m finally able to visit. #citytripping
Such incredible architecture and wonderful views. It looks like a great place to visit.
#WanderfulWednesday
The tiles on the Matthias Church are to die for. Just so beautiful. And if there is a funicular to take, I’m always going to take that option. Not because I can’t walk up, but because they’re so fun! I mean – it’s called a FUN-icular! I truly would love to see this city. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, cheers from Copenhagen.
love the Fisherman’s bastion! Budapest is such a great city for a city break:) #farawayfiles
Ohh man I really wish I’d had this post before we went to Budapest last year, and that I’d actually made time to explore this area of the city. It was so hot and we were so overwhelmed when we were in Budapest. I’d love to go back!!
When we visited we stayed at the Hilton right next to Fisherman’s Bastion. So we had lots of time to explore Castle Hill which was sooo amazing! We found it all so interesting, especially the history! #FeetDoTravel
The castle is quite impressive. I wonder if the 6 previous buildings that stood on the site were as stout as this castle appears to be. I’d like to stroll in this city.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Wow – stunning buildings and shots!
Wow, the Castle District in Budapest looks wonderful. Ohh, I so badly want to visit Budapest but it seems there is never the right time to do it.
Budapest is my favorite city in Europe, Sharon, and Castle District is where I fell in love with it. I don’t know if I told you before, but my husband is Hungarian. When he first took me to Budapest I was head over hills with the city. Lovely pictures! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Everything looks so dreamy. What beautiful architecture. I love how colorful everything is. Funiculars are one of my favorite forms of transportation, so I know I would enjoy that. Thanks for sharing such great information. I can’t wait to visit Budapest one day. #WeekendWanderlust
Budapest is one of my FAVOURIE cities in Europe and your beautiful photos brought back some wonderful memories.
Thank you!!!
#feetdotravel
Budapest is definitely on my ever-growing list, I’ve heard so many good things about this City. Check out that steep funicular, I may have to either walk up the steep steps (hate the walking down though) or close my eyes on this ride haha. #feetdotravel
Ooh! We LOVE castles, and this is gorgeous! The palace is one thing, but can you imagine living/working in the Castle District and seeing these views every day? We’d be in heaven! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard. You’ve got us eager to go!
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Oh Budapest is crazy beautiful!
We visited pest last year, and I have to say that it was my all time favorite destination for 2018 🙂
Budapest is one of my favourite cities. Loved walking around the Castle District. Never used the funicular, that looks quite impressive too.
Your pictures are amazing. I especially like all the colorful pictures in the castle market streets. All the red chilis on display make for a pretty photo!
I cant wait to visit Europe. All the old historic buildings and architecture are just incredible, and not something you can see often here in the USA.
Feniculars are a fun way to travel. They have one in Istanbul that we’ve ridden a few times. Would love to find my way to that part of the world to explore this beautiful city. Thanks for the inspiration.
Wonderful post! I love Hungary, and of course, Budapest is the highlight! Your pictures are amazing and tell a great story of Budapest. Did you get to try some of Hungarian delicacies?
Wow, great shots. I remember my trip to Budapest and even if it was too short I enjoyed it so much. Thanks for bringing back my memories.
Really interesting information and wonderful photos. Budapest is a city that should be high on any list of European cities to visit. Thank you for this!
I love the photos! They make me want to visit Budapest. Great post.
Nice walkthrough! Something about one of those castles reminds me a bit of Sintra in Portugal, interesting!
Your pictures are really good. I just love visiting old castles and churches. that sandwich – yum!
I had a fleeting visit to Budapest this summer waiting for a flight connection. So my visit to the castle was fly-by. I missed so much! I really need to go back there just so spend some decent time around the city. The roof of that castle/church is beautiful, certainly looks Russian.
You have such beautiful photos of Budapest and the City seems so captivating. Love the architecture!
So much history to explore – beautiful photos thank you!
This is so well put together. The images are stunning and I feel like I was right there walking with you.