Re-Post: A walk around the Buda Castle District

I’ve decided to share this blogpost originally from 2016 because my experience is that the Buda Castle District of Budapest is the most popular choice for the virtual tours. Most of the attractions below are to be seen during the tour and I’m happy to discuss the special architecture, culture and traditions of this beautiful neighbourhood. Feel free to contact me for further details on live or virtual tours!

The Buda Castle district is the oldest part of Buda, many of the buildings are originally from the Middle Ages. Buda became the capital of Hungary by the middle of the 13th century, the castle and the medieval town were constructed in the top of the Castle hill.

I don’t want to disappoint you but The Castle district is not a real castle. The Hungarian Medieval castle, residence of many of our great kings, constructed in Gothic and Renaissance architectures was destroyed in the 17th century. Only some parts of it are accessible in the Budapest History Museum, unfortunately the rest of the castle rest in the ground now.

You can walk up the hill along the ramparts of the Medieval Castle to get to the 18th century Baroque Palace which houses the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery. The cobblestoned streets of the historical old town of Buda lead you to the Matthias Church, one of the oldest churches of the city originating from the 13th century. If you have some time, you really need to climb the 197 stairs to the church tower from where you can have the best view over our beautiful city.

From the top of the Fisherman’s Bastion you can enjoy the panorama over the Parliament building and the Pest side.

Continue your walk in the civilian town, admire the unique architecture of the National Archives and wonder around the old Jewish quarter. Probably the most interesting fact about the distric is that there is a 12 km long underground cave and cellar complex underneath the Castle District. There are 2 museums where you can discover this unique labyrinth. The Hospital in the Rock was a military hospital during WW2 and a nuclear bunker during the Communist era. The Labyrinth museum is all about scary fun and you might also meet Dracula, the infamous vampire count.

I’d be glad to show you the famous attractions and the hidden treasures of the neighborhood, too, book the Buda Castle walk!

  • The Buda Castle Garden Bazaar. Buda Castle Walk - Buda Walking Tour
  • Buda Castle District. Buda Castle Walk - Buda Walking Tour
  • Buda Castle District. Buda Castle Walk - Buda Walking Tour
  • Buda Castle District. Buda Castle Walk - Buda Walking Tour
  • The National Archives, Buda Castle District. Buda Castle Walk - Buda Walking Tour
  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Castle Walk - Buda Walking Tour
  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Walking Tour - Private Buda Castle Walk by Julia Kravianszky.
  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Walking Tour - Private Buda Castle Walk by Julia Kravianszky.
  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Walking Tour - Private Buda Castle Walk by Julia Kravianszky.

Statues of Budapest: Turul bird

I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest.

The Turul bird is one of the national symbols of Hungary, as it was a Hungarian falcon that had led our ancestors to the actual territories of Hungary in 896. The statue is at the upper station of the Buda Castle funicular.

COVID-19 update, new rules on entering and leaving Hungary

Most of the inquiries I’m getting these days are about information on how one can enter Hungary in light of the spreading of COVID-19. It seems to me that the general information available online is mostly in Hungarian and it’s not exactly easy to understand for most of travellers.

So, here are the latest news and latest rules for you.

The government of Hungary has been applying a colour-based categorisation depending on how serious the spreading of the virus is in the country of origin since the 15th of July. The three colours are green, yellow and red and it determines the rules of entry to Hungary. In case of transfer passengers the country of origin is applicable.

Travellers arriving from GREEN countries are:

  • allowed to enter Hungary without restrictions,
  • if they have symptoms of the infection within 14 days after entry, then they can’t leave their actual residence, and must notify the epidemiological authority immediately.

Travellers arriving from YELLOW countries:

  • have to undergo medical examination upon entry
  • if there is a suspicion of infection, the travellers are not allowed to enter Hungary
  • if no such suspicion arises, travellers are allowed to enter, but it is mandatory for them to go to home quarantine for 14 days.
  • no quarantine is needed if travellers have 2 negative SARS COVID tests (in English or in Hungarian) that were taken consecutively within 48 hours of each other and up to 5 days prior to entering Hungary

Travellers arriving from RED countries are not allowed to enter Hungary in passenger traffic.

The good news is that the spreading of the virus in Hungary is still under control and we don’t see sudden increase in the number of infections. As of today there are 4,465 registered cases and 596 people died.

I’d say that it’s still relatively safe to visit Budapest and visit Hungary, if you do so, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to book a private social distancing friendly tour, 100% safe, 100% fun. If you decide to stay at home, I’m still here to offer you a virtual experience.

New Social Distancing Tour: Private Driving Tour to the postcard village of Szentendre

I’m posting a lot of pictures of Szentendre on my Instagram, this is such a lovely little town and is only a 30-minute drive from Budapest. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

I’m currently putting together an itinerary of a few tours for a traveller’s request in September and got the idea to include a countryside tour in my Social Distancing tours. So, here it is, 100% safe and social distance friendly, a private driving tour to Szentendre.

My Szentendre tour is a great combination of history, architecture and culture, the Baroque style little town that has inspired many generations of Hungarian painters and sculptors.

The village has a really unique Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning Baroque architecture. Its charm is due to its colorful houses and cobblestoned streets. The town is full of art galleries, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. We’ll see beautiful Baroque architecture, small shops and the sweet Marzipan museum. You’ll have a magnificent view over the city from the top of the church hill and will witness 1000 years of history and culture. You’ll also have the option to taste some local treats or coffee and to do some souvenir shopping.

Thank you

This is a very personal note as I think it’s time to say THANK YOU. It’s hard for me to express my gratitude for everything I’ve been given these last four months.

I truly appreciate the kind words, support, phone calls, virtual tours and cooking classes, donations and all the great advice I’ve gotten so far. Thank you for postponing the tours instead of cancelling them. Thank you for booking tours in 2021, my calendar is filling up fast and I’m very happy. This is actually giving me more trust and strength to continue and to give the very special Budapest experience to all my travellers.

I know that for most of you travelling to Europe is not possible right now so I’m still offering virtual tours. Also, I’m certain that in the not very far future we’ll meet in person, we’ll shake hands and we’ll walk together around my Beautiful Budapest.

  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Walking Tour - Private Buda Castle Walk by Julia Kravianszky.
  • Budapest, Buda Castle District, Buda Walking Tour - Private Buda Castle Walk by Julia Kravianszky.

Statues of Budapest: 0 km stone

I’m starting a new series to introduce you the most famous statues of Budapest and some of the hidden gems, too. These are the beautiful monuments of Budapest we usually see on our walking or driving tours in Buda and Pest.

The 0 km stone symbolises the centre of Hungary. It’s near the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, at the funicular. All the road distances in Hungary are measured from here.

Beautiful Budapest on Facebook

Ok, the timing might not be ideal. But. I originally created a Facebook profile for my tour guiding services some 5 years ago but I never really had time to take care of it and to publish enough interesting content. Now that I only deliver virtual tours obviously I have more time to work on my tours and profiles and uploaded some pictures and information.

I’ll try to post as often as I can so that you can learn more on my beautiful city and country:

Please like, share, comment, send me messages, so that I can see that you’re checking back on what’s new in Beautiful Budapest!

Social Distancing Tours

I know that these last 3-4 months have been extremely difficult for many of us. I delivered my first virtual tour on the 20th of March and haven’t had a real, live tour ever since. I love virtual tours and I think travellers that booked any of them all had a very special experience.

But. I need personal connection, I need instant reactions, I need to see and hear my travellers.

As of last Wednesday our borders are open to the citizens of the EU and some other countries. I don’t see many actual tourists yet but hopefully this will change soon. It was time for me to create my Social Distancing Tours.

Rules are very simple:

  • Tours are maximum 3 hours long
  • Only walking and driving tours are available, we don’t use public transportation
  • Travellers, tour guide (and driver) are required to wear a mask for the length of the tour
  • No inside visit of the monuments, attractions, museums
  • No coffee or lunch break together
  • Maximum number of travellers on the tour shouldn’t exceed 4 people

I hope I’ll have the chance to finally meet real people and to show them around the city that I love the most. I hope that this is just the beginning and very slowly life will get back to normal, if you still remember what normal is 🙂

Budapest Cafés: The Book Café

The golden age of the famous coffeehouses of Budapest was at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. However, we see now the renaissance of the coffeehouse and coffee culture. We try to see different coffeehouses on our foodie tours so that travellers can sample the best Hungarian coffee and cakes.

Book Café has always been a special place, hidden in a modern 20th century department store on Andrássy avenue. Unfortunately the building and the coffeehouse are both closed now and we don’t know yet when they reopen.

Virtual Cooking Class: new additions to the list of available dishes

This is a really great experience, cooking with all of you online, teaching you how to prepare the best Hungarian dishes. I can’t remember the last time I used as much paprika as I did these last couple of weeks.

Thank you everyone for booking this tour with me and thank you for your enthusiasm! Also, I’m grateful for the inspirations, that’s why I was able to add more recipes. Now we can make together Flódni, which is probably the most famous Hungarian-Jewish cake with four delicious layers: poppy seed, walnut, plum jam and apple.

I’m also looking forward to cook more vegetable and cold fruit soups the next couple of weeks. Book a tour now, so that you can enjoy the great Hungarian dishes!

1
2
3
4
…
6