Here is another Budapest attraction that I see almost every day, thanks to all the Budapest tours that you’re booking with me. Have a look at how the Fisherman’s Bastion looks like in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
I’m posting a lot about the Fisherman’s Bastion, not only because it’s very unique and beautiful, but also, because this is probably the most popular tourist attraction of Budapest. Thousands of people are taking pictures here every day, sometimes you have to wait in line to get a good spot. The line to buy tickets to go to the upper level – that I highly recommend – is usually long, but you can skip the line buying your tickets online. When time permits I take my travellers to the very top to enjoy the views.
It’s very rare to see the Fisherman’s Bastion deserted, with only a very few people around, but I was lucky this week to be the only one on top of Budapest.
This is probably the number one Instagram spot in Budapest, a cool place to take your selfie when you visit my beautiful city. It’s usually very crowded and sometimes you have to wait to get to the best photo spot but there are times of the day when it’s really quiet and you can have it all for yourself. Visiting the Fisherman’s Bastion is part of my Buda Castle walk and can be included in the itinerary of other tours as well.
The fairytale castle-like lookout terrace built to replace the medieval town walls of Buda overlooks the Pest side and the Parliament building in particular. Famous of its panoramic views and the 7, richly ornate towers symbolizing the seven Hungarian tribes who conquered the actual territories of Hungary in 896.
Named after the Fishermen of Buda, who had the task to protect this segment of the town walls in the Middle Ages, it really is one of the most beautiful highlights of any Budapest driving or walking tour.
FULL-DAY BUDAPEST TOUR BY CAR (Customised for 5 people)
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FULL-DAY BUDAPEST TOUR BY CAR
Join the most comprehensive and personal Budapest tour! I would like to show you the Budapest where I grew up, the Budapest that I think
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7 hours
One of my favourite moments of the day is when the street lights of Budapest are switched off just a few minutes before sunrise. Eventually the best place to film it from is the very top of the Fisherman’s Bastion.
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!
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I woke up early this morning and witnessed a most unique moment: the sun rising up over the beautiful buildings of Pest. It was just a few seconds but made my entire day.
Tip: the best location in Budapest to watch sunrise is the top of the Fisherman’s Bastion (I took the video and the picture from there) or the top of Gellért hill.