A Must-See in Budapest: Buda Castle Funicular

The Buda Castle Funicular is one of those Budapest experiences that is both practical and charming — a short ride that connects the banks of the Danube with the historic heights of Castle Hill.

Since its opening in 1870, this small but iconic cable car has carried millions of passengers between the Chain Bridgeand the Royal Palace above. In just a few seconds, it offers sweeping views over the Danube and Pest, making the journey itself part of the sightseeing.

A bit of history

The Funicular was originally powered by steam and played an important role in everyday city life, helping residents and workers reach Castle Hill quickly. During the Second World War, it was almost completely destroyed.

When it was rebuilt decades later, it returned as an electric cable car, carefully designed to reflect its historic appearance while meeting modern standards. Today, it’s both a nostalgic landmark and a fully functioning part of Budapest’s transport system.

Film lovers may also recognise it from The Grand Budapest Hotel, where it appears briefly — a small but delightful cinematic connection.

How to include it in your visit

The Funicular is a lovely addition to a walk around Buda Castle, whether you’re exploring on your own or joining a Buda Castle Walking Tour, where it can be included as an optional extra depending on interest and timing.

It’s also a great standalone experience if you’re short on time but still want a memorable view.

An insider tip from a local guide

If you’d like to avoid long queues, don’t take the Funicular up to Castle Hill. Instead, walk up and use it for the descent, travelling from the Royal Palace down to the Chain Bridge. Lines are usually shorter — and the view is just as beautiful.

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Julianus and Gerhardus – Medieval Explorers in Stone

Among Budapest’s lesser-known statues, the monument to Julianus and Gerhardus stands out not for its size, but for the remarkable story it represents.

This sculpture is part of my ongoing Statues of Budapest series, which looks beyond famous monuments to uncover the ideas and journeys that shaped Hungarian identity.

Who were Julianus and Gerhardus?

Julianus and Gerhardus were Hungarian Dominican monks who, in the 13th century, set out on an extraordinary journey eastward. Their mission was to find Magna Hungaria — the ancestral territories where Hungarians were believed to have lived before beginning their long migration toward Europe.

Travelling thousands of kilometers, they reached regions near the Ural Mountains, documenting encounters with people believed to be related to the early Hungarians. At a time when travel was slow, dangerous, and uncertain, their journey was an astonishing feat of endurance and curiosity.

Why does this statue matter?

Unlike statues commemorating kings or battles, this monument celebrates knowledge, exploration, and cultural memory. Julianus and Gerhardus represent a desire to understand origins — to look backward in order to understand the present.

Their story reminds us that Hungarian history is not confined to the Carpathian Basin alone, but stretches far beyond it, across continents and centuries.

A quiet monument with a wide horizon

This statue is easy to overlook, yet it commemorates one of the most ambitious intellectual journeys of medieval Hungary. It invites reflection rather than admiration — and rewards those who pause to read its story.

In a city filled with grand architecture and dramatic monuments, Julianus and Gerhardus quietly point our attention outward, toward distant lands and deep historical roots.

Explore more: Julianus and Gerhardus are part of my Statues of Budapest collection, featuring famous monuments and overlooked sculptures that reveal the city’s layered identity.

Statue of Julianus and Gerhardus, medieval Hungarian monks, in Budapest
Statue of Julianus and Gerhardus, medieval Hungarian monks, in Budapest

 

The Hand of St. Stephen – Hungary’s Most Unusual Relic

St Stephen’s mummified hand hides one of the most unusual and powerful Budapest stories, preserved for over a thousand years inside St Stephen’s Basilica.

Hidden inside St. Stephen’s Basilica, behind gilded doors and soft candlelight, you’ll find one of Hungary’s most extraordinary and deeply symbolic treasures: the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king.

Who was St. Stephen?

St. Stephen (István király) was crowned in the year 1000 and became the founder of the Hungarian state and its Christian identity. His reign marked a turning point: Hungary officially joined Christian Europe, laying the foundations of the country we know today.

After his death, Stephen was revered as a saint — but the story of his right hand is anything but ordinary.

How did the mummified hand survive in Budapest?

Legend has it that when St. Stephen’s body was exhumed prior to his canonisation, his right hand and forearm were found miraculously preserved, while the rest of his body had decayed. This was interpreted as a divine sign.

The relic became known as the “Holy Right” (Szent Jobb) and, over the centuries, it travelled far beyond Hungary’s borders — hidden, stolen, rediscovered, and finally returned home.

Today, it rests in a dedicated chapel inside the Basilica, displayed in a richly decorated reliquary and illuminated like a jewel.

Seeing the Holy Right Hand of St Stephen today

Visitors to St. Stephen’s Basilica can still see the mummified hand up close. It’s not just a religious relic — it’s a powerful symbol of Hungarian history, identity, and continuity.

Even for non-religious visitors, the experience is striking. The silence, the atmosphere, and the sheer unexpectedness of seeing a thousand-year-old hand preserved in such detail often leave a lasting impression.

Visiting with a guide makes all the difference

The Basilica is included in many of my Budapest walking and driving tours, and the interior visit — including the Holy Right — is also possible. When you see the relic with a guide, the story behind it comes alive: the legends, the politics, and the very human history behind the saint.

Want to see it in person?

If you’d like to include St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Holy Right in your Budapest experience — whether on foot or by car — feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to tailor a tour that matches your interests and pace.

 

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Kalocsa tour

The reason why I love family researches a lot, is because it’s always a great experience to do the research and to find out more about my travellers’ relatives and family who were originally from Hungary. The other reason is that we usually go to beautiful Hungarian villages and towns to see where and how the family members lived 100 or 200 years ago.

Last week we visited the town of Kalocsa which isn’t just another cute little Hungarian town but it’s also famous for the local paprika. We went to see the local Paprika Museum to find out more about the most popular Hungarian spice.

 

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Carl Lutz Memorial in Budapest – Courage in the Jewish Quarter

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Dob utca in Budapest, near the lively Gozsdu Courtyard, stands a moving and quietly powerful monument: the Carl Lutz Memorial. It commemorates one of the most extraordinary humanitarian efforts in Budapest during the Second World War.

This statue is part of my ongoing Statues of Budapest series, which explores how public monuments reflect the city’s most difficult — and most meaningful — chapters.

Who was Carl Lutz?

Carl Lutz served as Vice-Consul of the Swiss Embassy in Budapest during the German occupation. Between 1942 and 1945, he used his diplomatic position, ingenuity, and moral courage to save tens of thousands of Hungarian Jewsfrom deportation and death.

By issuing protective documents, establishing safe houses, and repeatedly defying Nazi and Arrow Cross authorities, Lutz became one of the most effective rescuers in Holocaust history.

The meaning of the memorial

The Carl Lutz Memorial does not overwhelm with size or drama. Instead, it invites reflection. Placed in the heart of what was once the Jewish ghetto, its location is as important as the statue itself.

Here, remembrance is woven directly into everyday life — a reminder that courage and humanity existed even in the darkest moments of the city’s past.

Why this statue matters today

In a neighborhood now known for cafés, bars, and cultural life, the Carl Lutz Memorial anchors the Jewish Quarter in its historical reality. It asks visitors to pause, remember, and understand that the stories of survival here are real, personal, and recent.

This memorial often becomes one of the most meaningful stops on my Jewish Quarter walk, where we explore not only architecture and everyday life, but also the human stories behind the streets.

Explore more: The Carl Lutz Memorial is part of my Statues of Budapest collection, featuring monuments that reveal the city’s layered and often complex history.

Statue commemorating Carl Lutz, Swiss diplomat and Holocaust rescuer, in Budapest
Statue commemorating Carl Lutz, Swiss diplomat and Holocaust rescuer, in Budapest

 

Szentendre Light Festival

Szentendre is a little postcard village, one of the three villages we visit on the Danube Bend tour. It’s a very short drive from Budapest and is equally popular among tourists and locals.

This weekend was very special, the entire village was beautifully lit up for the Light Festival. A truly amazing end-of-the-summer wonderland.

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A Must-See in Budapest: Shoes on the Danube Bank

Walking along the Pest side of the Danube, just a few minutes from the Hungarian Parliament, you’ll come across one of the most powerful and moving memorials of Budapest: Shoes on the Danube Bank.

At first glance, the bronze shoes lining the riverbank may seem quiet, almost understated. But their silence speaks volumes.

A place of unimaginable loss

During the winter of 1944–1945, thousands of Hungarian Jews were murdered on this very spot by members of the Arrow Cross Party, the Nazi-aligned regime that ruled Hungary toward the end of World War II.

Victims were marched to the edge of the river, ordered to remove their shoes—valuable items at the time—and then shot. Their bodies fell into the icy Danube and were carried away by the current.

The memorial, created by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer, consists of 60 pairs of bronze shoes: men’s, women’s, and children’s. Each pair represents a life cut short, a family torn apart, a future that never came.

Why this memorial matters

What makes the Shoes on the Danube Bank so striking is its simplicity. There are no towering statues or dramatic inscriptions—just everyday shoes left behind, as if their owners might return at any moment.

Standing here, with the Danube flowing quietly beside you and the Hungarian Parliament Building in the background, history feels painfully close. It’s a place that invites reflection, remembrance, and empathy.

Visitors often leave flowers, stones, or candles in the shoes—small gestures of respect in a place where words often feel insufficient.

Visiting as part of a Jewish Quarter walk

I always recommend visiting this memorial as part of a broader exploration of Budapest’s Jewish history. On my Jewish Quarter walking tour, we place this site into context—connecting it with nearby locations, personal stories, and the wider history of the Jewish community in Budapest before, during, and after the Holocaust.

It’s not an easy stop, but it is an essential one.

If you want to understand Budapest beyond its beauty—its resilience, its scars, and its responsibility to remember—the Shoes on the Danube Bank is truly a must-see.

Full Day Budapest Private Walking Tour Full Day Budapest Private Walking Tour
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Holy Trinity Monument in Budapest – Gratitude After the Plague

Standing quietly in the heart of the Buda Castle District, near Matthias Church, the Holy Trinity Monument is one of Budapest’s most meaningful historical memorials. Rich in symbolism and emotion, it tells a story of survival, faith, and gratitude.

This monument is part of my ongoing Statues of Budapest series, which explores how public sculptures reflect the city’s deepest historical experiences.

A monument born from survival

The Holy Trinity Monument was erected in the early 18th century by survivors of the Black Plague, one of the most devastating epidemics in European history. After enduring unimaginable loss, those who lived wanted to give thanks — and to commemorate both survival and remembrance in a lasting form.

Plague columns like this one can be found across Central Europe, but the Budapest monument stands out for its location and artistic richness.

Symbolism carved in stone

At the center of the monument rises the Holy Trinity, surrounded by saints traditionally associated with protection against plague. Every figure and detail reflects fear, hope, and faith — emotions deeply felt by those who commissioned it.

Rather than celebrating victory or power, the monument speaks quietly of vulnerability and gratitude, reminding visitors how fragile life once was, and how deeply survival was valued.

Why the Holy Trinity Monument matters

Today, the monument blends almost seamlessly into the postcard-perfect surroundings of Buda Castle. Yet behind its beauty lies a powerful reminder of a time when faith and community were often the only sources of comfort.

It invites reflection — not only on Budapest’s past, but on resilience, memory, and the human need to give thanks after hardship.

Explore more: The Holy Trinity Monument is part of my Statues of Budapest collection, featuring monuments that reveal the city’s layered history, from playful street sculptures to deeply symbolic memorials.

Holy Trinity Column commemorating plague survivors in Budapest
Holy Trinity Column commemorating plague survivors in Budapest

 

Statues of Budapest: Famous, Hidden & Symbolic Sculptures

Budapest is full of statues. Some dominate grand squares and riverbanks, while others quietly occupy street corners, stairways, and promenades, waiting to be noticed. Together, they form an open-air museum that reflects Hungary’s history, myths, political turning points, and sense of humor.

Over the years, I’ve started paying closer attention to these sculptures while walking through the city — not as isolated sights, but as storytellers. Some are impossible to miss, others easy to overlook, yet all of them add depth to understanding Budapest beyond its famous landmarks.

This ongoing collection brings together some of the most interesting statues of Budapest: well-known monuments, playful surprises, and symbolic figures that reveal layers of the city many visitors never see.

Playful & Hidden City Statues

Not all statues in Budapest are solemn or monumental. Some of the city’s most beloved sculptures are informal, approachable, and often discovered by accident. These figures invite interaction, photographs, and sometimes a smile — offering a lighter side of Budapest’s urban landscape.

The Fat Policeman

A humorous bronze figure standing near St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Fat Policeman has become one of Budapest’s most photographed statues. Its relaxed posture and exaggerated form make it instantly recognizable, and it perfectly captures the city’s ability to mix history with irony.

Little Princess

Small in size but big in popularity, the Little Princess sits along the Danube promenade. Inspired by childhood imagination, this statue has become a favorite stop for walkers along the river.

Prince Buda and Princess Pest

This symbolic pair represents the two sides of the city before their unification. Often overlooked, the statue offers a charming reminder of how Budapest came to be.

Historical & Political Monuments

Many statues in Budapest carry much heavier stories. These monuments reflect key historical figures, political eras, and collective memories — sometimes celebratory, sometimes painful.

King Matthias

One of Hungary’s most revered rulers, King Matthias appears in several statues across Budapest. His legacy is closely tied to the country’s golden age and remains deeply embedded in national identity.

Count Gyula Andrássy

A central figure in 19th-century Hungarian politics, Andrássy’s statue reflects the era of reform, modernization, and the Austro-Hungarian Compromise.

Holy Trinity Monument

Found in Buda Castle, this richly decorated column commemorates survival and renewal after devastating plague epidemics. It is both a religious symbol and a historical document carved in stone.

Carl Lutz Memorial

This understated but powerful memorial honors the Swiss diplomat who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II. It stands as a reminder of moral courage during one of Budapest’s darkest periods.

Stalin’s Boots

All that remains of a once-colossal statue, Stalin’s Boots are among the most symbolic remnants of Hungary’s communist past. Their absence speaks louder than the monument ever did.

Mythical & Symbolic Figures

Some statues draw from legend, mythology, and abstract symbolism rather than specific historical events. These sculptures often blend pagan roots, national identity, and artistic interpretation.

Turul Bird

A mythical creature central to Hungarian origin legends, the Turul appears in multiple locations around the city. It represents strength, protection, and national mythology.

Sphinx

Unusual and unexpected, the Sphinx statue adds a touch of mystery to Budapest’s sculptural landscape. Its presence raises more questions than answers — part of its charm.

0 km Stone

Marking the point from which all road distances in Hungary are measured, the 0 km Stone is both symbolic and practical, quietly anchoring the country’s geography.

Lesser-Known Curiosities

Some statues remain largely unnoticed even by frequent visitors, yet they add richness to the city’s visual and cultural fabric.

Julianus and Gerhardus

This sculpture commemorates medieval monks whose journeys connected Hungary to distant lands. It is a reminder of the country’s early links to the wider European world.

Seeing Budapest Through Its Statues

Taken together, these statues reveal Budapest as a city shaped not only by kings and empires, but also by humor, memory, and symbolism. They reward those who slow down, look closer, and ask questions.

I often point out these sculptures while walking through the city, not as checklist sights, but as conversation starters — details that help make sense of Budapest’s layered past and vibrant present.

This page will continue to grow as more statues and stories are added, forming an evolving portrait of Budapest told through bronze, stone, and imagination.

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Must-See: The Upper Castle of Visegrád

If you are planning a day trip from Budapest, the Danube Bend is one of the most rewarding regions to explore — and the Upper Castle of Visegrád (Citadel) is without question one of its highlights.

The Danube Bend tour is one of my most popular private tours, as it combines three very different villages along the Danube River, each with its own character, history, and atmosphere. Among them, Visegrád stands out for its dramatic hilltop fortress and breathtaking panoramic views.

A Fortress Born After Invasion

Visegrád is best known for two historic sites: the Royal Palace and the Upper Castle, both part of a vast system of fortifications built in the 13th century. These defenses were constructed after the devastating Mongol invasion, when Hungary began reinforcing strategically important locations throughout the kingdom.

Perched high above the river, the Upper Castle was designed not only for defense, but also as a safe refuge. According to historical sources, its construction was financed by the wife of King Béla IV, and the site originally served as a place of protection and seclusion.

What You Can See Today

Today, visitors can walk among the impressive remains of the thick stone walls and towers, gaining a real sense of medieval military architecture. The climb up to the citadel is rewarded generously: from the top, the view over the Danube Bend is one of the most iconic panoramas in Hungary.

On a clear day, you can see the river making its dramatic curve between forested hills, with small towns and villages dotting the landscape below. It is an ideal spot for photography — and one of my favorite places to pause during a private tour.

Why Visit the Upper Castle of Visegrád?

  • One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Hungary

  • A key site for understanding medieval Hungarian history

  • Perfectly combined with nearby towns on a Danube Bend day trip

  • Easily accessible from Budapest, yet surrounded by nature

Visiting Visegrád on a Private Tour

The Upper Castle of Visegrád fits beautifully into a full-day Danube Bend itinerary. Visiting with a private guide allows you to move at your own pace, avoid unnecessary crowds, and understand the historical context behind what you are seeing — not just admire the view.

If you are interested in exploring Visegrád together with other highlights of the Danube Bend, this stop is an essential and unforgettable part of the journey.

Private Danube Bend Driving Tour from Budapest
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The 124-year-old Budapest metro

The first line of the Budapest underground was opened in 1896 and has transported tens of millions of passengers ever since. Most of the stops are authentic from the late 19th century with the colourful ceramic tiles and elaborate woodwork.

Taking the metro is like a time travel and I’m sure you’ll all enjoy it.

 

Sounds of Budapest: Organ recital in the Matthias Church

My new passion is to collect the sounds of Budapest, recording local music all over the city. This is the first recording of my collection, we were extremely lucky to hear a short organ recital in the Matthias Church of the Buda Castle district.

Organ recital in the Matthias Church of Budapest

My Instagram

I try to publish beautiful pictures of my beautiful Budapest as often as I can, still, I don’t think I reach many people via my Instagram feed. Never mind, this is the selection of my favourite pictures in 2019.

 

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Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2020

Lonely Planet has just published a list of the “Best destinations, journeys and sustainable travel experiences” for 2020. I am very proud, because Budapest is listed among 10 destinations in total, we’re number 2. It’s a great achievement, I only wish they didn’t include “Budapest is one of the most rewarding on your pocket” as I don’t want travellers to visit Budapest because it’s cheap. Come and see my city, because it’s beautiful! 🙂

Statues of Budapest: the Fat Policeman

Nestled just a stone’s throw from St. Stephen’s Basilica on Zrínyi Street, the whimsical Fat Policeman statue—affectionately known as Uncle Karl—stands guard over the cobblestones of the bustling city centre of Budapest. Cast in bronze by sculptor Illyés András and unveiled in 2008, he’s dressed in a nostalgic early‑20th‑century uniform complete with a jaunty helmet and a twirly moustache. His rotund, friendly figure instantly catches the eye, and true to local superstition, his belly has become gloriously polished from the countless tourists who rub it for good luck and loosing weight—and perhaps the gift of guilt-free indulgence in Hungarian cuisine.

This monument is part of my ongoing Statues of Budapest series, which explores how meaning in this city is often hidden in plain sight.

Those seeking romance often reach up to stroke his moustache, a gesture believed to bring good fortune in love. Over the years, his well-worn features have become a testament to thousands of hopeful wishes.

Though officially titled the “Guardian of Order,” the statue’s more playful nickname speaks to its charm and the warm-hearted humor woven into Budapest’s cultural tapestry. Anecdotal measurements suggest he stands about 1.7 m tall—just over five and a half feet—making him approachable and almost lifelike in scale. He’s become a selfie magnet and a lighthearted must-see for visitors wanting to balance architectural grandeur with a bit of street‑art whimsy

By blending nostalgia, folklore, and everyday joy, the Fat Policeman encapsulates the spirit of Budapest: historical depth with a side of light-heartedness. Whether you’re capturing him in a snapshot, giving his belly a good rub, or simply pausing to admire his cheery posture, Uncle Karl offers a delightful pause in the rhythm of urban exploration—and perhaps a sprinkle of good fortune to boot.

Explore more: The 0 km Stone is featured in my Statues of Budapest collection, where famous monuments and easily overlooked details reveal the deeper structure of the city.

The Fat Policeman statue in Budapest, a playful bronze street sculpture
The Fat Policeman statue in Budapest, a playful bronze street sculpture

 

Looking back at 2019

With over 250 tours I delivered last year I can’t tell how fortunate I am to show my travellers around the city and the country I love the most. This is my home, my birthplace and I’m looking forward to introducing it to even more people in 2020!

I’ve just had a look at which my most popular tours were last year:

  • “THE GRAND BUDAPEST” WALK: a great introduction of Budapest to first time visitors or travellers who only have one day to see the main highlights and some of the hidden gems.
  • JEWISH QUARTER WALK: including the visit of the world’s second largest synagogue and a walk in the ghetto which is today the Soho of Budapest with great cultural and creative vibes.
  • BUDAPEST FOODIE TOUR: as I also work for a Hungarian food magazin, I’m really happy to take you to local markets and little artisan food shops and to make sure you taste all the great Hungarian treats.
  • EGER AND WINE TOUR BY CAR: we love our wines and we love our wine countries, Eger, the postcard-like Baroque little town is famous for the Bull’s Blood, the great Hungarian red wine. 
  • A DAY IN TOKAJ WINE COUNTRY: another day trip, another tour to a beautiful wine region. I love Tokaj and the Tokaj wines and I hope that my travellers who picked this tour in 2019 loved it just as much as I did.

Happy New Year 2020!

Happy New Year! My wish for the new year is to show around my beautiful Budapest as many happy travellers as in the previous years.

Hungarian Strudel

Hungarian strudel is one of those pastries that quietly wins everyone over — and it’s always a favourite on my Foodie tours in Budapest.

Many visitors arrive already knowing Apfelstrudel from Austria or Germany, but the Hungarian version has its own character. The dough is stretched paper-thin, the fillings are generous but never heavy, and the result is not too sweet, just perfectly balanced.

Whether filled with apples, cherries, poppy seeds, or cottage cheese, strudel is a wonderful example of our home-style baking. You can taste it in traditional pastry shops — or, if you’re curious, even try making it yourself and experience the magic of stretching the dough until it’s almost transparent.

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Ice skating in Budapest

Budapest in the winter is rather grey and foggy. Also, it’s very cold, so there are only a few outdoor programs locals enjoy doing from early December to the end of February. One of those programs is ice skating in the City Park, it’s great fun and the ice skating rink is usually very busy on weekends.

 

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