The Secret Garden in Buda: Where Parliament Meets Peace

Julia Kravianszky private tour guide in a secret garden of Budapest

Sometimes, the best views in Budapest don’t come with a crowd

Hidden above the city, tucked between trees and stone paths, there’s a quiet secret garden with a view that will stop you in your tracks — Mansfeld Péter Park.

Locals love it. Tourists rarely find it. And the short, romantic walk to get there makes the moment even more unforgettable.

A Walk Worth Taking to a secret garden

To reach this secret garden, you’ll follow a gentle hike through the winding streets of Buda. It’s not a difficult walk — but it feels like a storybook path, lined with quiet villas, staircases, and leafy alleys. It only takes about 15 minutes, but once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city far behind.

Why Mansfeld Péter Park Is So Special

Mansfeld Péter Park is more than just peaceful. It offers one of the most breathtaking and underrated views of the Hungarian Parliament — and unlike the popular spots in Pest, you won’t be surrounded by crowds or street noise. It’s a place where I love to finish my days to enjoy the quiet beauty of Budapest, not just the busy sights. Locals bring dogs. Couples bring wine. I bring stories.

Who Was Mansfeld Péter?

This hidden gem carries a powerful story. The park is named after Péter Mansfeld, one of the youngest heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He was just 18 years old when he was executed by the regime for his part in resisting Soviet forces.

There’s a simple but meaningful memorial here — and standing at the edge of the park, looking out toward Parliament, you feel the quiet presence of history.

From Your Guide

I sometimes end my private tours right here — especially if my guests are looking for something more peaceful, more personal, and more unforgettable. This is where Budapest whispers instead of shouts.
And I never leave without taking one last photo of the river.

Local Tip to explore a secret garden

Come in the late afternoon for the golden light — when the Parliament glows across the Danube and the trees rustle softly in the breeze. It’s ideal for couples, solo travellers, photographers, and anyone who just wants to pause and breathe.

Want to explore it with me?

This secret garden is one of many hidden gems I might include in my private Budapest tours — always custom-tailored to your pace, interests, and curiosity. If you want to see the quieter, more authentic side of Budapest — I’d love to guide you there. Contact me for more details about my private tours, or simply to ask a question. Let’s plan something unforgettable.

If you loved this quiet corner of the city, you might enjoy discovering even more green spaces, hikes, and hidden viewpoints. Check out this list of outdoor programs in Budapest. It’s a great way to plan your time between sightseeing and slow moments in nature.

 

Beautiful Budapest Perspectives: Fisherman’s Bastion

Some places are worth visiting over and over. This is one of them.

Fisherman’s Bastion is without a doubt one of the most photographed and iconic sights in Budapest. Perched high on Castle Hill, this fairytale-like terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament, and the entire Pest side of the city. Its whimsical turrets, staircases, and white-stone arches draw visitors from around the world — and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

What makes Fisherman’s Bastion truly special is how photogenic and inviting it is from every angle. Whether you’re capturing the early morning light, the towers framed by the neighbouring Matthias Church, or simply walking beneath its arches, each view offers something new. It’s one of those rare places that feels different every time you visit.

To fully experience this magical spot, I recommend joining my Buda Castle Walk — a private tour that explores the history, legends, and hidden corners of the castle district. If you prefer a broader look at the city that includes this highlight, my Full-Day Budapest Tour by Car also includes a scenic stop at Fisherman’s Bastion with plenty of time to explore. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more details or ideas!

Originally built in the late 1800s to celebrate 1,000 years of Hungary, the Bastion is more about beauty than battle — a tribute to the fishermen who once protected this stretch of the medieval walls. Today, it’s a peaceful, inspiring place to slow down and take in the soul of Budapest.

Personal tip: If you’d like to take photos like me, with no people in them, it’s best to visit early in the morning — it’s when the Bastion is at its quietest and most magical.

Curious about the Bastion’s story? This History Tools article dives deep into its medieval defense roots, the fishermen’s role, the Neo‑Romanesque design by Frigyes Schulek, and the significance of its seven symbolic towers.