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.

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.

COVID-19 Update from Budapest

As of today there are 3892 COVID-19 cases in Hungary and 527 people died. This means that the numbers haven’t increased much since the restrictions were lifted about two weeks ago.

That’s again a very good sign showing that hopefully we might leave the pandemic behind us soon and we can start travelling again. Fingers crossed 🙂

It’s also safe to say that Hungary and the neighbouring countries were not as badly affected as other European countries, it might be safer to travel to Hungary than to Italy, France or England. And of course, private tours are much safer than any other group tour.

Restaurants and bars, most of the shops reopened but the touristy places are still deserted and it literally breaks my heart. It’s so sad to see that places that are usually packed with people talking a hundred different languages are practically empty even now.

I don’t know when travel bans will be lifted and when tourists can finally come to my beautiful Budapest but I’m very optimistic and excited. Also, I’m putting together the social distancing tours, they will be uploaded once travelling is safe again. In the meantime, I’m still offering my popular virtual tours.

  • Sunset virtual Buda Tour
  • Sunset virtual Buda Tour
  • Budapest by night virtual tour

18th of May: restrictions lifted in Budapest

We’ve been in self isolation for 9 weeks and I have to admit it’s a very long time. But it’s over for now, restrictions are lifted, shops, public areas, parks, restaurants and cafés reopened. We can even go to outdoor swimming pools, museums and the zoo, too. Social distancing measures will continue to apply and it remains compulsory to wear a mask in shops and on public transport in Budapest.

As of today the number of COVID-19 cases in Hungary is 3535 and 462 people died. These numbers are significantly lower than in many Western and Southern European countries, we can’t tell why but think it’s because Hungary was literally locked down very early, on the 16th of March.

We still don’t know when it will be safe to travel again but can’t wait to open our borders to all travellers when it’s safe again!!

Don’t forget, Budapest is waiting for you and of course I won’t stop offering virtual tours:

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

COVID-19 Update from Budapest

As of today there are 3035 COVID-19 cases in Hungary and 351 people died.

Today is a very special day, because we’re moving to the second phase of easing out of restrictive measures. That might be the light at the end of the tunnel we’ve been hoping for for over two months now.

The good news is that life is slowly returning to normal in the countryside, restaurants and cafés reopened, movement restrictions remained in force only in Budapest and Pest county.

Also, Budapest Airport is gradually restarting passenger services and more and more airlines restart their flights to and from Budapest, mostly from other European cities. You’ll find here all details about the rules of entry to Hungary.

I’d like to finish this post with a personal note. May is my favourite month and I think that’s when Budapest is the most beautiful. I really miss real tours and I’m so sorry that travellers from all around the world can’t see this beautiful city with all the bright colours and lights. I’m showing you as much as possible on my ON-THE-SPOT tours, feel free to ask for a customised tour!

My COVID-19 Diary

This is the end of the month of April, this time of the year I’m usually very busy with tours as Budapest is magnificent in the spring months. This year is different, I can only deliver virtual tours, I can only show you my beautiful Budapest on the screen of your laptop or tablet. 

As of today the situation in Hungary is still much better than in other European countries. There are 2583 registered cases (probably more but testing here is not as good as in other countries) and 280 people died. We’re in self isolation and can only go out to work, to do grocery shopping or to help relatives. This is the 7th week of self isolation.

I cannot tell you how much I miss travellers and the busy streets of Budapest. I’m devastated to see the deserted streets, cafés and restaurants. But as for now, it’s safer to stay home.

However, I think that summer months will bring us relief and there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that with social distancing we’ll be able to deliver some tours. I know that group touring will not possible but that’s maybe a good time for all travellers to try private tours. I’ll offer some special tours once it’s safe to do so, and people who visit my beautiful city will definitely have the most amazing Budapest experience.

I hope to see you soon!!

These are the empty streets of my beautiful Budapest:

VIRTUAL TOURS: Communist Budapest Virtual Tour

Actually, this tour was suggested by one of my travellers, he and his family were mostly interested in our communist history. I customized a 1-hour online tour for them with the virtual visit of the House of Terror Museum and they liked it very much, so this tour is now available on my website.

This tour gives you a comprehensive overview of the Hungarian history in the second half of the 20th century. With a lot of footage and photos from the archives you get a better understanding of our life under Communism. Also, visiting virtually several exhibition halls of the House of Terror Museum makes it a full online experience.

Just like all of my other tours, this one is live and private too, and is fully customizable. Feel free to ask me for more details, or book online!

Virtual Tours: ONLINE FAMILY RESEARCH – ANCESTRY TOUR

This has always been one of my most popular tours. I understand that it’s still very important for a lot of people to find out more about their family and ancestry.

As many people have to cancel their trips to Hungary, I have cancellations for ancestry tours, too. But I’ve collected a lot of information the last few years so I thought I’d still offer the online version of the tour.

Feel free to contact me for further details or send me all available information so that I can put together your family tree and all additional information that might give you an idea about how and where your relatives lived hundreds of years ago.

Virtual Tours: ON-THE-SPOT VIRTUAL BUDAPEST TOUR

To be honest, this is my favourite tour these days. I know that it’s difficult to break the monotony of self isolation, all I can offer is an in-depth visit of a specific neighbourhood of Budapest, great stories, and a truly private tour.

You see through my camera what I see: my beautiful Budapest. From the comfort of your armchair you can take a virtual walk around the Parliament building on the Pest side of the Danube river or the magnificent Royal Palace in Buda. You see on your screen all the major attractions and can ask any question you’d like to, as if you were really touring with me around the city that I love the most and I know the best.

You can book 1 or 2 hours and see as much as possible. While you’re on a tour, you’re also supporting Budapest tourism industry devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feel free to contact me for further details or book online! I promise to deliver a special tour customised according to your interests and preferences.

Virtual Tours: the Virtual Budapest Tour

When I delivered this tour for the first time, I was afraid that technology might trick me or the virtual tour will not be as enjoyable as the real tours. I wasn’t right.

There are so many ways to present my beautiful Budapest to travellers! I have a lot of amazing stories and great pictures and videos to share with you. We usually use Google Street View to take a virtual walk around the city and that helps travellers to have a better understanding of my city.

All the virtual tours are private tours, for you and your family or friends, only. This is a great opportunity to ask all the questions you have, to see all the attractions you’d like to and to enjoy sightseeing from the comfort of your armchair.

It’d be great if I could show you everything live. But, in the meantime, feel free to book this tour, again, you’re not just helping me but you’re also supporting my colleagues in the Budapest tourism industry. I know sometimes self isolation is depressing, try to find some fun and try to find some time to see places you’ve never seen before, like my very beautiful Budapest.

Stay home, stay safe and I hope to see you virtually very soon!!

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