Buda Castle: Tickets and Tours

The crowning jewel of Budapest, Buda Castle is a 13th-century fortification that features a remarkable cave complex, and houses some of the most intriguing attractions in the city. This grand palace was once the home of the most renowned kings of Hungary and is now open for visitors to explore.

Purchasing Buda Castle tickets is a must for anyone planning a city break to Budapest, whether your interests lie in history, culture, photography or art.

Here's all you need to know about Buda Castle, one of the most exciting attractions in Budapest.

How much do Buda Castle tickets cost?

Buda Castle tickets are free for everyone, making this an accessible attraction for all visitors to Budapest. However, the site organizers do offer a range of guided tours, which you can book if you wish to discover more than you would by wandering the castle alone.

Budget castle tour

This 2-hour tour visits Buda Castle courts, as well as Fisherman’s Bastion. You’ll also see Matthias Church from the outside.

• Adults:€12
• Children under 13: €6

3-in-1 castle tour

This is a private experience, during which you’ll discover the above highlights, as well as participate in both a funicular ride above the city and a cruise along the Danube River.

This tour takes place twice a day and the prices vary depending on whether you purchase your Buda Castle guided tour for the morning or the afternoon. Excursions that take place in the morning are slightly cheaper, and all prices are per person.

• 1 guest: €258 - €263
• 2 guests: €158 - €163
• 3 guests: €138 - €138
• 4 guests: €118 - €123-
• 5 - 7 guests: €98 - €103
• 8+ guests: €88 - €93

Buda Castle and Matthias Church tour

On this tour, you’ll discover a wealth of attractions on Castle Hill, as well as Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, which you’ll also explore the interior of.

• Adults: €49
• Children aged 3-12: €25

Private Buda Castle tour

Alternatively, you can choose to participate in a private tour of Buda Castle in a variety of ways, from walking tours to segway or bike excursions. These trips vary in price, depending on both group size and your chosen method of transportation, beginning at €40 per head.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Students receive a small discount of €2 each on Matthias Church plus Buda Castle tours.

What are the best Buda Castle tours?

Castle District walking tour

You’ll begin your Budapest walking tour by admiring the Gothic facade of Matthias church — a Roman Catholic construct that was originally built in the 11th century in a Romanesque style and transformed in the 14th century. You’ll then begin your ascent to Fisherman’s Bastion, from which you’ll gain a panoramic view of the picturesque city.

You’ll also discover the seven enchanting turrets of the Bastion and learn about their significance, representing the tribes that founded the country in the 9th century. Continuing your stroll through this cobblestone web of streets, you’ll see Buda Castle — the most celebrated building in Budapest. This opulent Baroque attraction once served as a royal residence and is now home to several museums.

Buda Castle cave walking tour

Instead of discovering Buda Castle’s grand rooms and detailed exterior, this tour leads you underground to explore the site’s secret cave complex. You’ll learn about how these limestone formations were created approximately half a million years ago and were originally used by early man as a refuge from both the elements, and predators.

They were developed into the caves you can see today around 800 years ago and, since that time, Buda Castle Labyrinth has served as a wine cellar, as well as a bomb shelter during WWII. However, it is best known for its Medieval prison where Vlad the Impaler was held and tortured for 14 years. Your guide will fill you in on all the stories around this fascinating destination and you can choose between a group or private experience.

Buda Castle vampires and myths evening walking tour

While this Buda Castle excursion visits many of the same sites as on other tours, your guide will fill you in on history and tales that others omit. Discover the actions of the notorious Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and was named for his favored method of murder.

You’ll also learn about other infamous figures in Hungarian history, including Elizabeth Bathory — otherwise known as the “Bloody Countess” — who, alongside several of her servants, tortured and killed hundreds of women, and children, in the 16th and 17th centuries. Meander through the streets that vampires are said to have roamed and ask any burning questions you have related to these myths, and stories.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Buda Castle and other attractions?

●       E-bike guided tour of Budapest and Castle Hill: Discover the second-longest river in Europe — the Danube — as well as a host of other attractions, including Buda Castle, Margaret Island and the Hungarian State Opera House on this combination excursion.

●      Buda Castle plus Hospital on the Rock walking tour: Alongside a range of attractions on Castle Hill, you’ll also explore the Hospital in the Rock, which has served as both a secret wartime military hospital, as well as an atomic bunker, and now houses a fascinating museum.

Should you book Buda Castle tickets in advance?

While it is not mandatory to book your Buda Castle tickets in advance, those who wish to participate in a guided tour should do so. This will save you time finding a guide once you arrive in Budapest and you’ll be able to secure the date, and time slot of your choosing. You can see reviews of every tour and look over each itinerary to ensure that the one you select is the most suitable for your party. Reserving your Buda Castle tickets is simple to do and takes just a couple of minutes.

What will you see inside Buda Castle?

Buda Castle was originally constructed in the middle of the 13th century as a defense for the citizens of Buda — one of the two separate cities that now form Budapest — who were at risk of being raided by the Mongols. This site was constructed at the order of King Bela IV and served as a royal residence for the kings of Hungary.

However, it was remodeled in the 18th century after the original landmark was destroyed in the Siege of Buda. The palace that was rebuilt was much smaller than the earlier monument and its architecture changed from Gothic to a more modern Baroque style, which you can see today by purchasing Buda Castle tickets. The oldest remaining part of the attraction is the castle keep, which was built in the 14th century by Stephen, Duke of Slavonia.

Today, the site is best known for housing the Hungarian National Gallery, which showcases more than 10,000 Hungarian masterpieces in a range of styles, from medieval to Renaissance, as well as the Budapest History Museum.

A lesser-known landmark that can be found inside Buda Castle is the National Széchényi Library, where you’ll find a large collection of books dating back to before 1500, as well as a host of manuscripts and newer works.

How to get to Buda Castle?

Buda Castle is located on Buda Castle Hill in the center of the city, on the western banks of the Danube River. The majority of visitors choose to walk from the bottom of the hill to the castle on top and you can choose between a strenuous route or a more gentle meander.

Alternatively, you can catch the Line 16 bus from Deak Ferenc Square or Szell Kalman Square.

Another option is to use the funicular, which runs from Clark Adam Square and transports you to the castle in less than 2 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Buda Castle?

Regardless of the season, the castle offers stunning architecture, panoramic views, and historical significance that can be appreciated year-round. However, The transitional seasons of spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. So, if you don't appreciate the heat and the crowds, exploring Buda Castle during these times can provide a more pleasant and peaceful experience.

Which other attractions can be visited in Budapest?

• Jewish Quarter
• Parliament
• St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Great Synagogue

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes to explore the castle grounds and surrounding areas.
• Don't miss the chance to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Budapest from the castle's observation deck.
• Consider visiting Buda Castle at different times of the day to experience its beauty under different lighting conditions. Sunset and evening visits offer a magical atmosphere, while mornings bring a more tranquil and serene atmosphere.