The Buda side of Budapest (the western side of the Danube) is the historic part of the city, home to famous landmarks such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Liberty Statue, and more. Although it is very touristic, it is considered less popular as a departure point for the many cruises available here in Budapest, as most of them depart from the Pest side.
If you are looking for a cruise that departs from the Buda side, we have gathered for you all the available options:
Buda, located on the western bank of the Danube, is the hilly, green, and historic side of the city. Here you’ll find the famous Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Gellért Baths, and the Hungarian Liberty Statue (Szabadság-szobor).
The touristic area of Buda is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful views of the Danube and the Parliament Building, and many other historical landmarks. It is quieter and less commercial than Pest, offering a more romantic, classic, and peaceful atmosphere.
The Buda side is divided into several main areas concentrated around the hills overlooking the river:
Castle District (Várnegyed): The most important historical area in Buda and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its center stands the magnificent Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), located on a hill directly facing the Parliament Building and the Danube. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times and today houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
Around the castle, you can visit Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya), Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom), and Országház and Uri Streets, all of which are perfect for a relaxing walk.
Gellért Hill: A strategic hill above the Danube offering one of the most beautiful views in Europe. At its top once stood the Liberty Statue and the Citadella fortress. The site was closed for long renovations and has been gradually reopening since 2023, now serving as a panoramic viewpoint with exhibitions and multimedia displays about Budapest’s history.
On the slope of the hill lies the Cave Church (Gellért-hegyi Barlangtemplom) - a small chapel carved into the rock. At the foot of the hill stands the historic Hotel Gellért, home to the world-famous Gellért Baths, one of the most renowned spa complexes in the world.
Rózsadomb Area: A quiet residential neighborhood located north of the Castle District, filled with houses and villas overlooking the Danube. Here you’ll find the Tomb of Gül Baba (Gül Baba Türbeje), a 16th-century Muslim shrine that attracts visitors of all faiths thanks to its rose gardens and panoramic views of the city.
János Hill and Elisabeth Hill: This area is part of the Buda Hills forest. Don’t miss the Elisabeth Lookout Tower (Erzsébet-kilátó), reached by the forest chairlift (Libegő), which stretches for about 1 km and offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city.
Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya): A stunning terrace with seven towers and one of the best panoramic views of the Danube and Pest.
Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom): A Gothic church from the 14th century, one of Budapest’s most iconic monuments, where Hungarian kings, including Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), were crowned.
Országház and Uri Streets: Charming historic streets with traditional Hungarian architecture, filled with small shops and local restaurants.
Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum): Located inside Buda Castle, it displays archaeological discoveries and exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria): Features art collections from the 13th to the 20th century, including works by Munkácsy and other Hungarian masters.
House of Music History (Liszt Museum Annex): A small museum dedicated to Hungary’s musical heritage.
Buda is less flat than Pest, which makes long walks a bit more challenging, but Budapest’s excellent public transport system makes it very easy to reach all the main attractions. Metro line M2 crosses the Danube via the Chain Bridge, stopping at Batthyány tér (opposite the Parliament) and Széll Kálmán tér, from where buses and funiculars lead up to the Castle District.
Tram lines 19 and 41 run along the Danube on the Buda side, offering a beautiful scenic route. For easy access to the castle, the Budavári Sikló funicular operates daily, allowing you to reach the top without climbing the stairs.
