Buda Castle: History & Myths Evening Walking Tour in Budapest – What to Expect?

Budapest is known for its stunning architecture and culture, and one of the best ways to fully experience it all is to take the Buda Castle: History & Myths Evening Walking Tour. This highly informative tour offers the opportunity to explore the greatest sights of the historic castle district in the evening, giving visitors an entirely unique experience. The tour is more than just a history lesson, exposing myths, legends and ghost stories of the area along the way.

What’s Included in the Tour?

This tour combines the best of two worlds – history and entertainment – making it both highly entertaining and educational. The walk covers the length of the castle district and reveals plenty of breathtaking sights that are only even more beautiful in the soothing evening atmosphere. The tour takes an estimated 1.5-2 hours which gives enough time to cover a convenient amount of ground.

Stop-by-stop, as you amble through the area, your guide will point out various historic spots and artifacts and explain them to you in detail. You’ll get in depth knowledge about the area and its past, including hidden stories, dark secrets and behind-the-scenes tour into sealed off parts of the castle district.

The tour ends at the statue of the Turul bird, which looks out over the Danube River. The Turul bird is a symbolic animal from Hungarian mythology, thought to have guarded the Magyars who eventually settled in Hungary.

What Are Some Places Covered During The Tour?

The tour covers all of Buda Castle’s most important attractions:

• Esztergom Basilica – Visit Europe’s tallest cathedral and admire its beautiful architecture
• Fisherman’s Bastion – One of Budapest’s most popular attractions with breathtaking views of Pest
• The Royal Palace – Learn about Hungary’s rich and colourful history
• Mathias Church – Marvel at one of Europe’s grandest churches
• Citadel – Admire the Citadel and its entrance gate
• The Lime Kiln Street – See one of Budapest’s narrowest streets and hear tales about its past
• St. Stephen’s Statue – A perfect ending spot with magnificent views over both Buda & Pest

The tour will also point out all kinds of small sculptures and statues found along the streets that tell various stories about Budapest and Hungary’s most remarkable historic moments.

Can I Take Photos During The Tour?

Yes! The Buda Castle tour offers plenty of photo-opportunities that you can take advantage off so don’t forget to bring your camera. Just be mindful of your fellow tour participants to make sure you don’t accidentally block their view taking pictures or selfies!

My Verdict

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend taking this walking tour if you want to explore Buda Castle District in a unique evening atmosphere. With its combination of knowledge, entertainment, intrigue, history and myths, it will give you a fantastic insight into one of the city’s most popular districts. It’s also great fun too! So don’t forget to book a spot on this great walking tour and explore Buda Castle’s fascinating places yourself!

Budapest: An Insider’s Guide

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a cultural hub with a rich history and a vibrant local community. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic landmarks, taking in the local arts or enjoying mouthwatering cuisine, Budapest has a lot to offer. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best experiences in Budapest.

Local Attractions to Explore in Budapest

Budapest is a treasure trove of historic landmarks, museums, parks, and other attractions that will keep you engaged throughout your trip. Among these attractions is the Buda Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. You could also visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, and the Gellért Hill and Citadel.

The Danube Promenade is also a must-visit location, the promenade runs along the Danube River and offers breathtaking views of both Buda and Pest. Don’t forget to visit Margaret Island, located on the Danube River, which has beautiful gardens and parks, a musical fountain, and a wide range of sports facilities.

Dining Spots to Explore in Budapest

Budapest’s culinary scene is diverse, offering experiences ranging from traditional Hungarian cuisine to international cuisine. Traditional Hungarian dishes to try include goulash, langos, chimney cake and the popular Hungarian wines.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, try the Michelin-starred Costes Downtown or Onyx Restaurant. The Jewish Quarter has several Jewish eateries that serve kosher cuisine, including Mazel Tov, which has a beautiful courtyard and cocktail bar.

For street food lovers, the Great Market Hall has several food stalls that serve traditional cuisine such as Hungarian chimney cake, sausages, and langos. For vegan and vegetarian options, try Napfényes Restaurant, which serves organic and vegan dishes.

Experiencing the Culture of Budapest

Budapest has a rich cultural scene with several festivals throughout the year. One of the must-see events is the Budapest International Documentary Festival, which showcases the world’s best documentaries annually.

For classical music lovers, the city has several venues that host concerts by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hungarian State Opera, and other international orchestras. The Hungarian National Ballet also offers must-see performances.

To appreciate the local art scene, visit the Ludwig Museum, which displays contemporary art from Hungary and across Europe. The Hungarian National Museum also showcases Hungarian history and art through its exhibitions.

Exploring the History of Budapest

The history of Budapest spans over 1,000 years, and several museums and landmarks showcase it. The Castle District has several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery, which displays Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the present. The Museum of Military History showcases the history of Hungarian military campaigns, and the Budapest History Museum focuses on the history of Budapest City.

The city also has several memorial sites, including the Shoes on the Danube Bank, which commemorates the Hungarian Jews who were killed during World War II.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something different, try taking a dip in one of the city’s thermal baths, such as the Gellért Baths or Szechenyi Baths. You could also visit the Hospital in the Rock, located in a cave beneath the Castle District, which showcases the history of a hospital that was operating primarily during WWII. Finally, for a unique perspective of Budapest, visit the rooftop bar, 360 Bar, which offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline and serves cocktails until the early hours of the morning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Budapest is a cultural hub that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, indulging in its cuisine, or immersing yourself in its diverse cultural scene, Budapest never disappoints.