I walked along Danube promenade towards Buda Castle while still mesmerised by the great views from Gellert Hill. It’s a nice walk along the wide path which caters for both people and cyclists, accompanied by the cold breeze and a city view of Pest. It didn’t take me long to arrive at Clark Adam square where the beautiful Széchenyi Chain Bridge is linked to Buda side, and I can’t wait to see it lights up during sundown!
By the way, this happens to be my 100th blog post!! The feeling is great especially this was the trip which inspired me to start a travel blog…aiming for 200th next!!
Besides the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, another landmark here is the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular (Budavári Sikló). It’s a nice experience to take the funicular up to Buda Castle which is also one good option not to climb the hill on foot. Sadly though, the funicular ride is not covered by Budapest Card.
Exited from Funicular station on Castle Hill and can see the official residence of the President of Hungary immediately to my right and Buda Castle to my left.
Easter fun at Buda Castle
The castle-palace was destroyed and rebuilt many times by different victors, which explains the mix of architectural styles, nice blending of Gothic and Renaissance. Once the residence of Hungarian Kings, the impressive castle now houses the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.
Bought the entry ticket and proceed down Habsburg steps to castle’s yard where the city’s largest Easter festival was held. Though it started to drizzle, the rain didn’t dampen the Easter mood at all.
There’re makeshift stalls which were selling food, clothes, handicrafts, accessories among many other kinds of stuff.
My lunch was a nice spicy kebab from this stall.
Then I came across this food stall selling this bread-looking stuff which had attracted a queue. Looks to be a must-try here, I ordered one loaf too and that filled up my tummy to the max!! A Google check later revealed what I had ain’t bread but traditional Hungarian pastry known as Chimney cake (Kürtőskalács).
Another interesting thing was this merry-go-round with baskets. Too bad it’s raining else I should be seeing more kids sitting in the baskets.
I see more children gathering around the Tree of Life decorated with Easter eggs as per Hungarian traditions.
There are also some musical performances held to entertain the crowd. Obviously, Hungarian songs are alien to me but I do enjoy the soothing melody.
Famous sculptures around Buda Castle
The Castle is decorated with nice sculptures such as Fountain of the Fishing Children, Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Statue of the Horseherd and the famous Matthias Fountain.
Budapest History Museum
There are two Museums and a library within the castle compound – yeah, library, cool right? This non-lending library will require visitors to register for a Reader Pass or buy a Day Pass, which is payable either way, so I choose to skip. Passed the beautifully decorated Lions’ Gate brought me to the Lions’ Courtyard which is the central courtyard of Buda Castle.
Between Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galeria) and Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Múzeum), I opted for the later. The museum showcases the history of Budapest from prehistory to modern times.
I soon found myself walking outside the museum walking around its Medieval Remnants. Perhaps I could have stayed a little longer but there’s still so much to see around Castle Hill especially the beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion!
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What are your thoughts about Buda Castle? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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