The Buda Castle (Budai var) is part of Budapest’s internationally protected World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The beauty of the large castle, with the Chain Bridge in the foreground and both structures reflecting in the Danube River, is a sight that shouldn’t be missed, especially when city lights have come on after dark. Find these inspiring views from many spots on the Pest side of Budapest, particularly from the Parliament area, or observe them while on a river cruise on the Danube.

It’s also worth crossing from Pest to the Buda side of the river to the Clark Ádám Square to travel up to the castle itself. Walk from Roosevelt or Széchenyi Square in Pest across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to reach the Castle Hill Funicular for a ride up to St. George Square to access the castle. Or, you can walk all the way up for exercise to burn off all the Hungarian cuisine that you have been enjoying!

Once at the peak of the hill, look around to take in the views. You can see back to Pest and the Parliament building. In the foreground of Buda is the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion while to the south is the Citadella fortress. Winding through all this is the Danube with its bridges, boat traffic and impressive buildings all along the banks. Be sure to have your camera you’ll want plenty of photographs.

The first castle was built on the hill in the 1200s as protection from invading Mongols. Over the centuries, several other castles were built for residences or fortresses for ruling powers but were successively destroyed by oppressors, occupants or World War II and Hungarian Rebellion aggression. Rebuilding during the last half of the 20th century has created the current 1,000-foot (300-meter) castle.

The Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum occupy wings in the castle. After you enjoy the Buda Castle outside views, visit these sites, which have admission fees, to enjoy the inside treasures.