Free self-guided walk · Budapest

Along the Danube to Castle Hill

A free self-guided walk in Budapest from Parliament along the Danube, across the Chain Bridge and up to Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion.

Distance
3 km
Walking time
41 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsBudapest city guide

About this walk

This walk takes in the riverbank on the Pest side, then crosses to Buda and climbs to the castle for the best view of the city.

Take the funicular up from the Chain Bridge if you'd rather not climb.

  • Terrain: Flat on the Pest side; a steep climb on paths and steps up Castle Hill.
  • Best time: Late afternoon, so you reach the Fisherman's Bastion around sunset.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Hungarian Parliament Building

    Start at the great Gothic Revival parliament.

  2. Shoes on the Danube Bank

    The memorial of iron shoes on the riverbank.

  3. Széchenyi Chain Bridge

    Cross the river on the oldest bridge in the city.

  4. Buda Castle

    Climb to the royal palace on the hill.

  5. Matthias Church

    The church with the colourful tiled roof.

  6. Fisherman's Bastion

    Finish at the white terraces with views over Parliament.

Tips

  • The lower terraces of the Fisherman's Bastion are free; the upper towers charge a small fee in the daytime.
  • The funicular from Clark Ádám Square saves the climb.
  • Bring cash or a card for forints; euros get poor rates.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.