Attractions in District I (Budapest)

Royal Palace

There have been palaces built here since the 13th century. However, they seem to have been frequently razed to the ground, most recently during the hand-to-hand fighting between the Germans and the Russians towards the end of the Second World War. The palace we see now was rebuilt in the 60's and 70's and houses several museums and art galleries. There is an interesting exhibition of finds from the medieval palace - don't miss the Matyas Fountain at the back. The best way to get to the palace is via the little cable car (siklo) from Clark Adam Square, which offers spectacular views on the way up. Alternatively the meandering path with many staircases is also very pleasant.

Vidam Park

Expect dodgems, a fine merry-go-round and allegedly the oldest wooden big-dipper in Europe. This park is located just behind the zoo and is great fun for kids. The whole area is geared towards a great day out; besides the amusement park, you will also find two museums, a huge green space, thermal baths, the circus, and much more. It's a busy and fun place to spend a few hours, or the whole day. The easiest way to get here is on the yellow metro line, also called the Millennium Metro, which is in itself quite an attraction, as it is the oldest metro on the continent.

Rac Gyogyfurdo

These traditional baths attract many curious visitors. As custom has it, there are separate bathing days for men (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) and women (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Built by the Ottoman Turks, the famous cupola bath is still visible and in use. This bath is hot and very steamy, attracting a large crowd of old-timer regulars. There are four pools in total, with heat going from a bearable 28 degrees centigrade up to a tenderising 38 degrees centigrade. These baths are one of Budapest's treasures.

Rudas Gyogyfurdo es Uszoda

These stunning Turkish baths partially date back to the 1500's (the pool was added in the 19th century). While the building is architecturally magnificent, the waters themselves are also curative, providing relief to a range of symptoms and disorders. In addition to this, all types of massage are available and there is also a physiotherapy department on-site. The baths were re-modelled by the Turkish Pasha Sokoli Mustapha in 1566 and among other fine architectural features to be seen is the splendid cupola.

Matthias Church- Ecclesiastical Art Collection

After touring the magnificent Matyas Church, a visit to the art collection might be just the ticket. Inside, you'll find everything from an exact replica of the Hungarian crown (complete with the crooked cross sticking out of the top) to gold work, a lapidary (gemstones) and a history of the church in Hungary. It's all beautifully presented.

Medieval Jewish Prayer House

Budapest has a proud and ancient Jewish heritage, which is slowly being revived. Both Buda and Pest hosted sizable Jewish communities which were virtually wiped out during the Second World War. The medieval Jewish Prayer House is unique in that it is on the Buda side of the river (most of the current Jewish activity is in Pest, around the Great Synagogue). You will find rare remnants of the historic Jewish community of Buda including gravestones and even Gothic pieces. The visiting hours vary seasonally, please check the website or call ahead for exact timings.

Small Synagogue

Called thus to distinguish it from the Great Synagogue in downtown Pest, this synagogue in the Castle District is today a museum. It was built in 1364 and closed by the authorities in 1686. It then became a private apartment until 1965 when the street was renovated and engravings of a fourteenth-century Star of David were found. The museum includes Jewish tombstones from the Middle Ages.

Szechenyi National Library

Housed in Wing F of the Royal Palace, this collection was established by Count Ferenc Szechenyi in 1802. He donated some 15,000 books and it now contains 5 million items. All books published in Hungary,  in the Hungarian language or pertaining to Hungary,  can be found here. The most treasured collection is the Corviniani Collection, consisting of ancient books and manuscripts. These originally belonged to King Matyas who reputedly had one of the largest Renaissance libraries in Europe.

Andras Hess Square

This Medieval square in the Castle District was named after the man who printed the first book in Hungarian at the printing press at No.4 in 1473. No.3 is a former inn, which was named the 'Red Hedgehog' in 1696. Note the statue to Pope Innocent XI who was involved in organising the armies who recaptured Buda from the Turks; this was erected in 1936 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the liberation.

Castle District

After you've seen the Royal Palace, take a stroll northwards. The medieval street network remains unaltered and although most of the buildings have been thoroughly restored (the war damage was severe) many retain their original features. You will be able to see the remains of the Dominican monastery; note the Plague monument outside Matyas Church; walk along the castle walls on the Buda side and see the Turkish tombstones at the north-western corner. There are many places to eat out here, but you should expect to pay tourist prices.

Matthias Church

There has been a church here since the thirteenth century, even though the Turks converted many religious buildings into mosques. Although it was badly damaged in the last war, it was restored (mainly rebuilt) in the sixties. An original fourteenth-century Gothic portal survives on the south side of the church. The interior is a riot of colour and the crypt can be visited. Organ concerts - which are well worth attending - are often held here so it would be an idea to check for more information in a local events guide on your arrival.

0 Kilometer Stone

Located in a small park near Clark Adam ter, this is a huge oval stone. It serves as an official point for measuring distances all over Hungary. So if you spot distance markings on your way to Budapest, you know now what they mean.