Buda Castle Buda Castle, Budapest
Step into the heart of Hungary’s 800-year-old capital and discover one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks: get an entry to the Matthias Church and join the live tour of Matthias Church – learn about the history of Church and the Castle through turbulent times, visit inside and outside the fascinating building with Neo-Gothic details. The Colourful Tiles & Coronations Tour includes a ticket to the Church and an engaging tour showing both the outside and the inside of the church. The tour fee includes an entry to the church and the small group live guided visit (from €25 per person). Led by a professional certified guide, this immersive walking experience reveals the rich history, artistic treasures, and breathtaking viewpoints of the Buda Castle District, crowned by unforgettable views from the Fisherman’s Bastion. The language of the guided tour is English.
Explore centuries of Hungarian royal power, destruction, rebirth, and everyday medieval life while enjoying one of the most photogenic locations in Budapest.
Inclusions in the Matthias Church & Buda Castle District Tour
- Guided walking tour with a professional local guide
- Live guided visit inside Matthias Church
- Access to the King’s Oratory and Matthias Church art collection
- Storytelling about medieval life, royal coronations, and wartime history
- Visit to the lower lookout terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion (upper entry not included)
- Photo stops with panoramic views of the Danube and Parliament
Dates & Duration
Duration: Approx. 2 hours, Dates: as released month by month in the booking calendar
Programme Type: Outdoor & indoor walking tour
Weather: Operates in all weather conditions
Please arrive on time, as the tour starts punctually and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Prices of the Tour
Price: around €25 per person
Book online in advance to secure your place on this popular Castle District walking tour. Dates are available month by month (later dates will become bookable closer to the selected date).
Highlights of the Matthias Church: Colourful Tiles & Coronations Tour
- Discover hidden traces of destruction and rebirth in Buda over 800 years
- Admire the spectacular interior of Matthias Church, including:
- King’s Oratory
- Queen Elisabeth’s favorite chapel
- Rich wall paintings and artistic treasures
- See and touch historic ceramic rooftop tiles
- View a replica of the Holy Crown, blessed by the Pope
- Learn fascinating stories about King Matthias and surprising modern connections
- Capture postcard-perfect photos from the Fisherman’s Bastion
Walking Through the Historic Buda Castle District
The tour begins in the courtyard of an authentic old town house in the Buda Castle Palace District — the historic and political heart of Hungary. Once home to kings and governors, today the district blends cultural heritage with everyday life.
Walking among the oldest buildings in Budapest, your guide will bring to life the key moments of Hungary’s turbulent past. You’ll explore cobbled streets, hidden corners, and historic squares while learning how merchants, nobles, and soldiers once lived within the castle walls.
Matthias Church: 800 Years of History & Legend
Inside the magnificent Matthias Church, you’ll experience a warm, celestial atmosphere filled with color and symbolism. Over the centuries, the church has witnessed:
- Royal weddings and coronations
- Use as a Muslim place of worship during Ottoman rule
- Conversion into a stable and military canteen during the 1944–45 siege
From the royal raven holding a golden ring (as seen on the coat of arms of King Matthias – also known as Matthias Corvinus, the Raven King) to the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, every detail during the Church tour tells a story. Today, the church stands as a working Roman Catholic church of national importance and a renowned concert venue. Christian visitors who wish to participate in a mass are welcome to visit after tourist opening times (and can also see the beautiful Loreto Chapel with the Black Madonna).
Fisherman’s Bastion: Budapest’s Most Iconic View
Leaving Matthias Church, the tour concludes at the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion. Through its stone arches and terraces, enjoy one of the most memorable views of Budapest — the Danube, the Parliament, and the city often called “the Pearl of the Danube.” This is the perfect moment for photos and quiet admiration of the city’s beauty and taking memorable photos during your Budapest stay.
Meeting Point
De la Motte–Beer Palace, Buda Castle District (close to the Castle public bus stop: 16A Bus, 116 Bus)
1014 Budapest, Dísz tér 15 (Dísz Square 15), District I.
Next to the Post Office i.e. “Posta” building, at the large green gate
Look for the guide holding a turquoise umbrella with the Buda Castle Walks logo
Important Information
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
Dress Code (Matthias Church) – Guided Internal Tour – Buda Castle District
- Knees and shoulders must be covered
- No shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops
- Photos allowed without flash
Not Suitable For
- Children under 12 years
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Please note: The tour includes cobbled streets, stairs, and narrow corridors. At the end of the tour, visitors will need to leave the church – church visit is limited to the duration of the guided tour.
