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Citadella
Begin or end a visit to Budapest at the Citadella on the western side of central Budapest. From its high walls, view the Danube River as it winds between the hilly western Buda and flat eastern Pest sides of Budapest. Look for all eight connecting bridges to get your bearings on locations within the city. Or, stay through sunset to watch the city lights coming on and enjoy the romantic evening view.
This fortress sits atop a plateau, known as Gellért Hill, named after the missionary who brought Christianity to the area. At 770 feet (235 meters) high, Gellért Hill is one of the highest spots in Budapest. The structure was built in 1854 as a defense during the Hapsburg monarchy. Roughly 100 years later, the Russians occupied it during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
If you need souvenirs, take advantage of the many shops along the path up the hill and at the top. Some shops have information about the history of the citadel from Hapsburg through Soviet times. Explore the underground Russian bunker that serves as a museum with displays of World War II memorabilia, including a depiction of a prisoner of war cell.
Walk around the outside of the citadel to get a sense of the powerful protection these massive walls provided to inhabitants. Bring a picnic to the grassy area that is peaceful now but was bombarded by cannon fire in years past. The hilltop views are free, but there is a fee to enter the Citadella museum and climb to the top of its walls. Much of the original fortress structure is now a hotel, which includes an elegant restaurant (reservations required).
You can reach the Citadella by car or on foot, hiking up and enjoying the views along the way. Or, take a bus up or down; even use it for a “hop-on, hop-off” partial trip if the hike becomes too much.
Guide to Exploring around Citadella
Best Lodging Options Near Citadella
Per night/room
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Erzsébet Tér 7-8, BudapestThis family-friendly Budapest hotel is located in the business district, within a 10-minute walk of Vorosmarty Square, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Szechenyi Chain Bridge. Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian State Opera House are also within 10 minutes. Vorosmarty Square Station is only a 2-minute walk and Deak Ferenc ter Station is 3 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
Kossuth Lajos utca 19-21, BudapestLocated in Inner City Budapest, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Dohany Street Synagogue and Hungarian National Museum. St. Stephen's Basilica and Hungarian State Opera House are also within 15 minutes. Astoria Station is only a 2-minute walk and Ferenciek Square Station is 4 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 13 - Oct 14
MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall
Csarnok tér 2, BudapestLocated in Belső-Ferencváros, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Corvinus University of Budapest and Great Market Hall. Hungarian National Museum and Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool are also within 10 minutes. Fovam Square Station is only a 3-minute walk and Kalvin ter Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Continental Hotel Budapest
Dohany Utca 42-44, BudapestLocated in Erzsebetvaros, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Blaha Lujza Square and Dohany Street Synagogue. Hungarian National Museum and Hungarian State Opera House are also within 15 minutes. Blaha Lujza ter Station is only a 4-minute walk and Astoria Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Danubius Hotel Gellert
Szent Gellert ter 2, BudapestLocated in Gellert Hill, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool and Elisabeth Bridge. Rudas Baths and Hungarian National Museum are also within 15 minutes. Szent Gellert ter Station is only a 2-minute walk and Fovam Square Station is 9 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Erzsebet krt 43-49, BudapestThis family-friendly Budapest hotel is located near the boardwalk, within a 10-minute walk of Kiraly Street, Hungarian State Opera House, and House of Terror. St. Stephen's Basilica and Hungarian National Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Oktogon Station is only a 5-minute walk and Vorosmarty Street Station is 8 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Budapest Marriott Hotel
Apaczai Csere Janos u. 4, BudapestThis family-friendly Budapest hotel is located on the boardwalk, within a 10-minute walk of Vigado Concert Hall and Szechenyi Chain Bridge. St. Stephen's Basilica and Rudas Baths are also within 15 minutes. Vorosmarty Square Station is only a 4-minute walk and Deak Ferenc ter Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 22 - Sep 23
K+K Hotel Opera Budapest
Revay Utca 24, BudapestLocated in Terezvaros, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica, and House of Terror. Szechenyi Chain Bridge and Dohany Street Synagogue are also within 15 minutes. Opera Station is only a 2-minute walk and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street Station is 4 minutes.