Palace Tickets and Tours in Budapest

Along with Vienna and Prague, Budapest is one of Europe's most popular and visited imperial cities. In addition to its thermal pools and hanging bridges, much of its attraction lies in the palaces and castles that you can find scattered along the cobbled streets of the city, which refer to the stately spirit that characterises this destination.

Among the best things to do in Budapest is to visit the Royal Palace located at the top of Varhegy Hill, visit the Godollo Palace, visit the legendary Palace of Parliament and marvel at the Postapalota Palace or Post Office Palace.

You can't say you've seen Budapest until you've visited the Royal Palace or Buda Castle, which is one of the city's main tourist attractions. Situated at the top of Buda Hill, it offers sweeping views of the Danube River and Pest.

Over the centuries, it has been modified, destroyed and rebuilt several times, acquiring its current neoclassical appearance in the 18th century under the Habsburg monarchy. During your visit you can explore the art galleries inside the palace and the museum, which displays archaeological objects, historical artefacts and reconstructions of royal rooms.

Visiting Buda Castle is one of the most popular activities in the Hungarian capital, but it is not only because of the building's architecture and its role in Hungarian history, but also because of its strategic location. You can even tour around this building if you decide to book a half-day tour of Budapest

If you plan to visit Budapest during the winter, from the height of the hill you will be able to see some of the best snowy views of the city. And at night, you'll be able to see the Hungarian capital illuminated and spread out on both sides of the Danube River.

Interesting details

• Price: from 7 euros for general admission.
• Location: Szent Gyorgy ter, Budapest.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

The Budapest Parliament Palace, located on the banks of the Danube River, is one of Hungary's most iconic buildings, as well as one of the largest parliamentary structures in the world. Its construction began during a time when the country was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it was conceived as a symbol of power in a neo-Gothic style inspired by the Palace of Westminster in London.

A visit to the Budapest Parliament is a must for anyone wishing to understand the history and culture of Hungary. Inside it houses one of the biggest attractions, which is the Dome Hall, where the Holy Crown of Hungary, one of the most important relics of the local monarchy, is displayed.

Architecturally, the palace is a neo-Gothic masterpiece, with Renaissance and Baroque elements inside. The building is 268 metres long and 123 metres wide and its exterior is adorned with 90 statues of historical figures, Hungarian leaders and warriors. Its façade, which overlooks the Danube, is one of the most photographed in the world and with tickets for the Parliament you can also walk through the inner courtyards.

Budapest's Parliament Palace is an essential visit not only for its architectural and aesthetic value, but also for its profound historical and cultural significance. Moreover, its privileged location in the heart of the city allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the river and other nearby attractions, such as the Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle.

Interesting details

• Price: from 27 euros general admission.
• Location: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, Budapest.
• Opening hours: daily from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the most picturesque structures in Budapest, as it was built at the end of the 19th century in the City Park to commemorate Hungary's 1000th anniversary . But the most curious thing is that it was not built in the same architectural style, but combines elements from different periods and schools, from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque.

However, beyond its architecture, visiting this castle is an adventure in itself, as it is located on a small island in the middle of a lake. I recommend it especially in winter, when the lake turns into an ice-skating rink. So if you plan to visit Budapest in February or during the coldest months of the year, you can not only discover the building, but also enjoy its frozen surroundings.

One of the highlights of the castle is the Lookout Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the park and the nearby streets. Inside the castle you will also find corridors and rooms decorated with architectural details that reflect the styles of the periods represented by the building.

Other nearby attractions include the famous Szechenyi Baths, which are considered to be one of the best spas in Budapest.

Interesting details

• Price: from 3.50 euros general admission.
• Location: Vajdahunyad stny, 1146, Budapest.
• Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Godollo Palace, located on the outskirts of Budapest, is one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe. Built in the 18th century, the palace was originally the residence of the noble Grassalkovich family and later became the favourite residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as Sissi) and her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph I.

In addition to its Baroque façade and gardens, the palace features the interior halls and rooms of the monarchy, which were restored when the building was converted into a museum open to the public.

The history of Godollo Palace, although it refers to the entire Austro-Hungarian monarchy, is intimately linked to the figure of Empress Sissi, who used to retire here in search of peace and quiet, far from the stifling Viennese protocols.

A visit to Godollo Palace is essential for anyone interested in the history of Hungary and the figure of Empress Sissi, one of the most beloved figures in European history.

Interesting details

• Price: from 8 euros for general admission.
• Location: Grassalkovich-kastély 5852, Hungary.
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

If you walk along the famous Andrassy Avenue you will surely come across the palace of the same name, an emblematic building that reflects the elegance and splendour of the Hungarian aristocracy of the 19th century. Built in 1882, this palace was the residence of the influential family that gave its name to the street and the building, whose most prominent member, Count Gyula Andrassy, was Prime Minister of Hungary and a key figure in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The palace was designed in a neo-Renaissance style, with a majestic façade and architectural details evoking the grandeur of the period. Nowadays, the building has been transformed into a luxurious hotel, but it is still part of the itineraries of the best tours of the Hungarian capital. You can also get there if you decide to buy tickets for the Budapest sightseeing bus, which includes a stop at Andrassy Avenue.

The striking thing about the Andrassy Palace is that it has undergone several transformations throughout its history, but it has never lost its splendour. During Hungary's communist era, the building was nationalised and used for various public purposes. After the fall of communism, the palace was renovated to recover its historical value.

To visit the Andrassy Palace, interested parties can book a stay at the hotel, where they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in its rich history and enjoy its luxurious facilities. It is also possible to access certain areas of the building, such as the restaurant and spa, without being a guest.

Details of interest

• Location: Andrassy ut. 98, Budapest.

The Gresham Palace is one of Budapest's most interesting architectural gems and an outstanding example of the Art Nouveau style in Europe. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, opposite the iconic Chain Bridge, the palace was built to house offices, luxury flats and shops. Its decorative façade and fine wrought ironwork make it a site to be admired for both its elegance and historical significance.

The interior of the palace features mosaic details, stained glass windows and marble columns that reflect the splendour of Art Nouveau. After World War II, the building was damaged and used for administrative and residential purposes, which deteriorated its condition.

There are several ways to visit Gresham Palace. Although full access to the interior is reserved for hotel guests, visitors can admire the façade from the outside and enter the lobby to enjoy its design. In addition, the hotel has a bar and restaurant open to the public.

Interesting details

• Location: Széchenyi István tér 5-6, Budapest.
• Opening hours: The restaurant is open from 16:00 to 23:00.

If you want to see a building that not only stands out for its beauty but is still fulfilling a function, you can't miss the Postapalota Palace. This eclectic-style building was built between 1923 and 1926 and is notable for its façade and intricate decoration, which combines neo-Renaissance and modernist elements.

The palace was designed by the architect Gyula Sándy and has served, since its inauguration, as the headquarters of the Hungarian Central Post Office. Although its main function has been administrative, its architectural beauty has made it one of the most emblematic buildings in the city.

Inside the Postapalota Palace you can see unique details such as stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings and mosaics decorating the foyer. Today, the building houses the Money Museum, and while some areas of the building are restricted to the public, you can visit several of the palace's exhibition rooms.

The history of the palace is rich because it is closely linked to the development of communications in Hungary. For more than a century, this building has witnessed important advances in the country's postal and telecommunications systems and is a symbol of the nation's technological progress.

Details of interest

• Price: from 7 euros general admission.
• Location: Krisztina krt. 5-11, Budapest.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Known as the centre of political power in Hungary, the Sándor Palace is one of the most important buildings in the country, as it currently serves as the official office and residence of the Hungarian president. Located right next to Buda Castle, this palace is notable for its neoclassical architecture.

Built in 1806 by Count Vince Sandor, the palace was originally a private aristocratic residence. During the 19th century it passed through several owners until it became the residence of the Hungarian prime ministers from 1867, during the dual Austro-Hungarian monarchy. After World War II, the palace was badly damaged and fell into disrepair, but at the beginning of the 21st century it was renovated and reassigned for official use.

It is possible to visit the Sandor Palace on certain special occasions, such as national holidays or during cultural events when guided tours of the building are organised. However, as the official residence of the president, access to the interior is restricted, although you can visit the perimeter of the palace during opening hours.

Interesting details

• Location: Szent György tér 2, Budapest.
• Opening hours: daily from 7.00 am to 3.00 pm, although visits are restricted.

Although not as famous as the rest of Budapest's palaces, Berpalota is a beautiful building in the heart of the city, known for its eclectic architecture and history as a former luxury residential palace. Its name translates as "palace for rent", as it was originally designed to house high-class flats.

Such buildings were characteristic of the Belle Époque, when Budapest experienced an economic and cultural boom, which prompted the construction of elegant urban residences and palaces. However, the outbreak of World War I and the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire led to an economic crisis, which caused these projects to be de-financed.

Berpalota, as a survivor of its era, retains a mixture of striking architectural details inside, including high ceilings, marble staircases and elaborate ornamentation. Although some of the original flats have been renovated and adapted to modern times, many of the decorative and structural elements have been preserved, allowing visitors to experience the aristocratic life of the period.

Visiting the Berpalota Palace can be an interesting experience for lovers of Budapest's architecture and urban history. Although access to the interior is usually limited to residents and people working in the building, guided tours can be arranged on special occasions, such as cultural festivals or architectural events.

Interesting details

• Location: Ferenciek tere 2, Budapest.

The Vigadó Concert Hall is one of Budapest's main cultural venues. This building, although not formally considered a palace, is known for its Romanesque architecture and its historical importance as a centre of Hungarian artistic and cultural life. Inaugurated in 1865, Vigadó has been the venue for countless concerts, exhibitions and cultural events over the years.

Furthermore, the interior of the building offers impeccable acoustics, making it an ideal venue for classical music, theatrical performances and other high-level shows. It is also equipped with a large concert hall and comfortable seating areas that allow you to contemplate the interior beauty of the building.

The history of the Vigadó is full of significant moments. The original building was destroyed during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and subsequently rebuilt. Over the years, it has witnessed concerts by famous composers such as Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms.

If you want to visit the Vigadó Hall you can attend one of the many concerts or events that are organised throughout the year, especially if you plan to visit Budapest in the summer, when the hall's season opens. Tickets for these events can be purchased online or at the box office of the building.

Interesting details

• Location: Vigado ter. 2, Budapest.