- On 20 January, 2025
- In Places to see Tips for travelers Top Tours
- Tags: buda, buda citadel, cave church budapest, freedom bridge, Gellért baths, Gellért Hill
A visit to Budapest is not complete without exploring the old town of Buda. Situated on the western bank of the Danube River, across from Pest, Buda forms the other half of the Hungarian capital.
Unlike Pest, which lies on the flat plain, Buda rises over hills, offering some of the city’s most iconic views. While everyone knows about the Castle District in Buda, it’s worth learning more about Gellért Hill, which we invite you to explore in the rest of this guide.
Gellért Hill (Szent Gellért Hill)
Gellért Hill is the highest point in the city center. Located near the river, it is renowned for its thermal baths and the stunning panoramic views from its summit, which rises 135 meters above the city. Below, we highlight the most significant spots in this part of the city:
Gellért Baths
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, visiting Budapest’s thermal baths is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Known as the “City of Spas,” Budapest boasts over 100 hot springs. Among the most famous and emblematic are the Gellért Baths.
Opened in 1918, the Gellért Baths are celebrated for their Art Nouveau architecture and therapeutic hot springs. The facility features a large indoor pool surrounded by columns and beautiful mosaics, creating a unique atmosphere. Additional amenities include saunas and massage services.
The mineral-rich waters of the Gellért Baths, containing calcium, magnesium, and sodium, are ideal for alleviating joint, circulatory, and respiratory problems. Pool temperatures range from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, providing a relaxing and restorative experience.
Tickets and further information are available here.
The Cave Church (Sziklatemplom)
Located near the iconic Gellért Baths, the Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) offers visitors a unique experience in Budapest. Built inside a natural cave on the slopes of Gellért Hill, the church provides a stunning view of Liberty Bridge. Its proximity to a tram stop makes it an excellent addition to any sightseeing itinerary.
Consecrated in the 1920s by Pauline monks, the church was initially used for spiritual retreats and healing, taking advantage of the nearby hot springs. During the communist era, the church was sealed after the arrest and execution of its bishop and remained closed until 1989. Today, it is both a place of worship and a historical landmark. Visitors can explore its fascinating past with an audio guide, which includes stories of its use as a military hospital during World War II.
Tickets and additional information are available here.
Freedom Bridge (Szabadság híd)
The Freedom Bridge, known locally as Szabadság híd, connects the neighborhoods of Buda and Pest across the Danube River. Stretching 333.6 meters, the bridge is famous for its Art Nouveau design and unique architecture.
Opened in 1896 as part of the World Millennium Exposition, the bridge was originally named Ferenc József híd in honor of Emperor Franz Joseph, who personally attended its inauguration. Today, it is called the Freedom Bridge to symbolize the country’s restoration after World War II when the bridge was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt.
The bridge connects two key squares in the city: Fővám tér, home to the Central Market Hall, and Gellért tér, located at the foot of Gellért Hill. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Besides its architectural beauty, the bridge offers stunning views of the Danube River and the surrounding area.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty in Budapest stands at the top of Gellért Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Unveiled in 1947, the monument was initially dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who liberated Budapest in 1945. The central figure depicts a woman holding a palm branch, a symbol of peace, flanked by statues representing progress and evil.
Designed by Hungarian sculptor Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl, the monument stands 14 meters tall. During the communist era, it was seen as a symbol of Soviet domination, especially due to the accompanying statue of a Soviet soldier. After the fall of communism in 1989, the monument was renamed the Freedom Monument, and the Soviet soldier statue was removed and relocated to Memento Park, which houses various statues from the communist era.
Today, the monument remains a popular historical site, admired for both its imposing design and the history it represents. From its base, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Budapest, including Liberty Bridge and the Danube River.
Citadel of Buda
The Citadel stands at the summit of Gellért Hill, offering one of the best panoramic views of Budapest. Built in 1854 by the Habsburgs as a military fortress to control the city, it features impressive architecture and a rich history.
Since its construction, the Citadel has served various purposes, including as a defensive stronghold during 19th-century conflicts. After the Hungarian Revolution, it became a symbol of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s control. Although once viewed as a symbol of oppression, today it is one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
Access to the Citadel is easy, with several walking trails from the Danube River passing through wooded areas, providing excellent views along the way. At the top, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Danube River.
Statue of St. Gerard (Gellért)
St. Gerard Sagredo, or Gellért in Hungarian, was an Italian Benedictine monk who played a crucial role in the Christianization of Hungary in the 11th century. Sent by the Holy Roman Emperor, he later became the bishop of Csanád. Today, he is considered one of Hungary’s patron saints.
Erected in 1904, the statue commemorates the spot where St. Gerard met a tragic end during a pagan uprising in 1046. According to legend, he was placed in a barrel studded with nails and rolled down the hill. The 12-meter-tall statue depicts St. Gerard holding a crucifix with a serene and victorious expression, while a figure of a Hungarian looks up at him with respect. The monument is surrounded by an elegant semicircular colonnade and a small artificial waterfall.
The Statue of St. Gerard is not only a symbol of Christian faith but also a reminder of the sacrifice and perseverance that marked the early days of Christianity in Hungary.
If you want to discover more about Buda and its must-see spots, don’t miss our Buda free walking tour.