Citadel
4.5
About
Located on the summit of Gellert Hill, this fortress was built by the Hapsburgs in 1854 to keep the city under surveillance.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Gellért Hill
If you want to treat your camera to some amazing scenery, Gellért Hill is a must on your itinerary. A funicular journey from the Chain Bridge along the hillsides provides a fast connection between Buda and Pest, hoisting visitors to panoramic vistas. Once on top of the hill, you’ll find the Citadel dominate the landscape with its imposing 19th century construction, a site that’s hard to keep your eyes on without being distracted by the phenomenal view over the Danube and the eight bridges crossing. Once on Gellért Hill however, one mustn’t miss the famous Gellért Baths. Budapest is renown for its thermal waters and its baths, and the Gellért Baths are housed in an impressive art nouveau structure. Its interior design, with its many mosaics, recalls the preceding relationships the city has had with healing springs and saunas, traditionally used within this neighborhood since the Ottoman Empire.
How to get there
- Szent Gellért tér • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,120 within 3 miles
Attractions
676 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,064 reviews
Excellent
987
Very good
730
Average
273
Poor
49
Terrible
25
Traveller8071
France2,269 contributions
Aug 2020
If you go to Citadelle, you can go up by walk, it s bit sportive but nice. Otherwise taxi from city center takes 10mn for 7 to 10 euros.
You can walk around citadelle but can t enter in.
View around is nice, you can accessto Gellert hotel and baths as well;
Walking down from Citadelle to join Pest side is easier and nice to walk and see
You can walk around citadelle but can t enter in.
View around is nice, you can accessto Gellert hotel and baths as well;
Walking down from Citadelle to join Pest side is easier and nice to walk and see
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr. F
Nottingham, UK927 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I visited Citadel as part of my Hop off-Hop on Bus Tour. Its visited by tons of tourists for mesmerizing view of Budapest from the top. Historically The Citadel is much more than that. Its complex history speaks story of opression as well as liberty.
It was first built in 1854 as a supervision point to stop an uprising. Later it was used by Austrians, Nazis and Communists for surveillance due to its amazing view over Budapest. There was a monument erected by Communists to commemorate liberation from Nazis and sacrifices made by Red army in the process. 3 statues out of 5 are still displayed at the monument. 1; A woman with a torch (progress), 2; A man fighting a 5 headed Dragon (Struggle against Nazis and their allies), 3; Visible from all over the city, a beautiful high statue of a woman holding a palm leaf pointing the sky (Liberty), the reason it's mostly referred as liberty statue.
Despite its complex troubled history, the citadel is a must visit place in Budapest for 2 reasons. For selfie seekers, it provides a sensational photographic point. For those interested in history, it shows the tough past and progress the beautiful city has gone through. For me, it blessed me with both.
It was first built in 1854 as a supervision point to stop an uprising. Later it was used by Austrians, Nazis and Communists for surveillance due to its amazing view over Budapest. There was a monument erected by Communists to commemorate liberation from Nazis and sacrifices made by Red army in the process. 3 statues out of 5 are still displayed at the monument. 1; A woman with a torch (progress), 2; A man fighting a 5 headed Dragon (Struggle against Nazis and their allies), 3; Visible from all over the city, a beautiful high statue of a woman holding a palm leaf pointing the sky (Liberty), the reason it's mostly referred as liberty statue.
Despite its complex troubled history, the citadel is a must visit place in Budapest for 2 reasons. For selfie seekers, it provides a sensational photographic point. For those interested in history, it shows the tough past and progress the beautiful city has gone through. For me, it blessed me with both.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jemimapuddleduck1961
North Walsham, UK66 contributions
Jan 2020
Well worth the climb if only for the amazing views from the top. Statue marks the liberation after WW2. The citadel was built in 1851 by Julius Jacob von Haynau, a commander of the Austrian Empire, and was designed by Emmanuel Zitta and Ferenc Kasselik, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David M
Parsberg, Germany15 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Closed for renovations!!
Awesome views though even with the fence in the way.
The hike was great, but the grounds are off limits until 2022.
Of note, the hike had several homeless people camps, human feces and clothes around the waterfall portion at the start. The smell was pretty bad, and it’s clear that it is a popular place to stay for homeless people.
Graffiti was also prevalent on the hike, several humorous ones too.
Awesome views though even with the fence in the way.
The hike was great, but the grounds are off limits until 2022.
Of note, the hike had several homeless people camps, human feces and clothes around the waterfall portion at the start. The smell was pretty bad, and it’s clear that it is a popular place to stay for homeless people.
Graffiti was also prevalent on the hike, several humorous ones too.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristie T
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina27 contributions
Jan 2020
Free! The cost being only a walk up a paved walkway! Lots and lots of places to take great photos of the city of Budapest, the Danube, and the picturesque bridges from many angles. There are a few places to get treats and drinks and a few souvenir stands along the upward way. The crown of the hill holds the amazing huge and "huger" statues which afford many more photo ops. Worth the walk!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GCKJA
Lincoln, NE499 contributions
Feb 2020
I love the view of Budapest from Castle Hill, but the view from the Citadel is just as wonderful. The walk up could be challenging for some, but it's not terrible. There are spots to sit and rest and take in the view, although it is littered and has too much graffiti, which is an unusual sight.
Once you've reached the Citadel, even in the winter, there is an outdoor cafe and WCs availale.
Once you've reached the Citadel, even in the winter, there is an outdoor cafe and WCs availale.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nikmay19
Dorset, UK42 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
My partner and I walked to the Citadel/Statue of Liberty on our first full day in Budapest. We firstly visited the Fisherman's Bastion, then walked to Buda Castle and on to the Citadel. After walking around 20km on this day, needless to say, our feet were aching!
The views from the Citadel are breathtaking. We were there around late afternoon and got a beer (common theme!) whilst we were taking in the scenery. From here, you will probably get the best views of Pest and other parts of Buda which can't really be seen from the Pest side. There is also a little bit of Hungarian history to be had here.
Make sure you visit here for some amazing photos and views.
The views from the Citadel are breathtaking. We were there around late afternoon and got a beer (common theme!) whilst we were taking in the scenery. From here, you will probably get the best views of Pest and other parts of Buda which can't really be seen from the Pest side. There is also a little bit of Hungarian history to be had here.
Make sure you visit here for some amazing photos and views.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary2,739 contributions
Aug 2020
Citadel on the the top of the Gellert Hill is a must place to visit.
You can see the best panoramic view of the River Danube. The monument is also cool.
The best sunset views of Budapest is there!
You can see the best panoramic view of the River Danube. The monument is also cool.
The best sunset views of Budapest is there!
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IntrepidTraveler
Rhodes, Greece14 contributions
Mar 2020
A majority of reviews of the Citadel focus on the view. The view is incredible. The fortress is also incredible. The walk there is part of the experience. If you have the time, plan a day around this, or at least half a day.
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia4,845 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
Budapest is magically beautiful. The view from the Citadel is particularly beautiful. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the beautiful landscape of the city. At the very top of the hill Gellért lies this Citadel, a fortress from the 19th century, from whose ramparts provides one of the most beautiful views of the city. Here is also a statue devoted to liberation in World War II.We also enjoyed the walk in the park behind the Citadel, where there is also a nice and large playground for children, visited by many hungarian families. Good place for relax.
Written May 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES464 contributions
Is it still closed? (Ainda está fechado?)
Is it safe and "ok" to o in the end of the day, also to come back to Jewish neighborhood ? (é seguro e "ok" para ir no fim do dia, também para voltar para o bairro Judeu?)
anapaulalimapsi
Sao Paulo, SP81 contributions
Olá Lorena! Sim, a Citadela está fechada. Nessa época do ano parece que sempre fica fechada. Ao longo do ano, parece que eles fazem alguns eventos por lá. Mas não fique preocupada com segurança, pode ir tranquila. Tanto durante o dia como a noite tem muitos turistas, mesmo no inverno. Pode ir e faça muitas fotos na estátua Gellet. Fique atenta porque lá vente demais, prensa o cabelo pra não embaraçar tudo. E sim, a volta ao bairro judeu é tranquila, de busão, né? Eu também fiquei hospedada no bairro judeu, super tranquilo. Eu acho que vc deve ir, no horário que quiser, só não espere um grande passeio porque não é lá essas coisas. Achei que andei muito pra pouco. Boa sorte!
Ashley Coleman
London, UK7 contributions
Hi, is the Citadella viewing point safe to visit after dark?
JayAngie2014
Liverpool, United Kingdom32 contributions
It is not safe after dark due to the dark road leading up to it. Plenty of good lighting at the top, making for spectacular views, but no lighting at all to get up there. It is fine in light spring or summer evenings, but is not recommended in dark autumn or winter evenings.
Zeina K
United Arab Emirates
Hi, I would like to know if this is closed now and if yes does anyone know when it will reopen again? am planning to visit in June 2018... and does it have opening hours ??
theaterEva
Berkshires, MA4 contributions
it's permanently closed with no plans yet to reopen and I can not get a straight answer as to why. Locals say various things about the reason but the cultural ministry just says permanently closed. The focus seems to be more on the castle district renovations presently which is a huge project so I assume funding is simply not there though the sidewalk shops at the citadela have all sorts of weird explanations about the citidela closure. if you just want a panoramic view from high it might be worth the climb but there's really nothing there at present in my opinion worth the effort. If you're looking for the bunker at the citadela that's closed and the military museum is much better anyway or the police museum. Years ago the laborintus was bigger and that closed but is smaller upon the reopening and no plans to make that what it use to be. Also use to be catacombs under the bombed out church up by the castle area (chuch where only the bell tower remains), but the tower has been closed and so have the catacombs. Perhaps someday in the future these will be opened again but all my inquires go unanswered as to if there are any plans for these once awesome tour sites. Flea market by hero's square is also gone for good and just a big lot now where everything is dug up for some building project.
Fietsen1
San Antonio, TX486 contributions
I tried clicking on the link for their website and received a notification that the area was closed indefinitely. Is there any truth to this?
theaterEva
Berkshires, MA4 contributions
My understanding is that the citadella is closed by the government and I asked a number of the people that work near it why and I got a couple of different stories about the closing. First I was told it was closed because of security issues and potential terrorism since it was minimally staffed. That could be real since now you see soldiers with machine guns patrolling many tourist areas like vaci utca and the parliment etc. Second I was told by someone else that like the castle it is slated for complete refurbishment which sort of doesn't make sense since the bunker was not in ruin nor the citadella last time I was in it some years back Third I was also told by someone else that the bunker is a negative aspect of Hungarian history but again I don't buy that line as it is simply history and things like the military museum in the castle area have plenty war time artifacts which are not being hid away. So I leave it up to you to decide where the truth is. If you walk as I did it is a very very long up hill walk and sure it has a nice view but if you are elderly or slightly disabled best to spend for a cab or take a bus or tour . Frankly though there are other views like the the churches that allow access to outside the dome. Sadly a number of homeless seem to be camping in the park area around the citadella and using the paths for an outdoor toilet and some areas garbage strewn about so unless you're really inclined to go just for the view I would say there are countless other things to see of better value instead,
Serena M
Province of Novara, Italy
buonasera,
come posso acquistare il biglietto per il bunker della Citadella di Budapest????
Francesca S
Treviso, Italy40 contributions
Non si paga alcun biglietto per la cittadella. Ci sono solo alcuni musei e mostre varie da pagare se si vogliono visitare (comunque prezzi economici grazie al cambio favorevole).
TuristaSiempre
102 contributions
Buenos noches!
¿Alguien sabe si la Fortaleza de la Citadel en Budapest està cerrada temporalmente o si el cierre es definitivo?
Vamos a ir a Budapest el próximo agosto (2016) y estamos dispuestos a subir a la Citadel sólo si podemos visitar la fortificación.
Gracias por vuestra ayuda.
Saludos.
A Cuesta
Mercè C
Castelldefels, Spain99 contributions
Hola.
Nosotros estuvimos este verano en Budapest y subimos a la montaña donde está la Citadel solo por las vistas del Danubio y la ciudad. Mucha gente pero la panorámica es excelente. Hay oficina de turismo, y falta mucho tiempo aún, yo de vosotros preguntaría cuando lleguéis.
Por cierto, es una ciudad monumental preciosa, os encantará!
SteveatDurham
Durham, UK1 contribution
How to get there on public transport
Vlasta2015
Bratislava, Slovakia90 contributions
It should be about 15 minutes to get to the Citadel from the Gellert square by the river Danube (take tram 47 or 49 from Deak square to get here, or bus number 7 from the Keleti Train Station, Blaha square, Astoria square or Ferenciek square). The path to the Citadel is visibly marked with international marks so you cannot get lost. The paths are shaded by the trees, which makes the long and steep hike a lot more pleasant even on hot summer days.
There is also a bus which will take you directly to the top of the Citadel: take bus 27 from Moricz Zsigmond square on the Buda side (unfortunately there are no buses to the Citadel from Gellert Hill near the Liberty Bridge, but you can get to Moricz square easily with tram 47 or 49, or bus number 7).
Citadel (Budapest) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Citadel
- We recommend booking Citadel tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 64 Citadel tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Citadel:
- Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise (From $12.10)
- Big Bus Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From $16.50)
- City Sightseeing Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Boat and Walking Tour (From $36.29)
- Budapest Tuk Tuk City Tour (From $87.44)
- 4 hours PRIVATE Professional City Tour of Budapest (From $203.47)
- Hotels near Citadel:
- (0.08 mi) Hotel Citadella
- (0.38 mi) Hotel Vision Budapest
- (0.19 mi) Citadella Guesthouse
- (0.45 mi) Bohem Art Hotel
- (0.19 mi) View of Budapest apartment
- Restaurants near Citadel:
- (0.03 mi) Palinka Terasz
- (0.17 mi) Rudas Bistro
- (0.30 mi) Búsuló Juhász Restaurant
- (0.38 mi) Baalbek - Lebanese Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Palinka Station