Gellert Hill
Gellert Hill
4.5
About
The best views of Budapest and the Danube River are from this hill, which also features the imposing fortress, the Citadella, at its summit.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
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 • 8 min walk
- Fővám tér • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,125 within 3 miles
Attractions
679 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- raymondf8086 contributionsPanoramicTo say reaching the top in 30 degrees of afternoon heat and humidity was a trek would be an understatement. To say I was more than delighted that I did, would also be an understatement. The views are spectacular. The views are spectacular. Panoramic. There is an energy about this place that is hard to explain. It almost feels like you become revitalised after every viewing point.Written June 9, 2022
- Carol A SMarietta, Georgia4,202 contributionsForested hilltop park with monuments and panoramic viewsGellért Hill is a 235m high limestone outcrop of the Buda Hills overlooking the Danube. It was named after Szent Gellért, who was thrown to death from a steep cliff; the Szent Gellért monument marks this spot on the northeast side of the hill. The Citadella (an 1849 Hapsburg fortress) and Liberty Statue (1947, commemorating Soviet victory in WW II) are at the top of the hill. Csúszdapark, with a children's playground, terraces and picnic tables is on high on the southern end. The art-deco Hotel Gellért and the Gellért Baths are on Gellért Square at the southeast foot of the hill, next to Szabadság (Liberty) Bridge. Gellért Hill Cave (containing the small Sziklatemplom church) faces the hotel near the Danube. The hill is largely forested parkland; several paved footpaths (stairs and streetlights) ascend the hill, offering panoramic views over the Danube, Elizabeth and Szabadsag bridges, Pest, and the hills beyond. Since 1987, the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of "the Banks of the Danube". The hill is a good place to watch sunrise and sunset; several hill monuments are beautifully lit at night and sparkle like jewels above the Danube river. Gellért Hill is accessible at all times with no entry fee.Written March 12, 2020
- julieBeccles, United Kingdom138 contributionsGreat for exerciseWalked up this hill to see the statues. It was a steep climb but with many view points on the way,we soon reached the top. It is well worth the climb as views over the city are amazing, especially as the sun sets.Written February 10, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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InspirationSeeker
Athens, Greece265 contributions
Dec 2019
There is no doubt that the view from the hill is breathtaking and you can admire the whole city. However, you can admire a similar view from Buda Castle without spending time and effort reaching the hill. The statue is beautiful but you can probably admire it from the bottom of hill as well. Be careful of the tourist trap that some men have set - one man will encourage you to play a similar to three-card Monte and he will make you feel that you will win. However, I noticed that some people from the crowd around him they work with him to try to put pressure to tourists to bet a lot of money. AVOID HIM ! I witnessed some tourists losing a lot of money!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ola
London, UK30 contributions
Jan 2020
A hike was quite challenging on slippery stairs but definitely worth it. Views from the top are breathtaking. You can see the whole city, especially beautiful after dark when it's all lit up. Make sure you have some cash with you if you want a drink as card machines don't really work.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
arshadmiantravelling
Middle East711 contributions
Aug 2019
Gellért Hill is the place to go for the best panoramic views of Budapest. From the top, you get unrivaled views the Danube river and both sides of the city- Buda and Pest. Depending on where you are in the city, one of the best to go there is by taxi and have the taxi driver wait while you explore, take in the views, and take amazing photographs. It's also worth a visit as it is listed as by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rhonda S
Sydney, Australia53 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The walk up to Liberty Monument at the top of Gellért Hill does require an above average level of fitness but it’s well worth it. Take it slowly and stop numerous times to admire the emerging view! There are a variety of different paths to get to the top especially if you want to avoid too many steps! We were lucky to get there at sunset; the colours were beautiful as were the views both up the Danube to the Parliament Building and down to the new National Theatre and beyond. We came up one side of the hill (from Elizabeth Bridge) and headed down the other side to Liberty Bridge which the extensive network of pathways allowed you to do very easily. Well worth the effort of the walk up and it would be just as spectacular during the daytime as well
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aisling
Ireland7 contributions
Feb 2020
I was just walking down the street and we stumbled onto this hill by accident! The sights are breathtaking and its certainly an experience i wont forget! Its a little bit steep but its not too strenuous . The day we went it began to rain very heavily so we managed to hop on one of the red tour buses. Even despite the weather we had a great time. I would definitely recommend visiting!
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CJ W
Adelaide, Australia129 contributions
Aug 2019
From the dropoff point it is still a hike to the top. The top is crowned by the Hungarian Statue of Liberty but its the views from the top that impress. The view is stupendous. This is a must stop if you want good photo memories.
Written May 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly B
Barnet, UK1,806 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Lovely views from up here. This is on the Buda side of the river.
The hop on /off buses stop here for 30 mins so you can walk up and take photos so if you’ve already seen it just get off your bus and get on the one at the front as that will be leaving soon!
There are a few places to get a hot / alcoholic drink at the top near the statue.
Definitely worth a look.
The hop on /off buses stop here for 30 mins so you can walk up and take photos so if you’ve already seen it just get off your bus and get on the one at the front as that will be leaving soon!
There are a few places to get a hot / alcoholic drink at the top near the statue.
Definitely worth a look.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan D
Norwich, UK120 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This is a long but gentle incline to the summit of Gellert Hill. When I visited, there was a fallen tree to easily scramble over without much trouble.
The monument at the top was closed for renovation so 360 degree viewing wasn't possible. However, there were several stops on the way up and down for some excellent panoramic views! Take your camera!
Well worth the walk.
The monument at the top was closed for renovation so 360 degree viewing wasn't possible. However, there were several stops on the way up and down for some excellent panoramic views! Take your camera!
Well worth the walk.
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Artemis0011
Budapest, Hungary4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Imádom ezt a helyet, innen a legszebb a kilátás Budapesten szerintem. Van itt játszótér a kisgyerekes családoknak, különleges szobrok, na meg a csodás kilátás. Érdemes ezert a látványért felmászni a tetejére 😊
I love this place, from here the best view in Budapest I think. There is a playground for families with small children, special statues and a beautiful view. Worth climbing to the top for a spectacular view 😊
I love this place, from here the best view in Budapest I think. There is a playground for families with small children, special statues and a beautiful view. Worth climbing to the top for a spectacular view 😊
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Otto R
Fitzroy, Australia12 contributions
Oct 2019
A half hour plus walk up an established track which includes stops at different vantage points. The starting point near the end of Elisabeth bridge gives you the best views. Take the left side of the stairs. If you see the Statue of Liberty you have reached the top. This lady celebrates the freedom of liberty from the Nazi occupation. Great at sunset or walk up at night and see the lights of Budapest. Walking shoes recommended.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John B
1 contribution
I want to go up and watch the sunset but I cant seem to find any information about getting down at night time other than if i walk its dark and dangerous. Is there another way to get down the hill (river side) ???
zoharimon
Yokneam Illit, Israel297 contributions
I don’t recommend to walk alone in the dark
Francesco D
Rome, Italy
La collina è sempre aperta(anche di sera quindi) oppure ha degli orari ?
Federico F
Rome, Italy338 contributions
Sempre aperta...
riapapa
Santorini, Greece
How long you need to walk to get there?
devils
Paphos, Cyprus450 contributions
There are quite a lot of stairs...from bottom to top it's about ten minutes or a quarter of one hour if you don't stop for a break and you go fast...
going slower it's about 20 minutes- half an hour...
juliacs1999
Calgary, Canada
Can anyone tell me the costs for admission into the Cave Church?
What are the times that it will be open for the summer of 2018?
Dorka77
Auckland Central, New Zealand96 contributions
I hope I'm right- it's opening hours are 9.30-7.30 but not sure about the price. Couple of years ago it was 500Ft (HUF)
claralaw0304
Hong Kong, China
Is it possible to drive up? Is there any parking area? If yes, what's the fee?
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,007 contributions
I believe you can drive up, but it might be restricted to taxis and public use vehicles. Ask at your hotel, because it is really quite a hike up. At the top, they do sell bottled water etc.
REKFROMCB
Matawan, NJ1 contribution
What is the elevation at the top of Gellert Hill?
moments
Yorkshire, UK5,917 contributions
Yes it is worth it. Everything in Budapest is worth it. Some of our best pics are from up there.
If you are fit enough you will be able to climb the steps, just take your time. Lovely views all the way.
We are both nearly 60 and walked everywhere in Budapest, we did not want to miss anything.
The only time we used transport was too and from the airport.
Budapest is fantastic.
We would go back.
Enjoy!
REKFROMCB
Matawan, NJ1 contribution
What is the elevation of Gellert Hill
Stephen W
Kippax, UK171 contributions
Not sure exactly a guess over 200 metres. I paced it walking up on the footpaths and it took what seamed like an hour, but I did take in the views on the way. Get the Berlitz guide book to Budapest as it gives tons of information.
Gellert Hill (Budapest) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Gellert Hill
- We recommend booking Gellert Hill 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 53 Gellert Hill tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Gellert Hill:
- Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise (From $12.10)
- Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise by Legenda City Cruises (From $20.90)
- Candlelit Dinner Cruise by Legenda City Cruises, Budapest (From $93.49)
- Evening Cruise on the Danube with Optional Drinks (From $15.40)
- Budapest Private Luxury Sightseeing Tour (From $351.95)
- Hotels near Gellert Hill:
- (0.01 mi) Hotel Citadella
- (0.33 mi) Hotel Vision Budapest
- (0.38 mi) Bohem Art Hotel
- (0.42 mi) Butterfly Home B&B
- (0.19 mi) Citadella Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Gellert Hill:
- (0.14 mi) Rudas Bistro
- (0.09 mi) Palinka Terasz
- (0.32 mi) Baalbek - Lebanese Restaurant
- (0.33 mi) Dionysos Taverna
- (0.35 mi) Palack winebar
- Attractions near Gellert Hill:
- (0.01 mi) Liberty Statue
- (0.08 mi) Citadel
- (0.13 mi) Rudas Baths
- (0.14 mi) Petofi Bridge
- (0.20 mi) Gellért Hill Cave