Sitting on the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary lies the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion. Built as an example of Neo-Romanesque architecture, it is recognized as one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Located within Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion is a fortress significant to the history of Budapest and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stories have been told that during the Middle Ages, this structure was protected by a group of fishermen. It has had its fair share of damages and renovation over the years, but it still stands as a significant piece of architecture in Hungary. On top of that, Fisherman’s Bastion gives some of the best panoramic views of the Danube River and the city of Budapest, and this is only one of the reasons why people flock this attraction. There are more reasons, so please read this guide to FIsherman’s Bastion.
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Things to do / Highlights
Statue of St. Stephen
Out in the southern courtyard of Fisherman’s Bastion, you will find the statue of St. Stephen. He was the first King of Hungary and a champion of Christianity to the pagan community. When he became king, he fought for the rights of Christians in Hungary. He established several monasteries and urged people to adopt Christian ways. The statue, which was completed in 1906, depicts St. Stephen mounting a horse looking high and mighty, a perfect tribute to a saint and a king. It was originally supposed to have a dome covering it, but Frigyes Schulek, the architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion, decided to leave it as it is and now the statue stands in glorious form.
St. Michael's Chapel
Hidden under the towers of Fisherman’s Bastion is St. Michael’s Chapel, a 700-year-old place of worship for Christians. Historically, it was first heard of in 1442 and was then known as a chapel for the cemetery of the Church of Our Lady, the present-day Matthias Church just across the street. After being discovered from its secret location, the chapel was restored. Today, it no longer functions as a religious sanctuary but provides tourists and visitors with unique 3D film screenings that run from 10 am to 5 pm. It is usually one of the inclusions when you purchase a Budapest Card.
Incredible views
One of the primary reasons why Fisherman’s Bastion is such an attraction to tourists is because of what it offers. The best one is probably the view of the city when you climb to the top of the towers. You will be guaranteed a splendid scenery of the Danube River and the beautiful city of Budapest as its backdrop. Some of the landmarks you may spot are **St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament, the Academy of Sciences, and Gresham Palace. Some have called this the best place to get a panoramic shot of Budapest.
What to eat
Hungary is proud to offer its cuisine through stellar restaurants, and around Fisherman’s Bastion, there’s no shortage of that. Though keep in mind that many of these eateries will probably be on the more expensive side since this is a highly tourist-filled area.
Halászbástya Étterem
When translated into English, this restaurant quite literally means Fisherman’s Bastion Restaurant. The atmosphere at Halászbástya Étterem is posh and definitely classifies as fine dining, so expect the prices to be high. They offer an extensive menu with some of Hungary’s best dishes. Some of their gourmet selections include lamb, duck, and trout. They also have a separate menu for their wine list. While having your meal, you can also enjoy the beautiful views that Fisherman’s Bastion offers.
Alabárdos
A few blocks away behind Fisherman’s Bastion but still within Buda Castle District, you will find Alabárdos. They take pride in offering the best of Hungarian cuisine but with a twist. The flavors of saffron, ginger, and pepper are made into a modern and elegant presentation. The unique thing about Alabárdos is that they have three menus to choose from, namely Evolution, Inspiration, and Tradition, so you’re guaranteed a wide variety of food options. The ambiance is very elegant, and they have a quaint outdoor seating so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
Nearby cafes
For your caffeine fix, you may want to walk a few blocks further and check out Bambi Eszpresszó, a breakfast joint by day and a traditional bar by night. The retro ambiance is best enjoyed with a pint of beer. If that’s not your thing, you can enjoy a really cheap breakfast of traditional frankfurters, scrambled eggs, slices of bread, and a cup of coffee. Alternatively, there’s a Starbucks that is nearer to Fisherman’s Bastion if you feel like tasting something more familiar.
Travelers tips
Tickets are sold on-site only
It’s common for many tourist attractions to allow their guests to book tours and admission tickets online. This allows more convenience and flexibility for the tourist. However, for Fisherman’s Bastion, this is not the case. Admission tickets are sold on-site only. But don’t worry, because even if it’s a tourist hotspot, the tickets are only for visiting the upper towers in the day and are estimated around 3 USD. On the other hand, group guided tours from third-party websites are available online, and most include Fisherman’s Bastion in their itineraries.
Go early
Fisherman’s Bastion is mostly a free tourist attraction, with the exception of the upper towers - the perfect formula to draw in many crowds, so if you want to maximize your visit, it’s best to go early. Don’t worry, your effort to get up earlier than usual will definitely be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Accessibility
Please note that the lower terraces are wheelchair-accessible, but the towers are not.
How to get there
There are several ways to reach Fisherman’s Bastion since it conveniently sits by the Danube River.
On foot
The quickest way is to take a scenic walk up to the site via a zigzag pathway. It will take you directly to the Bastion. However, if you’re not in the mood to hike, there’s always the option to go through Buda Castle and take in the views along the way.
Bus or funicular
Take bus number 16 or take the funicular, an elevated kind of tram, up to the castle.
Parking information
If you’re taking a private vehicle, parking spaces are available around Castle District but are subject to fees for around 2 USD or less.
Budapest Tour Guide
Tiberiu Condulescu
My name is Tiberiu(s), just like captain James Tiberius Kirk from Star Trek, or Tibi for short, and I am an IT Service Manager who found his passion in tour guiding over 5 years ago. Similarly to Captain Kirk, I will be your captain should you choose me as your guide.Every tour is a new experience for both of us, that’s why my aim is to make it both memorable and fun. I want to make memories fo... Read more
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Budapest Tour Guide
Ildiko Varga
I have been a certified guide for more than two decades now. I love my work, love to show my beloved city and country to my guests! I am interested of course in travelling, architecture, arts, cooking and reading.
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Fisherman's Bastion information
Fisherman's Bastion
Address: Castle District, Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Cost: from 3 USD
Official Website: Fisherman’s Bastion
Department of Tourism: Budapest
History
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