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Buda Castle is situated on 60 m high ridge known as Castle Hill, overlooking the city already since the 13th century. The first written mention dates from 1255, when Béla IV. built a fortified castle here. Around 1356 Ludwig I. then began to build a Royal Castle on the southern slopes of Castle Hill. With the advent of the year 1400, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg built a Gothic palace here, which was in 1458 rebuilt into a Renaissance style.

The palace was constantly besieged since the beginning by Turks and the Habsburgs, and was almost destroyed and then rebuilt to a smaller one. After the conquest of Buda in 1541 by Turkish troops the palace served as stables and storage of gunpowder. Its expansion was issued later by Maria Theresa, who changed it into a palace with 203 chambers. Habsburgs made a reconstruction of the palace in the 18th century by which they rebuilt it into a huge palace.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Benjamin Vander Steen

Buda Castle includes several major institutions such as the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and National Széchényi Library.

The Hungarian National Gallery is a home to an extensive collection describing the turbulent past of the country. It was founded in 1957 and now holds exhibits of Hungarian art from the Middle Ages to the present. Originally, these works were located in the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, but in 1975 were moved to the royal palace. Visitors can now see the six permanent exhibitions of the most valuable works of Hungary.

The Budapest History Museum is in operation since 1873, when began to collect historical artifacts related to the capital city. During the World War II was in the south wing of the royal palace discovered medieval hall in which you can now see an exhibition called The Royal Palace in the medieval Buda. Here you can find the weapons, sealants, tiles and early crafts. An exhibition shows development of the city from Roman times up to the Hungarian settlement in the 13th century. The first floor hosts an exhibition of contemporary Budapest, the city’s history from 1686 to present.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Országos Széchényi Könyvtár

National Széchényi Library holds a stunning collection of books. The library was founded in 1802 by Count Ferenc Széchenyi. It consisted of 15,000 books and 2,000 manuscripts. Now the collection includes five million prints, it’s everything that has ever been issued in Hungary. Among the most valuable gems are Corvinus manuscripts, which are collections of old books and manuscripts which formerly belonged to King Matthias Corvinus. This collection formed one of the largest libraries in Renaissance Europe.

Once you are in Budapest, I’m sure you cannot miss this great Castle!

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The complex consists of the palace with 126 rooms, opera house, Diana’s Temple, the Temple of Venus, the Hermitage, the Chinese pavilion, dance hall, puppet theatre and a large French garden. The castle was a home of the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn for almost thirty years. Even Empress Maria Theresa lived here in 1773.

After the death of Count Esterházy, the family left and the castle remained empty for nearly a whole century. During the Second World War, the chateau served as a hospital and was damaged. In the past few years the castle has been partially renovated and rebuilt into a hotel. Today there are 26 rooms ​​available.

There is a museum and music hall. Every year it hosts International Music Festival and Weeks of music.

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The local animal park was founded in 1752 by Emperor Francis Stephen of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresa, in order to invite his noble guests, and simply to show them what his summer residence Schönbrunn could offer. Since those times a lot of time have passed so today’s zoo elegantly combines baroque menagerie with the most modern pavilions for animals. From historical events could be mentioned that in 1906 the first elephant in captivity was born here, which was a rarity as it was previously considered impossible.

The staff in Zoo Schönbrunn do their best to get customer satisfied and Zoo offers even night tours with a guide and a night vision device. Such kind of visit you have to book in advance and the maximum number of participants is 20 persons.

The Day Pass costs €14 for adult, but there are discounts for children, family, and Year Pass.

Zoo Schönbrunn is one of the best and most modern in the world. Visiting it either in day or night means you take a lot of experiences, impressions and knowledge.

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Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a beautiful Baroque palace, which served as a summer residence of Maria Theresa and Franz Josef I and was also a favorite place of Empress Sisi. It is the most visited sight in Vienna and one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria.

The castle is located near the underground line U4 (green) “Schonbrunn”. The whole area is large, you can often walk free of charge, but at the entrance to the inside there is an admission fee (basic adult €9.50). The castle has a total of 1,441 rooms, of which only 40 rooms are opened to visitors. You can also visit the zoo, palm glass house or castle park.

There is a Schöner Brunnen fountain, and according to legend, whoever drinks from it will become pretty.

Originally, the castle was located just outside Vienna, but with time, the city has grown and it is now a part of the city center. When visiting Vienna, do not miss the castle – it is considered as one of the symbols of the city.

Hofburg

The Hofburg was the residence of emperors and it is now the seat of the Austrian president. The oldest part was built in 1279. The Hofburg is located in the heart of Vienna on the Ringstrasse near the underground station “Museumsquartier”.

In the area there is Sisi Museum, Jewel Box, Black Chamber, the Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library, the Museum of Ephesus and two large gardens.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (German: Stephansdom)

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a gothic cathedral located on the Stephen’s square (Stephenplatz) in Vienna’s historic center near the underground station Stephenplatz. Cathedral is from the 12th century. The temple is open to the public daily and admission is free.

Townhall – Rathaus

Rathaus is located on the Ringstrasse next to the metro line U2 Rathaus. The building was completed in 1883. It is possible to take a tour of the townhall.

Parliament

The parliament building is located near the town hall and near the Hofburg. It was built in the late 19th century, inspired by ancient Greece. In front there is a statue of the goddess Athena. Parliament is open to the public.

Belvedere Palace (Schloss Belvedere)

Belvedere Palace is the second largest palace complex in Vienna after the already mentioned Schönbrunn. The palace is situated near the metro station U4 (green) “Stadtpark” and “Karlsplatz”. The palace was built between 1714 – 1723 as a summer residence for Eugene of Savoy.

In the lower part of the castle there is the Austrian Museum of Baroque Art. There is a castle garden inspired by gardens of Versailles and the Alpine Garden. Belvedere is open to the public every day and admission fee to all parts for the adult is €14 and €9.50 to separated part.

Karlskirche

Karlskirche or Church of St. Charles Borromeo is one of the most important Baroque buildings. The church dates from the 18th century and is located near the underground station “Karlsplatz”.

The church is dominated by copper dome which is 72 meters high. The building combines several architectural styles, such as the entrance area with antique portico, the Roman elements and Baroque features as well. The church is open every day and admission for adults is €6, the price also includes entry into the dome. During the Mass the admission is free.

Further interesting places in Wien

The Wiener Prater

The Wiener Prater is a famous amusement park (there is a free entry but you have to pay for the attraction separately), which is based in the same-name park, established by Joseph II. already in 1766.

The Wiener Prater is open all year round, but attractions are in operation only since mid-March to late October. You can find it near the metro station “Praternstern” on the underground line U1 (red), which is only three stops from the central station “Stephenplatz”. In Prater there is a giant bicycle, which was built in 1897.

Everyone can find something interesting in the Prater, for expample classic carousels, attractions, houses of horror, shootings, game rooms as well as casinos. Entrance to the grounds is free and entry to various attractions ranges from €2 to €10.

Albertina

Albertina is the most famous art gallery in Vienna, located near the Hofburg. The collection is placed here since 1795 and was founded by Duke Albert von Sachsen-Teschen. Thanks to him, visitors can admire works by Albrecht Dürer, Rubens and Manet. There are also temporary exhibitions here. The gallery is open daily and admission is €9.50.

UNO City

UNO City is the center of the modern city as well as Stephansplatz is the center of historic Vienna. Nearest subway line U1 (red) is the “Kaisermühlen – Vienna International Center”. There are skyscrapers and the building of the United Nations. The whole area is constantly growing.

The Donauinsel (Danube Island)

The Donauinsel island stretches along the whole of Vienna. You can get there from the center when you stop off at the station “Danube Island” of the subway line U1 (red). The island is over 20 km long and is artificially constructed to protect against flooding. It’s true sporting paradise and home to cycling, inline skating and 42 km of beaches. There are various events and music festivals.

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