Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar)

Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar)

Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar)
4.5
About
Built in 1896 for the Millennial celebrations, this large complex houses 21 exact replicas of the most magnificent and historic buildings of Hungary.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar)
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Zugló
How to get there
  • Széchenyi fürdő • 5 min walk
  • Hősök tere • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • rfg051017
    49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Castle walk about!
    It was a lovely sunny November day so we just walked around the park and moat area. We did not go into anything but we really enjoyed the walk and sat by the moat for ages on the chairs watching the world go by, for us lovely quiet relaxing time peace and quiet!!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 November 2023
  • Apple C
    259 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A romantic place with an unpronounceable name.
    It's beautiful, but not a real castle. Don't be surprised, he really isn't real. It was built as a museum - a mixture of the historical development of Hungarian architecture. But that makes it even more interesting and beautiful! According to all the rules of the Middle Ages, the castle is surrounded by a moat with water, the role of which is played by an artificial lake. The castle is very photogenic – towers, lancet windows, bas-reliefs, sculptures....A romantic place with an unpronounceable name.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 December 2023
  • Alina S
    Bucharest, Romania80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best of Budapest.
    I had an amazing walk through the park and enjoyed a sunny not freezing day. The surroundings of the castle are brought from the description of good novels, old or new. The castle itself is a marvel and an architectonic historian. Loved it, you feel like in fairy-tells. It was not crowded and we parked the car on a street with embassies and beautiful houses.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 January 2024
  • Semaan D. Makary
    Lebanon1,213 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful complex
    Showcasing 4 distinctive architectural styles, Vajdahunyad Castle is a thoroughly unique tribute to Hungary’s millennium-long architectural tradition. Designed by architect Ignác Alpár in 1896 as part of Hungary’s millennial celebrations, Vajdahunyad Castle was originally intended to be a temporary exhibition, and was constructed out of wood and cardboard.  However, the attraction proved such a hit with locals and visitors alike that a more permanent structure was built in 1904. The castle itself is divided into four sections, showcasing Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture.  Within each section, the castle is further divided, in total comprising twenty-one smaller buildings linked together, each having been designed as a replica of other significant structures to be found throughout Hungary and Romania.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 January 2024
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, Minnesota6,327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Built in 1896 to Celebrate the History and Architecture of Hungary
    Located in the pleasant Varosliget (City Park), Vajdahunyad Castle is a recreation of a famous castle in Transylvania called Hunyad Castle. It encompasses 4 different architecture styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque and includes features of several different landmark buildings throughout Hungary. It was originally constructed in 1896 for the Millennium Exhibition celebrating 1000 years since the establishment of the Principality and Later Kingdom of Hungary. Having recently gained equal status with the previous dominant Austria in ruling the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary was ready to strut it stuff and made huge investments in the infrastructure of Budapest including holding the Millennium Exhibition. Although it's not a real castle and just a copy to celebrate the history and architecture of the country and is somewhat like visiting Epcot World Showcase, it is still pretty interesting and makes for some nice photos. Unless you tour the Museum of Hungarian Architecture, which is located inside, you really don't need much time to experience Vajdahunyad. Once you arrive at the gatehouse, you can experience it all in 10-15 minutes. However, you can spend the whole day in Varosliget Park as there are many other things to do including renting a rowboat in the summer or ice skating in the winter, visiting the Szechenyi Baths, or touring the zoo and botanical gardens. There is also nearby the impressive Heroes' Square and the adjacent museums.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 July 2024
  • Rachel G
    60 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very pretty!
    Was really fun walking around this area! Loved the park and the Castle was very beautiful. Lots to see around this area. A really nice place to spend your morning. It becomes very busy with tours, so I would suggest trying to go a little earlier to beat some of the crowds.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 August 2024
  • ShaunH290
    London, United Kingdom2,966 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Clever Invention!
    The "castle" is really a showcase of different styles from around the Hungary of 1896 (when the kingdom was celebrating its millennium). It was originally built as a temporary exhibition but it was so successful that they rebuilt it in permanent materials, like stone. So even though it looks authentically old, even the 13th Century Jaki Chapel is less than 130 years old! The Chapel is now a real church building and the Hungarian Agricultural Museum is a proper museum and research establishment. It reminds me of the success of the 1851 Great Exhibition in London that used its profits to create Albertopolis with the great museums of South Kensington. Quick to visit in the huge park with the boating lake/ice rink (depending on the time of year).
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 August 2024
  • travelinspiration
    Dallas, Texas383 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of our favorite parts of Budapest!
    Recommend going fairly early on a weekday when few people to take in this magical sight! So many different architectural types, wonderful to walk around outside to admire. Just absolutely charming - especially with our guide Julia, from Julia Kraviánszky tours!
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 September 2024
  • Spase M
    Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia2,509 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the biggest tourist attractions in the city park
    One of the most beautiful buildings in the park. It will win you over as soon as you see it. Vajdahunyad Castle caught my special attention. It is located next to the lake, in a beautiful setting. The castle is a combination of 4 styles of architecture: Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque. Unfortunately I was late and the castle was closed. Since a few months ago, one of the hidden mini statues of Kolodko, a vampire sitting and reading a book, has been placed here, but I haven't been able to find it.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 September 2024
  • Jessica S
    Sofia, Bulgaria29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning place!
    I can't believe this is a free to visit tourist spot! So beautiful! And the park behind the castle was gorgeous! My friends and I were talking how we can spend the whole da y there! I definitely want to go back and explore the area some more. P.S. Behind the castle on it's right side you can find a miniature sculpture of Dracula. Turns out there are miniature statues like these all around the city and you can literally do a treasure hunt to find them all. (we highly considered it so if we go back we are definitely doing it!)
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 27 September 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,513 reviews
Excellent
1,340
Very good
883
Average
247
Poor
34
Terrible
9

MikeT19278
San Jose, CA169 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
My wife and I visited City Park on a rainy day, and the rain really started when we got to this Castle. The interesting part of seeing all these different castle types is that they wouldn't be present at the same time through history, but still, it's fun to see all these different architectural types in one place. I wish the weather had been nicer when we visited, as there seemed to be lots of interesting sculptures and gardens nearby.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy D
London, UK287 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019
This part of the city is very close to major museums and the Szechenyi baths so it is easy to get to. This castle was built temporarily but the people of the city loved it so much that it was built out of more permanent materials. The scenery there is beautiful and you could have easily spend a whole day, there is a church, you can explore the castle, gift shop, take a boat tour of the lake and relax in sun loungers around the castle
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

traveller
6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The castle was built in the 19th century, and was fabulous enough that you simply cannot stop taking photos. I was not interested in the agriculture, so I did not went into the museum. There is also a ice rink near the castle that you can do ice skating on the weekends, if you go there in winter. It opens at 10am, and you can get the gear rent there. For an Asian who seldom see snow or ice, it is worth doing the ice skating there.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom J
London, UK1,799 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Vajdahunyad Castle is located in the park between the Heroes Square and Szecheyni Spa. It is easily accessible by foot or by metro and is a stunning mixture of architectural designs. Originally built out of wood and cardboard in the 19th century but then proved so popular that it was built as a permanent installation out of stone and brick between 1904-1908. Walking across the moat and under the wooden gate has a really special feel to it with plenty of interesting sites in the grounds itself.

Definitely worth a stop if in the area and is a must see in Budapest!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Murphy2k14
Paulstown, Ireland292 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Its like something you would see in a childrens book. It a stunning castle located near the baths and Heroes Square. Well worth visiting these all at the same time as they are so close. It was very cold when we got here and the lake was frozen over with people walking across it.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

seetheworld600
va421 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Solo
If you plan to visit Heroes’ Square or Széchenyi Baths, the castle is in between the two. That meant that this was a quick visit for me when I left the baths and was walking back to the metro station. The castle is situated in a big park and you will encounter various tour groups while you’re in the area. I knew ahead of time that you could only visit the outside of the castle unless you wanted to buy a ticket to the museum. I just didn’t expect that IMO there wasn’t much to see on the grounds in June.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ed M.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic15 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
Very nice castle and agriculture museum. It's not le louvre of course but great to discover the Hungarian culture, history and to see the importance of the environment, hope they bring the school into the museum for the children awareness.
On a side note Maybe a little bit hot inside and the castle inside could be a little bit enhanced with some good cleaning and mise en scene.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jyotsna
New Delhi, India632 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Couples
This Castle was built in 1896 for millennial celebration,houses 21 exact replicas of mostly magnificent and historic buildings of Hungary, initially thought to be temporary timber stuctures, later converted to permanent stone stuctures in 1904. There are many small museums inside,but the decorated exterior is the main attraction. This Castle is located on Szechnyi island in the city of Budapest and part surrounded by an artificial lake with paddle board.
The main entrance leads to marble arched courtyard, there was a statue of the anonymous, his face hidden by a hood. This place being a good photo op.
This is nice place,a restaurant, Goulash though expensive is also there.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MichelleM
San Antonio, TX6 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
The structure is a beautiful sight to see. We did not know anything about the castle prior to arrival, but I thought online comments about it raved about its history, scary factor, etc. We bought the whole package to see/do everything including a guided tour, but honestly it was disappointing when our tour guide did not greet us, just motioned for us to follow her up many flights of stairs with zero conversation. It wasn't until about 5 minutes after we reached the top of the tower she began to tell us a little about one side, then another, and so on. She talked maybe 5 minutes. We learned no one had ever lived there, it has always been a museum (of hunting, fishing and early man living conditions). It just was not what I had expected. The church was closed and many parts of the museum were empty.
Written 26 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tigerlilly7777
Hampshire, UK107 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Friends
Simply the most beautiful,magically stunning castle. There's not a lot there but beautiful to walk around the castle and the area. Surrounded by some other smaller buildings & trees is a lovely peaceful area. We stayed mid November & have to say looks stunning surrounded by all the autumn winter trees. The castle is really gorgeous if you lovely historic architecture. There is a museum inside although we did not do this. we wondered around the grounds and out the back in a little stream and some Christmas huts put up ready for Christmas so had a nice mulled wine to warm us up. We also treated ourselves before hand to a little lunch over at the Varosliget cafe restaurant which over looks the castle and where the ice rink sits between during December. Stunning view of the castle & lovely food.
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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VAJDAHUNYAD CASTLE (VAJDAHUNYADVAR) (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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