Fisherman's Bastion Guide
Pick up your phone, go on Instagram, and search for “Fisherman’s Bastion”. If you don’t like what you see, do not read this guide.
With its seemingly medieval turrets, fairy tale staircases and balconies, Fisherman’s Bastion is becoming the most famous square in Budapest – even above glorious public spaces such as Heroes Square. Go there on any day, at any time, and you’ll see Instagram influencers draped over the masonry. But Fisherman’s Bastion is far too beautiful, and too interesting just to use as a backdrop; as with everywhere else in Budapest, that would be doing it a disservice.
We’re going to let you know the essentials, like opening hours and entrance fees, but also give you all the history you need!
Brief Overview
Despite how it looks, Fisherman’s Bastion isn’t all that ancient. In fact, it was built at the end of the 19th century as part of the Hungarian Millennium celebrations, which marked Hungary’s 1000th birthday.
The architectural style, however, is medieval. It’s meant to evoke the era of Hungary’s founding, 1000 years prior. Fisherman’s Bastion is built in a Neo-Romanesque style, with a romantic, fairytale like feel to it.
Likewise, Fisherman’s Bastion was never intended to serve as a fortification. In fact, its architect hoped it would become exactly what people use it for today: a viewpoint.
Buda Castle District was fortified at one time. Construction of Fisherman’s Bastion, however, marked a purposeful pivot away from fortification.
There are 7 towers at Fisherman’s Bastion. Each tower has a statue of one of the original Hungarian chiefs responsible for settling the Carpathian basin in 895. This marked the birth of the Hungarian nation.
You’ll also see St. Stephen depicted in the square in front of Fisherman’s Bastion. St Stephen was the first king of Hungary, ruling from 1000 to 1038.
At the bottom of the stairs leading up to Fisherman’s Bastion, you can see statues of John Hunyadi and St. George, with a dragon.
Hunyadi was a 15th-century military leader and politician. His statue is the one with the impressive moustache and the sword staked into the ground. You can also see Hunyadi at Heroes Square. His namesake park, Hunyadi Ter in the 6th district, is a lovely urban park with a great Saturday farmers’ market.
At the top of the stairs under the arches, you can see statues of 10th century-era soldiers standing sentry.
Why Visit Fisherman's Bastion?
Fisherman’s Bastion is most popular because of the way it looks, and because of the views it offers.
If you come here looking for ancient history, you’ll probably leave disappointed.
But if you’re in the market for stunning views over Budapest and a great backdrop for your holiday photos, Fisherman’s Bastion is the spot!
What You Can See from The Bastion…
The Danube
The second-longest river in Europe, the Danube is one of the world’s great rivers.
From Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll get a remarkable view. And if you want to get up close and personal with the Danube, there are plenty of river cruises to enjoy.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Budapest’s most famous bridge, the beautiful Chain Bridge spans the Danube. It was the first bridge to connect Buda with Pest, and today stands as an icon of the city. On the Pest side the river, the Chain Bridge connects with Budapest’s 5th District.
It’s due to close in the near future for restoration work, so catch the view while you can!
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Gresham Palace stands at the eastern foot of the Chain Bridge, across the Danube in Pest. Formerly the head office of an insurance company, Gresham Palace is now home to the Four Seasons Budapest. Just as beautiful on the outside as it is inside, today it’s home to one of Budapest’s most luxurious hotels.
St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika)
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest. It strikes an imposing presence in the Pest skyline, making it no surprise you can see it from Fisherman’s Bastion.
St. Stephen’s Basilica is open to tourists every day, except during religious ceremonies. It’s free to enter, or you can pay a small fee to climb to to top for more awesome views!
Budapest Eye
Just because it’s a copy of the London Eye, doesn’t mean the Budapest Eye is any less fun. A ferris wheel on Elizabeth Square in Budapest’s tony 5th District, take a ride for more great views of the city.
Elizabeth Square is considered the heart of downtown Pest. It’s where the 5th, 6th, and 7th districts all meet, and is a busy transit connection and meeting place.
The Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest’s most iconic landmark, the Hungarian Parliament stands sentry on the east bank of the Danube. Fisherman’s Bastion offers one of the best views – and photos – of the parliament building.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
It’s free to visit the lower terraces and towers, which offer lovely views in their own right. The entire Bastion is open 24/7.
If you’d like an even better view, you can pay to visit the upper terrace and towers. Ticket cost varies based on time of day and season.
In the low season, between October 16 and March 15, we’ve heard it’s free to enter the upper terraces. Push the turnstile, and you’ll gain access. We haven’t done this personally, so can’t confirm.
Evening visits are also free after 20:00. Again, just push your way through the turnstiles, which are unlocked in the evenings. Finally, it’s free on August 20, which is Hungary’s national day.
In high season (March 16 to October 15), daytime tickets are valid between 09:00 and 19:00 (March 16 to April 30) or 20:00 (May 1 to October 15). They cost HUF 1000 (£2.50 or $3.40 / €3) for adults, and HUF 500 (£1.25 or $1.70 / €1.50) for students and children aged 6 to 14. Children under 6 are free. Seniors from EU countries are also entitled to a discounted ticket for HUF 500.
If you have a Budapest Card, you can get a 10% discount on Fisherman’s Bastion tickets.
Tickets can only be bought at the Ticket office.
Book Tours
How to get there
You have a few options for getting to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Getting to Fisherman’s Bastion by Bus
If you’re coming from downtown Budapest to Fisherman’s Bastion, your best bet is bus #16 from Deák Ferenc tér.
Alternatively, you can take bus #16A from Szell Kalman tér.
Getting to Fisherman’s Bastion by the Buda Castle Funicular
If you don’t mind spending a little more, take the Buda Castle Funicular from Clark Adam Square up Castle Hill. From the funicular terminal in Budapest Castle District, it’s less than 5 minutes’ walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Walking
If you have a reasonable level of fitness, you can walk to the Castle District and Fisherman’s Bastion. Begin your route at Clark Adam Square (about a 10-minute walk uphill) or Szell Kalman Square (about a 15- to 25-minute walk, some uphill and some flat).
Must-Visit Attractions
Buda Castle
If you want to take the scenic route, how about checking out Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion at the same time? This is a really great option, as the two structures go hand in hand – Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and the castle itself are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castle Hill; don’t skip straight to Fisherman’s Bastion, and miss out on seeing something equally beautiful!
Buda Castle has a fascinating history which is well worth seeking out, but bear in mind that nothing that you’ll see is as old as it looks. The castle has had something of an unfortunate history, especially if your definition of “unfortunate” includes “being blown up multiple times”. Yup, Buda Castle has had a rough time of it, and been under siege and captured by pretty much every invading force ever (most notably the Communists, who were fighting the Nazis. Rather than fight on Castle Hill, they simply captured the neighboring, and taller, Gellert Hill, and pounded the crap out of the castle with artillery). But that doesn’t mean that the castle is any less beautiful: it’s been expertly restored, and looking as gorgeous as it ever did.
Matthias Church
As you approach Fisherman’s Bastion, it’s quite possible that you won’t even see it. As beautiful as the bastion is, there’s something right on its doorstep which is even more jaw-dropping, and that’s the Matthias Church.
If you bought the ticket which includes entry to both Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, congratulations! You’re going to see two of Budapest’s most beautiful sites! The church certainly grabs your attention when you’re outside, thanks to its gorgeous ceramic tiled roof, but it’s inside the building where it shines. Remember to bring a jacket or scarf, because you’ll need to cover up a little in order to enter.
Like Fisherman’s Bastion, the inside decoration of Matthias Church isn’t quite as old as it looks (the building itself was built in the 14th century). Various wars caused damage to the building, and it was converted into a mosque by the Turks in 1541. After their expulsion, and after more damage in the Second World War, it was renovated in the 1970s to look as it would have done in its medieval heyday. It’s an absolutely stunning sight: it may not be the most authentic decoration in the world in terms of age, but it takes your breath away nonetheless. Every single surface is covered in decoration, and you really can imagine it being used by medieval kings
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Fisherman’s Bastion. Feel free to leave comments below or to ask us any questions.
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