The First District is quintessential historic Buda. The rolling hills of the Taban knoll lead up to the quaint UNESCO world heritage Castle Quarter, home of the Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Matthias Church and the Hungarian National Gallery. Here even the fine dining and upscale cafes retain a certain sleepy charm. Moving south, the riverbank is lined with some real gems, from the historic funicular to the pristine Castle Gardens — with hip fine-dining and teahouses in between. Both the famed Rudas and Gellért Hotel and Baths flank the rolling green of the Gellért Hill. Hidden gardens and twisting stairs connect the romantic milieus.
Despite the 200+ monuments clustered into the city’s smallest district, the atmosphere in the First remains peaceful and well-kempt.
Top neighbourhoods
Tabán, Castle Quarter, Gellért Hill, Naphegy