Castle Garden Bazaar

Castle Garden Bazaar, or Várkert Bazár, is a Neo-Renaissance complex at the foot of Buda Castle in Budapest. Its restored buildings frame formal gardens with fountains and sculptures, while terraces look across the Danube towards Pest. Walk the colonnaded passages, pause for the river view, or explore an exhibition or concert if one is on during your visit. An escalator and lift connect the lower levels with the upper terraces, making this a useful pedestrian route towards the castle as well as a place to linger.

A restored complex at the foot of the castle

Castle Garden Bazaar stands on the slope below Buda Castle. Its Neo-Renaissance buildings and ornamental gardens were created as a representative complex at the base of Castle Hill. Construction took place between 1875 and 1883. The site was restored in 2014 as part of work on the Castle District and its surroundings.

The complex has served different purposes over time. The buildings have housed a women’s painting school, a historical picture gallery and sculptors’ studios. Today, the site includes galleries and event spaces, and exhibitions and concerts take place there.

Gardens, terraces and a route uphill

The formal gardens are a place to walk among fountains and sculptures, with views over the Danube and Pest from the upper levels. You can stroll through the grounds without buying a ticket for the gardens. The nearby Hungarian National Gallery is another stop in the Buda Castle area.

The escalator connects the riverside level with the upper terraces, and a lift continues the route towards the top. These facilities make the complex a practical way to approach the castle on foot. If you book a guided visit to Empress Sissy’s stairs and rooms, check that the tour is in a language you understand.