Hungary has over a hundred castles and palaces scattered across the country — some in ruins, others beautifully restored, and a few looking like they’ve stepped straight out of a Disney film. The problem? Most international tourists only see Buda Castle, snap a few photos, then hop on a train to Prague or Vienna.
Big mistake.
Not because Buda Castle isn’t spectacular (it is), but because they’re missing the best parts. The fortresses perched on volcanic peaks, the lakeside strongholds overlooking Balaton, and the palaces where you can actually immerse yourself in Hungarian history — without fighting through crowds of selfie-stick-wielding tour groups.
This guide covers 19 castles and palaces, organized by region. For each one, you’ll get practical info: how to get there, when to visit, current ticket prices, and what not to miss. And yes, I’ll tell you which ones aren’t worth the detour.
💡 Pro tip: Prices change regularly, so always check the official website before your visit. Most state-run museums offer free entry on national holidays (March 15, August 20, October 23) and have monthly free days for families.
Discover freedom in the echoes of history’s footsteps.
Let’s dive in.
Budapest & Surroundings: The Classics (Plus a Surprise)
If you’re based in Budapest, these castles are all within easy day-trip distance. Some you can reach by public transport, others require a car — but none will take more than 90 minutes to reach.
1. Buda Castle (Budapest)
The big classic everyone knows — but few truly appreciate.
Buda Castle isn’t a single building; it’s an entire district — the Castle District — where the Royal Palace, museums, churches, and medieval streets converge. Most tourists ride up to Fisherman’s Bastion, grab a panorama selfie, then leave.
That’s a shame.
The real treasures of the castle:
- Hungarian National Gallery: Inside the palace wings, housing the finest 19th-20th century Hungarian painting. Munkácsy, Csontváry, Rippl-Rónai — all here.
- Budapest History Museum: The basement reveals medieval ruins, Gothic sculptures, and the castle’s original remains. Few venture down, but it’s the best part.
- Castle District streets: Along Úri utca, Táncsics utca, and Fortuna utca you’ll find baroque houses, hidden courtyards, and a few excellent cafés.
If you’re interested in what lies beneath, check out the mysterious Labyrinth of Buda Castle — it’s weird, occasionally cheesy, but oddly memorable.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Bus 16 from Deák tér or Széll Kálmán tér. The funicular is a tourist trap — expensive and long queues.
- When to go: Weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends are chaotic.
Entry fees (2025):
| Venue | Adult | Student/Senior (6–26, 62–70) |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest History Museum | 3,800 HUF (~$10) | 1,900 HUF (~$5) |
| Hungarian National Gallery | 5,400 HUF (~$14) | 2,700 HUF (~$7) |
| Castle District (streets, courtyards) | FREE | FREE |
Free entry: Under 6, over 70, Budapest Card holders. Last Saturday of each month free for children under 18.
Official websites:
Worth it? Yes, but don’t just see Fisherman’s Bastion.
2. Vajdahunyad Castle (Budapest)
The castle that isn’t really a castle — but somehow works anyway.
Standing in City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle was built for the 1896 Millennium celebrations, originally in wood. It proved so popular they rebuilt it in stone.
The concept is unique: four architectural styles — Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque — combined in one building. The designers copied Hungary’s most important historic structures and mashed them together. The Transylvanian Hunyad Castle, the Ják Church, Sighișoara’s clock tower — all miniaturized and unified.
Cheesy? A little. But it works, and the surrounding park is gorgeous.
The castle sits near Széchenyi Baths, so you can easily combine both — though if you’re visiting the baths in winter, here’s what you need to know.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Castle courtyards & exterior | FREE (open 24/7) |
| Agricultural Museum (inside) | 2,500 HUF (~$7) |
| Museum + Both Towers combined | 3,000 HUF (~$8) |
| Student/Senior | 1,200 HUF (~$3) |
Practical info:
- Getting there: M1 metro to Hősök tere, 5-minute walk.
- When to go: Winter when there’s ice skating on the lake — magical. Summer for boating.
Monthly free family days available — check website.
Official website: mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu
Worth it? Yes, especially if you’re already exploring City Park. The courtyards are free!
3. Gödöllő Royal Palace (Gödöllő)
Empress Sisi’s favorite Hungarian escape — and Hungary’s largest baroque palace.
Gödöllő Palace is what Buda Castle might feel like if it weren’t turned into sterile museum halls. Here you actually sense the royal atmosphere: furnished rooms, manicured gardens, and the ever-present Sisi cult.
Empress Elisabeth adored this place — it was her refuge from Viennese court etiquette. Today, the palace houses exhibitions dedicated to her memory, but the baroque halls, riding arena, and sprawling park are worth the trip on their own.
Practical info:
- Getting there: HÉV suburban train from Keleti station (45 minutes). The stop is a 5-minute walk from the palace.
- When to go: Spring or autumn when the gardens bloom. Summer is unbearably hot inside (no AC).
Entry fees (2025):
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4,200 HUF (~$11) |
| Student/Senior | 2,600 HUF (~$7) |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | 9,900 HUF (~$25) |
| Audio guide | 1,000 HUF (~$2.50) |
Free entry: Under 6, disabled visitors +1 companion, national holidays.
Official website: kiralyikastely.hu
Worth it? Absolutely. One of Budapest’s best half-day excursions.
4. Visegrád Citadel (Visegrád)
The king of the Danube Bend — literally.
The Visegrád Citadel perches on a mountain above the Danube, and the views… well, the views are why you come. The Danube Bend is at its most spectacular here: the river’s curve, the surrounding hills, and on clear days, the Börzsöny and Pilis mountains.
The castle itself is a well-restored medieval fortress with Renaissance exhibitions, interactive programs, and knight tournaments. But the real star is the panorama.
Pro tip: Below the citadel, in town, are the Royal Palace ruins — King Matthias’s Renaissance residence. Few bother to visit, but the reconstructed Lion Fountain is beautiful.
For active travelers, the Danube Bend cycling route passes right through here.
Practical info:
- Getting there: 45 minutes by car from Budapest. By public transport, take a bus combined with the Nagymaros-Visegrád ferry (more adventurous, but scenic).
- When to go: Autumn colors are stunning. Summer weekends get crowded.
| Venue | Adult | Student/Senior |
|---|---|---|
| Visegrád Citadel | 2,500 HUF (~$6.50) | 1,250 HUF (~$3.25) |
| Royal Palace | 2,200 HUF (~$5.50) | 1,100 HUF (~$2.75) |
Free entry: Under 6, over 70. Last weekend of each month is Family Day. Third Saturday monthly free for under-26 and families at Royal Palace.
Official websites:
- Citadel: parkerdo.hu
- Royal Palace: visegradmuzeum.hu
Worth it? 100%. The Danube Bend is essential, and the citadel offers the best viewpoint.
5. Esztergom Castle & Basilica (Esztergom)
Hungary’s first capital and the heart of Hungarian Catholicism.
Esztergom’s historical significance is immense: Saint Stephen was born here, the first Hungarian king was crowned here, and the Basilica remains the center of Hungarian Catholicism today.
The castle ruins sit beside the Basilica — the Royal Palace remains, the Castle Chapel, and medieval fortifications. But honestly? Most people come for the Basilica, which is Hungary’s largest church and breathtaking inside.
Pro tip: Climb to the cupola viewing platform (yes, stairs). The panorama over the Danube and into Slovakia is worth the effort.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Train from Budapest Nyugati (1.5 hours). The station is far from the Basilica — take a bus or taxi.
- When to go: Weekdays when there are no pilgrimage groups.
| Venue | Adult | Student/Senior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basilica (main church) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Cupola + Treasury + Crypt combined | 4,200 HUF (~$11) | 2,000 HUF (~$5) | 9,500 HUF |
| Cupola only | 2,800 HUF (~$7) | 1,500 HUF (~$4) | — |
| Treasury only | 1,900 HUF (~$5) | 900 HUF (~$2.30) | 4,500 HUF |
| Tour | Adult | Discounted |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Palace Tour (1 hr) | 3,000 HUF | 1,500 HUF |
| St. Stephen’s Tour (45 min) | 2,500 HUF | 1,250 HUF |
| Chapel Tour (30 min) | 2,000 HUF | 1,000 HUF |
Official websites:
- Basilica: bazilika-esztergom.hu
- Castle Museum: varmegom.hu
Worth it? Yes, especially combined with Visegrád (both in one day is doable).
6. Tata Castle (Tata)
A medieval castle on a lake — and a surprisingly good museum inside.
Tata Castle isn’t the biggest or most dramatic, but its setting is enchanting. It stands on the shore of Old Lake, reflecting in the water, surrounded by parkland perfect for picnics.
Inside is the Kuny Domokos Museum, housing ceramics, faience, and local history exhibitions. Doesn’t sound thrilling, but the castle’s Gothic and Renaissance details are beautifully restored.
Pro tip: Tata itself is a charming small town — the Fényes Baths, the Esterházy Castle, and the historic center are all within walking distance.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Train from Budapest Déli (1 hour). The station is close to the center.
- When to go: Summer for the lakeside, winter for the Christmas market.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3,000 HUF (~$8) |
| Student/Senior | 1,500 HUF (~$4) |
| Family (2+2) | 4,500 HUF (~$12) |
Free entry: Under 6, over 70. Every 3rd Sunday monthly free for young visitors and families.
Official website: kunymuzeum.hu
Worth it? If you’re in the area, yes. Not necessarily as a standalone destination — but combine it with Győr or Pannonhalma and it’s excellent.
Balaton & Transdanubia: Castles on the Hills
Transdanubia is Hungary’s most varied region — rolling hills, vineyards, and castles that have guarded borders since Ottoman times.
7. Szigliget Castle (Szigliget)
On a volcanic peak, with Lake Balaton panoramas — one of the best combinations.
Szigliget Castle stands on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, atop a hill, with views that… well, this is why you make the trip. The Balaton Uplands hills, the lake, and on clear days, Badacsony — all visible.
The castle itself is well-restored ruins with interactive exhibitions and medieval programs. But the real experience is the walk up — through vineyards, from the Mediterranean-feeling village below.
Pro tip: Szigliget itself is a little jewel box — fairy-tale streets, wine cellars, and a very nice beach.
Near Lake Balaton’s northern shore, Tihany is another must-visit.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car or bus from Keszthely/Tapolca. No train.
- When to go: Grape harvest in autumn — wine festivals and fewer tourists.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 2,000 HUF (~$5) |
| Child (6–18) | 1,000 HUF (~$2.50) |
| Under 6 | FREE |
Note: No senior or student discounts available at Szigliget.
Official website: szigligeti-var.hu
Worth it? Very much. One of the Balaton Uplands highlights.
8. Sümeg Castle (Sümeg)
The king of medieval festivals — with knight tournaments and costumed programs.
Sümeg Castle is one of Hungary’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, and the owners take historical reconstruction seriously. Summers bring knight tournaments, medieval feasts, and costumed events.
Perfect for families, but enjoyable as an adult too — if you accept it’s a bit cheesy but genuinely entertaining.
Pro tip: The riding school below the castle offers horseback experiences, and the surrounding wines (Somló!) are excellent.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~2 hours). By train to Celldömölk, then bus.
- When to go: Summer festival season for tournaments. Spring/autumn for quieter visits.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3,000 HUF (~$8) |
| Student / Senior / Child (6–14) | 1,500 HUF (~$4) |
| Under 6 | FREE |
| Over 70 | FREE |
Special event prices may be higher — check website.
Official website: sumegvar.hu
Worth it? Yes, especially for families and history enthusiasts.
9. Festetics Palace (Keszthely)
Hungary’s third-largest palace — baroque grandeur with a legendary library.
The Festetics Palace in Keszthely isn’t a castle, but an aristocratic residence so impressive it’s unmissable. The baroque wings, French gardens, and Helikon Library (90,000 volumes!) are stunning.
The Festetics family ruled Keszthely for centuries, and today the palace operates as a museum — but the atmosphere remains.
Pro tip: The palace houses multiple museums — the hunting exhibition, carriage museum, and model railway are all worthwhile.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Train from Budapest to Keszthely (~3 hours with transfer). By car, 2 hours.
- When to go: Summer is Balaton season, which means crowds. Spring/autumn are better.
| Ticket Combination | Adult | Discounted (Student/Senior) |
|---|---|---|
| Castle + 1 exhibition | 4,200 HUF (~$11) | 2,100 HUF (~$5.50) |
| Castle + 5 exhibitions | 6,900 HUF (~$18) | 3,450 HUF (~$9) |
| Castle + ALL exhibitions | 8,500 HUF (~$22) | 4,250 HUF (~$11) |
Note: This is Hungary’s most expensive castle entry — but you’re getting a premium Baroque palace experience. Family discount: 50% off for parents with 2+ children.
Official website: festeticskastely.hu
Worth it? If you’re in Keszthely, mandatory. Worth the trip on its own.
10. Siklós Castle (Siklós)
Continuously inhabited for 800 years — and still functioning as a fortress.
Siklós Castle is unique: one of Hungary’s oldest continuously used castles. Gothic and Renaissance elements, a castle chapel, prison museum, and a genuinely atmospheric inner courtyard.
The castle sits at the edge of the Villány wine region, meaning you can combine the visit with wine tasting. If you’re interested in Hungarian wines, the Villány wine festival is legendary.
Pro tip: Harkány Spa is 5 km away — castle + wine + spa = perfect day.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~2.5-3 hours). By train to Pécs, then bus.
- When to go: Grape harvest festivals (September-October).
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3,500 HUF (~$9.50) |
| Student/Senior | 2,300 HUF (~$6) |
| Child (6–10) | 1,500 HUF (~$4) |
| Over 70 (supporter ticket) | 500 HUF (~$1.35) |
| Under 6 | FREE |
Official website: siklosivar.hu
Worth it? Yes, especially if you want to explore the wine region.
11. Bory Castle (Székesfehérvár)
One man’s 40-year dream — a hand-built castle by a single sculptor.
Bory Castle isn’t medieval; it’s something entirely different. Sculptor Jenő Bory built this fantastical castle between 1923 and 1959, with his own hands. Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance elements blend — but nothing is conventional, everything is unique.
The castle overflows with Bory’s sculptures, paintings, and love letters to his wife. Cheesy? Perhaps. But the personal dedication and creativity are impressive.
Pro tip: Székesfehérvár itself merits a stroll — medieval old town, coronation basilica ruins.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Train from Budapest (1 hour). The castle is on the city outskirts — walk or bus.
- When to go: Spring when the garden blooms.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3,000 HUF (~$8) |
| Student/Senior (65+) | 2,000 HUF (~$5.50) |
| Adult with 2+ children under 14 | 2,000 HUF (~$5.50) |
| Under 6 | FREE |
Official website: bory-var.hu
Worth it? If you appreciate unique, personal creations — yes.
Northern Hungary: Castles Among the Mountains
The northern region is castle paradise — the hilly terrain offered perfect defensive positions, and the battles against the Ottomans were fiercest here.
12. Eger Castle (Eger)
Site of the legendary 1552 siege — symbol of Hungarian resistance.
If you choose only one castle outside Budapest, Eger Castle should be it. The 1552 siege, when István Dobó and 2,000 defenders repelled 80,000 Ottoman soldiers, is one of the most famous episodes in Hungarian history. Géza Gárdonyi’s novel “Eclipse of the Crescent Moon” immortalized it.
Today the castle operates as a museum — casemates, bastions, exhibitions, and a wax museum depicting the siege. But the surroundings are equally fantastic: the baroque town center, the minaret, and the wine cellars (Egri Bikavér!).
Pro tip: Head to Szépasszonyvölgy (Valley of Beautiful Women) for wine tasting — dozens of cellars, cheaper than tourist spots.
After all that wine, you might want to soak in some thermal waters nearby.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Train from Budapest (~2 hours). By car, 1.5 hours.
- When to go: Autumn harvest or summer festivals.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (full ticket with all exhibitions) | 4,800 HUF (~$12.50) |
| Student/Senior | 2,800 HUF (~$7.30) |
| Walk ticket (after 3pm, grounds only, no exhibitions) | 2,400 HUF (~$6.25) |
| Mine tunnel guided tour | +1,000 HUF (~$2.60) |
| National holidays | 800 HUF service ticket only |
Official website: egrivar.hu
Worth it? Essential. One of Hungary’s best countryside destinations.
13. Diósgyőr Castle (Miskolc)
King Louis I’s favorite castle — currently under major reconstruction.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Diósgyőr Castle is CLOSED for major reconstruction until late 2026.
The castle is undergoing a complete restoration to return it to its medieval glory. When it reopens, it will feature fully reconstructed towers, Gothic elements, and new interactive exhibitions.
Pro tip: While the castle is closed, Miskolctapolca (the famous cave bath) is still open and worth the trip alone.
Pre-closure prices were: ~1,500 HUF adult / 1,200 HUF discounted.
Official website: diosgyorivar.hu
Worth it? Check back in 2026-2027 for the grand reopening!
14. Füzér Castle (Füzér)
Former hiding place of the Holy Crown — deep in the Zemplén Mountains.
Füzér Castle is one of Hungary’s most romantically situated fortresses — in the heart of the Zemplén Mountains, atop a rocky peak. Recently reconstructed, it now operates as an interactive museum.
Historically significant too: the Holy Crown was hidden here from the Ottomans.
Pro tip: The Zemplén Mountains are ideal for hiking — the castle can be part of a longer trek.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~3 hours). Public transport is difficult (train to Sátoraljaújhely, then infrequent bus to Füzér).
- When to go: Autumn foliage is most beautiful.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 2,900 HUF (~$7.50) |
| Student/Senior | 1,900 HUF (~$5) |
| Füzér residents | FREE |
Includes free Hungarian guided tours.
Official website: fuzervara.hu
Worth it? If you’re heading to Zemplén, yes. The journey alone is long otherwise.
15. Boldogkő Castle (Boldogkőváralja)
Panoramas over the Tokaj wine region — and a beautifully restored medieval fortress.
Boldogkő Castle stands at the edge of the Tokaj wine region, with fairy-tale views over the vineyards. The castle itself is well-restored, with a museum and cultural programs.
Pro tip: Tokaj is 30 minutes away — combine the castle with wine tasting. For more on Hungarian wines, this pairing guide is helpful.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~2.5 hours). Train to Szerencs, then taxi.
- When to go: Harvest season.
| Period | Adult | Student/Senior | Family (2+2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend / Holiday | 3,300 HUF (~$8.50) | 2,900 HUF (~$7.50) | 12,000 HUF (~$31) |
| Weekday | 2,500 HUF (~$6.50) | 2,200 HUF (~$5.70) | 9,000 HUF (~$23) |
Weekend prices include costumed tours and knight demonstrations. Free parking available.
Official website: boldogkovara.hu
Worth it? If you’re touring the Tokaj wine region, a must-stop.
16. Hollókő Castle (Hollókő)
Above a UNESCO World Heritage village — symbol of Palóc culture.
Hollókő is special: the only Hungarian village on the UNESCO World Heritage list (apart from the castle). The village below preserves traditional Palóc culture, with whitewashed houses and folk traditions still alive.
The castle above is smaller than you’d expect, but the combined experience — castle + heritage village + Palóc culture — is unique.
Pro tip: Visit at Easter when the Palóc Easter Festival takes place — traditional costumes, water-splashing, and folk customs.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~1.5 hours). By bus is harder (train to Szécsény, then infrequent bus).
- When to go: Easter or autumn harvest festivals.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3,000 HUF (~$8) |
| Student/Senior | 2,000 HUF (~$5) |
| Family (2+2) | 9,000 HUF (~$24) |
Fully restored with exhibitions and escape room.
Official website: hollokoivar.hu
Worth it? Yes, mainly for the village. The castle alone isn’t outstanding.
17. Salgó Castle (Salgótarján)
Fairy-tale ruins on a volcanic cone — the most photogenic Hungarian castle ruin.
Salgó Castle’s remains stand on a 625-meter basalt peak, and the image — ruins + volcanic rock + forest — is almost other-worldly. The castle itself is heavily ruined, but the landscape and atmosphere compensate.
Pro tip: Medves Plateau hiking trails start here — if you want an active adventure.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~1.5 hours). From the parking lot, 30-minute uphill hike to the castle (~1 km).
- When to go: Misty autumn mornings are most mystical.
Entry fees:
🎉 FREE ENTRY
Salgó Castle is completely free and open 24/7 with no gates or restrictions. This is an unmanaged ruin — no facilities, no ticket booth, just you and 800 years of history on a volcanic peak.
Tourism info: karancs-medves.info
Worth it? If you love photography or nature — yes. Don’t expect a museum.
18. Drégely Castle (Drégelypalánk)
Site of another 1552 heroic last stand — Captain Szondi György’s memorial.
Drégely Castle fell in 1552, the same year as Eger’s famous siege — but while Eger survived, Drégely was overwhelmed. Captain Szondi György and his handful of defenders fought to the last man.
Today the castle is ruins, but the historical significance is immense, and the views are pleasant.
Pro tip: Near Balassagyarmat — combine with the Palóc Museum.
Practical info:
- Getting there: By car from Budapest (~1.5 hours). Public transport is difficult.
- When to go: Spring or autumn.
- Hiking: 45-60 minute walk from parking to castle.
Entry fees:
🎉 FREE ENTRY
The castle ruin is freely accessible year-round with no entry fee.
Note: The separate Szondi Exhibition Center in the village charges 1,300-1,500 HUF if you want to visit the museum about the siege.
Official website: dregelyvara.hu
Worth it? For history enthusiasts, yes. Casual tourists, less so.
Great Plains: The Flat Land’s Only Real Castle
The Great Hungarian Plain is flat — no hills, no mountains, no natural defenses. That’s why castles are rare here. But the one that exists is special.
19. Gyula Castle (Gyula)
Central Europe’s only fully intact brick castle — and you can sleep in it.
Gyula Castle is unique: a Gothic brick fortress that survived the centuries intact. Today it operates as a museum, event venue, and the neighboring building is a hotel (yes, you can stay in a castle).
The town itself is charming — famous for Gyula sausage, the Castle Spa (one of Hungary’s best countryside thermal baths), and peaceful small-town atmosphere.
Pro tip: Castle Spa is directly beside the castle — combine both.
Practical info:
- Getting there: Train from Budapest (~2.5-3 hours). By car, 2.5 hours.
- When to go: Summer for the spa, winter for the Christmas market.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3,300 HUF (~$9) |
| Student/Senior | 2,000 HUF (~$5.50) |
| Gyula residents | 50% discount |
Various package deals available including escape room experiences.
Official website: gyulavara.hu
Worth it? Yes, especially if you’re heading toward the Great Plains, or if the famous Gyula sausage and spa interest you.
| Castle | Adult Price | Free Entry? |
|---|---|---|
| Salgó Castle | FREE | ✅ Always free |
| Drégely Castle | FREE | ✅ Always free |
| Vajdahunyad courtyards | FREE | ✅ Grounds free, museum paid |
| Esztergom Basilica (church) | FREE | ✅ Church free, cupola/treasury paid |
| Szigliget | 2,000 HUF | Under 6 |
| Visegrád Royal Palace | 2,200 HUF | Under 6, over 70, holidays |
| Visegrád Citadel | 2,500 HUF | Under 6, over 70 |
| Vajdahunyad Museum | 2,500 HUF | Family days |
| Füzér | 2,900 HUF | Füzér residents |
| Tata | 3,000 HUF | Under 6, over 70 |
| Sümeg | 3,000 HUF | Under 6, over 70 |
| Bory | 3,000 HUF | Under 6 |
| Hollókő | 3,000 HUF | — |
| Boldogkő (weekday) | 2,500 HUF | — |
| Gyula | 3,300 HUF | — |
| Siklós | 3,500 HUF | Under 6 |
| Budapest History Museum | 3,800 HUF | Under 6, over 70, Budapest Card |
| Gödöllő | 4,200 HUF | Under 6, holidays |
| Eger | 4,800 HUF | Holidays (800 HUF service fee) |
| Hungarian National Gallery | 5,400 HUF | Under 6, over 70, Budapest Card |
| Festetics Palace (full) | 8,500 HUF | — |
Universal Discount Policies
Most Hungarian state museums follow standardized discount rules:
- Free entry: Children under 6, adults over 70, disabled visitors +1 companion
- 50% discount: Students (6-26 with valid ID), seniors (62-70), families with 2+ children
- Free days: National holidays (March 15, August 20, October 23); many sites offer monthly free days (typically last Sunday or 3rd Saturday)
- Budapest Card: Provides free entry to Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery
💡 Always check the official website before visiting — prices change, special exhibitions may have different fees, and some castles have seasonal pricing.
Currency note: Prices calculated at approximately 380-400 HUF = 1 USD (late 2025).
Which One Should You Choose?
If you only have one day:
- Near Budapest: Visegrád (panorama + castle + palace)
- Further afield: Eger (castle + wine + city)
If you’re traveling with family:
- Sümeg (knight tournaments)
- Füzér (interactive museum)
If you love photography:
- Salgó (fairy-tale ruins — FREE!)
- Szigliget (Balaton panorama)
If you want wine too:
- Eger (Bikavér)
- Boldogkő (Tokaj)
- Siklós (Villány)
If you’re on a budget:
- Salgó and Drégely are completely free
- Visegrád Royal Palace offers free entry on holidays and for families
- Most castles have free days — check websites
If you’re a history buff:
- Eger (1552 siege)
- Esztergom (origins of Hungarian statehood)
Final Thoughts
Hungary’s castles aren’t just historical monuments — they’re active cultural venues hosting festivals, exhibitions, and events year-round. The best way to explore them is not to cram too many into one day.
Choose a region, combine 2-3 castles with the area’s other attractions (wines, spas, nature), and take your time.
Before you go: Always check the official website for current prices, opening hours, and any temporary closures. Prices in this guide are accurate as of late 2025, but they do change.
Hungarian castles deserve more than being checkbox items on a list.
