Hungarian National Gallery Budapest
Discover centuries of Hungarian artistic heritage, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary creations, within the stunning Buda Castle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Hungarian National Gallery Budapest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover centuries of Hungarian artistic heritage, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary creations, within the stunning Buda Castle.
"A must-see for art lovers, offering a deep dive into Hungary's rich artistic soul within a historic setting."
🎯 Combine with Buda Castle Visit
The gallery is within Buda Castle complex. Explore the castle grounds, Fisherman's Bastion, and Matthias Church before or after your art visit.
🎟️ Check for Special Exhibitions
The gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. Check their website for current shows, which often require separate tickets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Altarpieces
Medieval Art Wing
Marvel at intricate Gothic altarpieces, showcasing the skill and devotion of medieval Hungarian artists.
19th Century Hungarian Masters
19th Century Art Wing
Discover iconic works by masters like Munkácsy and Benczúr, capturing the spirit and landscapes of Hungary.
Contemporary Hungarian Art
Modern & Contemporary Art Wing
Explore thought-provoking pieces from modern and contemporary Hungarian artists, reflecting current artistic trends.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combine with Buda Castle Visit
The gallery is within Buda Castle complex. Explore the castle grounds, Fisherman's Bastion, and Matthias Church before or after your art visit.
🎟️ Check for Special Exhibitions
The gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. Check their website for current shows, which often require separate tickets.
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Enhance your understanding of the artworks with an audio guide, available in multiple languages for a richer experience. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying your visit. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combine with Buda Castle Visit
The gallery is within Buda Castle complex. Explore the castle grounds, Fisherman's Bastion, and Matthias Church before or after your art visit.
🎟️ Check for Special Exhibitions
The gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. Check their website for current shows, which often require separate tickets.
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Enhance your understanding of the artworks with an audio guide, available in multiple languages for a richer experience. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying your visit. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hungarian National Gallery for its extensive and well-curated collections of Hungarian art, spanning centuries. Its location within the historic Buda Castle complex is a significant draw, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views. Some visitors note that temporary exhibitions can be particularly captivating, though they may require advance booking.
"Discounts only for EU members.
A variety of packages with scaling prices.
You will need 8 hours if you do the largest package. It took three hours to do the main floor of folk art. That was more than enough.
There’s a bathroom upon entry. Show your ticket or they charge you 300 for a toilet that is smelly and dirty with a wet floor and the cheapest hand soap to burn and dry out your hands, you may be better off rinsing and hand sanitizing with what’s in your pocketbook that wasn’t checked into the locker. The price of using the toilet does not include toilet paper to wipe yourself, constant drip drying could explain the wet seat and messy area. Be advised to bring your own supplies.
At the bar they serve coffee and Hungarian vodka. Highly recommend the latter.
You must check in purses, book bags, or totes.
Do this only AFTER you use the toilet and have your supplies available. Your belongings will go in a small locker and you keep the key. The cost is free. The gallery seems busiest from opening to 2pm. During this time it is hard to get a locker."
Justice Kali Di Quartuccio
"Beautiful gallery with 3 floors of pure art.
Recommend to everyone who loves to explore history in art and also loves modernism. The third floor is dedicated to modern art. Personally I spent only 2 hours in the gallery and that was enough time to make a quick run through every floor plus visit a souvenir store, where you can buy some stuff with the most popular paintings images. Also there is a beautiful rooftop with an amazing city view."
Vladimir “vladiXmusic” Lugovoy
"The Hungarian National Gallery is absolutely worth a visit — it’s filled with beautiful paintings spanning Hungarian art from medieval to modern times, all housed in the impressive setting of Buda Castle  .
What to Expect
• Time needed: Plan on spending 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the permanent collection .
• Ticket prices (as of now):
• Full price: HUF 5,200 for the permanent exhibition .
• Concession (youth aged 6–26): 50% off, which brings it down to HUF 2,600 .
• Free entry: Children under 6 and seniors over 70 (EEA citizens) get in for free .
Highlights & Tips
• The gallery showcases a wide range of artworks — medieval, Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, 19th-century realism, and modern Hungarian art  .
• It’s centrally located in Buda Castle, making it easy to combine with other nearby attractions like the Castle District .
• The price-quality ratio feels fair — you’re paying for both the artistic experience and the historic context of the venue"
Venelin Manev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hungarian National Gallery is located within Buda Castle. You can reach it by taking public transport to the Castle District, then walking. Consider using the funicular for a scenic ascent, or take bus 16 from Deák Ferenc tér.
Parking in the Buda Castle district can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi to reach the gallery.
While possible, it's a significant walk across the Danube. It's more practical to take public transport or a taxi from Pest to the Buda Castle area.
You can take bus 16 from Deák Ferenc tér, or use the Buda Castle Funicular for a picturesque ride up. Walking is also an option if you enjoy a climb.
The Buda Castle area has some inclines. The funicular offers an accessible option, and within the castle complex, there are elevators to access different levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets for the Hungarian National Gallery online through their official website or at the ticket counter upon arrival. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially for popular exhibitions.
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you are visiting the permanent collections or special temporary exhibitions. Check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
While not always mandatory for permanent collections, booking your national gallery Budapest tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid queues and guarantee entry, especially during peak season or for special exhibitions.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. It's advisable to check the gallery's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for eligibility and details.
The opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website of the Hungarian National Gallery for the most current information before your visit.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Gothic altarpieces, the 19th-century Hungarian masters like Munkácsy, and the vibrant contemporary art collections. The gallery covers Hungarian art from the 15th century onwards.
To truly appreciate the extensive collections, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan to see temporary exhibitions, you might need more time.
While the focus is on fine art, older children interested in art history might find certain exhibits engaging. Consider a guided tour or audio guide to make it more interactive.
Yes, guided tours are often available, providing deeper insights into the collections and specific artworks. Check the gallery's schedule for tour times and languages.
Photography policies can vary, especially for temporary exhibitions. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in permanent collection areas. Always check signage. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The gallery typically has a cafe or restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments and light meals. Check their website for current offerings.
The Buda Castle district offers several charming cafes and restaurants with traditional Hungarian cuisine. Explore the surrounding streets for local eateries.
It's generally not permitted to consume outside food and drinks within the exhibition halls of the Hungarian National Gallery. There are designated areas or cafes for dining. :knifeforkplate:
Budapest has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. You can find these by exploring the wider Buda Castle district or Pest side.
Prices can be slightly higher in tourist-heavy areas like Buda Castle. For more budget-friendly options, consider venturing slightly away from the main attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
The architecture of Buda Castle itself is stunning. Inside, focus on capturing the details of the artworks, but be mindful of photography restrictions.
Photography rules vary. Non-flash photography for personal use is usually allowed in permanent collection areas. Always check for signs or ask staff.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for exterior shots of Buda Castle and the surrounding views.
Yes, drone usage is heavily restricted in Budapest, especially around historical sites like Buda Castle. It's best to avoid bringing drones. :camerawithflash:
A versatile camera with a good lens for both wide shots and details is ideal. A tripod is generally not allowed inside. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a gallery visit with other attractions in the Buda Castle District can make for a more engaging day for children. Exploring the grounds of Buda Castle, enjoying the views from Fisherman's Bastion, and perhaps taking the funicular up or down can add elements of adventure and wonder that complement the cultural experience of the gallery.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
+1Consider dedicating a significant portion of your day to the gallery, and perhaps even revisiting certain sections to absorb the details. Checking for special exhibitions beforehand can also enhance your experience, offering a chance to see unique collections or works by influential artists.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Hungarian Art History
+1Moving into the 20th century, the gallery presents the diverse movements and influential artists that shaped modern Hungarian art. From Art Nouveau influences to the avant-garde experiments of the interwar period, the collections offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation's cultural identity. The contemporary art section continues this narrative, featuring works that engage with current social and artistic dialogues, making the gallery a dynamic space for understanding Hungary's artistic journey.
Many visitors find the permanent collections to be incredibly rewarding, offering a deep dive into Hungarian artistic traditions. However, it's always worth checking for temporary exhibitions, which often highlight specific artists, periods, or themes, providing fresh perspectives and unique viewing opportunities.
Buda Castle District: More Than Just Art
+1Just a short walk from the gallery, you'll find the breathtaking Fisherman's Bastion, with its fairytale-like turrets and panoramic views of the Danube River and the Parliament Building. Nearby is the stunning Matthias Church, known for its colorful tiled roof and rich history. Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Castle District reveals charming squares, hidden courtyards, and picturesque houses, making it a delightful area to explore on foot.
Redditors often suggest combining a visit to the National Gallery with exploring these iconic landmarks, as they are all within close proximity. This allows for a comprehensive experience of the Buda Castle District, blending art, history, and stunning architecture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit