Aranybástya Neighbourhood
Program Guide

Welcome to the Buda Castle District, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where gastronomy and urban adventures come together! Allow yourself to be enchanted by the romantic surroundings of Buda Castle, where colourful program options await and are sure to make your visit unforgettable! Embark on an exciting journey through the hidden treasures and cultural heritage of Budapest, starting from the nearly 800-year-old Matthias Church to the Triton Fountain at the Buda Castle Bazaar. Explore the fascinating sights of the Buda Castle District, learn its history, and make it truly memorable with a gastronomic experience!

Gastronomic Offerings

Situated in the historic Lonyay-Hatvany mansion, the Aranybastya Restaurant opened its doors to visitors in 2021. The villa's history dates back to the Turkish era when the Aranybastya, a polygonal Turkish fortification, stood on its site during the Ottoman occupation. The villa, built between 1870 and 1872 based on the designs of Miklos Ybl, features classical and neorenaissance elements. In 1915, it became the property of Ferenc Hatvany, a collector and painter, who housed his world-famous art collection here.

Booking

The best panorama of Budapest

From the terrace of this panoramic restaurant, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Buda Castle. Led by Chef Attila Szel and Pastry Chef Peter Laszlo, Aranybastya's dishes are crafted from excellent local ingredients, using the latest techniques, and represent a refined, understandable bistro style. Whether it's a delicious lunch, afternoon coffee with unique pastry specialties, an exclusive Philipponnat afternoon champagne offer, or a romantic dinner, this gastronomic-rich restaurant is the perfect choice.

Booking

The Aranybástya is the exclusive Hungarian ambassador of Philipponnat Champagne. Enjoy the afternoon champagne experience paired with gourmet delicacies.

Philipponnat Afternoon Champagne Offer

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of French champagne culture with the exclusive Aranybastya Philipponnat afternoon champagne experience for two, perfectly paired with gourmet delights. Indulge yourself between 12 pm and 5 pm with smoked trout, raspberry macaron, and a bottle of Philipponnat champagne.

Budapest Castle Bus

The Budapest Castle Bus offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical landmarks of the city while making our restaurant easily accessible! Electric minibuses, departing every 10 minutes between 9 am and 5 pm, stop at five points in the Castle District. Take advantage of this convenient transportation option to reach our restaurant effortlessly and experience the charm of the historic quarter without a tiring walk!

Agenda

The interior walls of Aranybastya Restaurant feature exhibitions of contemporary Hungarian artists.

Aranybastya Exhibition

As part of the Aranybastya exhibition, enjoy a cultural interdisciplinary experience where captivating Hungarian artworks meet the restaurant's exceptional culinary specialties. Through our partnership with Fine Art Hungary, showcasing the top 100 works of Hungarian contemporary artists curated by experts, we feature works from artists on this prestigious list. Past exhibitors included renowned artists such as Alexandra Hegedus, Oliver Szax, Edina Som-Balogh, and Karolina Savolt.

Current exhibition

Foundation Programs

Discover the Batthyány Lajos Foundation, a supporter of Hungarian conservative thinking, offering intellectual support through various events, panel discussions, concerts, and interdisciplinary performances. Explore the memory of Baron Ferenc Hatvany with the impressive replica exhibition at the Lónyay-Hatvany mansion, which includes works from masters lost during World War II.

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Foorseg Exhibition

Located in the Hunyadi Court, the Foorseg Exhibition invites visitors with life scenes and captivating stories to provide insight into the lives of the guards who defended the rulers and their families. Explore the "Even if it costs my life!" exhibition, showcasing a unique collection from a multi-generational family private collection. The exhibition presents the 260-year history of Hungarian guards with period scenes, photos of ceremonies, portraits, as well as guard uniforms, helmets, and personal items.

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St Stephen's Hall

Experience the captivating atmosphere of St Stephen's Hall in the Buda Castle Palace, reflecting the charm of the past! Admire the Romanesque-style interior, the harmonious combination of Hungarian ornamentation and masterpieces, represented by the monumental pyrogranite fireplace and unique works of art in the hall. Awarded at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition, the hall has preserved its original beauty over the years and has now been revitalized under the National Hauszmann Program for visitors to enjoy historical and artistic treasures.

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Buda Castle Walks and Private Walk

Immerse yourself in the exciting stories of the city and discover the hidden treasures of the Castle District with themed walks like Buda Castle Walks. Follow the guide to explore the footsteps of Queen Elisabeth to unravel the mysteries of how she became the beloved queen of the Hungarians, exploring the traces and stories of her days in Buda around the former Royal Palace. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the captivating highlights of Buda Castle, and step into the opulent St. Stephen's Hall, meticulously restored to its original royal grandeur, get to know the rich history of Budapest with the "Buda Castle Highlights" guided tour, a unique journey through 800 years of history.

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We welcome you warmly to our neighbourhood, where urban adventures and flavours combine to create unforgettable experiences! Join us and discover the enchanting beauty of the city through a special culinary journey!