Castle Hill (Várhegy)

On the west side of the Danube, Castle Hill is a must-see district for any Budapest visitor. The castle walls and cobbled streets lend it a medieval atmosphere—and so does the lack of cars. Unless you live or work in the area, cars are prohibited, so you'll have to walk or take a taxi or public transportation to get in. You'll find plenty of cafés and shops in the area, as well as the Buda Castle (a.k.a. Royal Palace), which lies on the neighborhood's southern tip. Also make time to explore Castle Hill's Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion.

The closest subway station to Castle Hill is Szell Kalman ter, though walking across the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) from Pest is more pleasant and probably quicker way to get to the neighborhood than taking public transportation during peak hours.