Budapest Caves: Explore the City’s Hidden Underground

Budapest is famous for its architecture, history and thermal baths, but the city has a secret underground you can discover after a walking tour. Beneath the cobblestone streets lies a network of caves. Budapest’s cave system, a maze of passages and chambers, tells a different story of the city. Let’s dive in.

Hidden Budapest

Budapest spans the Danube River but its secret is beneath. Natural and man-made caves wind through the city’s hills. These caves have been shelters, hospitals and storage for centuries. Now they are tourist attractions.

From Buda Castle to Pest’s hills, these caves offer a glimpse into Budapest’s underground world. Some are natural, some were altered for military purposes but all are beautiful and mysterious.

Best Caves in Budapest

Buda Castle Labyrinth: A Historical Journey

The Buda Castle Labyrinth, one of Budapest’s most popular underground spots, is located beneath Buda Castle Hill. This cave system dates back to the medieval times, once served as a royal residence, a fortress and a refuge during wars. Visitors walk through winding chambers and see both natural rock formations and tunnels carved by humans. The labyrinth has been a site for various ceremonies including medieval religious rituals. As a historical landmark it brings to life the stories of royal power and wartime survival.

• Location: 1014 Budapest, Úri utca 9

• Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry 6:30 PM; hours may vary, check before visiting)

• Cost: Adults: 3,000 HUF; Students/Pensioners/Teachers: 2,500 HUF; Children: ~1,600 HUF

• Features: Self-guided or guided tours, interactive displays, historical artifacts, occasional themed tours like the "Vampire Night Tour"

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for narrow passages.

Pál-völgyi Cave: Nature’s Creation

Pál-völgyi Cave, 7 km long, is a natural wonder. Located in the Buda Hills, its stalactites and stalagmites are nature’s work of art. Visitors see impressive geological formations that have been developing for millennia. The cave is also home to unique cave life, subterranean species that thrive in its dark and humid environment. A visit here is not only a journey through history but a connection to the natural forces that shaped the land beneath Budapest.

• Location: 1025 Budapest, Szépvölgyi út 162

• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed on Mondays

• Cost: 3700 HUF, Students/Seniors: 2700 HUF

• Features: Guided tours, natural formations, underground biodiversity

Tip: Sturdy shoes recommended as the cave floor can be uneven.

Szemlőhegyi Cave: A Showpiece

Easy to access, Szemlőhegyi Cave is a tourist favorite. It has paved paths and well-preserved formations. This cave is perfect for families and casual visitors, with well-lit chambers and guided tours. The cave’s mild climate has led to it being developed as a show cave where visitors can see stunning displays of mineral deposits. The cave’s formations include striking columns and crystal-like structures, nature’s art at its best.

• Location: 1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 35

• Hours: Daily except Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed on Tuesdays and some holidays

• Cost: 3400 HUF, Children: 2600 HUF

• Features: Guided tours, paved paths, impressive stalactites

Tip: The cave maintains a 10°C temperature; bring a jacket.

Mátyáshegyi Cave: A Hidden Gem

Mátyáshegyi Cave, located in the Buda Hills and within walking distance of the Margaret Island, is a smaller but beautiful cave system. It’s perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty. Its peaceful atmosphere and unique rock formations make it a serene escape. The cave also has a mineral-rich environment where the air quality is pristine, a refreshing break from the city’s hustle. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the cave’s history and geology, a great stop for science and peace lovers.

• Location: 1025 Budapest, Mátyáshegy

• Hours: No regular public visiting hours; accessible only via guided caving tours (by arrangement)

• Cost: Varies by tour operator

• Features: Guided tours, peaceful atmosphere, beautiful formations

Tip: Perfect for quiet explorers, less crowded.

Gellért Hill Cave: A Sacred Space

Gellért Hill Cave, used by monks in the past, is a calm and meditative space. Located at the foot of Gellért Hill, it’s a great opportunity to explore both the hill and the cave. The cave has been a sacred place for centuries, with a small chapel where monks used to pray and reflect. It also offers panoramic views of the city from the surrounding hill, so you can experience nature and history at the same time.

• Location: 1114 Budapest, Gellért-hegy

• Hours: Typically open daily; hours may vary (commonly 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, but check before visiting)

• Cost: Small fee or donation (varies, typically 600–1,000 HUF for adults)

• Features: Religious significance, serene ambiance, easy access from Gellért Hill

Tip: Visit both the hill and the cave for the full experience.

Your Cave Tour Experience

Cave tours in Budapest have something for everyone, whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history lover.

Guided vs. Self-Guided Tours

Guided tours provide more context and stories. A guide can share fascinating tales while self-guided tours offer freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Guided Tours: Rich in stories.

• Self-Guided Tours: Available at some caves, like Szemlőhegyi.

Book Your Cave Tour

Booking a cave tour is easy. Online booking is available and walk-in tickets can be purchased. But it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.

• Online Booking: Available for main caves.

• Walk-In Tickets: Check availability before visiting.

Tour Costs & Inclusions

Prices range from 2000 HUF to 4000 HUF. Most tours include a guide and a walk through the caves. Some offer additional activities like wine tasting or adventure caving.

• Standard Tour: 2000–3000 HUF

• Adventure Caving: 4000 HUF

History of Budapest’s Caves

Budapest’s caves have a rich history. They were used as shelters, storage and medical facilities. During WWII many caves were used as bomb shelters. These caves show Budapest’s resilience and ability to adapt through history.

Historical Uses

• Royal Storage: Caves were used to store royal treasures.

• Shelters: Caves protected civilians during air raids.

• Hospitals: Some caves were used as medical centers during war.

Special Cave Tours & Activities

Adventure Caving Tours

For thrill-seekers adventure caving is available. These tours take you to unexplored parts of the cave system, where you can swim in cool waters and crawl through tight spaces.

• Location: Pál-völgyi Cave, Buda Hills

• Cost: 2500 HUF

• Features: Caving equipment, guide-led exploration, cave swimming

Wine Tasting in Buda Castle Cave

Combine history and wine at Buda Castle Cave. Here you can taste Hungarian wines while exploring the cave.

• Location: Buda Castle Labyrinth

• Cost: 2500 HUF

• Features: Wine tasting, historical context, cave atmosphere

Themed Tours

Join a themed tour like the WWII Underground or Gothic Vampire Night. These tours bring Budapest’s caves to life with exciting stories.

• Location: Buda Castle, Szemlőhegyi Cave, Pál-völgyi Cave

• Cost: 2000–2500 HUF

• Features: Special guides, unique historical perspectives

Useful Information

Getting to the Caves

Most caves are accessible by public transport. Some caves are located on hills so be prepared for a short walk.

• Public Transport: Metro and bus services go to most caves.

• Walking: Some caves are on hills, a short walk.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Budapest’s caves is in spring or fall when the weather is mild. Avoid summer afternoons as they are crowded.

• Best Seasons: Spring and Fall

• Avoid: Summer afternoons

What to Bring

Dress comfortably. Caves can be cold so bring a light jacket. Sturdy shoes are a must for walking on uneven floors.

What to Bring: Jacket, sturdy shoes, camera