The iconic feature of Buda Castle is the somewhat discoloured green dome of the Royal Palace, housing the National Gallery of fine arts. Directly beneath this colossal cupola is the dome terrace, providing far-reaching views over Buda, the Danube bridges and the Pest cityscape. Even few locals know that between April and November, weather permitting, admission to the National Gallery also allows you access to this unique vantage point.

Functioning as an exhibition space for contemporary statues and human-shaped installations hanging from the ceiling, the cupola hall of the National Gallery is where a narrow staircase winds up to the panoramic terrace, open from April to November.

Once topped by a lower roof, the Royal Palace was severely damaged during World War II. It was only during its reconstruction in the 1960s when the present-day dome was installed. Its panoramic terrace was renovated and reopened in 2006.

The uppermost section of the dome is closed to visitors – however Budapest’s mysterious Umbrella Man, known for his death-defying stunts atop soaring landmarks, managed to find his way up to the very tip of the top:

Dome terrace:

Open from April to November Tue-Sun 10am-5pm