Sándor Palace (Sándor Palota)
Szent György tér 1-2, Budapest, HUN
Used as a government building for much of its 220-year-old history, Sándor Palace is one of the hilly Buda district’s most iconic landmarks. The neo-classical building was first commissioned for a family of Hungarian aristocrats—the Sándors—in the early 1800s. During World War II, Allied bombers came close to destroying it. But the palace was restored in 1989 and now houses the Office of the Hungarian President.
As a government building, the palace is only sometimes open to the public—check the website if tickets are available. Otherwise, visitors can view the palace exterior while passing by; many come to see the changing of the guard. Sándor Palace is also a common stop on many Budapest walking itineraries.
- Sándor Palace sits next to the Buda castle complex on Buda Hill.
- Buda hill is a heavy walking area—wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring your camera: visitors can get very close to the building and take photographs of the remarkable exterior.
- Changing of the guard ceremonies take place hourly, Monday to Sunday, from morning until early evening. Try to arrive a few minutes early as they don't last long.
The palace is just north of the Buda castle complex. Many visitors take the Buda Castle Funicular, which travels from the Buda side of Budapest’s famous Chain Bridge to the top of Buda Hill. Marked walking trails lead to the palace from the Danube riverfront.
The palace exterior can be seen year-round, any day of the week. However, visitors will want to time visits accordingly to see the changing of the guard. Weather-wise, the most temperate windows to visit Budapest are autumn and spring. Summer and holidays tend to draw the largest crowds, so travel around peak season to avoid elbowing through Buda Hill.
When on Buda Hill, few travelers miss this quirkily named monument made from stone turrets, spires, and towers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it sprawls along a 140-meter (459-foot) panoramic ledge, affording some of the best views overlooking the Hungarian Parliament and the Pest district. Plus, entry is free. But why the unusual name? Well, legend has it that a guild of fishermen used to call the castle home.
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