Last Updated: August 9, 2022
Best Views in Budapest: Spots Around The City To Admire
With its intriguing history, Golden Age architecture, nightlife, and thermal baths, beautiful Budapest is worthy of anyone’s travel list. While strolling the tree-lined streets to admire the eclectic mix of baroque, neoclassical, and art nouveau buildings is a fascinating experience, the best way to admire the capital city of Hungary is from above.
Fortunately, there are plenty of spots around the city to admire the Budapest skyline, unique red-tiled roofs, and the Danube River that divides the city. Here are the places to go to see the best views in Budapest, Hungary.
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Fisherman’s Bastion
At the top of the list is Fisherman’s Bastion in the castle district. It has a great viewing terrace on top of Castle Hill behind Matthias Church. The panoramic views here are right out of a fairytale with its seven turrets representing the seven Hungarians who founded present-day Budapest.
The bastion provides visitors with perfect views of the Parliament building, especially when seen through the bastion’s arches, and the beautiful blue Danube winding through the city below.
Keep in mind that Fisherman’s Bastion is packed with tourists from March to October. To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or after sunset for magical illuminated views.
Chain Bridge
One of Budapest’s most incredible bridges, the Chain Bridge is an iconic landmark and symbol of the city. So named for the iron chains the road-beds hang on, it was Hungary’s first permanent stone bridge built to connect Buda to Pest. The iron chains are held by two 48-meter classicist river piers.
Connected by large rivets, the chain is able to move slightly. The portals are adorned with Hungary’s coat of arms with its crown and wreath of leaves and lion head-shaped capstones. Visitors marvel at the stunning views of the Hungarian Parliament building, luxurious Gresham Palace, the Castle of Buda, and the Danube.
Margaret Bridge
One of the most stunning bridges in Budapest, the Margaret Bridge is the second oldest public bridge in the city. It connects Buda to Pest and also provides a link to Margaret Island on the banks of the Danube River. Only a 10-minute walk from the Hungarian Parliament building, the view is a favorite among tourists.
It’s a three-way bridge and provides varying angles of the same view. A ride along the way gives great views of the Parliament, the castle, the Chain Bridge, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. For a relaxing getaway from the city, head to Margaret Island for a stroll in the scenic park.
Varkert Bazaar
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Varkert Bazaar is one of Budapest’s most distinguished event venues as well as a top spot for fantastic views of the city. It’s located in Buda between the Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge. Visitors to the bazaar will find a stunning terrace that is also the garden of Buda.
Climb the adjacent stairs to get breathtaking views of the Parliament, both bridges, and the Danube. Sunset is an especially impressive time to go while waiting for the pink-tinted sky to darken as the night lights illuminate the city.
Castle of Buda
Another great spot in the castle district is obviously the Castle of Buda which was the former home of Hungarian kings. With its baroque architecture, the remarkable Buda Castle is one of the most magnificent symbols of Hungary and offers striking views of its own. It is now home to a variety of important things such as Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum
Take in the city’s panoramic views from the castle’s stunning terrace.
Visitors can enjoy other views by hiking to the top of Castle Hill or by climbing the steep stairs from the Chain Bridge. Or avoid much of the walking by taking the funicular and strolling back down the hill. The views will still be amazing.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the most important church in Budapest and by far the best viewpoint in Pest. The massive church is mesmerizing to observe, but you’ll want to head inside and climb the never-ending spiral staircase to the observation deck at the top. The tickets are very affordable and worth every single Forint.
The views from the basilica’s observation deck are out of this world. You can see the entire Budapest center, the Hungarian Parliament, and all the way to the Buda hills. At least on a sunny day – you might want to skip the basilica on a rainy day since the observation deck is not covered at all.
Gellért Hill
The Citadel stop atop Gellért Hill is actually an entire fort that is a favorite lookout point for tourists. The fort is an important landmark in the modern history of the city. From here you can take in Buda Castle, Liberty Bridge, Parliament and a range of other local sites.
The Austrian army controlled it in the mid-1800s to gain power over the Hungarians. In 1956, the Soviets occupied the fort during the Hungarian Revolution. Several walking paths make it easy to access. The paths lead from the city center along the Danube River.
Be sure to visit the Garden of Philosophers and the observation deck at Kilátópont. After taking in the views, visit the Liberation Monument, a tribute to peace in Budapest. It was built after World War II prior to Soviet rule.
Elizabeth Lookout Tower
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
The Elizabeth Lookout Tower is a popular viewing point for tourists and locals alike. It sits atop János Hill, the highest point in Budapest, in the hills of Buda just outside central Budapest. Designed by architect Frigyes Schulek, the massive tower closely resembles an old cathedral.
The tower was erected in 1910 as a tribute to Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Visitors are rewarded with jaw-dropping views after climbing the 134 steps to the top. On a clear day, the Tatras Mountains can be seen in the distance.
It’s a 1,700-foot hike to the tower with breathtaking views along the way. Visitors can also choose to take the Zugliget Chairlift and cut out most of the climb while still enjoying the views. János Hill is located east of the city center. Get there by bus leaving from Nyugati station.
Boat ride on the Danube
Taking a boat ride on the Danube is a must-do while in Budapest, Hungary. And, it’s one of the best ways to savor the beauty of the city. Tourists can book a Danube boat ride and see all of the city’s monuments from the river. It’s an especially good way to experience the Parliament building as the boat slowly approaches it.
The boat ride offers several exceptional viewing angles as it navigates under the bridges. Narrators tell the history of Budapest’s monuments along the way. Lunch and dinner boat rides are offered along with afternoon or after-dinner excursions. The after-dark cruises are especially impressive.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
