Everybody loves panoramic views, and in many cities we pay much money to get on top of skyscrapers, churches or other towers. Luckily, Budapest and especially the town of Buda is very hilly. So you don’t have to spend any money to see some great views of the city.
Fisherman’s Bastion
One of the main sights in Budapest and located next to St. Michael’s Church in the old town of Buda. For this viewpoint you have to search a little as the view is either blocked by cafes, or it costs money when you want to get on the terrace. There’s a small open lookout tower next to a cafe in which you have a great view of Danube River and the parliament. It can get very busy there and you might have to wait a minute for your turn. In the evening you can even get on top of the terrace for free as there’s no one selling tickets anymore. So you just go up the stairs and enjoy of the best night views of Budapest.
Buda Castle
It’s my favorite free viewpoint in Budapest. The point is located in the south of the old town of Buda next to the funicular. It offers the best view of the cathedral and Chain Bridge. Unfortunately, the parliament is slightly to far away to take good photos. It’s a very big area and square, so you can walk along the panoramic path for a couple hundred metres.
Citadella
Budapest Citadella is on top of Gellert Hill and even higher than Buda. From this location you have a great overview of both Buda and Pest. It’s the best choice when you would like to take a photo of the old town of Buda. The path up the hill starts next to Gellert Bath. Or you can take bus 27 from Moricz Zsigmond Square. It won’t take you all the way there though, so you still have to walk 200 metres to the citadel. But I would recommend that you take the trail up the hill at least once as there are many beautiful viewpoints along the way. The short hike itself isn’t too challenging too and leads through a beautiful park.
The bridges
Another great spot for panoramic views of the city and the river are the bridges. Especially the most famous one, Chain Bridge, offers a great view of the city. On the northern side, you can see Fisherman’s Bastion and the parliament. On the southern side, it’s Buda Castle and the citadel. Close to the Pest side of the bridge, you can also enjoy a great sunset with the old town of Buda in the backround. Unfortunately, it can get very crowded on the bridge, so it’s not that easy to take photos for a longer period of time. That’s easier on the bridge northwards, Margaret Bridge. It’s not that perfect sunsets, but you have a great view of Buda and the parliament as well. Just from the northern side.
