Discover the Best Views of Budapest: Top 5 Viewpoints Unveiled

Published: April 22 2023

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From the Danube river to the Buda Castle, the city offers a diverse range of views that you can enjoy from different viewpoints. In this article, we will unveil some of the best viewpoints in Budapest to enjoy its mesmerizing beauty from the top.

Budapest offers a mix of natural spots, lookouts, church spires, and hidden places to look out over the stunning city. We have compiled a list of the top 5 viewpoints below:

St. Stephen's Basilica is the second largest church in Hungary, offering a panoramic view over Budapest. Visitors get to enjoy the Danube River, the Buda Castle, and several iconic buildings on the Pest side, including the Basilica above the roofs. Starting from 2022, you will require tickets to enter the church and can purchase a combined ticket to the lookout and treasury as well.

Built at the end of the 19th century, The Fisherman's Bastion is one of the gems of the Castle District and one of Budapest's favorite Instagram spots. You can take great shots of the Pest side of the Danube, including the Parliament, and Margaret Bridge. The lower level is free to access public, the upper level requires a ticket during the day from spring to autumn, and you can go to the upper level free of charge at night and all-day during winter.

The Citadel used to be the most famous vantage point in the city but is currently limited during reconstruction work. When fully operational, the view from there encompass the northern and southern parts of the Danube. Additionally, the former prison on the top of Gellért Hill is being rebuilt to host exhibitions and an even better observation platform, set to be a brand-new cable car in a few years.

Gellért Hill is an excellent excursion spot for locals and visitors alike. Walking up from Gellért Square, snap your first panorama shots of Liberty Bridge from the viewpoint by the Church in the Rock. Further on, by the statue of St. Gellért, visitors can enjoy an excellent view of Elizabeth Bridge. Following the marked trails, visitors will arrive at the Garden of the Philosophers to admire the Buda Palace.

The Buda Tower is located on a 13th-century Gothic building, the Church of Mary Magdalene, in the Buda Castle District. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the bell play, and on top of that, wonderful views of the Buda hills.

Budapest offers stunning views from its different viewpoints, and visitors can enjoy these views from various options such as natural spots, lookouts, church spires, and hidden places. The St. Stephen's Basilica, Fisherman's Bastion, Citadel, Gellért Hill, and Budatower are among the top suggested viewpoints to visit when in Budapest.

What are some of the best viewpoints in Budapest? Some of the best viewpoints in Budapest include the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Tower of Matthias Church, Dome of the Royal Palace/National Gallery, Statue of Mother Mary/Castle Garden, Buda Castle Funicular Upper Station, Budatower, Citadel, and Gellért Hill/Garden of Philosophers.

Are there any discounts available for tourists in Budapest for these viewpoints? Yes, there are discounts available for tourists in Budapest for some of these viewpoints with the Budapest Card. For example, discounts are available for the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion Restaurant, Dome of the Royal Palace/National Gallery, and Budatower.

Are any of the viewpoints free to visit in Budapest? Yes, some of the viewpoints in Budapest are free to visit. For instance, the lower level of Fisherman’s Bastion is free to the public, and Statue of Mother Mary/Castle Garden is one of the best free viewpoints in the city.

Which viewpoint requires a ticket to enter? Most of the viewpoints in Budapest require a ticket to enter, including St. Stephen’s Basilica (starting from Spring 2022), the upper level of Fisherman’s Bastion during the day from Spring to Autumn, and the tower of Matthias Church, among others.

Is the Buda Castle Funicular currently operating in Budapest? No, the Buda Castle Funicular is currently being renovated and is not operating. However, the upper station of the funicular offers beautiful views of the Chain Bridge and Gresham Palace.

What can you see from the Citadel viewpoint in Budapest? From the Citadel viewpoint in Budapest, you can spot the sights along the northern and southern parts of the Danube. The former prison on the top of Gellért Hill is currently being rebuilt to host exhibitions and an even better observation platform.

What can you see from the Gellért Hill/Garden of Philosophers viewpoint in Budapest? From the Gellért Hill/Garden of Philosophers viewpoint in Budapest, you can admire the Buda Palace from a distance. Along the way, there are playgrounds and lookout points along the hiking trails, and you can also snap your first panorama shots of Liberty Bridge from the viewpoint by the Church in the Rock.