Best views in Budapest you can’t miss

From the historic ramparts of Buda Castle to the towering Elizabeth Lookout, the best views in Budapest show you why the city has earned its title as the Pearl of the Danube. Whether climbing church towers or discovering hidden viewpoints along the river, each location provides exceptional views of Budapest’s architectural gems. Visiting any of these nine carefully chosen viewpoints tops the list of best things to do in Budapest, revealing the city’s history and beauty.

Where to get the best views in Budapest

Best hilltop views in Budapest: The Citadella and Fisherman's Bastion

Best tower and rooftop views in Budapest: St. Stephen's Basilica and Elizabeth Lookout Tower

Best riverside views in Budapest: Danube Promenade and Margaret Bridge

Best hilltop views in Budapest

1. The Citadella on Gellért Hill 

Rising 450 feet above the Danube River, the Citadella fortress is one of the most scenic spots in Budapest. This strategic hilltop location has watched over the city since 1854, thanks to its location on Gellért Hill. The Liberty Statue is its highest point, while the fortress walls provide unobstructed views of Buda Castle and Pest, the eastern half of the city, across the Danube.

Highlights

• Walk the western ramparts for the best views of the castle district.
• Find the perfect photo spot near the Liberty Statue.
• Explore the northern courtyard for unique views of Margaret Island.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Citadella stny. 1, 1118. Open 24 hours.

2. Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion offers a unique panoramic and free view of Budapest from its Neo-Romanesque lookout terraces. Built in 1902 as a viewing platform rather than defensive walls, its seven ornate towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that founded Hungary.

Best time to go

Visit during golden hour when the setting sun makes the Parliament building’s spires glow.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, 1014. Open 24 hours.

3. Buda Castle

The historic walls of Buda Castle create perfect frames for capturing the Budapest skyline. From the eastern viewpoints, you can admire the Danube’s gentle curve and the Art Nouveau buildings of Pest, and from the western viewpoints, you can admire the rolling Buda hills. Some of the best Budapest castle and palace tours include built-in time to admire the views from here.

Insider tip 

Find the quiet corner near the National Gallery entrance, where you can photograph the Matthias Church spire and the Parliament building in one shot.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szent György tér, 1014. The open-air courtyards of the Buda Castle are open 24 hours.

Best tower and rooftop views in Budapest

4. St. Stephen’s Basilica dome

The city’s largest church, St. Stephen's Basilica, offers some of the best Budapest photography spots from its restored dome. After climbing 364 steps, you’ll reach a circular outdoor walkway that provides 360-degree views of the city. The dome’s height of over 300 ft. makes it the perfect place to observe Budapest’s architecture and modern developments.

Best time to go

Visit in the afternoon to enjoy dramatic shadows across the city’s rooftops and golden light behind the surrounding church spires.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051. Open Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:45 PM; Sundays, 1:00 PM–5:45 PM. Check the basilica’s website for updated information.

5. Matthias Church tower

The Gothic tower of Matthias Church rises above Trinity Square, which means you’ll enjoy intimate views of the Castle District’s architectural details. Climb 197 steps to the top of the bell tower to enjoy clear views of the neighboring Fisherman’s Bastion’s turrets from the viewing platform of one of the city’s oldest buildings. From baroque rooftops to hidden courtyards, this scenic spot in Budapest will give you some views you just can’t have from ground level.

Best time to go

Visit before noon when the sunlight shines on the church’s colorful Zsolnay tile roof, creating perfect reflections off surrounding baroque buildings.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014. Open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. The church and the tower require separate tickets.

6. Elizabeth Lookout Tower 

Standing at the top of János Hill, this century-old stone tower has incomparable views of the Budapest skyline. You’ll find unobstructed views stretching beyond the Danube River bend and, on clear days, the distant Mátra Mountains from Elizabeth Lookout Tower.

Highlights

• Look east for views of central Pest that stretch to the horizon.
• Peer out the northwestern window for sights of the rolling landscape of the Buda Hills.
• Spot the Parliament’s dome and St. Stephen’s Basilica aligned perfectly to the southeast.
• Watch the sunset from the western terrace as the light fades over the city.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, 1121. Open daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.

Best riverside views in Budapest

7. See the Parliament Building from the Danube Promenade

This riverfront section between Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge has the absolute best views of Hungary’s most famous building. The neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building rises dramatically across the river, its reflection shimmering in the Danube. Along the riverbank, you will find the bronze shoes memorial, which serves as a somber reminder of the city’s Hungarian Jews who perished during World War II.

Best time to go

For photographers, early morning visits provide the best lighting on the Parliament’s eastern facade. Night visits can also be stunning, as the building’s dramatic lighting reflects off the water.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Batthyány tér M+H, Bem rkp., 1011. Open 24 hours.

8. Margaret Bridge

Rebuilt after World War II, you can find one of the best free views in Budapest along one of its eight famous bridges,  which connects Margaret Island to both Buda and Pest. Margaret Bridge’s unique Y-shape creates three distinct viewing angles, with the Parliament Building visible to the south and Margaret Island’s treetops to the north.

Insider tip

Stop at the bridge’s central point where it branches toward Margaret Island for the perfect three-way view of Buda Castle, the Parliament, and the island’s water tower.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Margaret Bridge, Jászai Mari tér 3, 1137. Open 24 hours.

9. Chain Bridge 

This iconic suspension bridge offers some of the best photography spots in Budapest, especially from its pedestrian walkways. The Chain Bridge’s ornate lion statues and dramatic lighting create perfect foreground elements for photos of the castle, while its central position allows you to take symmetrical shots of both riverfronts.

Best time to go 

Visit right after sunset when the bridge’s lighting system illuminates its historic ironwork, while the sky is still bright enough for balanced photographs.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Széchenyi Lánchíd, 1051. Open 24 hours.

FAQs

What are the best viewpoints in Budapest?

The Citadella on Gellért Hill has one of the best views in Budapest, thanks to its panoramic perspectives of both the Buda and Pest sides, with the Danube winding between them.

When is the best time to visit Budapest’s viewpoints?

Most viewpoints are spectacular during sunset when the city’s limestone buildings glow golden and their lights begin to twinkle. For example, taking a leisurely stroll along the Danube Promenade is one of the best things to do in Budapest with kids, as the shimmering lights reflecting on the water will mesmerize any child.

Which Budapest views are worth paying for?

St. Stephen’s Basilica dome has unmatched 360-degree views of central Pest, while Elizabeth Lookout Tower is the highest viewing point over the entire city.

Where can I find free views in Budapest?

Admiring the views of Fisherman’s Bastion and the Chain Bridge are two of the best free things to do in Budapest, mostly thanks to their views of the Parliament Building and the Castle District.

Which viewpoint is best for photography?

The Danube Promenade near Parliament creates perfect photo opportunities, especially during sunrise when light shines on the building’s neo-Gothic features.