These are all incredible places to visit in Budapest, Hungary; remember your camera to make these memories last a lifetime. Here are locations where you can catch the best city views in Budapest!

BEST CITY VIEWS IN BUDAPEST

ST. STEPHENS BASILICA

St. Stephens Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Budapest, named after the first king of Hungary. It took 55 years to build and 3 architects! So this building was quite the mission!

Visiting the Basilica is spectacular as you can appreciate the stunning architecture from the outside as it protrudes 96 meters high, making it the tallest building in the capital. It sits at the same height as the Hungarian Parliament.

This breathtaking architecture carries on to the interior, which is lavishly decorated with an array of colors from marble, stained glass, and mosaics which light up the interior to continue the eye-catching theme of the Basilica. During the construction of St Stephens Basilica, some of Hungary’s most famous artists contributed to the decoration, which can be seen today, so if you’re a keen artist, you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Moving on to the dome, where the city views hit! The panoramic terrace shows off the city of Budapest in all its glory! From one of the city’s highest buildings, experiencing the city’s view below is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so get your camera ready, as you won’t want to miss this!

GELLÉRT HILL WITH THE CITADEL

The hill is located on the Danube, flanked by Citadel. This mountain is named St-Gerard (Szent Gellért), whose body has been toppled from its summit. In 1987, Gellért Hill (Gellért Hegy) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Some tourists climb up to the summit to take in the spectacular views. The Citadel is a fortress founded in 1851 by Habsburg kings following the Budapest Revolution of 1848. It started with a purpose: to scare the population rather than protect the city. Its significance is now seen as indicating our freedom. Since 1947, the Liberty statue has been abutting the city center.

You have often crossed Gellert Hill, likely on a walk to Liberty Bridge. You can repeatedly point out this impressive monument hiding. But do not just point at the top; go there because the view is worth the climb!

You can see Budas Castle, Liberty Bridge, Parliament, and many other sights and attractions from the site. And the views on Pest are absolutely spectacular.

At 235 meters high, Gellert Hill provides a fantastic viewing platform of the city. With incredible hikes and walks along the way, it can be enjoyed by everyone… plus the reward for climbing to the top is the breathtaking view of Budapest. On the way up, you can get incredible shots of Liberty Bridge from the viewpoint.

Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by the Citadel. A fortress built in 1851 has become a go-to spot in Budapest which you don’t want to miss!

As well as this, there is a Statue Of Liberty which stands 11 meters tall, next to the citadel.

However, make sure to check it’s open before heading on your travels as there were renovations undergone in 2022, so it’s worth the Google search to check!

STATUE OF MOTHER MARY/ CASTLE GARDEN

From this small point of view, you can view the Buda Palace behind you, Pest facing you, and the perfectly manicured Castle Park (varkert Bazar) beneath you. Gellert Hills has the statues of Archbishop Gellert and Lady Liberty at the top. One of the most beautiful free views in town.

BUDAPEST EYE, THE FERRIS WHEEL OF BUDAPEST

Budapest Eye was named after London Eye. It was a Ferris wheel but much smaller than the wheel itself. The book gives you an entirely different experience of Budapest. The height is 65m on the Ferris wheel. Each cabin is available for up to six people. The ride continues for longer and takes about 10 minutes. Visiting is cheaper, and you’ll spend the time you wish at that height.

Experience the sights of Budapest from above on the Ferris wheel, which is situated in the heart of Budapest. If you like a bit of fun and want a smile, this is the place for you!

Plus it’s open every day of the year so you can experience the wonderful city views any time of the year… Christmas is an incredible time, as you can see all the lights shine throughout the city! Book your ferry ride here!

FISHERMAN’S BASTION

Another amazing location near the castle of Budapest is the fishermen’s bastion. This view will send chills up your spine. It offers excellent views of the city’s skyline. Take your camera for the sunset and take photos of the boat sailing through the river for a compositional masterpiece.

It has 7 turrets representing the 7 Hungarian tribes who founded the present-day country and were built from 1895 – 1902. Today it marks a significant building in Budapest which tourists worldwide love to travel to just for the incredible view! If you’re travelling to Budapest, put this one on your list!

NORMAFA PARK

Normafa Park is a popular sight in the Buda Hills of Budapest. Tourists love to head here to experience its panoramic scenery.

If you’re heading to Normafa Park… have a map with you, as the signs are not always the most visible. So having a map or GPS on your phone could be a good idea!

ELISABETH LOOKOUT TOWER, JÁNOS HILL

Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view from the best spot in Budapest. You have to fight to get there. Relax, no problem, but you have a short hike to get into Elisabeth Lookout Towers. I will never regret this decision. From the viewpoints I previously described, János Hill is located within the 12th district of Normafi, an excellent hiking spot during all seasons. The final stage of the tower is the steepest road – Alternatively, choose a staircase. It is Budapest’s highest point at 527 m. It is named after empress Elisabeth who had visited János Hill in 1882 under the name of.

A historic lookout tower was built in 1911. It holds an impressive view from the top, extending as far as 80km. But if you plan a trip to the Elisabeth Lookout Tower, be ready for some steps because there is a 100-step spiral staircase to reach the top! But if you feeling lazy, there is the stair lift, but there is still a 10-minute walk after that. So wear suitable footwear!

ZUGLIGET CHAIRLIFT

This chair lift provides a fun way to travel through the Buda Hills. Instead of trekking on foot for the best views, how about taking a chairlift?

It’s a 15-minute ride up the side of Janos Hill, giving awesome views of the panoramic scenery over the Buda surroundings.

You will also get incredible photo opportunities, so get your camera ready!

360 BAR

A social place to experience the wonderful views over Budapest. The 360 Bar is a rooftop bar that serves mouth-watering foods and a choice of drinks such as cocktails, wines, or soft drinks… whatever takes your fancy!

As well as this, there is also live music, events, and just good vibes! Worth checking out, good views, good food, and good vibes. What more could you want?

BUDAPEST CASTLE HILL

Castle Hill should come on everybody’s Budapest bucket list. The Castle Hill area offers some wonderful views. Head to the Southside of the Budapest Castle district, walk through the National Gallery and get views of Pest, the chain bridge, and Parliament.

You can easily reach the Castle District from the Buda side of the Chain Bridge or via funiculars that are currently redesigned. The Budapest card is free to use. The top level of this funicular gives you a wonderful view over Chainbridge and Grasseham Palace. A unique feature of the viewpoint is an artist Kolodko miniature statue of “the rabbit with checkered eyes. “ The bunnies became the most popular character in the animated series of Hungarian children of the 1970s. Sikló feljtása Copyright: Dorottyya Barthás.

DOME OF THE ROYAL PALACE/NATIONAL GALLERY

Buda Palace sits over the water with its majestic decoration. A section of the building serves the National Gallery and shows famous Budapest paintings. You may go to the palace’s dome included in the price for permanent displays (free with the Budapest Card).

DANUBE SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

One great way to see the sights of Budapest is by going on a cruise. Most take to walking and hiking, but a great experience is jumping on one of the Danube river cruises and sightseeing that way.

 A bonus is that you get to see many different sights as the cruise moves through the Danube. Plus, it’s a moment to remember. Worth checking out! Book the cruise here for only – $11

VAJDAHUNYAD CASTLE

The Vajdahunyad Castle is situated in the City Park and has incredible architecture both inside and out. Some say that it looks similar to Disney Castle! It was built in 1896, and it is now home to many festivals, concerts, and events, so we recommend doing some research to find out if anything is exciting going on, as it could be worth a visit!

Even in its other times, there are still fascinating views and lots of history to see and learn.

PHILOSOPHER’S GARDEN

Philosophers garden is a tucked away part of Gellert Hill. Here you will find myriad statues signifying the world’s major religions. It is an attraction for all who appreciate spirituality and culture.

As well as this, you still get to witness the spectacular views! Plus it’s nice and quiet as most tourists don’t know about this hidden area.

Discover more destination guides from Europe from my Summer 2022 trip!

Island Hopping in Greece – All You Need to Know
Discover the Cave City of Cappadocia: Travel Guide
Istanbul City Guide – Pack Your Bags and Go!