9 famous music videos that were shot in Budapest, Hungary

Discover 9 famous music videos filmed in Budapest, from Katy Perry to Michael Jackson—explore the iconic locations behind the scenes.

When you visit Budapest, you’re not only walking through a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of historic bridges and thermal baths—you’re also stepping onto the stage of world-famous music videos. While we’ve already written about George Ezra’s hit song Budapest, which helped put the city’s name on the global music map, this time we’re focusing on music videos that were actually filmed here. Some of the biggest international music stars have chosen Hungary’s capital as the cinematic backdrop to their chart-topping songs. Whether it’s Katy Perry lighting up the night with fireworks or Selena Gomez weaving through classic cityscapes, Budapest plays a starring role in global pop culture.

Here’s a music lover’s guide to some famous music videos shot in Budapest — and where you can find these unforgettable scenes in real life.

Katy Perry – Firework (2010)

Katy Perry’s empowering anthem was shot in various locations around Budapest. The video showcases sweeping night views of the city, including the Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and the Astoria area. Fireworks explode over the Danube River, turning the Hungarian capital into a dazzling stage of light and celebration. The Buda Castle’s courtyard becomes a stage for joy and self-expression—moments you can relive during an evening stroll.

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Round & Round (2010)

This action-filled pop video turns Budapest into a spy film playground. Selena Gomez dances and sneaks through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Nyugati Railway Station, the Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. The video even features scenes in the Buda Castle district. It’s the perfect example of Budapest’s filmic versatility—doubling as a romantic city and a thrilling espionage backdrop.

Gwen Stefani – Early Winter (2007)

In this emotional ballad, Gwen Stefani takes on Budapest in winter. The video, filmed in and around the atmospheric Nyugati Railway Station, perfectly captures the moody, introspective tone of the song. Snowy streets, long coats, and soft lighting give the city a timeless, melancholic quality. For fans of Stefani and urban nostalgia alike, a winter visit to this station can be a heartfelt homage.

Michael Jackson – HIStory Teaser (1995)

One of the earliest major productions to spotlight Budapest, Michael Jackson’s HIStory teaser is part propaganda, part performance art. Featuring a fictional military parade in honor of the King of Pop, the short film was shot at the Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), the Buda Castle, and along the Chain Bridge. With marching soldiers and monumental symbolism, the video immortalized Budapest as a grand, cinematic cityscape.

The Chemical Brothers – The Boxer (2005)

An unusual but visually mesmerizing video, The Boxer follows a bouncing basketball through everyday Budapest. From the Baross Street area to metro stations and residential blocks, this video captures the rhythm of urban life in a city that blends post-socialist architecture with youthful energy. Fans of experimental video and urban detail will find this clip a creative lens through which to view Budapest.

Groove Coverage – Moonlight Shadow (2002)

This Eurodance cover of Mike Oldfield’s classic features a dreamy nighttime vision of Budapest. The video was filmed in the rain, showcasing the Heroes’ Square, the Chain Bridge, and the Oktogon intersection. Its romantic, slightly surreal atmosphere transforms familiar tourist spots into moody nocturnal backdrops.

Arash feat. Helena – Pure Love (2009)

A tender love story set to a catchy melody, Pure Love brings Budapest’s romantic side to life. The Chain Bridge, the Gellért Embankment, and the riverside promenade appear in golden light, framing the unfolding relationship of the protagonists. For couples visiting Budapest, this video can serve as inspiration for a scenic evening walk along the Danube.

Jamie Woon – Lady Luck (2011)

This soulful, R&B-influenced track features gritty urban visuals that are unmistakably Budapest. The video includes trams, metro stations, and pedestrian underpasses glowing in neon light. It’s a raw, artistic look at a side of the city many tourists overlook—one that’s buzzing with local life and creative spirit.

Ellie Goulding feat. Diplo & Swae Lee – Close to Me (2018)

Modern pop royalty meets classic European beauty in this visually rich music video. Goulding dances through the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Gellért Baths, and the Citadella, while scenes of fashion and nightlife light up Budapest’s center. The song’s upbeat rhythm matches the city’s vibrant energy, making it the perfect soundtrack for a night out in Hungary’s capital.

Follow the music: tips for touring music video locations in Budapest

If you’re a music lover with a traveler’s spirit, recreating the moments from these videos can turn your Budapest trip into a personal pop-culture pilgrimage. Here are some suggestions for your self-guided tour:

Start at Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), where both Michael Jackson and Groove Coverage made visual history.

Walk across the Chain Bridge, featured in multiple videos from Katy Perry to Arash.

Explore Nyugati Station, where Gwen Stefani’s wintry emotions come alive.

Head to Fisherman’s Bastion and the Citadella, seen in Ellie Goulding’s video, for breathtaking views.

Catch a tram along the Danube—you might recognize Jamie Woon’s journey.

Bring your camera or phone, cue up the songs, and immerse yourself in the cinematic feel of each location. You don’t just visit Budapest—you can live the beat.

Final notes for music tourists

Budapest is more than just a beautiful European city—it’s a stage for creativity. From love ballads to dance anthems, from melancholy winters to vibrant nights, the Hungarian capital has offered visual poetry to some of the most well-known musical acts in the world.

At JustBudapest, we celebrate the cultural rhythm of the city in all its forms. So whether you’re here for the spas, the history, or the harmony of Katy Perry’s firework display over the Danube—Budapest will sing to you in more ways than one.

Curious about movies filmed in Budapest too? Check out our article about some famous films shot in the city.