Top 8 viewpoints in Budapest
Discover the history, atmosphere and breathtaking landscape of Budapest from the city’s best viewpoints.
- • For historic, picture-perfect panoramas spanning the Danube River and Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle in the Buda Castle District are unmissable.
- • Those seeking the absolute highest natural vantage point should hike up Gellért Hill to the Citadella, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of both Buda and Pest.
- • If you prefer enjoying the sunset with a cocktail in hand, the city features fantastic modern rooftop terraces like the 360 Bar and The Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace.
Budapest is a city best known for its stunning historic sights and buzzing nightlife, attracting a vast number of tourists from all around the world every year. However, the city’s viewpoints are often less talked about, even though there are a number of great spots that offer a spectacular outlook on the city, even in – or close to – the city center.
Let’s have a look at the viewpoints you won’t want to miss while roaming the streets of Budapest.
1. Gül Baba Türbéje (Gül Baba’s tomb)
In addition to being a sacred pilgrimage destination for Muslims, the legendary monument from the Turkish era serves as a wonderful and quiet viewpoint overlooking Budapest.
Advantages: historic landmark, secluded location, beautiful rose garden in the summer.
2. Citadella, Gellért-hegy
Located near downtown and easily accessible from just about anywhere, this is one of the most popular and frequented viewpoints of Budapest. The citadel of Gellért hill was built in 1850 and has since served as many things including a chapel, an observatory and a fortress. The view is breathtaking – no wonder it has become a go-to spot for taking promo photos of Budapest.
Advantages: Easy accessibility and unbeatable view.
3. Budai vár (Buda Castle)
The Buda Castle is one of the best-known landmarks and icons of Budapest. While the castle itself is a sight for sore eyes, wait until you see the panorama it offers. It has multiple spots letting you admire different parts of the city.
Advantages: multiple spots offering views on different parts of the city, home to a great selection of restaurants, museums and other cultural hotspots.
4. Mátyás templom (Matthias Church)
Although, strictly speaking, the Matthias Church is part of the Buda Castle, it deserves its own place on our list. This fantastic gothic church offers an amazing view to those that are willing to climb 197 stairs – spoiler alert: it’s totally worth it.
Advantages: part of the Buda Castle, home to a great selection of restaurants, museums and other cultural hotspots.
5. Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion)
Like the Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion is also part of the Buda Castle, but it would be a mistake not to give it its own spot on our list. The Fisherman’s Bastion was built in the 19th century to serve as a lookout tower over Budapest. As such, it offers visitors unforgettable sights that are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It’s easy to see why the “fairy tale towers” are among the most visited places in Budapest today.
Advantages: part of the Buda Castle, home to a great selection of restaurants, museums and other cultural hotspots.
6. A Margit-szigeti víztorony (Margaret Island Water Tower)
Located on the beautiful Margaret Island, the Margaret Island Water Tower is one of the prettiest water towers in the country. It was built in 1911 and sustained severe damages during World War II. Following its restoration, it was abandoned for decades, then finally opened to the public as a viewpoint in 1986.
Advantages: 360° panorama, beautiful green environment close to the city center.
7. Szent István Bazilika (St. Stephen’s Basilica)
The St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest neo-classical church of Budapest and, at 96 meters high, is the same height as the Parliament. Accessible by elevators or climbing 364 stairs, the dome of the Basilica offers visitors stunning 360° views overlooking Budapest.
Advantages: 360° views, admission fee includes the exhibition located in the treasury.
8. Filozófusok kertje (Garden of Philosophers)
Located close to Gellért Hill, the Garden of Philosophers is a quiet little park filled with statues of world-famous thinkers and it offers a wonderful panorama over Budapest, making it the best place to hang out and take in beautiful views of the city.
Advantages: quiet, secluded area less known to tourists.
+3 Rooftop bars with great views
In addition to being a great place for hanging out with friends for a few drinks, rooftops bars also have the reputation of having amazing views. Luckily, being the tourist-favorite it is, Budapest is well equipped with high-end rooftop bars. Let us give a non-exhaustive list of rooftop bars that have the best views of Budapest.
1. 360 Bar
Located in the central part of Pest, this relaxed and urban rooftop bar probably has the best view out of all rooftop bars.
2. St. Andrea Sky & Winebar
This elegant rooftop bar is located on top of one of the most attractive buildings of the tourist-favorite Vörösmarty square and offers fantastic skyline views, signature cocktails and – you guessed it – wines. By the way, if you’re quite the wine enthusiast, let us recommend an exquisite wine-tasting opportunity in Budapest – click here for more info.
3. Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace
Situated on top of Mystery Hotel Budapest, Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace is a garden oasis above the city with beautiful skyline views, cocktails and great, central location.
Ain’t no viewpoint high enough?
Why don’t you up the ante and take a look at Budapest from a sightseeing aircraft? That’s right, if you’re brave enough, you can take in the beautiful views of the city from the air – click here for more information.
