Budapest is one of the most intriguing European capitals. Gothic and Neo Classic buildings mix with a lively and modern lifestyle, making it a great destination both for having fun and immerse yourself in culture and history. But in a city that has so much to offer, which are the best photo spots to catch its highlights? In this guide I’ll lead you through the most Instagrammable places in Budapest.
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In This Article
- 1. Fisherman’s Bastion
- 2. Matthias Church
- 3. Buda Castle
- 4. Castle Hill Funicular
- 5. Chain Bridge
- 6. Hungarian Parliament
- 7. Heroes' Square
- 8. Ferris Wheel of Budapest
- 9. View from Gellért Hill
- 10. Gellért Thermal Spa Baths
- 11. Vajdahunyad Castle
- 12. Margaret Island
- 13. Shoes on the Danube Bank
- 14. Széchenyi Spa Baths
- 15. The Great Market Hall
- 16. Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
- 17. New York Cafe
- One Last Word about the Most Instagrammable Places in Budapest
1. Fisherman’s Bastion
The fairy tale looking Fisherman’s Bastion is probably the best of all the photo spots in Budapest. It’s so dreamy! The Neo-Classical building was built between the end of 1800 and the first years of 1900, on the ancient fondations of a military fortress, as a monument to celebrate the beauty and grandiosity of the city.
Nowadays Fisherman’s Bastion has become one of the most photographed spots. And that’s not only because of the undeniable beauty of the Bastion’s towers and terraces, but also because of the panoramic view that unfolds before the visitors eyes.
Cost: Free or small fee depending on the area you want to access and time of the day. Learn more on the official website.
Best time of the day to get there: Early in the morning. As a VERY touristy site, the best time to have the Bastion all by yourself is until 8-9 AM. After that time you will see many people showing up to enjoy the location.
2. Matthias Church
Similarly to Fisherman’s Bastion, Mathias Church was renovated after a turbulent past, that left only ruins of it, by the end of the 19th century. The new Church is in Neo-Gothic style.
The Church is one of the most interesting sites in Buda as many historical events, such as coronations, weddings, etc…, took place inside its walls.
Cost: You can freely access to the exteriors. If you want to visit the interiors you can buy the tickets here.
Best time of the day to get there: To visit the Church interiors you must wait 9 AM (opening time) or 1 PM on Sunday.
3. Buda Castle
Very close to the above mentioned locations, the imposing Buda Castle stands as one of Hungary’s most famous landmarks. Ancient residence of kings, nowadays Buda Castle hosts the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
Cost: The castle is free but if you want to visit the two museums, and I highly recommend them, there is an extra fee. If you buy the Budapest Pass (which includes transports as well!) both museums are included.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime, but the museums open only at 10 AM.
4. Castle Hill Funicular
Connecting the lower part to the hill of Buda Castle the funicular is a very interesting subject to photograph. You can take the funicular to the top, but honestly I don’t recommend it if there are too many tourists. You’ll end up squeezed inside a wagon and you won’t enjoy the ride much.
On the contrary, if you take the stairs there is a better and unobstructed view of the photogenic funicular from one of the small pedestrian bridges that pass on it.
Cost: Free if you walk your way on the stairs, for entering inside the cabins check the prices on bkk.hu.
Best time of the day to get there: During Summer the funicular is crowded almost at every time of the day. That’s why I recommend evaluating the stairs instead.
5. Chain Bridge
Every capital has an iconic bridge. In Budapest that’s Chain Bridge. Chain Bridge was the first built on the Danube between the then Buda and Pest areas.
Fun fact about the bridge: there are two massive lions on each side of the bridge. When they were first positioned on the bridge around 1830 not many people had the chance to see lions for real. For this reason word had spread that the artist who sculpted the lions forgot to sculpt their tongues. As he later explained lions have their tongues, they are just not visible as they are inside the lions’ mouths.
Cost: Free.
Best time of the day to get there: The bridge is both for pedestrians and vehicles, so even if you can get there anytime you want you should avoid the high traffic hours (during the week is when the offices open or close).
6. Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary. Visible from many panoramic points in the city, you can photograph it from many different angles.
The best spot for your photos? On the riverside of the Danube facing it. There are no better places to capture the grandiosity of the whole monument. An extra tip? Take a walk at night and admire it enlightened by thousand lights, magical!
Cost: To visit the magnificently decorated interiors of the Parliament you can book a tour on site. Check schedules and prices on the Parliament website.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime. For a soft sky opt the early morning or sunset hour, while for a strong contrast privilege the evening.
7. Heroes’ Square
Did you know? There are 4 different Heroes’ Square in Budapest! The one I’m talking about is close to the Parliament and next to the city park.
Heroes’ Square is a monument to Hungarian millennial history with statues of the Magyar chieftains and other political leaders. At the center the Archangel Gabriel stands on tall column holding the symbols of Christianity and power.
Cost: Free.
Best time of the day to get there: For an uncrowded sight of the iconic square go early in the morning.
8. Ferris Wheel of Budapest
Budapest Ferris Wheel or Eye is the third highest wheel in Europe and has one the best views on the city. It’s also an ideal backdrop from the ground, and you have a nice small park around the wheel where you will find the beautiful Danubius Fountain.
Cost: Check the tickets prices here.
Best time of the day to get there: Go with the golden colors of the sunset, although there will also be more tourists, but the views are the best.
9. View from Gellért Hill
Gellert Hill stands a solid 235 meters above Budapest and is one of the best viewpoints of Budapest. To reach the top you will have to traverse a lush park. What awaits you on top? An enchanting view of Budapest, the Citadel, and Liberty Statue, an inspiring monument to all those who fought for Hungary’s freedom trough the centuries.
Cost: Free.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime.
The photo below is not from the top of the hill, but from an intermediary point.
10. Gellért Thermal Spa Baths
On a short itinerary you could skip Gellert Hill, but it would be a pity as it’s the location of Gellert Thermal Spa Bath. The delightful art nouveau establishment is one of the most beautiful Thermal Baths establishments in Budapest. You can relax in an idyllic picture while enjoying the benefits of the thermal treatments.
Cost: Varies following the formula you are taking, see all the prices here.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime.
11. Vajdahunyad Castle
Budapest has several enchanting locations, but one of the most romantic is without a doubt Vajdahunyad Castle. This majestic building is the mixed replica of several castles in the area which come from different architectural styles: Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic.
The icing on the cake? Vajdahunyad Castle is located inside a vast park. The Castle hosts also the largest agriculture museum in Europe.
Cost: You can freely enter inside the park and castle. If you want to visit the agriculture museum there is an entry ticket.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime.
12. Margaret Island
Margaret Island is a tranquil getaway in the middle of the Danube. The island is famous for its park, the water tower and Palatinus Strand, a thermal bath complex that has several outdoor pools.
There are several spots which can provide for a great shot, and if you are lucky you may even get wildlife pictures of the adorable squirrels that live on the islands.
Cost: Free.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime.
13. Shoes on the Danube Bank
There are several memorials all around Europe, but this is definitely one of the most evocative and touching. The monument consist in several pairs of shoes aligned on the Danube bank, which pay tribute to the massacres operated by the fascist Hungarian militia, who executed the Jews just in front of the water edge so that their bodies were carried away.
The shoes were the only precious belonging they left behind as the soldiers would resell them. You will often find people leaving flowers to honor the victims.
Cost: Free.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime.
14. Széchenyi Spa Baths
Széchenyi Spa Baths are the largest and most famous in Budapest. They are famous because of the chess pools where you can play chess while enjoying a bath.
These baths are an amazing backdrop especially in colder days when the hot pool water creates a mist effect which look so good on pictures, see down below an example.
Cost: Varies following the formula you are taking, see all the prices here.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime, but to take surreal pictures with the mist coming up from the pools, you should privilege colder days, or evenings.
15. The Great Market Hall
Built in the end of the 19th century, the Great Market Hall is the largest in Budapest. The location has a fascinating architecture which mix industrial features to Art Nouveau.
Even if you are not looking to buy something in particular, and there are shops for all tastes, the place is still a must visit, and also an ideal stop to have breakfast or lunch.
Cost: Free.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime. Note that it’s closed on Sundays.
16. Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
The concept is quite modern, in 2002 a new bar saw the light inside an abandoned urban area. Szimpla Kert (translates as Simple Garden) was born. Since then many other ruin bar were built in the area. Although Szimpla Kert remains the most unique and also one of the largest.
The bar gradually expanded and it even has an open air cinema and a vast relaxing area. With its unique urban decay style, Szimpla Kert is ideal for some different shots of Budapest city life.
Cost: You can visit the Ruin Bars alley for free.
Best time of the day to get there: Anytime. Note that it’s closed on Sundays.
17. New York Cafe
New York Café is rightfully considered the most beautiful coffee bar in the world! This elegant Renaissance style café has it all for being one of Budapest most iconic locations.
Of course, just like many hyped places it comes with a high price tag. As you would expect from a place like, this everything is quite pricey and you mostly pay for the decor. That said New York Café remains still one of the must photograph places in Budapest.
Cost: This is the menu.
Best time of the day to get there: New York Café is often overcrowded and you could wait a long time in line before being served. To avoid the waiting time you should book a reservation. Opening hours: 8 AM to 12 AM.
One Last Word about the Most Instagrammable Places in Budapest
Budapest is a city where you can find a good photo spot around every corner, so don’t limit yourself. Keep your camera ready and charged and enjoy this amazing city that has so much to offer. And don’t forget to check our Budapest travel guide to prepare a perfect trip!
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