updated on March 18th, 2021
When you’re in Budapest, you can point your camera in any direction and get a great photo. From spots like Fisherman’s Bastion, the Citadel, and Buda Castle, it’s near impossible to get a bad photo in any weather or any time of day
There are so many places in Budapest that have great views of the city and incredible photo opportunities. With no debate, the best photo spots in Budapest will be near the Danube river. It’s easy to get elevation on the Buda side with sweeping city views looking over the Danube and Pest. Conversely, if you’re on the Pest side, there are many awesome views of the Buda side of the city. If you’re not sure, here’s what side is Buda and what side is Pest.
Photos from the Buda Side
Pictures from The Citadel
The highest point in Budapest, the Citadel has some of the best views of the city. You can hike your way up paved paths from the end of the Elisabeth Bridge, via public transport, or by taxi. However you get there, don’t miss The Citadel.
Photos from Buda Castle
There are so many scenic spots to check out the city from Buda Castle. You’ll hardly need directions, but if you make your way to the Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, you have a great starting point to snap pictures.
Fisherman’s Bastion Photos
With Matthias Church and Old Town on one side and Fisherman’s Bastion on the other, this area ends up being one of the most popular tourist spots in Budapest. We recommend beating the crowds by dragging yourself out of bed early in the morning and watching the sunrise from the terraces here.
The Statue of the Great Ho-ho-ho Horgasz’s Chief Worm
A rarely spotted teeny statue that sits in between the bike path and the road. This tiny little guy is an ode to the 1980’s Hungarian Cartoon, A Nagy Ho-Ho-Horg. This adorable real-life Easter Egg is also a great spot to get photos of the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river.
Photos from the Pest Side
The Chain Bridge
Get great pics of the Chain Bridge from the Pest side of the river- you can also capture Buda Castle in the background.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
This one will cost you a few Forints and a hike (or an elevator ride) to the top of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of Budapest and some perfect photo spots. If you plan on shooting anything on the Buda side of the river, a long lens is advisable. Otherwise, use a wide lens to fit everything in.
Photos from Along the River
Walking along either side of the river will give you amazing photographs, but the Pest side is slightly better. The views of Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion are incredible. Walking along the riverside, past restaurants, hotels, bars, and my absolute favorite statue anywhere (the Girl with her Dog Statue), it’s impossible to miss out on a good photo of the Citadel, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, or all three!
Shoes on the Danube Bank
Directly south of Parliament, along the river, is the somber Shoes on the Danube Bank monument. These copper shoes were placed as a momento to the thousands of Jews who were murdered by the Arrow Cross (fascist Hungarians in line with the Nazis) during 1944 and 1945. The Jews were lined up on the bank of the river, told to remove their shoes, and shot. The monument is a good location to remember the history of Budapest, and provides some sobering photos.
Photos on the Danube River
Margitsziget Light Rail Station
With a long lens you’re sure to get an amazing shot just a few feet from the Margitsziget station on the middle of the Margaret Bridge. This station delivers passengers perfectly in the middle of the Danube. With some attention to framing, you should be able to get the Danube River, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and even the Citadela in a single shot.
Other Budapest Photo Spots
Margaret Island
Photos aside, Margaret Island should be on anyone’s Must-See list while visiting Budapest. This 1.6 mile long island in the middle of the Danube River was first settled in the 12th century by the Knights of St. John and has a peaceful walking path and lovely places to eat. If you are hauling a camera, there are plenty of photo opportunities, too.
Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square is one of Hungary’s many World Heritage Sites. It is an iconic, photogenic square best known for the statues of the Seven chieftains of the Magyars, the Memorial Stone of Heroes, and other noteworthy Hungarian leaders. With the Museum of Fine Arts Northwest and Palace of Art on the Southeast, there’s plenty to photograph from Hero’s Square. Plus, it’s in the middle of the Budapest’s City Park and at one end of Andrassy Ut.
City Park
City Park is a .9 by .6 mile rectangle in the middle of Budapest that dates back to 1241 and was the primary venue for Hungary’s millennium celebrations in 1896. When you’re here, don’t miss seeing and photographing Széchenyi thermal bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Budapest Zoo.
Andrássy út
Known as the Champs Elysees of Budapest, Andrássy út begins at City Park and Hero’s Square and ends at Erzsébet Square. Dating back to 1872, this tree lined street offers Budapest’s best shopping, theaters, cafes, and Neo-renaissance architecture. You can also find the Terror Museum here. There is plenty to see and photograph along this historic street. The M1 metro line, built for the millennium celebration, will get you from one end to the other quickly.
