Where to Take the Best Photos in Budapest? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Hungary's capital and largest city is Budapest. It is the second-largest city on the Danube River and the tenth-largest city in the EU by population inside its borders. Budapest is a magnificent, historic, and architectural city. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you are there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Budapest in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Buda Castle

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Buda Castle is the historic castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. It was once known as the Royal Palace and the Royal Castle. It was constructed between 1749 and 1769, suffered significant damage during World War II's Siege of Budapest, and was reconstructed in a simplified Baroque form during the state communist era. Today, it is home to the National Szechenyi Library, the Budapest Historical Museum, and the Hungarian National Gallery.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s a symbol of Hungarian history with amazing architecture and royal vibes.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon, so you can enjoy the sunset over Pest.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the castle from across the Danube for a postcard-perfect shot.

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2. Fisherman’s Bastion

One of the most well-known historical sites in Budapest is the Fisherman's Bastion, which is situated in the Várkerület next to the Buda Castle. It is a part of the Várkerület District and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Its Neo-Romanesque viewing terraces provide a unique view over Budapest. The main facade of the Fisherman's Bastion is around 140 meters long and runs parallel to the Danube. Its seven tall stone towers represent the seven Hungarian chieftains.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It looks like a fairytale castle and offers the best views in the city.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy soft light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Stand at the arches for a beautiful frame of the Parliament building.

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3. Hungarian Parliament Building

The National Assembly of Hungary is housed at the Hungarian Parliament Building, commonly called the Parliament of Budapest due to its location. It is a well-known landmark in Hungary and a well-liked tourist attraction in Budapest.  Since it was finished, it has been the biggest structure in Hungary. It is located on the eastern bank of the Danube, in the Pest part of the city, on Kossuth Square. It opened in 1902 and was created in the Neo-Gothic style by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful buildings—massive, detailed, and iconic.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Visit during the day for a tour, then return at night for a lit-up photo.
• Photography tip 📷
  Best viewed from the Buda side across the river.

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4. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

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Europe's largest medical bath is the Széchenyi Medical Bath in Budapest. Two thermal springs, one at 74 °C and the other at 77 °C, provide its water. The pools at the baths vary in temperature. The depth of the swimming pool is between 0.8 and 1.7 meters, and the depth of the adventure pool is 0.8 meters. The whirlpool, massaging water, and streaming water are available to visitors.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A true Budapest experience—relaxing, unique, and very local.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Morning or late evening, when it’s less crowded.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the contrast between warm water and cold air in winter.

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5. Chain Bridge

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A chain bridge is a type of suspension bridge that dates back to the past when the bridge deck was supported by eyebars or chains rather than wire ropes. The first bridges to span greater distances than the earlier wooden and stone bridges were chain bridges, which also had quicker construction schedules and were less expensive. As for other suspension bridges, there are three styles of construction: real suspension bridges, stressed ribbon bridges, and unusual forms like the Tower Bridge and the London Albert Bridge.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It connects Buda and Pest and is one of the city’s iconic symbols.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset or night for magical lighting.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from the middle of the bridge to frame both sides of the city.

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6. St. Stephen’s Basilica

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In Budapest, Hungary, there is a Roman Catholic basilica called St. Stephen's Basilica. In the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site Buffer Zone, it is the biggest church in Budapest and an important historical site. Stephen, the first King of Hungary, is honored by the name. It has served as the co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest ever since the primatial see was renamed. It is currently Hungary's third-largest church structure.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A masterpiece of design and one of the most important churches in Hungary.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Visit midday for light streaming through the stained glass.
• Photography tip 📷
  Climb to the dome for a full 360° view of Budapest.

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7. Heroes’ Square

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Heroes' Square, one of Budapest, Hungary's main squares, is famous for its Millennium Monument, which features statues of the Seven Magyar chieftains and other significant Hungarian national figures. The square, located close to City Park at the outbound end of Andrássy Avenue, has been a site of several political events and has played a significant role in modern Hungarian history. It is home to the Palace of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A massive space celebrating Hungary’s history through statues and monuments.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning or golden hour for soft shadows and fewer tourists.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full row of statues.

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8. Gellért Hill & Citadel

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Situated atop Gellért Hill in Budapest, Hungary, the Citadella is a fortification. Gellért Hill is a 235-meter-tall hill in Budapest, Hungary, with a view of the Danube. The Citadella, which offers a pleasant overview of the city, is located at the summit of the hill. The Hungarian word for citadel, or fortification, is citadella. Other languages only use the term to describe the Gellért Hill citadel, which is located in an area that was strategically significant in Budapest's military history.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A short hike rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in Budapest.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset or just after rain for dramatic skies.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the Liberty Statue with the city skyline behind.

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9. Great Market Hall

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Budapest, Hungary's Great Market Hall, is the city's oldest and biggest indoor marketplace. It is situated on the Pest side of the Liberty Bridge near Fővám square and at the end of the well-known pedestrian shopping route Váci utca. Károly Kamermayer, the first mayor of Budapest, came up with the idea to construct such a massive market hall, and it was his biggest investment. He took part in the opening ceremony in 1897 after retiring in 1896.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s a local favorite for food, spices, and souvenirs in a lively setting.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, when the market is fresh and buzzing.
• Photography tip 📷
  Get a top-floor view of a colorful scene of the stalls below.

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10. Margaret Island

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Margaret Island is a 2.5-kilometer-long island in the center of Budapest, Hungary, situated in the Danube. The island is a well-liked recreational destination with landscape parks covering most of it. Its significance as a religious hub during the Middle Ages is demonstrated by its medieval ruins. The island is located between the Árpád and Margaret bridges. Administratively, Margaret Island is now directly under the city's jurisdiction, having formerly been part of the 13th district.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A peaceful escape with nature, ruins, fountains, and music.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring and summer, when the gardens bloom.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot the musical fountain in action during sunset.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Budapest. But there is really much more to see and enjoy, as the city has endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Budapest.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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