18 Pictures of Budapest That Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags

Written By: Andonis Villanueva

Budapest is a city like no other. Shaped by centuries of warfare, the capital city of Hungary has gone through various changes and rebuilds.

Today, Budapest is a mishmash of different architectural styles from Roman, Turkish, Baroque, with a little modern Art Nouveau thrown into the mix.

This creates an opportunity to take unique and diverse pictures of Budapest where one could spend days exploring both sides of the Danube.

Budapest in Photos

Separated by the Danube River, two distinct districts, Buda and Pest make up Budapest.

Buda’s castle district is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site full of museums, palaces, and Art Nouveau churches that’s popular with tourists.

Pest, on the other hand, is very cosmopolitan, full of restaurants and bars with a laid-back vibe.

Both districts offer different things and both will make you want to pack your bags and check out Budapest right now.

Buda District Pictures

budapest pictures elisabeth bridge
Danube River in Budapest

The Danube River separates Buda and Pest districts. A number of bridges connect the two.

Seen here in the south are Elisabeth Bridge and the Széchenyi Bridge to the north.

The bridges make for incredible pictures of Budapest when they are lit up. A good place to take photographs from above is the Citadel at  Gellért Hil.

To really see the beauty of Budapest book a cruise of the Danube at night. 

budapest pictures szechenyi bridge
Chain Bridge in Budapest

The Chain Bridge, or Széchenyi Bridge, lights up at night complementing the famous Blue Danube.

Taking pictures of Budapest from either side of the Chain Bridge is worth the hike down to the river.

Check out our Hungary Travel Guide.

buda castle | budapest photos
Buda Castle in Budapest

The Buda Castle is an imposing landmark in the Buda district. It served as the historical complex of Hungarian Kings.

When visiting Budapest you must go to the historic Roman Baths Things can get busy during peak season in Budapest. Buy tickets in advance and skip the line.

budapest pictures funicular
View from the Castle Hill Funicular

View of the Danube and Chain Bridge from the Castle Hill Funicular.

The Castle hill funicular provides easy access to Buda Castle. It takes you to a high vantage point offering the perfect overhead view to capture postcard-perfect pictures of Budapest.

The Budapest City Card lets you enjoy unlimited free public transportation, free or discounted entry to over 100 museums and special sights, discounts in restaurants and much more.

budapest in pictures hillside
View of Budapest from Buda Castle

Buda Castle provides panoramic views of Budapest. Gellert Hill and Elisabeth Bridge are visible at a distance.

Read: Impressions of Belgrade, Serbia

fishermans bastion | budapest photography
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest

Just around the corner of Buda castle is the neo-Gothic terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion.

photos of budapest at night night
View from Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s bastion offers fantastic views of the Danube and the Pest district.

budapest in photos parliament
The Budapest Parliament Building

The Parliament, one of Europe’s oldest legislative building, is seen here from one of the ramparts of the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Read: Why You Should Travel to Slovenia Right Now

gellert hotel | budapest in pictures
Gellert Hotel in Budapest

Directly to the south of Castle hill lies Gellert hill, a 235-meter hill overlooking the Danube. Hotel Gellert, seen here, exemplifies the Art Nouveau style.

pictures of budapest | gelert hill
View of the Pest District

Hiking up Gellert Hill will offer you views of the Pest skyline such as this.

Read: 17 of the World’s Best City Skylines in Photos

liberty bridge | budapest photos night
Liberty Bridge in Budapest

The Liberty Bridge, erected right below Gellert hill, also connects Buda and Pest in the southern part of the city.

Read: 13 Things to Do in Slovakia

Pest District in Photos

budapest pictures kert ruin bar
Ruin bars on the Pest side

Ruin bars, such as Szimpla Kert make Pest a distinctly different district than Buda.

photos of budapest |shoes memorial
The Shoes Memorial in Budapest

The Shoes on the Danube Bank is a memorial for the 3,500 people massacred during World War II.

Read: Tour Budapest Through its Communist Past

budapest pictures basilica
Saint Stephen’s Basilica

Saint Stephen’s Basilica, named after the first king of Hungary, is a fine example of a neoclassical architecture.

budapest pictures heroes square
Heroes Square in Budapest

The Heroes Square has statues of historical chieftains of the Magyars and other historical leaders.

Read: Prague Tourist Traps to Avoid

budapest pictures heroes square night
Heroes Square lit up at night

Here is the Heroes Square lights up at night.

budapest pictures great market hall
Great Market Hall in Budapest

Tired of looking at ancient buildings and architecture? Head on over to the Great Market Hall, the oldest and largest market in Budapest.

liberty bridge sun | pictures
Liberty Bridge in Budapest

Here is the Liberty Bridge as seen from the Pest district.

And there you have it, 18 of my favourite pictures of Budapest. It is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe with a rich history and many things to do. Don’t know where to start exploring Budapest?

Check out Budapest Sights: Exploring Buda, the Classy Half of Budapest.

Get around Budapest with a 24hr, 48hr or 72hr Budapest Card. It also offers free entry to a thermal spa and other discounts. Details here. 

budapest in photos | the best budapest pictures to inspire you to travel

Read More:

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About Andonis Villanueva

Adonis Villanueva is the photographer behind Always Wanderlust, an alternative travel & photography blog focused on inspiring others through amazing photography and stories around the world. Follow Adonis at: AlwaysWanderlust / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

Leave a Comment

10 thoughts on “18 Pictures of Budapest That Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags”

  1. Great article! Budapest has so much to offer, lovely city, especially for photographer.

    I will definitly take my camera and spend another week there!

    Best regards
    Lukas

    Reply
  2. I am going to Budapest next fall…a riverboat cruise on the Danube …we will end up in Budapest and I need to know if it is
    wheelchair friendly…I have been to Rome, Venice and more and want to know if I want to stay longer in Budapest. Some people
    say it is awful for regular wheelchairs.

    Thank you in advance for the help.

    Reply
  3. Beautiful photographs, thank you for sharing. I also loved the post you linked to on Budapest’s communist past (history nerd over here)

    Reply
  4. I just want to say one word, it’s “WOW”. Great Article! After go through with your Article just want to pack my bags for Budapest! Beautifully Described by you. Thanks!! I am also love to do Travelling and find out new places!

    Reply
  5. Wow! Stunning! I had been to Budapest… but now I am wanting to go back again! The bridge and the Hungarian parliament are the most photographed place and rightly so. It’s even better with the fireworks on the National Day.

    Cheers.
    VR.

    Reply