Top 19 Budapest Instagram Spots for Epic Photos

I’ve been living in Budapest for more than 10 years now and I still can’t stop taking photos of this beautiful city. Yes, Budapest is really that photogenic!

To prove my point, in this post, I collected all the most beautiful Budapest Instagram spots together with a bunch of useful tips about how to get there, when is the best time to go, and how to avoid crowds.

Depending on how much time you’re going to have in the Hungarian capital, I recommend checking out my 2 day Budapest itinerary or my 4 day Budapest itinerary as well!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Quick Tips for Budapest

Planning to visit a handful of attractions? You can save money by purchasing a Budapest Card. It includes free entry to a handful of museums, unlimited access to public transport, and discounts for many other attractions.

The Most Beautiful Budapest Instagram Spots

1. Fisherman’s Bastion

If I should choose only one spot as the most Instagrammable place in Budapest, it would be the fairytale-looking Fisherman’s Bastion. It’s a panoramic lookout tower located on the Buda side of the city and it’s definitely one of the most breathtaking buildings in Budapest.

I’m seriously obsessed with this place! I’ve already been there a dozen times and I can still find new angles to shoot every time I visit.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is easily reachable by foot. Just cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to the Buda side and after the roundabout, turn right to the Hunyadi János Street. At the end of the street, you will find a stairway that leads you up directly to the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Being one of the most touristy places in the city, the Fisherman’s Bastion gets crazy crowded during the day. Therefore I recommend you to go as early as you can!

Since the sun rises right in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion, it’s worth waking up early and watching the sunrise from there. You will not only have to deal with fewer crowds but the soft morning lights are great for photography as well!

Most of the Fisherman’s Bastion is free to visit but you have to pay a small entrance fee if you want to go up to the upper towers. However, if you’re going early in the morning, you don’t need to pay an entrance fee until 9 am – another advantage of getting up early!

Location on Google Maps: Fisherman’s Bastion

2. Matthias Church

The Matthias Church is practically part of the Fisherman’s Bastion so it’s easy to visit them all at once. It was used as a coronation church by Hungarian kings for centuries and it’s still one of the most unique churches in Europe by this day. It’s a huge building so having a wide-angle lens will save you a lot of trouble!

If you want to avoid the crowds you should get there early in the morning. However, the church only opens at 9 am (and at 1 pm on Sunday) so if you’re planning to go inside as well, it’s best to go around opening time.

Location on Google Maps: Matthias Church

3. St. Stephen’s Basilica

The St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and it’s a must-visit on every Budapest itinerary. It’s a great photography spot from the outside as well but what most people don’t know is that you can actually go up to the Panorama lookout!

If you’re looking to find the best views of Budapest, you absolutely need to check out this Panoramic terrace.

If you are visiting Budapest in November or December be sure to check out the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica! It’s definitely one of the best Christmas markets in Budapest and there is even a light show projected on the Basilica. A pretty magical experience!

The best time to go highly depends on what you want to achieve. If you want to shoot outside without the crowds it’s best to go early in the morning. If you want to see the inside of the church as well, then the opening hours can be found on the official website.

But the most amazing part of the Basilica is that you can go up to the Panorama lookout which grants a 360 view over Budapest! The sunset is particularly beautiful from the terrace so I’d recommend going 30 minutes before sunset.

Location on Google Maps: St. Stephen’s Basilica

4. The Hungarian Parliament

The Hungarian Parliament is one of the largest buildings in Hungary. With its 96 meters (315 ft) height, it’s also the third-largest parliament building in the world! No matter how many times I’m walking past this building it never ceases to amaze me.

You can choose to shoot from the base of the Parliament or the nearby streets. The view is pretty epic from up close! I’d recommend going early to avoid the crowds.

However, my favorite viewpoint of the Parliament is actually located on the other side of the Danube River! The spot where you can directly face the Parliament is located close to the Novotel Hotel on the Buda side.

You can visit this spot all day long, the view is equally beautiful during the day and the night as well. The sun is rising up right behind the Parliament building so if you don’t mind waking up early, sunrise can be a great time for shooting!

Location on Google Maps: Hungarian Parliament BuildingThe best viewpoint of the Hungarian Parliament

5. Széchenyi Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge that was built on the Danube river in Budapest and it’s definitely the most famous bridge ever since.

The bridge is 375 meters (1,230 ft) long and two giant lions guard both of the bridgeheads. Not only the bridge is really beautiful but you can get an amazing view over both the Buda and Pest sides! Walking over the Chain Bridge is definitely one of the best things to do in Budapest.

You can basically go anytime but since the bridge usually gets crowded during the day it’s better to go early in the morning. If you want to make a similar photo to my first one below, you should go very early before the traffic starts and head over to the Buda side.

Location on Google Maps: Széchenyi Chain Bridge

6. Buda Castle

The Buda Castle is one of the most important historical buildings in Hungary and it’s one of the most beautiful castles in Europe as well. It was home to the Hungarian kings for centuries but today it’s no longer functioning as a castle.

The former castle building is now housing two museums: the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Even if you’re not planning to visit the museums it’s worth taking a stroll around the castle because the view is beautiful from up there!

You can easily walk up to the castle but if you’re feeling lazy you can take the funicular as well. I would recommend walking because it’s only a 10-minute walk and you can find some amazing viewpoints on the road as well.

Location on Google Maps: Buda Castle

7. Széchenyi Thermal Bath

With its iconic yellow building, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most famous bath in Budapest and it’s also one of the most instagrammable places in Budapest as well. Taking amazing photos while relaxing in a thermal bath? Yes, please!

You can find different kinds of pools inside and outside as well. The outside pools are definitely the most photogenic parts of the Széchenyi Baths, there are three of them: one big swimming pool in the middle and two thermal water pools on each side.

I’ve seen many big influencers posting photos to Instagram posing in the middle pool but in reality, you can only get into that pool if you’re wearing a swimming cap.

There are guards outside who will blow the whistle if they see you and will ask you to leave. So there is no point trying to copy those photos, there are plenty of other photo opportunities around. Please respect the rules instead!

Having the bath to yourself is practically impossible, it’s usually already full of people in the morning as well. However, it’s worth going there around opening time because the crowds are just gonna get worse during the day!

I would recommend booking your tickets online in advance rather than wasting time standing in line.

Location on Google Maps: Széchenyi Thermal Bath

8. Gellért Thermal Bath

Although the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most popular one in Budapest, it’s worth trying other thermal baths as well. If you’re looking for the best Budapest Instagram spots you need to put Gellért Thermal Bath on your list!

The bath was built in a secession style and looks absolutely breathtaking. In my opinion, it’s even more beautiful inside than the Széchenyi!

Since the Gellért Thermal Bath is the second most popular bath in Budapest after the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. It’s also recommended to book tickets in advance.

Location on Google Maps: Gellért Thermal Bath

9. Heroes Square

Heroes Square is the largest and most important square in Budapest. You can find a statue of Archangel Gabriel in the middle surrounded by the statue of the seven chieftains of the Magyar tribes and other important Hungarian national leaders on both sides.

The monument was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000-year-old history of Hungary.

If you want an empty square the only way to get it is to wake up early and go there for sunrise! Otherwise, the Heroes Square is usually jam-packed during the day and it’s impossible to get a decent shot.

Location on Google Maps: Heroes Square

10. Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the lesser-known places in Budapest, however, it’s totally worth visiting! The castle is located in the City Park, right next to the boating lake (which functions as an ice-skating rink during winter). It’s no longer functioning as a castle, now it’s home to the Hungarian Agricultural Museum.

Since the castle is not so popular amongst tourists you will not find any crowds during the day. The courtyard of the castle is always open but the museum is only open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am – 5 pm.

Location on Google Maps: Vajdahunyad Castle

11. New York Cafe Budapest

New York Cafe Budapest is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cafes in Budapest. It’s fairly popular amongst tourists as well but for a good reason! I was absolutely in awe when I first stepped inside, the whole place looks like a royal fairytale castle.

It’s truly one of the most Instagrammable places in Budapest! There is a hotel in the same building and if you’re already there it’s worth taking a stroll around the hotel as well because it’s equally beautiful too.

New York cafe is open from 7 am until midnight so you can basically go anytime during the day. Table reservations are only available for dinner after 6 pm, so if you want to go any other time, it’s first come first served.

There are usually huge lines in front of the cafe all day long, so I would recommend going early, preferably around the opening time to avoid queuing for hours.

Location on Google Maps: New York Cafe Budapest

12. High Note SkyBar

If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Budapest, you need to put the High Note SkyBar on your list! This rooftop bar is located right next to the St. Stephen’s Basilica and you can get a whole panoramic view over Budapest from the top.

The bar is located inside the Aira Hotel, so you’ll need to walk through their lobby first to reach the elevator that takes you up to the bar. The hotel lobby is really beautiful as well so it’s worth taking a few shots there too!

Since the bar usually gets crowded, it’s worth reserving a table in advance, especially if you want to shoot around sunset.

Location on Google Maps: High Note SkyBar

13. Budapest Eye & Danubius Fountain

The Budapest Eye works as a really cool backdrop not only from rooftop bars but from the ground as well! You will also find a beautiful fountain called Danubius Fountain right in front of the Budapest Eye so it’s easy to take photos with both at the same time.

This is probably the most popular area in Budapest amongst locals and tourists as well so it’s usually very crowded. If you want to have this place to yourself, go early in the morning!

Location on Google Maps: Budapest Eye

14. Liberty Bridge

Although the Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the most popular bridge in Budapest it’s worth visiting other bridges too! The Liberty Bridge is also really beautiful and unique with its vibrant green color.

You can make some pretty great photos on the bridge itself but if you’re looking for the best viewpoint over the bridge you need to go up to the entrance of the Gellért Hill Cave. It’s especially great if you’re visiting Budapest in spring as you can catch the almond tree in full bloom in front of the cave.

The Liberty Bridge is usually full of people and cars so it’s best to go early in the morning if you want to shoot without the crowds. However, the viewpoint at the Gellért Hill Cave is not so popular so you can go basically anytime!

Location on Google Maps: Liberty BridgeGellért Hill Cave

15. Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall was built in 1897 and it’s the most beautiful and largest market hall in Budapest. Even if you’re not into shopping it’s worth strolling around the hall and admiring the beautiful architecture!

You will find all sorts of shops around and it’s also a perfect place to grab a bite or do some people-watching.

The Great Market Hall opens at 6 am so if you want to have it all to yourself, head there early. However, if you want to experience the real market feeling, go in the middle of the day! The market is closed on Sundays.

Location on Google Maps: Great Market Hall

16. 360 Bar

360 Bar is a really popular rooftop bar located on Andrássy Avenue. It’s open all year round and although the view is amazing in every season, I love this place the most in the winter, when they set up the igloos on the roof. It looks so unique, right?

Since it’s a very popular bar I recommend reserving a table in advance. I suggest going there 1-2 hours before sunset so you can see the city during daylight, sunset, and night as well!

Location on Google Maps: 360 Bar

17. Vintage Garden

Vintage Garden is one of my favorite breakfast places in Budapest and not only is the food delicious but the decoration is always top-notch!

They always change the decoration according to the actual seasons and holidays so the restaurant gets an entirely new look every 2-3 months. I’ve already been there countless times and I’m always totally blown away by the creativity!

Location on Google Maps: Vintage Garden

18. Párisi Udvar

Párisi Udvar is located inside the Palace of the Downtown Savings Bank which was built in 1912. The whole building was recently renovated and opened up again in 2019 as a luxury hotel.

Right after you step inside, you will find yourself in a beautiful glass-domed passage that now functions as the hotel’s reception area.

There is also a small cafe near the lobby where you can have an afternoon cafe, but it’s not mandatory. You can take a stroll around the passage even if you’re not a guest of the hotel or the cafe!

You can go anytime and have a walk through the passage. It’s worth mentioning that although photography is allowed, the guards don’t really like it if you have a professional camera and they might ask you to get permission from the PR manager first. However, if you tell them you are not a professional they will let you take a few quick pictures!

Location on Google Maps: Párisi Udvar

19. Intermezzo Roof Terrace

By now you might have noticed that I have a thing for rooftop bars. Luckily Budapest has many really good ones and the Intermezzo Roof Terrace is also one of them! The view is absolutely beautiful from up there as you can have a full panoramic view over Budapest.

You can see the big monuments from above like the Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, and the Budapest Eye. On a clear day, you can even see the Liberty Statue on top of the Citadel!

During winter there is a small ice rink on the terrace which is really unique. Visiting the Intermezzo Roof Terrace is definitely one of the best things to do in Budapest in winter!

To get up to the Intermezzo Roof Terrace, you need to go inside Hotel President and take the elevator there. Watching the sunset from the roof terrace is a really magical experience so I would suggest going around sunset time!

Location on Google Maps: Intermezzo Roof Terrace

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Budapest

I made a custom map for you that contains all the best Budapest Instagram spots so you can easily find them!

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

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34 Comments

  1. I loooove Budapest! And I definitely agree that the Fisherman’s Bastion is probably the most gorgeous spot in the entire city! I should have woken up earlier though!

    1. Yeah it’s really beautiful but kinda tough to shoot there because of the crowds. It’s best to visit in the summer when the sun rises really early and there is literally no one at the Fisherman’s Bastion at that time. But of course it requires a very early wake up which is not my favourite, haha 🙂

    1. Aw thank you so much! Yeah I know how tough is to find the perfect camera gear, it took us like 2-3 years to finally have one that we love 🙂

  2. Such a great post with so many great photos!! Ive been to Budapest twice and I missed some of these spots! Will definitely have to check them out if I go back!

  3. Oh my goodness these photos are stunning! What camera do you use (and do you take the photos yourself)? How long would you recommend a first-time visitor spend in Budapest?

    1. Aw thank you so much! I’m using a Sony Alpha 7iii, I linked it at the end of my post 🙂 Actually I have a whole blog post about my camera gear as well so take a look if you’re interested! I always have my boyfriend with me so usually he’s the one who is taking my photos. It’s much easier like this than carrying around my tripod 🙂 You can see a lot in just a weekend (I wrote a really intense 2-day itinerary for Budapest) but I think the best is to spend at least 4-5 days in the city!

  4. Wow!! I knew Budapest was beautiful, but your photos are absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to be able to travel again to visit all these spots. This is such a comprehensive guide. I’ve already saved it for when I can go. Thank you!

  5. Wow! This is an amazing IG guide Kriszti! I wish this was available when I went to Budapest for the Christmas markets in December 2018. All of your dresses are so gorgeous. 🙂

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